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ISMFF17

ISMFF

Episode 17

First Business Trip (6)

 

Temia knew that simply avoiding things wasn’t the answer.

 

Even if she kept quiet now and managed to escape the situation momentarily, the same problem would surely arise again. And no matter how much she worried, she would end up reacting the same way. Thinking long-term, it was better to face the issue now, talk things through, and resolve it rather than repeatedly clash in the future.

 

Even after listening to that long lecture, her stance hadn’t changed. That’s why she chose to speak again.

 

“Lowell, I understand that what I did today might deserve an apology. And I accept some of the things you said. Still, if something like this happens again, I’ll step in and help.”

 

“I believe I told you that extending kindness you can’t take responsibility for will only cause trouble?”

 

In truth, even as Temia spoke, doubts crept in. It wasn’t that her perspective had changed, but it was the first time she had ever discussed such matters with anyone.

 

“So what?”

 

But her conviction remained strong, and so did the firm tone of her voice.

 

In contrast, Lowell’s eyes widened in surprise. He looked genuinely taken aback by her unexpected response.

 

Seeing his expression, Temia couldn’t help but find the situation oddly amusing. For someone who had always responded indifferently no matter what she said—as if a barking dog was bothering him—this was the first time he seemed visibly flustered.

 

Feeling slightly amused, Temia relaxed and continued.

 

“Let’s say you’re right. I helped when I shouldn’t have and ended up putting myself in trouble. Even so, I’m fine with it. I helped someone, and that’s enough for me.”

 

“That’s just your own self-satisfaction.”

 

“Exactly. And that’s what matters to me. Kindness isn’t about expecting something in return from others. And you even said earlier, ‘It’s not a big loss to give out a few scoops of fairy wing powder.’ For me, the cost of showing kindness is just that amount of loss you spoke of. That’s the weight of the responsibility I take on.”

 

Instead of replying, Lowell chuckled and stared intently at Temia.

 

There was something indescribable in his intense gaze. It made Temia so uncomfortable that she instinctively leaned back a little.

 

Still, Lowell kept his lips tightly sealed, his eyes fixed on her.

 

The suffocating silence hung in the air, making Temia glance around awkwardly. Had she said something wrong? She mentally reviewed her words but found nothing that stood out.

 

Just then, her gaze met Lowell’s again.

 

And she realized—though she often forgot due to his constant sarcasm—that he was actually quite good-looking when he wasn’t talking. His red eyes glistened like finely cut rubies, and the curve of his lips was enough to momentarily stun her, even though she knew all too well what he was really like.

 

‘Am I crazy…? What am I even thinking right now?’

 

Realizing she had been staring, Temia panicked and quickly tried to change the subject.

 

“A-Anyway! That’s what I think. I’ll keep your advice in mind, but I just wanted to express the kind of person I am. Still, I do agree with parts of what you said. So from now on, I’ll offer help only within my means. I’ll always carry enough money to at least pay for medicine… This time the problem was that I gave the medicine first and tried to take responsibility afterward.”

 

Lowell narrowed his eyes and let out a chuckle as he waved a hand.

 

“Ah, I see. So that’s the kind of person you are, Temia?”

 

“‘That kind of person’? What’s that supposed to mean?”

 

“A ‘good person,’ maybe? You always hear about them, but this is the first time I’ve actually met one. Fascinating.”

 

“That doesn’t sound like a compliment…”

 

To turn the phrase “good person” into something so suspicious—Temia didn’t know whether to laugh or frown.

 

And honestly, who wouldn’t feel uneasy being called that by this man?

 

“Right. It wasn’t exactly a compliment. But it wasn’t an insult either.”

 

“Then what was it?”

 

“Hmm… how should I categorize it? A fascinating research subject?”

 

Lowell said it like he truly meant it. Temia stared at him, speechless, but he continued without a care.

 

“I’ve heard people preach about ‘ideals’ before. But you’re the first who genuinely believes in them and tries to live by them. Even when I say things like ‘you should pay for it,’ most people back out. I think that’s hypocrisy. But you’re different. You’re saying you’ll take responsibility, right?”

 

“Exactly!”

 

“I don’t really understand it… but I guess it’s none of my business.”

