Chapter 53

■ Chapter 52. Secret (2) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

I stared at Mari in a situation I couldn't understand at all. Her expression was a mix of anxiety, restlessness, and anger.

She was also hugging a book tightly, which seemed to be the newly released 9th volume of the Xenon Chronicles. I alternated my gaze between Mari's face and the Xenon Chronicles, feeling a great confusion.

The timing of Mari's visit was one thing, but it was even more puzzling how she knew to find me here. Did she coincidentally spot us in this café, or had she been following us?

While I was in a state of confusion, Mari's intense gaze, which had been fixed on me, turned backward. It was precisely in the direction where Cecilie was sitting.

After a while, she shifted her gaze back to me after staring at Cecilie for a long time. Her blue eyes were filled with strong suspicion.

"...Isaac."

Mari called my name in a cold voice. I responded with a "Huh?" and met her gaze.

Then, she stared at my face again and curled her lips. Her mouth was smiling, but her eyes were not.

"Your face is red?"

"..."

I couldn't easily answer Mari's question. No, it was a situation where I couldn't answer.

Because just a moment ago, I almost had an accident with Cecilie. If Mari hadn't interrupted, it would have likely progressed. It would be strange for anyone to confidently explain such a situation.

But that's not the main issue. The priority is figuring out how to respond to Mari's question.

"That..."

"Did Cecilie play a prank again?"

As I hesitated and struggled to answer, Mari cut in. As I mentioned earlier, even though her mouth was smiling, her eyes were not, making her seem somewhat eerie.

It felt like being caught by a lover while trying to avoid the wind. Her interrogating tone and the atmosphere made it feel that way.

"Is that right?"

"..."

Now, Mari turned to look at Cecilie behind me, seeking confirmation. At the same time, her voice trembled slightly, and her blue eyes began to shake like an earthquake.

If I avoided answering any further, it would likely lead to trouble. Her expression seemed like she was about to cry.

She seemed to relax a bit and straightened her lips. Then, she shifted her gaze back to me and said coldly.

"...Can I talk to Cecilie alone for a moment?"

"..."

I heard Mari's question and looked at Cecilie behind me. I didn't mind, but I wondered if she would agree.

Cecilie, upon meeting my gaze, relaxed her stiff expression, smiled, and nodded. It was a sign of acceptance.

I wondered what she was thinking by agreeing. While I was pondering this, Cecilie spoke in a calm voice.

"Unfortunately, we have to end here today. I'll talk to Mari and then leave, so you go ahead."

"...I understand."

There's nothing I can do here. Getting involved in their conversation would only make things worse and wouldn't be good for anyone.

Moreover, the 'misunderstanding' Mari currently has is ambiguous. In fact, it's the biggest problem, and she wouldn't easily believe anything I say.

I looked at Cecilie, who had a regretful expression, and then at Mari. She smiled and curled her lips as soon as our eyes met, though she had a terrifying expression just a moment ago.

"Will you say anything strange?"

"Maybe?"

When I asked, worried, Mari tilted her head and countered. From her response, it seemed she was unsure herself, indicating that she was really angry.

Of course, I understand her feelings. She has more than just a friend's affection for me, so it's not surprising. However, that doesn't change the situation.

I hesitated slightly and then passed by Mari, heading out the door. She didn't look at me as I passed but remained focused on Cecilie.

"Huh? Customer? Your order is..."

"Ah. I'll pay and leave. There are other people inside, so you can serve them."

Just as I was about to leave, I met the server and paid. The server gave me a strange look but I ignored it.

Finally, I escaped the suffocating atmosphere and looked back. Mari was already inside the room, out of sight.

'She won't say anything strange, right?'

I've never experienced such a situation in my past life, so I don't know what to do, but this is definitely the best course of action. Getting involved would only make things worse and could potentially ruin the relationship we've built.

However, I strongly feel that I will soon have to make a choice. I realized that Cecilie's attitude toward me changed 180 degrees the moment she noticed my secret.

If what Cecilie said about offering everything to me was sincere... and if an accident had happened... what would have happened?

"Hmm..."

I sighed in frustration and massaged the back of my neck. I should probably go back to my room and study for the exam.

I doubt I'll be able to write anything with Cecilie's words from today lingering in my mind.

'Please, let nothing happen...'

That's all I can hope for now.

* * *

"Here is your cappuccino and Americano."

"..."

"..."

After Isaac left, a heavy silence filled the small room.

Even as the ordered coffee was placed on the table, the two women only stared at each other without a word. The server quickly left, feeling the suffocating atmosphere.

After the server left, the silence between the two women remained. The only difference was that Mari's face was tense, while Cecilie seemed relaxed.

Cecilie, who was being glared at fiercely by Mari from across the table, lowered her gaze. The steam rising from the Americano caught her eye.

If it were Isaac instead of Mari, he would have enjoyed this coffee more. This thought made her feel a bit down, but she didn't show it.

Clank-

Cecilie lifted the cup of Americano to her lips. Her every movement exuded grace, drawing attention.

However, Mari found such a composed Cecilie repulsive. It wasn't just because of Isaac's flushed face a moment ago.

'His pants were definitely...'

Cecilie must have done something to Isaac. His pants were noticeably bulging, and his posture was awkward. Mari, who had received thorough sex education from her family, knew what this meant.

Men react instinctively, and their responses are immediate. How much more so if they are tempted by a woman as beautiful and seductive as Cecilie?

The body is always honest, and no matter how much one tries to resist, men cannot overcome their instincts. This is why men are often called sad creatures.

So, the fact that Isaac's male instinct was triggered means... only one thing.

Grinding her teeth, Mari felt a surge of anger. During the meeting, Isaac only blushed when Cecilie crossed her arms, but he didn't show any further reaction.

