Chapter 68

“…”

“…”

It’s understandable to be flustered.

After all, if a woman of Daphnis’s stature suddenly starts crying right before your eyes…

Perhaps there aren’t many men who could stand by without trying to comfort her.

Kalen wasn’t much different.

But there was one big difference— he had seen beauties on par with Daphnis many times.

No, there were those even more beautiful than Daphnis.

Sina, Eliana, and Serasie.

He wasn’t any extraordinary gentleman, yet he had met these extraordinary young ladies, each with special memories shared with Kalen.

In any case, Kalen was close to such beautiful young ladies.

Among them, there was something peculiar—given his familiarity with Daphnis, he shouldn’t be surprised by her sudden tears.

However, standing there idly wasn’t the solution.

Kalen approached Daphnis, who was softly sniffling.

A foolish smile emerged at that moment.

“…?”

“Thank you… I didn’t think you’d really accept…”

At this sudden emotional shift, Kalen awkwardly retracted his extended hand.

Could it be that she was so eager to eat dessert?

Though it seemed odd, given that she didn’t seem to lack for company.

Kalen thought there must be some other reason.

Still, laughing is better than crying, he considered.

While viewing Daphnis’s foolish smile, he decided to simply let it be.

All the while, Licheisa, who had been quietly observing everything nearby, nearly collapsed from shock.

Daphnis was a perfectionist.

She desired to excel in everything she touched, driven by ambition and a desire for improvement.

Licheisa loved Daphnis and quietly supported her so her pure ambition wouldn’t falter.

This, of course, included matters of the heart.

Although Licheisa lost count of the number of men Daphnis stealthily romanced, she often found Daphnis remarkably cute when it wasn’t serious business.

And this cute side of Daphnis was shared only with Licheisa.

Licheisa prided herself on that exclusivity.

Thus, it wasn’t surprising that she was close to fainting with shock.

Daphnis’s unexpectedly adorable laughter was something even Licheisa seldom heard unless she made significant effort.

And now, she was showering such valuable laughter on a man.

Luckily, the man was Kalen, who somewhat understood her. Otherwise, Licheisa might have already taken Daphnis away.

“Perhaps you’re free sometime…?”

“…A remarkably detailed invitation.”

“Hmm. It might pass over quickly… No, no other intentions…”

Crunch…

Licheisa firmly declared—it was the first time she had ever seen Daphnis use such an adorable tone, even towards herself, her closest friend.

Certainly, Daphnis always aimed to appear perfect.

Yet, with Kalen, who was close friends with the esteemed daughters of the Dranunus, Lacatus, and Hiart families, this perfection might backfire.

It was likely that Daphnis, out of resignation or excitement at finding a new way to connect with Kalen, let herself relax unconsciously.

Ever since the day Daphnis met Kalen, she had changed.

Like a girl in love.

She began asking about ways to approach men, even though she would deny it herself.

Licheisa was convinced that Daphnis had fallen for Kalen at first sight.

Didn’t Licheisa see that day?

Upon meeting Kalen, Daphnis was dazed.

She expended much effort to quell rumors of Lady Rerkalin’s unrequited love.

This was an opportunity to get even closer to such a man.

It wasn’t hard to understand why Daphnis subconsciously let her guard down.

“For now, I’m a bit busy. I need to help Sina take over the family duties smoothly.”

“Oh… Then…”

“But it won’t take long. I have some personal matters, so I’ll visit sometime during that period.”

“I understand…”

That’s right.

Seeing her like this, who wouldn’t associate her with a girl in love?

Her hands, clasped tightly, kept fidgeting.

Her head was slightly bowed, hiding her flushed cheeks.

The essence of love, one’s heart, is sometimes better understood by others than by oneself.

Of course, the person themselves usually knows best.

But not when they’re unable to objectively examine their feelings.

Right now, like Daphnis Rerkalin.

“…”

Licheisa muttered softly to herself.

Even if Kalen could communicate unlike other ‘brutes,’

Daphnis belonged to her.

She wouldn’t give up this adorable and loving girl to anyone.

Literally,

Licheisa loved Daphnis.

At least,

That’s how she felt.

She viewed other men as brutes because they failed to understand her.

Not because their behavior warranted it,

But because they didn’t comprehend her charm or Licheisa’s feelings towards her.

What else could they be if not brutes?

Thus,

Even with Kalen, the only one who could hold a rational conversation, there would be no compromise.

