Chapter 13
This table, which had been sitting apart like an uninhabited island, was in truth Herace’s stage. I only now realized that fact.
“Forgive my rudeness that will follow, Filena.”
Herace carefully lifted my hand as though it were a precious jewel and pressed his lips against it. His kiss lingered on the back of my hand—neither too short nor too long—before he slowly let go.
It feels a little suffocating.
My heart pounded as though racing up a steep hill. It must have been some kind of abnormal reaction from the shock of this sudden situation.
Let’s be honest. After Herace completely took control of the tea party, it’s like I suffered short-term memory loss. I couldn’t recall how time had passed.
My senses only returned just now. The tea party had ended, and Herace and I remained in the garden of Viscount Hanis’s estate, having dismissed all attendants.
“What is it you want to say with such a serious face?”
“What on earth happened?”
“Ah, so your questions start like that today. You don’t want me to explain why I didn’t tell you?”
“It must be for the same reasons as that day.”
Because I can’t act well. Clara had confirmed this for me recently, so I knew it was true.
“Our scripts…”
His and mine were fairly even—but let’s admit it.
“This time, too, I think Herace’s scenario is better.”
“I’m glad you acknowledge it.”
Herace’s eyes softened with a smile, as though he were being praised. He extended his hand to the right, suggesting we take a walk.
We strolled side by side, continuing our conversation.
“Viscount Hanis’s family was struggling with debt. So I saw an opportunity. I paid off their debt, and in return, I secured a perfect stage for our play.”
“What kind of thought process leads you to that idea?”
“First, I gauged my influence. Even though the selection ceremony had happened, in your words, the impact of my ‘villain image’ was much greater than expected. I decided that with my level of notoriety, I could make your rumors insignificant. That’s why I re-evaluated our goals.”
“And?”
“Your goal is to improve your reputation. My goal is simply to have fun.”
“That’s right.”
“Then this way works better.”
Herace leaned closer, almost whispering as though replaying the situation for me.
“With me clinging to you.”
“Thinking about it again, you’re right.”
Hearing this, I finally understood why Herace’s scenario was far superior. I had overlooked something all along.
From the start, our goals were different.
Before creating our script, I should have studied when Herace felt “fun.” In the end, the only way was to satisfy his sense of fun while also ensuring his support for me.
Indeed, rumors of being one-sidedly pursued despite already having a lover are far better than rumors of cheating. And if it’s Herace doing the pursuing, people will believe it.
Herace’s reputation was so much darker than mine that being by his side made my own rumors seem trivial.
Above all, his ability made people believe in such possibilities. Just look at his performance earlier—he had thrown out a statement that everyone could sympathize with, instantly seizing attention.
Whistler was rumored to be like an angel, but he was also called “everyone’s sweetheart.” That was a title born from his skillful care of people and wide circle of connections. It was praise, yes—but everyone vaguely understood that such praise might not be appreciated by one’s lover.
In the end, Herace had cleverly used Whistler’s well-known reputation to lend credibility to our story. It also had the added bonus of being tantalizing gossip that piqued people’s curiosity.
It had turned into the classic spectacle of two brothers fighting over one woman.
“Herace, you’re kind of crazy.”
“Hmm?”
“Oh, I don’t mean it as an insult. I’m actually saying it as a compliment.”
“‘Crazy’ can be a compliment?”
“There’s a saying that geniuses are crazy. I meant it in that sense.”
“Sounds like you really liked this scenario.”
“You turned my extra elements—fights and tears—into twists, confessions, and even passion. Whatever else, that twist was shocking.”
If I were a reader, I would have felt catharsis from the “plot twist” Herace devised. Truly, there was much to learn from a genius.
But there was also something I had to point out.
“But I don’t think the physical contact was necessary.”
The strange reaction I’d felt still sat uncomfortably in my chest. Because it had been skin on skin. Even when dating Whistler, it hadn’t been like this. It must be because Herace kept delivering shocks.
His very presence was not good for my heart.
“Physical contact—”
“Didn’t I mention it?”
Herace’s gentle gaze met mine. His red eyes shimmered like jewels on display.
And at that moment, I thought something unlike myself: that a jewel displayed alone could look rather lonely.
“That was me using one of my wishes.”
“Ah.”
“I wrote in the letter, didn’t I? That you didn’t have to be afraid. I said I’d take things slowly, at your pace.”
I stared at Herace, then looked away quickly. If I kept looking, I felt like I’d be pulled in.
“Even if you go slowly, warn me before physical contact.”
“Even slowly—are you saying it’s scary? Or uncomfortable?”
His voice suddenly slowed, as though trying to soothe me. His fingertips gently squeezed and released my hand. I answered calmly.
“It’s just startling. Maybe not now, but once we’re supposed to act as lovers, I can’t be reacting like today.”
“Is that so?”
Herace’s expression instantly brightened. His lips curled upward, revealing his upper teeth in a cheerful grin.
“Then I just need to make sure you’re not startled.”
Hands behind his back, he walked ahead, then turned to face me. We ended up walking toward each other, face to face.
When I moved forward, he stepped back. Our mismatched strides soon fell into the same rhythm.
“Other than telling me beforehand, is there another way to avoid startling me?”
At my question, Herace nodded firmly, as if it were obvious.
“You just get used to it.”
“Even if we practice for the sake of getting used to it, we’re still only fake lovers. From any angle, the best way not to be startled is still to tell me first.”
“But if it’s always like that, it won’t be fun.”
His reply left me speechless.
Herace was putting in his best effort for me, so I had to do the same for him. That was my duty as a partner in this arrangement.
“Then let’s practice and get used to it as we grow closer as ‘lovers.’”
According to the script, for now it was Herace pursuing me. There were still many “scenes” left before we became a couple.
“What about Whistler?”
“Just don’t say anything.”
“All right.”
I nodded obediently.
By today, I had finished calculating Herace’s capabilities and value. He was excellent as a partner—someone I could trust. I usually followed the advice of trustworthy people without much resistance.
And besides, no one knows Whistler better than Herace.
I stopped walking, remembering there were two important matters to settle before parting ways.
“We should draw up a contract for this fake relationship.”
“Spoken like you.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“It means you’re cute.”
There it was again—“cute.” I couldn’t believe such a word rolled so easily off someone’s tongue. Especially from someone only three years older than me.
Still, I accepted it. It wasn’t the kind of compliment I disliked.
“Before we meet next time, I’ll send over a draft copy. Please review it carefully and prepare your feedback.”
“You really are cute, Filena.”
“Do you not have any compliments that aren’t about appearances?”
“This isn’t only about appearances…”
“So, in other words, you don’t?”
I stared at Herace in silence. He chuckled softly, extended both arms, and playfully shook my hand like a child playing. Then, with his other hand, he tapped my head lightly.
“It’s so obvious, I never bothered saying it.”
