Impossible. It was an absurd idea. But my thoughts kept drifting in that direction. After hesitating for a while, I cautiously asked.

“Can you laugh after hearing it… Is it by any chance…”

“Speak.”

“…Do you like me?”

Ha. Cahilin let out a sigh like a gust of wind. Then, covering his eyes with his large hand, he lowered his head.

Feeling awkward for no reason, when Cahilin slightly lowered his hand, revealing his eyes to look at me, he smiled.

“Should I laugh at this, or not?”

“I’m already laughing. And now that I understand I made a mistake…”

“Making such remarks in this situation, do you seriously lack any sense of tact?”

“What?”
Cahilin, standing upright, stared through me intensely. Unconsciously, I turned my head as he grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. Then, without a chance to escape, he declared.

“I like you, Reneola Violet.”

My mouth gaped open. Cahilin closed my mouth with his hand and continued.

“I didn’t intend to confess like this.”

“…Why, when did this happen?”

“It’s been quite a while. My feelings are deeper than you think.”

“No, how could I… you never showed any signs.”

Cahilin laughed as if it was absurd.

“Everyone knows, even my palace gardener. Not to mention, she’s well aware.”

Suddenly, I recalled what Yizola said when she grabbed my hand.

“Just, thank you.”

At that time, I couldn’t understand what she was thankful for. But now, I understood the face that looked sorry yet refreshing.

‘Yizola knew too.’

Sometimes, when this man approached so closely, looking at me affectionately, sending occasional gazes as if he were enchanted, I couldn’t fathom he liked me. Since he was one of the original story’s protagonists, I always kept a certain distance.

I never imagined Cahilin would cross that line long ago.

“So, stop avoiding and just tell me.”

“…Tell you what?”

“Your weakness.”

“Why are you so curious about that?”

“I like you, so I want to interfere to make sure you don’t get hurt.”

Cahilin held my finger and brought it to his lips. My shoulder trembled at the sudden kiss. A tingling sensation spread from the place his lips touched. I bit my lip in discomfort.

Floria, who enjoyed watching me suffer, came to mind. Even if I struggled now, Floria would no longer trust me entirely.

The only way to escape from Floria, who could kill me anytime, was to completely destroy the original story where she was the protagonist. I had to make her return my heart and prevent Shanna from using magic on me.

‘And I want to repay her for what she did to me.’

It was so unjust and infuriating. Despite the humiliation she inflicted on me, I begged her to spare me. I wanted to return all that pain and humiliation to Floria.

At this moment, Cahilin confessed his feelings to me. I looked at him, waiting for a response.

‘I need this man by my side.’

Fairy magic didn’t affect Cahilin, the Sword Master. So, being with him could ensure my survival even if Floria shattered the gems.
I hadn’t planned to confess my feelings to the person in front of me. However, the fear of yesterday’s extreme agony was much stronger than the guilt of using emotions.

“What are you thinking? Your expression looks like you’re about to die.”

“…What kind of expression do I have?”

“Sorry for making it seem like you’re about to die.”

Cahilin tilted his head, raised his eyebrows, and met my gaze.

“As long as it’s not a rejection of my confession, I don’t care about anything else.”

Cahilin seemed to know what I was thinking. It was as if he was saying, “I don’t care about anything else, so don’t hesitate.”

“…It won’t wear out.”

I abruptly pulled Cahilin’s subtly stroking hand away. He chuckled softly.

“Is it embarrassing when a guy you like touches you?”

“Can you not say that?”

“I wonder if it’ll become true if I keep saying it.”

Cahilin stretched his lips, staring at me.

Avoiding his gaze for a moment, I hesitated before slowly opening my mouth.

“My weakness, the one Floria has exploited.”