BCOM 15

Chapter 15

Teowin didn’t say a word until they returned to the marquis’s residence. On the way up, his body, which had felt reassuring before, now felt cold as a wall, making her flinch every time she touched him.

After hearing his sincere words, Agnes’s heart raced even more. The constant back-and-forth of her thoughts left her in a whirl of confusion.

It was as if she had started to like him, even though all she wanted was to prevent herself from taking the wrong path.

Could he be angry…?

Unable to even look up, she anxiously added that worry to her thoughts, shrinking inward. Meanwhile, he returned not to the marquis’s residence but to the palace they had seen on the hill. It seemed they were using a secret path rather than the main entrance. Soon, they arrived in a lavish room with comfortable sofas.

“This is the reception room of my palace. No one comes here, so feel free to relax.”

He had brought her here to spend time with her. Teowin looked slightly cautious, but he showed no signs of backing down.

As Agnes glanced around, she cautiously lifted her head. His tall figure came into view, and his face, serious and composed, looked down at her.

“I’ll let the marquis’s residence know, so you don’t need to worry.”

The stylish, heart-throbbing voice made Agnes’s heart race once again. She bit her lower lip while waiting for what he would say next.

Teowin’s large hand touched her chin again. His thumb brushed over her slightly swollen lips, and she let out a soft, mesmerized Ah….

“I should have done this sooner. I find our short time together strangely enjoyable.”

His lips curved into a smile. It was so captivating that her heart felt like it might stop entirely.

Looking up at him again, she saw that smile still on his face. Agnes had thought he was handsome, but she hadn’t expected her heart to pound this wildly. She couldn’t answer—she could only stare.

“Rest for a while. I’ll finish a quick task and be back.”

Teowin glanced at her, smiling faintly, then turned and walked out of the reception room. He left a powerful impression with that charming smile, but the room remained, leaving only a stunned Agnes behind.

“What… is happening…?”

Her head ached from constantly thinking of ways to avoid him, and it had been so long since she felt her age, expressing genuine surprise.

“No… what… did he mean by that…”

“I should have done this sooner. I find our short time together strangely enjoyable.”

She never expected such words from someone so prickly. Somehow, it felt like Teowin was saying, You’ll like me too. She couldn’t help thinking he was truly amazing.

Even the sensation of his hand brushing over her lips, which she hadn’t realized she was biting, left her mind spinning.

She had never imagined that a rough man’s gentle smile could shake her heart like this. Was he seeing right through a girl who first reacted with anxiety and denial?

If it weren’t for that book I read, I probably would have fallen for him already.

By mealtime, he had finished his work and called her to the dining room. Whatever he had been doing, it hadn’t been long—just about an hour. Meanwhile, she had been able to explore the first floor freely.

Teowin kept a calm, expressionless demeanor while occasionally handing her food.

“Ah, it’s fine. I can—”

“This is my favorite soup. Try it—you’ll like it too.”

Her hands moved as if under a spell. It kept happening throughout the meal. Was it real? This man supposedly managed the knight order—was he capable of not only swordsmanship but also some kind of magic?

Was I mistaken to approach him?

Her mind spun in confusion, even her pupils shaking. She recalled the sauces he liked, remembered the taste, and grew curious about things she had never tried before.

“I wanted to know more about you. For example, your taste in food.”

After finishing the main course, Teowin set down his fork and spoke. Agnes, pretending to concentrate on her food, looked up instinctively.

“My taste in food?”

“Yes. Since we’ll be living here together, if you have anything you particularly like, I’ll make it part of the menu.”

She normally ate well but hadn’t paid much attention to her preferences. Eating alone was fine enough. What did she really like? Chicken, kimchi stew, pork belly, and… sikhye (sweet rice drink). Her memories of her previous life came to mind. Food here felt almost like immigrating to a new world.

“You don’t have to worry about that. I eat pretty much anything.”

She had checked what foods were available and couldn’t think of anything specific, so she answered simply. Teowin accepted her response naturally. His calmness only made Agnes more anxious.

“It’s not urgent.”

Looking straight at her across the table, he smiled that same confident smile again.

“Miss Agnes! When did you become so close with His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince?”

At night, Taryn, helping Agnes prepare for bed, scurried over like a mouse sniffing for nighttime whispers.

“Close… we just decided to spend some time together.”

It had been a sudden outing for everyone else, requiring explanation.

“Hm…”

Taryn rested her chin on her hand, thinking deeply.

“I’m so relieved. People were worried because it seemed you had no interaction aside from engagement talks. But the two of you looked really kind to each other.”

Although Agnes didn’t fully understand Taryn’s words, she got the gist. Teowin hadn’t approached aggressively, nor had he treated her coldly. He acted naturally nearby, occasionally making eye contact, and took care of her in small ways.

Sigh… why does he have to act so cool?

“Eh? Miss Agnes? Were you talking to me?”

Taryn cheerfully asked as Agnes, now in pajamas, sat on the bed mumbling to herself. Taryn smiled at her, clearly amused by her worn-out voice.

“I’m glad His Royal Highness treated you well. You’re engaged, yes, but that doesn’t always guarantee comfort, and it seemed you didn’t particularly like it before.”

Even the usually cheerful Taryn showed the awareness of someone accustomed to noble households, concerned for Agnes’s wellbeing. Agnes returned the smile, touched by the care.

“I’ll turn off the light now. Miss Agnes, have a restful night.”

“Thanks, Taryn. You worked hard today. Rest well.”

Taryn left after lighting a small candle in the room. In the quiet darkness, Agnes felt the small fire stirring within, aware of her own presence creating a faint commotion.

“Why… doesn’t anyone teach me this?”

She knew exactly where she had come from and understood this place well. Still, she realized she had to follow cues carefully and navigate cautiously. Questions piled up, none resolved.

I wonder… if the Crown Prince is sleeping well too…

Having been preoccupied with him all day, thoughts of Teowin lingered even as she drifted toward sleep.

If only these questions could be answered… maybe my mind would be at ease.

She tried to sort through the simple yet dangerous uncertainties in her head, but nothing reached a conclusion.

I probably won’t come to the terrace often. But… I’ll visit like today, or stop by the terrace briefly. I hope she waits for me.

Teowin’s firm, weighty voice still echoed in her ears. She imagined his blue eyes sparkling.

I really don’t know. I can’t always be on edge and push him away, and if I do, it would be my fault since he’s so forward.

Even the briefest hesitation seemed impossible with Teowin appearing so decisively before her. Fortunately, the exhaustion from their outing helped ease the long night’s worry.