Licheisa, having finished her thoughts, interjected herself between the two.

“I want to come along too~.”

“Licheisa-sama…?”

“Would that be a problem? Daphnis-sama? Kalen-sama?”

“Ah… It’s not that it’s a problem…”

Daphnis looked back and forth between Licheisa and Kalen.

Though she felt regretful, Licheisa felt sorry but couldn’t help it.

She didn’t wish to tread on Daphnis’s feelings for Kalen,

But she had to monitor Kalen.

Indeed…

This was an affirmation.

An affirmation of whether Kalen was truly someone Daphnis should admire.

It wouldn’t make sense for her beloved friend to be taken in by someone unworthy, would it?

Absolutely not, Daphnis wouldn’t give her heart to anyone else.

Licheisa believed she was the most objective judge.

With Daphnis’s arm around hers, Licheisa quietly stared at Kalen.

“…”

“But… why haven’t they come out yet despite talking inside?”

“Indeed.”

There had been a long conversation between Kalen, Daphnis, and Licheisa.

With the prestige of Ecllesia and the scale of the teahouse in mind,

It was more than enough time for Sina to finish her basic education for today.

Surprisingly, the time had passed with much to spare.

As Daphnis had asked,

The young ladies who had suddenly disappeared indoors showed no signs of coming out.

“Should we go in?”

Daphnis asked.

Though Licheisa had unexpectedly joined her,

The primary goal of meeting Kalen one-on-one to make progress in their relationship had been achieved.

Slightly missing the cue for Sina,

She stayed here to pursue her objective with Kalen.

With her objective accomplished, her curiosity was piqued about what was being discussed inside.

Even if they were famed socialites,

They were still mere girls of their age.

Any tale, however intriguing — even the love stories of countrywomen — would hold their interest.

“It seems reasonable to go in if they’ve been in there this long.”

Licheisa’s supportive response encouraged Daphnis to nod and turn toward the interior… but hesitated.

Kalen’s figure had come to her mind.

Having lost track of time in their conversation, she momentarily forgot the fact that Kalen was a man and, as such, couldn’t enter the inner room.

“It’s fine.”

“…I’m sorry. But it should be over soon.”

“We can wait that long.”

Kalen concluded with a nod after hearing Licheisa’s somewhat strict tone, understanding his position of not being able to enter the inner part of the room.

Daphnis nodded back,

While Licheisa, without letting go of her arm around Daphnis, turned her body.

Thus, the two young ladies proceeded to the regular gathering place of Ecllesia.

*

Creak—

The grand door opened,

And a familiar table came into view.

A place adorned like the sacred halls from myths,

Created to represent Ecllesia’s authority.

As Daphnis and Licheisa stepped into the familiar space, they encountered unfamiliar gazes.

“Have you been waiting long?”

“It took longer than expected.”

There sat Sina, Eliana, and Serasie at the forefront,

Along with dear friends Bell and Aileen, all looking at them as they had just entered.

Licheisa quickly grasped the situation and inquired,

Sina, with a relaxed smile, responded.

“Did you talk well with Kal?”

“Kal…?”

“Kalen, you know.”

At this moment,

Daphnis felt a slight chill run down her spine.

Thinking she had hidden it well, did they already know?

Sina was sitting calmly, her fingers forming the shape of a flower petal under her chin, smiling faintly.

“…We didn’t know you were waiting.”

“It’s alright. Talking with Kal is enjoyable.”

There was an emphasis on the casual use of “Kal” that didn’t go unnoticed by Daphnis as she hesitated to respond further.

“Please take your seats, ladies. Lady Dranunus wished to say something…”

Eliana quietly indicated an empty seat with her eyes.

Understanding why they were waited upon, the two young ladies silently found their seats.

Snap.

Once Daphnis and Licheisa were seated,

Sina released her chin rest and lightly clapped her hands.

Naturally, all eyes turned to her,

And after creating some suspense, she spoke.

“Now that everyone’s here…”

Sina had something to announce to the other young ladies.

Now that Daphnis and Licheisa had joined,

Finally, the announcement would be made.

Though slightly inconvenient,

Even Eliana and Serasie were curious.

As all the young ladies’ gazes converged,

“I humbly request this of you all.”

Sina’s eyes twinkled softly.

“We cordially invite you to attend a commemorative banquet hosted by the Dranunus Family.”