CLMCB CH 13

Chapter 13

This table that had felt like we were stranded on a deserted island?
Turns out—it was actually Herace’s stage.
I only realized it now.

“Forgive my rudeness for what I’m about to do, Philena.”

Herace gently lifted my hand like it was a precious gem and kissed the back of it.
His lips touched my skin—not too long, not too short—then slowly moved away.

My heart thudded hard, like I was climbing a steep hill.
Maybe I was just overwhelmed by this sudden situation.

* * *

Let’s be honest.
After Herace took over the tea party, I think I lost my short-term memory.
I seriously can’t remember how time passed.

I finally came to my senses.
The tea party was over.
Now, it was just me and Herace in the garden of Baron Hannes’s estate, with all the servants sent away.

“You look serious. What do you want to talk about?”

“What just happened? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Ah, you’re starting with that question today. Do I even need to explain why I didn’t?”

“It’s probably the same reason as last time, isn’t it?”

Because I’m not good at acting.
Even Clara confirmed that recently.

“Your scenario… was probably better again.”

“I’m happy you admit that.”

Herace smiled deeply like I’d just given him a compliment. Then he motioned with his hand to walk.

We strolled side by side and kept talking.

“Baron Hannes was struggling with debt. So I saw it as an opportunity—to pay off the debt and get a stage for our little performance.”

“How do you even think like that?”

“First, I confirmed my own influence. Even after the saintess selection, my ‘villain image’ still had power. Stronger than I expected. So I figured I could drown out your bad rumors. That’s when I changed our goal.”

“And…?”

“Your goal is to improve your reputation. Mine is just to have fun.”

“Right.”

“Then this works better, doesn’t it?”

He leaned closer and whispered as if helping me remember the scene:

“It’s better if I’m the one chasing after you.”

“Now that I think about it, you’re right.”

Hearing him explain it made everything clear.
His scenario was much better.

Why?

Because we had different goals from the beginning.

Before we ever created our story, I should’ve studied what made Herace entertained.
My plan should’ve been: support my goal while also satisfying his.

And truthfully…
The rumor that someone is getting chased by a man—even while she already has a lover—looks way better than a cheating scandal.
Especially if that man is Herace. People would believe it.

His rumors were way worse than mine, so just by standing next to him, mine looked like nothing.

Plus, Herace’s skill made you believe it could all work.
Just look at his performance earlier—he made everyone react by saying things that anyone could relate to.

Whisler was praised as angelic, but people also saw him as “everyone’s lover.”
He took care of so many people that, while it sounded like praise, it didn’t always feel good if you were his girlfriend.

In the end, Herace used a real rumor to give our story more credibility—and added just the right amount of juicy drama to make people curious.

Now it looked like two brothers were fighting over one woman.

“Herace, you’re kind of a crazy person.”

“Hm?”

“I mean that in a good way. I know it’s usually an insult, but I’m complimenting you.”

“You can use ‘crazy’ as a compliment?”

“You know the saying, ‘All geniuses are a little crazy’? Like that.”

“So you really liked this scenario, huh?”

“Well, I turned the theme of ‘fighting and crying’ into a twist with a dramatic confession and messy love. The twist was shocking, even to me.”

If I were the reader, I would’ve felt catharsis from the surprise Herace added.
He really was a genius—I had a lot to learn from him.

But I also had to be honest:

“Still… maybe the physical touch was too much.”

That weird reaction I had earlier was still bothering me.
It happened when our skin touched.
Even when I dated Whisler, I didn’t feel this uncomfortable.

I guess it’s just Herace. He keeps catching me off guard.

He’s… not good for my heart.

“The skinship—”

“Didn’t I tell you?”

His gentle gaze landed on me.
His red eyes sparkled like jewels on display.

And for a brief moment…
I had a strange thought:
A jewel on display like that must feel lonely.

“That was my wish coupon.”

“Ah.”

“I sent you a letter, remember? Telling you not to be scared. I said I’d go at your pace.”

I looked straight at him… then looked away again.
If I stared too long, I felt like I’d get pulled in.

“Even if we go at my pace, just warn me before physical touch.”

“Even if I go slowly… it still scares you? Or… makes you uncomfortable?”

His tone suddenly softened.
He gently squeezed my fingers, then let go.

I answered calmly:

“It just startles me. Even if I can handle it later when we’re officially ‘dating’ in the story… I need time.”

“Really?”

Herace’s face brightened.
He grinned wide, showing his upper teeth.

“Then all I have to do is not surprise you, right?”

Herace walked ahead, then turned to face me.

We began walking toward each other—me forward, him backward.

Our steps matched perfectly, like we were dancing in sync.

“Aside from giving a warning, is there another way to stop surprising me?”

Herace nodded seriously:

“Just get used to it.”

“But even if we ‘practice,’ we’re still fake lovers. So warning me seems like the safest option.”

“But if I always warn you… it’s no fun.”

That answer left me speechless.

Herace was trying so hard for my sake.
So I had to try just as hard for him.
That’s what a true partner does.

“Then let’s practice when we get closer to becoming lovers. That way I’ll get used to it.”

In the script, we were still at the “Herace chases me” stage.
There were lots of scenes before we’d become a couple.

“What about Whisler?”

“Don’t say anything.”

“Okay.”

I nodded quietly.

After today, I’d fully evaluated Herace’s abilities and value.

As a partner, he was excellent. I could trust him.
And when I trust someone, I tend to follow their advice without much resistance.

‘Besides, Herace probably knows Whisler better than anyone.’

I stopped walking.

Before we parted ways, I had two final matters to bring up.

“We should write a dating contract.”

“That’s so you.”

“Was that a compliment?”

“I meant you’re cute.”

There it was again—cute.

How could he say it so easily?
We’re only three years apart, and yet…

It was strange, but not a bad compliment.
So I let it go.

“Before we meet next time, I’ll draft a copy and send it to you. Please review it carefully and prepare any thoughts.”

“You really are cute, Philena.”

“Can you give me non-appearance compliments too?”

“This isn’t just about appearance…”

“So… you can’t, huh?”

I looked at Herace, waiting.

He smiled brightly, then reached out and playfully shook my hand like a child.
Then he raised one hand and gently tapped me on the head.

“It’s just… so obvious, I didn’t think I had to say it.”