In the end, I left the restaurant without having a proper meal.

As soon as Kirian approached, Number 5 escaped through the window, causing me to be stuck with the hefty bill for the broken glass.

“Where did he go again?”

I grumbled, clutching my hungry stomach.

“Leave him. He’ll be back by sunset.”

Kirian found it amusing, not even worrying. Anyone would think that Number 5 had disappeared happily.

“If he’s going to leave, he should leave normally. Why break an expensive window?”

I sighed. Of course, it wasn’t my money but Kirian’s that would compensate for it, so I didn’t feel too bad. However, it didn’t mean I wasn’t concerned at all.

“He seemed to be injured at first glance.”

As I sighed, Kirian’s eyes narrowed.

“Do you worry that much?”

For some reason, it seemed like I shouldn’t say yes. I quickly changed the subject.

“No, but every time Number 5 sees you, he jumps as if he’s seen a ghost.”

“Really?”

Kirian shrugged his shoulders casually.

“It’s because you always make that expression.”

As a demonstration, I raised the corners of my eyes sharply. While I couldn’t create a cold atmosphere like Kirian, who exuded a self-assertive vibe with his distinctive features, I tried my best.

“Me?”

“Yeah, you always…”

I looked up at Kirian, but what I encountered was his exceedingly beautiful face with eyes prettily folded.

“No, so, you always…”

I tried to make an imposing expression again, but Kirian just tilted his head slightly. When he flashed a sweet smile sweet enough to make my words stick, I quickly averted my eyes. That face is harmful to the heart.

“Let’s go eat dessert, Nuna.”

Confidently, I guided Kirian to the regular cafe. I couldn’t exactly explain why, but Kirian’s attitude felt strangely disrespectful.

So, as a sister, I deliberately brought Kirian to the regular cafe to restore my dignity. I would flatten Kirian’s very high nose by showing the majestic appearance of a benefactor.

Sure enough, as soon as we entered, the cafe owner rushed out.

“Ant-nim! Have you come?”

“Ahem. Yes.”

I subtly looked towards Kirian.

“If you like the lemon tart today, I’ll specially reduce next month’s rent.”

Since directly saying ‘It’s my building’ wouldn’t save face, I tactfully informed Kirian of this important fact.

The cafe owner was delighted as if they were about to jump.

“I’ll guide you to the window seat right away.”

While moving to the window seat, I passed by the noble ladies and mistresses I had seen before.

“Oh, they’ve come again.”

I heard them whisper.

“True. Even though he’s the landlord, it’s strictly a place for nobles.”

“Today, I just wasted my time.”

I pursed my lips, hoping Kirian hadn’t heard. Despite coming to the cafe to uphold my dignity, this situation was awkward.
However, when Kirian followed right after, the noble ladies collectively held their breath.

“Oh my, who is that nobleman?”

“I’ve never seen that face before. Could he be an imperial noble?”

“Look at that, he seems to exude nobility, fitting for an imperial aristocrat.”

They’re dressed similarly to commoners, why!

Losing my patience and about to rush over and confront them, Kirian politely extended his arm to me.

“I apologize for bringing a lady to such a humble place.”

Grabbing Kirian’s arm, the noble ladies shivered as if they had been electrocuted.

“D-did you see that?”

“Incredible…”

“This commoner is acquainted with that nobleman…?”

When I glanced in that direction, the noble ladies hastily unfolded their fans to cover their faces.

I patted Kirian’s arm.

“Well, it might be embarrassing to be in a place frequented by less refined people, but it’s okay.”

In the end, I failed to save face in front of Kirian, but I had upheld my dignity elsewhere. Still, for some reason, it didn’t feel great, constantly losing to Kirian.

I stared silently at Kirian, who took a seat across from me.

Kirian adjusted his cleanly sculpted jawline.

“Why? Did I get something on my face?”

Even that small movement was graceful, declaring surrender. I sighed deeply.

“You’re handsome. It must be nice.”

Kirian remained silent. He didn’t seem particularly pleased.

“It’s a compliment.”

When I added quietly, Kirian slowly opened his mouth.

“Nuna, do you value inner qualities more than appearance?”

“Huh?”

I pondered for a moment. Was I such a moral person?

Only then did I recall the conversation with Eliza about Number 5.

“Miss, have you perhaps fallen for his inner qualities during this time, something like that?”

Perhaps… Events from today flashed through my mind. Kirian appearing out of nowhere. Number 5 running away, turning pale, repeatedly.

Kirian, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking, rested his chin on his hand and silently stared at me.

The sunlight by the window seemed to illuminate only Kirian, making his sharp facial features stand out, and even the dust particles floating around sparkled like silver dust.

Enchanted by his beautiful appearance, I found myself staring blankly.

“Uh… um… Well, isn’t being handsome a good thing?”

“Is that so?”