Episode 27
Reunion (6)
Temia’s mind was tangled with unease.
“What if they already knew each other and I just didn’t realize it until now…?”
The moment stretched endlessly as she waited for Kailie’s response. Eventually, Temia couldn’t hold back any longer and pressed again, as if yanking the answer from her.
“You didn’t just meet him today—did you know him before you came here?”
“No way. Today was the first time I’ve even spoken to that mage. And you said his name’s Lowell, right? That’s the first I’ve ever heard of it.”
“Then why…?”
“It’s just… I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before, like we passed by each other or something. Maybe it’s just my imagination?”
“You saw him? Where? Tell me exactly.”
“I’m not sure… Nothing specific comes to mind. I mean, I’m not a noble—when would I ever run into a mage? Judging by the contract, he doesn’t even have a family name, so he’s not a noble either, right? That means he wouldn’t have been at any noble parties. That’s what makes it more curious.”
Temia felt her heart drop.
Before returning to the past, Kailie had written in her letter that the man arranged for her marriage was someone she’d never even seen at a social event. But now Temia realized—what if Kailie had only heard the name from her father and simply assumed she didn’t know him?
There were plenty of chances for them to have crossed paths briefly, even without a formal introduction. If Kailie had seen Lowell only in passing and didn’t know his name, it was completely possible she wouldn’t have made the connection.
“I didn’t even consider the possibility that she might’ve seen him before but not known his name… And if the arranged marriage back then included a full noble name, she wouldn’t have recognized it either. Plus, what if Kailie came to this workshop in the past to place an order… That means they could’ve already met before I even got involved.”
It was a miscalculation. She had planned everything based solely on the contents of Kaile’s letter, not factoring in any unpredictable variables.
Worst of all, Kailie had always been good at remembering faces. So if she recognized Lowell now, it was likely from when he still lived under the Drea family name.
And Temia had to admit—his face wasn’t the kind easily forgotten on the street. That only made things worse.
The moment she realized it wasn’t someone else entirely, the faint hope she’d held onto crumbled.
“Still… it’s better to find this out now so I can stay on guard.”
Trying to move past the topic, Temia quickly shifted gears.
“Probably just your imagination. Like you said, you’ve never met him. That mage hardly ever leaves the workshop—he’s too busy with his research! Honestly, he even takes care of the night plants himself.”
She forced a light and cheerful tone, hiding her trembling hands inside her sleeves. Her smiling lips twitched slightly. She started rambling about his plant-stained shirt and his frayed skirt hem to cut any imagined connection between him and Kailie.
Kailie narrowed her eyes.
“Hm… But why are you digging so much? You’re acting like it would be a disaster if I took any interest in him.”
The pointed question made Temia’s hand tremble as she lifted her teacup. Has she always been this sharp?
“A disaster? No way. It’s just—this workshop is pretty far from the city, right? Isn’t it strange that you’d run into someone you know here? And besides… I’m technically on the run.”
“So?”
“Think about it. What if someone I’m living with turns out to be someone you’ve met in high society? That could be a real problem. If he’s that well-known, my family might find out where I am!”
But the more she spoke, the more mischievous Kailie’s smile deepened—one she wore only when she’d spotted something amusing. Temia, glaring, finally asked:
“What’s with that expression?”
“Oh, nothing. You’re just being so obvious.”
“Me? What?”
Was it that clear I was keeping an eye on him? Is that what she meant?
“You like him, don’t you? I could totally see it. The look in your eyes earlier… Something’s up.”
“The fortune-teller really was legit… Maybe I should go back. I’d say it was worth the money.”
Watching her friend whisper like she was sharing juicy gossip, Temia felt a throbbing headache coming on. Of course… she picked up on it. There was no fooling her.
Maybe Kailie mistook Temia’s sigh of relief for something else, because she scooted her chair closer and leaned in eagerly.
“Wait, seriously? Temia, you should’ve told me if something like this was going on!”
“No! Kailie, I know what you’re thinking, but seriously, no! That mage and I… we would never be a thing.”
“Oh, come on. He let you into his workshop, didn’t he? It didn’t seem like he had any strict boundaries. And I didn’t see a wedding ring either. That means he’s single, right? Honestly, you’re more than good enough for him.”
Kailie snorted, her tone flippant, but there was a trace of excitement beneath it.