This indicated that Isaac was good at controlling his instincts and was more composed than his age suggested. Or perhaps he was inexperienced.

But this time, it was completely different. The fact that his male instinct was triggered meant that Cecilie had gone too far.

Moreover, the room they were in was soundproof. Whatever happened inside couldn't be heard outside.

But Mari could guess what had happened inside, which made her even angrier.

"..."

Meanwhile, Cecilie sipped her Americano and observed Mari's expression. Mari's face was not just fierce but also menacing.

Of course, this posed no threat to Cecilie. It was like a cute cat with its fur standing up, making a hissing sound. Honestly, it was a bit adorable.

Clank-

Cecilie put down her cup and smiled softly. She had a hunch during the meeting, but now she was certain.

The girl in front of her, Mari, had a crush on Isaac. It was a fitting sentiment for her age and a genuine affection.

"Why don't you say something? You sent Isaac away because you had something to say, right?"

Cecilie's charming voice broke the silence. She rested her chin on her hands and asked Mari.

Her red eyes were filled with ease, and her lips curved into a confident smile, indicating her superiority.

Mari, who had attended the church since childhood, understood what Cecilie's actions meant. She narrowed her eyes and spoke coldly.

"...Cecilie."

"Yes."

"Be honest. What did you do with Isaac in here?"

If she asked Isaac, he would likely dodge the question, so she had to ask Cecilie. Now was the perfect time to do so.

Cecilie's smile deepened as she heard Mari's question. It was a playful smile unique to her.

"Who knows? When a man and a woman are in a small room, especially one that's soundproof, what do you think happens?"

"I'm not in the mood for games."

Surprisingly, Mari responded calmly. Her tone suggested that she already knew to some extent.

Cecilie raised an eyebrow in mild surprise and then chuckled. Some people become more rational when they are extremely angry, and Mari seemed to be one of them.

She straightened her posture and placed her hands neatly on the table, exuding the dignity of a princess.

"Mari."

"Speak."

"How much do you know about Isaac?"

Mari frowned at the question. She didn't quite understand Cecilie's intention.

After a moment of contemplation, Mari decided to answer. She was confident in her knowledge of Isaac.

"I know more than you do. I can guarantee that."

"Even about Isaac's secret?"

"..."

Mari's voice trembled slightly. She had a vague suspicion that Isaac was hiding something. She hoped that if their relationship became closer, he would share his secret.

But Cecilie's words threw her into confusion. Her heart sank, and her body felt cold.

Does Cecilie really know Isaac's secret? If so, does that mean Isaac is closer to Cecilie than to her? She hoped not.

Cecilie's smile widened as she saw Mari's face turn pale.

"I share a secret with Isaac. He didn't reveal it to me because I found a weakness; he told me himself. What about you? You don't, right?"

"..."

"I know you have a crush on Isaac. It's obvious, and it would be strange if others didn't notice."

Mari couldn't refute Cecilie's words, as they were all true.

But the shock of Isaac being closer to Cecilie than to her was overwhelming. There's nothing more despairing than the person you like being closer to someone else.

Cecilie, seeing that Mari wasn't responding, wondered if she had gone too far. Mari's eyes were trembling aimlessly, and her body was stiff.

Seeing Mari's pitiful and miserable state, Cecilie felt a bit sorry for her. She was about to speak to ease the tension when...

"Is that all?"

"Huh?"

"Is that all you have to say?"

Mari, who had regained her composure, asked Cecilie in a trembling voice. It was a question that made Cecilie curious.

But the explanation that followed made Cecilie's face fall.

"Sharing a secret... sure. Fine. Saying you share a secret means you trust each other to that extent."

"..."

"But I don't care if Isaac doesn't tell me his secret. If trust is formed only by sharing secrets, I'd rather throw it away. It's a transaction, not genuine."

This time, it was Cecilie's turn to be taken aback. As she said, Mari had no idea that Isaac was the author of the Xenon Chronicles. She hadn't even suspected it.

Yet, Mari liked Isaac for who he was, not because he was the author of the Xenon Chronicles. How much more genuine could it get? It couldn't be denied.

Even Cecilie herself had mixed feelings about Isaac. She liked him as a person but also as the author of the Xenon Chronicles.

Seeing Cecilie's expression stiffen, Mari felt more confident. Isaac's secret must be something special.

If it was just a playful game, it wouldn't have triggered Isaac's instincts to such an extent...

'...Could it be?'

The illustrations of the 'steam locomotive,' Isaac's love for writing, and the fact that the demoness Cecilie had seduced him... It all fit together in her mind. But it wasn't enough to be conclusive evidence. Most importantly...

'What am I supposed to do?'

What does it matter? Even if Isaac's secret is something like that, it doesn't matter to her. She never cared about such things.

She liked his honest and straightforward attitude, his deep consideration, and his kindness. All she needed was Isaac as a person.

"If you like someone based on their secret, I will definitely oppose it. That's not liking the person, but their secret."

"..."

"If you have nothing else to say, I'll leave. I have a lot to say, but I'm busy. See you-"

Mari left these words and stood up, picking up the 9th volume of the Xenon Chronicles and heading out the door. Before leaving, she didn't forget to take a sip of her cappuccino.

Left alone in the room, Cecilie remained dazed for a while before lowering her gaze. Her face was reflected in the Americano like a mirror.

Each word Mari left behind felt like a dagger piercing her heart. It was as if she had been hit hard on the head.

For others, it would have been a significant shock...

"...Thank you."

But Cecilie smiled even more deeply.

"Thanks to you, I understand now."

Though she didn't fully understand, her smile was so intense that it was almost frightening.

She looked at her reflection in the coffee and muttered to herself.

"Almost had a close call."