 

“Wasn’t there something strangely insulting in there?!”

 

“Was there? Well, then let’s also add ‘sharper than expected’ to the list. Anyway, I like that about you, Temia. You live the way you talk.”

 

“Wh-What? Where did that come from?”

 

Suddenly, his glittering red eyes leaned in close. Temia’s heart started pounding, almost as if it would leap out of her chest.

 

Without acknowledging her shock, Lowell gently took her hand in his.

 

Warmth bloomed where they touched. For someone she’d thought of as cold and emotionless, his hands were surprisingly warm.

 

“What I mean is, I’ve never met anyone like you. You argue with everything I say, but it’s like you really believe in what you’re saying, and you actually live it. You’re interesting. I don’t think I’ll ever get bored watching you. And I have a good sense for this kind of thing.”

 

There was a subtle glint of delight in his voice that he couldn’t quite hide. Holding her hand as if in a handshake, he gave it a little shake and muttered again.

 

“When you argue, you’re like a rabbit pretending to be a carnivore. Not scary at all, just pretending to be fierce.”

 

Temia felt her heart jump again—this time for a completely different reason—and yanked her hand away.

 

“What nonsense are you saying?!”

 

And she thought,

 

This man… I can never, ever get along with him.

 

After that day, she worried that things might become awkward between them—but surprisingly, nothing really changed.

 

Lowell was an extremely busy person, and even when they occasionally crossed paths, he behaved as usual. Since they didn’t see each other often, Temia’s tension gradually eased.

 

It didn’t take long for things to return to normal. She worked hard at the workshop, selling and crafting items. In other words, she barely left the workshop at all—except when she had to harvest herbs.

 

Ironically, despite being called her “assistant,” Lowell took on most of the chores. Having quickly realized that Temia couldn’t cook, he handled everything from buying ingredients and cooking to cleaning and laundry—all using magic or enchanted tools.

 

Because of that, Temia couldn’t complain even if she wanted to. And she gradually accepted that if she just stayed in the workshop as Lowell suggested, they could avoid unnecessary conflict.

 

From his perspective, it made sense to be frustrated with her for not listening. Whether she was right or wrong.

 

But she wasn’t bored. The workshop kept her plenty busy just with work, meals, and sleep.

 

Still, being so busy didn’t give her much time to process the growing distance she felt between her and Lowell. He had a way of thinking completely opposite to hers, and he was just as stubborn.

 

Yet, oddly enough, the unease she had felt about him at first kept fading.

 

With puffed-up cheeks, Temia sighed.

 

Lowell described her as “interesting.” It was better than being treated like a pebble on the side of the road, but it still felt like she was just a novelty to him—a clown for his amusement.

 

Just then, as Temia sat at the table lost in thought with her chin in her hands, she suddenly heard a loud voice.

 

“Excuse me!”

 

Startled, Temia straightened up, adjusted her ribbon tie, and rushed toward the door.

 

Even the small fairy, Lerry, who had been dozing on her shoulder, woke up with a flap of its wings at the sudden noise.

 

“Hello! Is this the Green Sandwich Workshop?”

 

And when she opened the door, standing there was a young man in a splendid uniform, exuding dignity with a stern expression that left a strong first impression.

 

 

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I Stole my Friend’s Fiancee

I Stole my Friend’s Fiancee

친구의 약혼자를 가로챘다
Score 9.5
Status: Ongoing Type: Author: Released: 25 Native Language: Korean

Summary

  How on earth did things get so tangled?   “Did everything just the way you wanted. Really, there's no one like me, right? I'm exactly your type, Temia.”   Those words came not from a stranger, but from Lowell — the fiancé of her best friend.   In the past, he was a cruel man who sparked a rebellion, killed his own fiancée (her friend), and burned the kingdom to ashes, putting even her own life at risk.   “If only I could turn back time just once, I could have saved you from this madman…”   That’s why, in this life, she vowed to ruin their engagement, sabotage his ambitions, and live in peace.   But how did everything become so twisted again?   Oblivious (or maybe not) to her inner turmoil, the man added:   “If you disappear again, I’ll make sure you can’t run away next time — so be prepared.”    

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