Episode 27
Reunion (Final Part)
“This is seriously good. I should ask him where he got it next time.”
As Temia enjoyed a rare moment of calm during tea time, memories of peaceful days back at the estate surfaced. She suddenly realized how much she had gotten used to her life here.
The low ceiling she saw when opening her eyes in the morning and the fast-paced routine she followed—it all felt like a natural part of her life now.
Though her initial goal had been a hidden one, the work itself had grown fulfilling in its own way. And Temia found that she liked it. As she gently turned her teacup, she suddenly opened her mouth.
“You know, Kailie… you really don’t have to worry. I might seem a little uneasy, but I actually like it here quite a lot.”
“Who could stop you anyway? I gave up trying long ago.”
Kailie raised her hands in mock surrender and gave Temia a warm smile.
It was a side of her that Temia truly liked. Kailie might seem difficult, but she had a tender heart for those close to her.
That was why Temia spoke firmly, wanting to offer her friend more reassurance.
“I know leaving home and working like this might seem strange to you or my family. But I don’t regret it. There’s something I have to do, and I want to prove to myself that I can handle it. So, for now, I’ll keep living this way. And when the time comes, I’ll tell them myself—that I’m okay now, that I’m no longer that fragile girl who needed constant care.”
Though her words were meant for her family, they were also something she had always wanted to tell Kailie.
I’m not weak anymore. I’ve become strong enough to protect you.
Even though she couldn’t reveal the full truth, the sincerity behind Temia’s resolve was clear.
Sensing that conviction from her determined expression, Kailey nodded silently.
“Now then, here’s your Love Elixir, complete with instructions and precautions. Make sure to read them thoroughly before using—I’m not responsible for anything that happens if you don’t.”
“Of course. I’ll use it carefully.”
Their transaction completed smoothly. They exchanged payment and the elixir. Lowell’s lips curled into a faint smile as he accepted the glittering pouch of silver coins. Kailie, hugging the elixir like it was a treasure, stared at Lowell and asked abruptly:
“But, Mage.”
“No refunds,” he replied instantly.
Kailie, slightly taken aback by his tone, quickly lost interest and turned away.
Even though she had taken Temia’s “It’s just your imagination” seriously, she had been planning to ask if they’d met before at some social gathering—just in case. But now she had no desire to even try. His smug attitude was off-putting.
Besides, she was more eager to get home and test the effects of the potion anyway.
Lowell, now wearing his usual carefree smile, remained behind as Kailie pulled her hood back up and walked to the carriage waiting outside.
“I’ll be around for a while. Write me, okay?”
“Got it. I’ll dig out my old stationery for it. Take care—and let me know if you need anything or if things get hard.”
“Thanks. Be safe, Kailie.”
With mixed feelings of warmth and relief, Temia saw her friend off. As happy as she was to have seen Kailie again, she also wanted to get her away from Lowell’s eyes as quickly as possible.
Hand in hand, they said goodbye warmly, promising to meet again soon.
—
“Still, running into someone you know like this—how curious.”
Just as Kailie’s carriage disappeared, Lowell greeted Temia as she returned inside with a refreshed face.
“She’s a very dear friend of mine. I was surprised since I hadn’t heard anything, but it was a pleasant surprise. Ah—if it looked like I was slacking off today because of chatting, I apologize. I did finish all my work though…”
Temia answered coolly without even looking at the man, who stood with his arms crossed and stared at her. She was still a bit annoyed from having to leave Kailie alone with him at the market earlier.
“She seemed like a noble. Her carriage, the way she casually handed over a pouch of silver…”
But then Lowell continued in a suspicious tone, as if he had noticed something. Temia began to feel uneasy.
“W-What about it? That’s not a problem, is it?”
“No, not really. I just thought… you’re surprisingly social. You’re a commoner, and she’s a noble, but you seemed pretty close?”
Right. She had forgotten, swept up in the joy of reuniting with her friend.
She forgot what kind of situation she was in right now.
Unable to figure out how to explain herself, Temia fell into flustered silence.
Then the man struck a decisive blow.
“Look, Temia. I didn’t want to say this, but…”
“W-What?”
“If you’re going to hide the fact that you’re a noble, you’ll need to try a little harder.”
He had caught on. Without hesitation, he began listing all the ways Temia had been sloppy about hiding her status—one after another.
Her face burned with embarrassment and shame. One fear took over her mind:
“I’ve been exposed… He must feel deceived. What if he kicks me out?”
Temia clenched her eyes shut. But his voice remained calm.
“Well, it seemed like you genuinely didn’t realize I knew, so I just thought I’d say something. If you’re going to keep it hidden, you might as well do it right.”
“You’re… not going to kick me out?”
Her honest reaction came from fear. She had technically lied to him about her identity. She expected to be dismissed.
“Why would I? I’ve known from the start, so I’m not surprised. And I’m not going to cancel our contract now.”
To her surprise, the man didn’t scold her or tell her to leave. He didn’t even ask for her family name. It seemed he wasn’t all that concerned.
She could tell from his next question what he was concerned about.
“By the way, that customer from earlier—does she have a good memory?”
“Um… yes? Why?”
“No reason. Just wondering.”
He mumbled something to himself—“Might need to be careful”—then busied himself tidying up the contract papers.
“Let’s close up for today. You’ve done enough. Go rest, Temia.”
He said only that before heading upstairs.
Just when Temia’s heart had begun to settle, his strange comment struck like lightning, making it pound again.
“Is he worried she’ll figure out his identity? Is that it?”
That would mean Lowell von Drea was still trying to hide his true status—even now.
Why go so far, especially after finding out his assistant was also a noble?
Temia realized the situation was far more complicated than she had thought.
And she came to one conclusion.
If he went as far as dropping his surname and hiding his identity, then something must have happened between him and his family. Something serious.