Temia, staring at her cheerful friend, struggled to hide her frustration. How could I ever tell her the truth—that man is the reason she almost died, and I’m trying to get revenge on him.
No one would believe her. And this wasn’t the time or place to bring it up.
So Temia decided to flip the situation in her favor.
“Fine. Let her keep misunderstanding. Kailie would never go after someone I liked. If a marriage proposal comes up again, she’ll probably reject it.”
“Okay, okay. Since you’re being so insistent… I’ll admit something too. I mean, well…”
“Well?”
“I mean, he is handsome, right? Though his personality’s kind of… a lot.”
Temia felt her soul wither just a little—but seeing Kailie so happy made it worth it. She turned to look outside, wanting nothing more than to be out in the field working. So he’s not a kraken but an angel, huh…
“Geez… Temia, you really shouldn’t judge based on looks. I’m not saying it’s bad to like someone, but I’m just worried things might go wrong. Still, I’m always on your side, okay? So if anything happens, count on me.”
“Yeah. Thanks… You seem really happy.”
“Of course! You’ve never told me something like this before. From now on, you better write about this in your letters too!”
“Haha, fine, fine. Let’s save that for later. We haven’t seen each other in ages—tell me how you’ve been.”
Kailie, cheeks flushed with satisfaction after making Temia promise to write more, nodded happily.
Though that topic was settled, the two friends had endless things to talk about after so long apart.
Lowell still hadn’t returned—it must’ve been a complicated potion. The two girls soon moved on to a new topic.
“So how long have you been working here? You move around like you’ve been doing this forever.”
“Let’s see… It’s been nearly three months now. Wow, time really flew.”
“That long? You’ve been holed up here all this time and never thought to reach out to me?”
“I’m sorry… Even after settling down, things were just so hectic.”
Of course, even if she had had free time, Temia wouldn’t have told Kailie about this place. Still, though she couldn’t tell her the truth, she offered a sincere apology for the hurt she must have caused.
Kailie narrowed her eyes in mock glare, but when Temia apologized so honestly, her playful pout returned.
“Fine. I wasn’t really trying to guilt you. I mean, it’s a little annoying that you kept this secret from me, but I didn’t say that to make you feel bad. Cheer up.”
Then she gently grabbed a cookie from the table and placed it into Temia’s mouth.
The sweet and buttery flavor instantly spread in her mouth. But as she slowly chewed the cookie, Temia’s face twisted in confusion.
She bit once more, staring blankly at the air, tilting her head several times. Eventually, Kailie couldn’t take it anymore and asked:
“What’s wrong? Is there something wrong with the cookie?”
“No… not exactly.”
“Then what? Isn’t it delicious? It’s like something from a fancy bakery in the capital. The mage actually has decent taste, I’ll give him that. One look at this and you can tell.”
“…That’s exactly the problem.”
“What is? The mage?”
“No, the fact that it’s too delicious.”
Unlike Kailie’s cheerful voice, Temia’s tone was oddly serious.
After they returned from the market, the mage had brought these cookies. But that market didn’t have many high-end shops—it mainly served commoners. There definitely wasn’t a famous dessert shop in the middle of it.
So where did he get these?
He couldn’t have gotten them from the Etval estate… could he?
The flavor was strikingly similar to the cookies personally baked by the royal patissier-turned-chef at the Etval estate—the ones he proudly claimed were made specially for “the young lady.” Even the decoration looked just like what she used to eat back at the estate.
Am I just imagining it? Did I miss that taste so much my memory’s playing tricks on me? Or… did he go somewhere else entirely to buy them? But that doesn’t seem like something he’d do…
While Temia’s thoughts grew heavier, Kailey spoke without concern:
“Oh, please. He probably just got them from some famous bakery. Or maybe he does have a thing for you?”
Kailie laughed, as if the answer was obvious. Then she added one more teasing comment to fuel Temia’s growing suspicion.
Temia sighed and quietly fed Kailey another cookie. She opened her mouth without protest, clearly trusting Temia more than anyone.
Yes—it was a strange day. Both Kailie and Temia were left with vague feelings of déjà vu they couldn’t explain.
So, just like Kailie, Temia chose to let it slide.
It’s probably just a coincidence. Just… a coincidence.
Because if it wasn’t—then there were far too many things in this world that defied explanation.
