NYMM 08💔

NYMM💔

Posted by faan, Released on July 11, 2025

CHAPTER 08

For some reason, Dante came to mind.

“I don’t need to become Lady Sevthina’s tutor. But I do have a favor to ask of her.”

“…What is it?”

“If I speak honestly, will you at least consider it? If not, then perhaps it’s better left unsaid—for both our sakes.”

The approach was different, but asking for help was just like Dante.

What could Klazen possibly want to ask of Sevthina, who had only recently awakened?

No way… That can’t be it.

It was unthinkable that Klazen, of all people, was trying to save Julai.

Still, she had to make sure.

Her mind turned cold.

There’s a difference between considering an offer and accepting it.

“Before I decide, I’d like to know who the other tutor candidates are. Along with your background, Mr. Klazen. I’ll choose the person who can help me the most.”

Klazen nodded at Sevthina’s firm words.

“Understood.”

“Then please tell me what help I can offer you.”

Klazen set down his teacup and let out a slow breath.

He interlocked his fingers and lowered his gaze slightly—an unconscious gesture this time, not a calculated one like before.

“I’ve heard you know something about Miss Julai Reeve.”

Again.

Here we go again.

“And what about her?”

“In truth, Miss Julai is a dear friend of mine—currently in a coma, just as you once were.”

“…I’m sorry, what?”

Sevthina was sure her ears were playing tricks on her.

But no, she’d heard him correctly.

“She’s my friend.”

Klazen repeated himself—this time with even more confidence.

Sevthina barely restrained a scoff as she stared coldly at him.

Were we ever that close?

“We met regularly. Took walks in the park, dined together. If you’re doubtful, feel free to ask other nobles—they’re all aware.”

“…”

That was merely what people saw on the surface.

In truth, those meetings were always for Klazen’s own benefit.

“It feels like just yesterday we spent time together…”

His expression darkened.

To anyone watching, he looked heartbreakingly sincere.

Sevthina felt chills crawl across her skin. She clenched her fists tightly.

Worse than Dante.

There was no way Klazen truly cared about Julai.

This was all a performance—meant to win Sevthina’s sympathy. Pure emotional manipulation.

Typical Klazen.

If she weren’t Julai Reeve herself, his words might have swayed her. He played the role of the concerned friend to perfection.

Klazen was a masterful actor.

And the more she saw, the angrier she became.

“Ever since she collapsed, I’ve missed those moments—her smile when we ate together, the way she trusted me. I can’t just let her go. I’ve been trying everything to bring her back.”

He sounded like a grieving friend.

“When I heard you’d awakened, I wanted to talk to you—get to know you better, examine your condition, and perhaps help recover your memories—”

That was it. Sevthina’s bottled-up emotions burst.

“Shut up.”

Reason vanished.

Klazen’s eyes widened in shock.

He stared at her in disbelief.

A wave of relief washed over Sevthina.

“…What did you just say?”

She knew she shouldn’t have spoken to Klazen that way.

So she came up with an excuse—her quick thinking honed during years of living with Yulia, where a single wrong word could upset her.

“I said, be careful. I’m worried I’ll get hurt if we pursue this—whether it’s memory recovery or further tests. Besides, I already declined through the mage, didn’t I?”

“…”

“I think I’ve heard enough. I understand now how much she means to you.”

Sevthina lowered her gaze and forced a pained expression.

“Maybe I’ve talked too much… I’m feeling tired. May I go rest?”

“…Will you consider it, at least?”

Klazen had sensed her hostility. He asked cautiously.

Sevthina forced a nod.

“Please send over the list of tutors. It was nice seeing you. Thank you.”

She stood up.

She knew it was rude, but she couldn’t sit there another moment.

Who knew what he’d say next?

Sevthina bowed politely.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

She shut the door behind her and walked toward her room, leaving Klazen behind.

Klazen remained seated, watching her go.

“…I’m not usually the type people dislike.”

For some reason, the youngest daughter of House Zeros, who had only just awakened, seemed to truly loathe him.

It had been a while since someone greeted him with such cold hostility.

“…Completely different from Julai.”

Julai, who had always shown him nothing but warmth, came to mind.

He sat there in silence for a long time, lost in thought.

A few days later, Baroness Lily was chosen as Sevthina’s etiquette and general education tutor.

Sevthina had worried Klazen might say something to the Zeros couple, but there had been no sign of it.

Still, she knew her interaction with him hadn’t exactly left a good impression.

She couldn’t help but smirk as she remembered snapping at Klazen.

Who’d ever look at me and think of Julai Reeve?

Baroness Lily was endlessly patient. She never frowned, no matter how basic the lessons.

Currently, Sevthina was learning to waltz. It was harder than she expected, and she had to repeat the steps countless times. Her feet still tangled.

“You’re doing wonderfully!”

The baroness would praise her even for the smallest things—like holding her spoon correctly or sitting up straight.

Sevthina didn’t get it. What’s so great about that? It felt like a joke.

To Sevthina, she still had a long way to go.

She wanted to outshine Yulia.

But the more she focused on that goal, the more aware she became of the gap between them—and the more anxious she felt.

Even though she knew it wasn’t something that could be helped.

So now, Sevthina was—

“Lady Sevthina, this way please.”

—extremely nervous.

Today, she would present everything she’d learned to the Zeros couple.

“I had to work so hard to keep them from peeking before today…”

Baroness Lily dabbed imaginary sweat from her brow.

Sevthina was led into the grand ballroom.

It was the largest in the Zeros estate, adorned with dazzling chandeliers embedded with diamonds and other precious stones. The dark blue wallpaper lent it a luxurious, old-world charm.

“Wow…”

A gasp escaped Sevthina’s lips.

“Sevthina, come here.”

Justian Zeros strode toward her.

Sevthina glanced once more at the sparkling ceiling before walking over to where Justian and Jane Zeros stood.

Beside Jane was Cordelia, who had just finished her duties and removed her armor.

Wiping sweat from her brow, Cordelia met Sevthina’s eyes and smiled.

“I came to dance a song with you, Sevthina. Please excuse the smell—I rushed over.”

Cordelia stepped up beside her, still fanning herself to cool down.

Just then, Justian stepped in front of Cordelia.

“I think it would be best if Sevthina danced with me first. I have more experience in these matters. I was once known as the master of waltz, you know! Remember?”

…What?

Sevthina blinked, staring at his back in confusion.

Weren’t we here to evaluate my dancing?

She knew this family adored her. But social debut was a serious matter.

Their affection didn’t change the fact that her debut would reflect on the family’s reputation.

So she’d assumed this would be a serious assessment…

Are they… arguing over who gets to dance with me first?

Sevthina sighed. They had to be joking.

She glanced at Cordelia.

But Cordelia looked completely serious. She wiped her forehead and cleared her throat before stepping forward.

“Current ability is what matters. When was the last time you danced, Father? I still attend balls regularly.”

“I still dance with Jane at home—!”