Episode 32. He Said It Wasn’t Nox.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Sorry?”
“You look serious.”
“Ah… I was just wondering, where did you get that sword? You definitely left empty-handed.”
When I saw him off, Leon clearly had nothing in his hands.
And now, not only was he carrying a longsword, but I hadn’t seen any daggers or smaller weapons either.
“This? I hid it over there just in case.”
Leon pointed toward the edge of the garden, where a short shrub stood.
I had just vented a passing concern, but Leon hadn’t taken my words lightly.
He had carefully checked the surroundings and even hidden a weapon in preparation—how thoughtful of him.
It wasn’t exactly touching… but it was close.
“Since we’re near the academy, people gave me suspicious looks for walking around with a sword.”
“Ah.”
“Anyway, let’s head inside. It’s already late.”
I followed behind Leon into the house.
Still, it felt like I could sleep peacefully tonight.
✦ ✦ ✦
When I was finally satisfied with the second investment structure, having revised and reviewed it multiple times, I headed out.
I stood in front of the mirror, fixing the light purple scarf Leon had bought me—my favorite—before leaving the house.
Though the bruising had faded a lot, the faint handprint that remained looked even more unsettling, making the scarf still essential.
“Welcome, Miss.”
Nox’s face, as he greeted me, looked brighter than before.
Relieved, I smiled faintly and sat down on the chair he offered.
“You definitely look healthier, Professor.”
“Yes. Thanks to you, Miss, I was able to rest well.”
“That makes me very happy to hear. So, is it alright if I give you some work now?”
I placed the envelope on the meeting table with a confident smile.
“I reviewed it to the best of my abilities while you were recovering. Please take a look.”
“Judging by your expression, you seem quite confident.”
Over the next thirty minutes or so, Nox occasionally asked questions while reviewing the documents, taking time to process my answers.
Eventually, his cold, serious expression gave way to a satisfied smile as he looked at me.
“Hmm, not bad. The new structure is interesting.”
“Thank you, Professor. Also, as I mentioned before, I’d like to put Duke Ortiz at the forefront. Even the Imperial family wouldn’t dare touch the Ortiz Duchy lightly.”
Damian—someone the powerful Prince Withrow faction wanted to bring into their fold.
At the very least, they wouldn’t attack him openly, making him the ideal shield.
“Political analysis is a basic element in investment decisions. Your perspective has broadened, Miss.”
Nox smiled gently as he listened seriously to what I had to say.
His smile, filled with what felt like pride in me, made me slightly embarrassed.
“Let’s meet with the Duke. Would you like to come with me?”
“No, please go on my behalf.”
I’d already returned the dress he had kindly given me, calling it a borrowed favor, and talked about the responsibilities of high nobility.
So I wanted to avoid a face-to-face encounter if possible.
“This structure hinges on the Duke. It’s important to bring him in properly, so I hope you’ll handle it.”
“That’s quite the task you’ve given me. But I’ll give it a try.”
He nodded lightly.
Even behind his glasses, I could tell that the way he looked at me had changed.
His green eyes, filled with trust and a newfound warmth, made me happy.
I even found myself unconsciously wishing I could see him without those glasses.
[Affection with Nox Green: 44% ⟶ 48%]
Oof. I was so close to reaching the 50% range.
By now, I must have far surpassed Damian’s affection level.
I hadn’t seen Damian since the salon incident, so that temporary 10% boost had probably dropped by now.
“Professor, we’ve worked really hard, haven’t we? Don’t you think we deserve a little break to refresh our minds—for what comes next?”
“Hmm. That’s true. Things will get busy soon, so taking some time to relax might not be a bad idea.”
“Right? Then how about we take just one day off from work?”
“Do you have something in mind?”
Something I wanted to do? Of course. Plenty.
Slurp. Now that I was almost at 50%, I felt a mysterious surge of confidence.
‘What should I suggest?’
Maybe drinking?
There’s nothing quite like alcohol to get people to speak their true thoughts.
Just then, there was a rustling sound outside the door.
Curious, I stood up before Nox and opened the door.
“Kyaa!”
Someone toppled into the open doorway.
Long blonde hair covering her face and a glimpse of familiar blue eyes made me freeze.
“Lily?”
She awkwardly brushed her hair where she had bumped it and smiled sheepishly.
“Hello, Miss Sienna.”
“What brings you here?”
I asked, even though it was obvious—she was here to see Nox, standing outside his office.
But I couldn’t help but glare at her, as if to say, Why are you here after what you said to me?
“I have something to discuss with Nox. And you, Miss Sienna…?”
“I come here often. Would you like to sit?”
Before Nox could speak to her, I invited Lily inside first.
I acted like it was my own office, which made Lily fidget and glance at me nervously.
“What’s the matter, Miss Lily? No prior message or anything.”
“Oh, I just had something to discuss. I think it’ll be helpful for Nox, too.”
“Really? What is it?”
“I’d like to speak with you alone.”
She glanced at me again, and Nox frowned.
“Even if you tell me, Miss Sienna will find out anyway.”
Oh, Nox. To say something like that for me.
All the trust I had built up through hard work was shining through.
I watched Lily chew her lip and then, in a show of graciousness, spoke kindly.
“It’s alright, Professor. I’ll wait outside.”
“But Miss—”
“You’ll tell me anyway, right?”
I gently touched Nox’s arm before letting go and stepping back.
Normally, I’d never behave like that, but in front of Lily, I wanted to.
It was the same move she used to stop Damian from scolding me.
“Then please take your time talking.”
Leaving them with a confident, relaxed smile, I stepped out into the hallway and closed the door behind me.
But even though it was a professor’s office and doubled as a research space—so it was quite large—it felt too cramped to leave the two of them alone in there.
‘No, it’ll be fine. It’s not Damian we’re talking about—this is Nox. I’ve got the upper hand.’
We had a shared interest in money.
Nox truly enjoyed evaluating and discussing my ideas.
His affection level was almost 50%. I was sure of it.
Still, my feet unconsciously drifted back toward the tightly shut office door.
‘I don’t want to eavesdrop, but this is practically life or death.’
Go ahead, ask any random passerby—they’d do the same.
I comforted myself and leaned in closer to catch the conversation.
“You’re talking about a new investor? Who is it?”
“Duke Ortiz. He’s looking for new investment opportunities.”
“Ah.”
“I heard Sienna’s idea for the last investment resulted in a loss?”
Ha. Duke Ortiz.
Back when we were engaged, he never said a word to me about his business.
But now he’s telling Lily everything—down to the smallest detail.
Even that it was my idea that led to the loss.
“I’m not blaming Sienna. Everyone is clumsy in the beginning.”
“……”
“I understand that Nox is protecting her because she’s your student. I just worry about all the work you’ve built being ruined. That’s why I wanted to introduce the Duke to you.”
He must be considering it since he planned to meet Damian anyway.
I was curious and anxious about what he would say, so I leaned in closer.
Finally, Nox’s voice came through.
“I’ll consider it.”
“Yes. I’ll wait for a positive answer. I believe it’ll be a great opportunity for both you and the Duke.”
“Rather than me going to explain everything, what if you give him some context first? I think it’d help set the right tone.”
“Ah.”
Can Lily even do that?
Even if she tries, I doubt she could meet the expectations Nox or Damian would have.
I leaned in even closer, curious how Lily would handle it…
