Chapter 68: Nineteen, becoming an adult(4)

“So… that’s how it is, Cain.”

How it is? What’s that supposed to mean?

Dumbfounded, I narrowed my eyes at Lia.

She fidgeted, pressing her fingertips together, avoiding my gaze as she glanced away nervously.

Seriously, what the… What kind of conversation did she have with Iris to unilaterally declare we’re going on a private trip this weekend?

Regardless of the outcome, I was dying to know the full story.

But she wouldn’t spill if I asked.

If she wanted to, she’d have told me already.

“…”

With some time before the special sparring finals, I’d pulled Lia aside to a quiet spot to surprise her with the rose I’d bought.

But now, I’m the one surprised.

A gift?

Not sure if this counts as one.

That’s beside the point, though.

“Lady Lia,” I said softly, urging her to look at me.

Guilt-ridden, she only nodded, still fidgeting.

I had a million questions, but I sighed and tried to start a conversation.

“You know there’s a family event this weekend, right?”

“Huh? Family event? Was there one?”

“Yes. A luncheon with the Elevess family, hosted by your father, Count Macmillan, with extended relatives attending. He stressed two weeks ago that we can’t miss it.”

Her face paled as realization hit.

“Wait, is this weekend that day with all the relatives?”

“Yes.”

“Oh no! I told Iris we’re going on a trip to a scenic place and I’d show her the sights with a broadcast artifact…”

Talk about making things worse.

“Well, nothing to do but find Iris, explain, and call it off—”

“No, we can’t!” Lia yelped.

“What?” Why’d she yell?

Startled, I stared.

Lia, looking even more flustered, stammered, “I-I mean, we can’t cancel. It’s… not okay.”

“Why not?”

“Well…” She glanced at me with an odd look, still fidgeting.

“Iris is really looking forward to it.”

“Looking forward to what?”

“She’s always dreamed of traveling outside the capital since she was a kid. Being royalty, she hasn’t seen much of the world like we have.”

“Fair, but…”

“So, when I said we’re going on a trip, she was super jealous. She looked so pitiful, I promised to show her the scenery with the broadcast artifact whenever we had time.”

“Hm…”

“If we break that promise now, she’ll be so disappointed. It could hurt our friendship and my good image. Plus, breaking a small promise like this could ruin a chance to build ties with the imperial family. So, I think we have to go.”

She rattled off her reasoning like a rehearsed speech, barely giving me a chance to respond, then shot me a look that dared me to find a flaw.

“…”

Her logic wasn’t airtight, but it wasn’t wrong either.

So why did I feel so uneasy?

It felt like she’d decided the outcome first and built her argument to justify it.

Am I overthinking?

Probably.

Why would Lia deceive me?

There’s no reason for her to play games like that.

I was just being paranoid.

Decided, I reached out toward her head.

She flinched, eyes squeezing shut as if expecting a smack, but relaxed when I gently brushed her bangs.

“I understand, Lady Lia.”

“Understand…?”

“If you’re this insistent, we’ll go. But first—”

“Yay! Thank you, Cain!” Before I could mention getting Macmillan’s permission for missing the luncheon, Lia’s face lit up.

She lunged forward, wrapping me in a tight hug.

“…”

Unsure what to do with my hands, I gave a wry smile and hugged her back, patting her gently.

“No need to get this excited. We still need permission…”

“It’s fine! If it doesn’t work out, we’ll just sneak off the day before, right?”

“Your father or mother would have my head.”

Exaggerating a bit, they might see it as, “The shameless fiancé who kidnapped the bride before the wedding because he wasn’t allowed to travel.”

They’d hunt us down with iron fists.

“Then I’ll leave a note in my room.”

“Saying what?”

“‘I’m off traveling with my beloved. Don’t look for me for a while.’ Something like that?”

“…”

That’d flip both families upside down, but technically, it’s a valid excuse.

Love’s supposed to be a powerful anesthetic that numbs reason, after all.

“Lady Lia,” I said, a playful urge rising as I rubbed her back.

“If we go on this trip, just the two of us…”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“Like at the beast hunt two years ago… will you show me some pretty underwear?”

“Wha—?” Her squirming stopped, her eyes blank as if her brain short-circuited.

Realizing what I meant, her cheeks flushed red, and she shoved my shoulder.

“W-What are you talking about?! Why would I show you my… underwear?!”

“Oh, no show this time?” I teased, half-joking, but her denial left me a bit disappointed.

My tone must’ve betrayed that, because Lia studied my face, swallowed hard, and asked softly, “You… really want to see?”

“Yes.”

“Like, no matter what?”

I nodded, not needing to repeat myself.

Her cheeks burned brighter.

“Fine, I’ll prepare… but you better prepare too, Cain.”

“Prepare what?”

“Nice underwear! It’s only fair if we both do it, right?”

Men’s underwear is all the same to me, but if she insists… I nodded.

Lia, trying to hide her flushed face, pressed closer, nuzzling into my chest.

“Oh, Lady Lia,” I said, tapping her back to step away briefly.

I pulled the gift from my coat’s inner pocket—a rose from the florist, its stem wrapped with pretty paper and a pink ribbon matching her hair.

“I have something for you.”

“A… flower?” Her eyes widened as she took it, stunned.

“For me?”

“Yes, my gift to you.”

“Thank you…” She held it delicately, beaming.

“It’s gorgeous! Where’d you get it?”

“Nearby florist. Sorry, it’s not fancier.”

“No, it’s perfect. I love it. Really, thank you.” Her excitement faded to a pout.

“But… I didn’t get you anything. I’m sorry, Cain.”

“It’s fine. We didn’t plan to exchange gifts.”

“Still, I feel bad…” She bit her lip, thinking, then perked up.

Standing on tiptoes, she aligned our eyes, licked her lips, and pressed a quick kiss to mine before pulling back.

“That’s… a temporary gift. I’ll get you a real one later.”

Temporary? That’s a bit much for temporary.

I didn’t say it, though—if a kiss is temporary, the real gift must be something else.

“You just thought something naughty, didn’t you?” Lia jabbed my stomach, reading my eyes.

“No way,” I denied, shaking my head.

“Liar. It’s written all over your face.”

“…”

She’s sharp.

Before I could deflect, a voice called from outside.

“Cain Reinhardt, are you there?”

The attendant from the sparring event. The finals stage was ready.

“I should go, Lady Lia.”

“Okay. Win, alright?”

“Absolutely. I’ll claim victory and dedicate it to you.”

As I turned to leave with a clichéd reply, Lia grabbed my sleeve.

“Cain.”

“Yes?”

“If… you win the finals…” She glanced at me, cheeks blazing.

“On our trip, I’ll do anything you want.”

“…”

Now I have to win.

—