Chapter 03
Jay had always believed he lived properly and without fault.
But after hearing Pdea’s words today, he began to wonder if that was just his own arrogance and self-delusion.
If someone like Pdea—who had barely spoken with him—could say such things, maybe others thought the same.
Even Elena, the woman he secretly loved.
“Ugh…”
Jay groaned as he thought back on his behavior. The idea that Elena might have seen him as some kind of womanizer made his face burn.
I really hope Elena never found out
He sighed quietly—just as a familiar voice called out,
“Jay!”
He flinched. He hadn’t even realized someone was approaching, lost in his thoughts. And he knew exactly whose voice it was.
Straightening his clothes to look presentable, he put on an awkward smile.
“Elena.”
She stopped in front of him, catching her breath. Normally, he would have admired even this little moment, but now it was hard to look her in the eyes—memories of Pdea kept coming back.
“Did something happen with the Lady Duke?”
“No?”
At the sudden mention of Pdea, Jay instinctively gave a quick denial—too quick. It sounded suspicious even to himself. He quickly added,
“…Ahem. Nothing happened. She just wanted to find the terrace, so I showed her the way.”
He swallowed nervously, watching her face. He worried she might ask, Why did you stay there with her? or Why did she ask you instead of someone else?
But Elena only gave him a bright smile.
“I see. I was worried something happened to you. A few people were saying you and the Lady Duke disappeared together.”
Relieved she didn’t press further, Jay still twitched at the confirmation that rumors had already started. He had rushed away for nothing—someone must have seen them heading to the terrace.
“There’s nothing between me and her.”
“Hmm?”
Elena tilted her head, puzzled by him repeating himself. But she didn’t think much of it.
“Right, the Lady Duke doesn’t like anyone except me. I was just worried she might treat you like she treats me. But I guess I was worrying for nothing.”
Her cheerful voice held not even a hint of jealousy.
Jay didn’t want her to misunderstand, but still… her reaction left him uneasy.
Other nobles were gossiping about him and Pdea—yet Elena wasn’t even a little bothered?
Is it selfish to want her to be jealous?
He almost asked if she wasn’t worried for any reason besides that. But then another thought hit him hard—
Wait… does she actually think my behavior is questionable?
Was that why she so easily brushed it off?
He glanced at her, but she just kept smiling warmly.
“Anyway, Jay! Let’s go to Claire now. I told him to wait until I brought you.”
She grabbed his hand suddenly. Jay looked down at their joined hands—her gentle, firm grip strangely reassured him.
“Alright. Let’s go.”
With his unease fading, he smiled and let her lead him.
Even if she did see him the same way Pdea did, it didn’t matter right now. She was holding his hand so openly.
If I keep trying, Elena will look at me the way I want.
He believed he still had a chance.
* * *
Several days passed after the Imperial Palace ball.
That night, Jay had danced with Elena just like Pdea had told him to. But he couldn’t fully enjoy it—because he saw Pdea watching from afar.
He couldn’t make out her expression, but her solitary figure stuck in his mind.
Maybe it was because he felt a strange kinship with her—both of them loved someone who didn’t return their feelings.
He remembered all the times he had stood off to the side, watching Elena dance with his friend Claire.
Still, he couldn’t approve of her ways. Loving someone didn’t mean you could do anything to claim them.
“Are you thinking about Claire too?”
“…Huh?”
Pulled from his thoughts, Jay looked up to see Elena leaning over the table toward him.
“You’ve been spacing out. I thought maybe you were missing Claire.”
Jay made a small sound, realizing he’d been distracted during their date.
He was lucky to have this one-on-one time—normally, Claire would be with them. But today, Claire was away.
“Yeah, I do miss him a little. Next time, let’s bring him along.”
He agreed easily, even though Claire wasn’t actually on his mind. He couldn’t exactly tell her he’d been thinking about Pdea.
Elena smiled brightly, clearly pleased.
“I knew it. I love seeing how close you two are.”
Her happy expression made Jay smile as well. He and Claire had even rented out this café for the whole day so she could enjoy it.
But why isn’t the dessert we ordered here yet?
While talking, he glanced around impatiently. He wanted to give her something sweet to make her even happier.
“Sorry, but we’re closed today. Please come back another time.”
Looking toward the entrance, Jay saw three staff members blocking the doorway. Someone was trying to come in despite being told the café was reserved.
Frowning, Jay guessed the intruder was a stubborn noble.
“Elena, I’ll just—”
“Oh, um, you can’t come in here—!”
Before he could finish, he heard the sound of footsteps and the staff’s flustered protests. Whoever it was had already entered.
Jay still didn’t think much of it—he figured they could just offer the person some dessert and send them away quietly.
But when he saw who it was, he shot up from his seat, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.
“My lady…?”
The woman in the wide-brimmed hat slowly lifted it, revealing her face.
“….”
It was the cold-eyed Lady Duke—Pdea.
Jay quickly strode over to block her view of Elena. Standing in front of her, he said politely,
“Good day, my lady. It’s been a while since the ball.”
“….”
Pdea’s vision was suddenly filled with Jay’s broad chest. She blinked, startled by the closeness, even if she was happy to see him.
Tilting her head up slowly, she smirked.
“Did you miss me that much? Coming this close to greet me?”
She glanced down at the small space between them, confirming it wasn’t her imagination, and her smile curved slyly.
“I didn’t know you liked me this much.”
Chapter 4
Jay blinked, stunned. He hadn’t expected this kind of reaction from Pdea at all.
He thought blocking the Lady Duke’s path might earn him a slap—or at least a scolding about daring to stand in her way.
But instead, what came back was a comment about how she hadn’t realized he liked her so much.
It felt strangely familiar—like when she’d casually asked him what names would be good for their future children.
Feeling his ears heat up, Jay fidgeted with them and tried to change the subject.
“…Ahem, if you’re looking for Claire, he’s not here. His schedule was busy today.”
He
