“But the Viscount was pushing me back from the opening. That’s the reality.”

Dumfree sighed, and Urick’s expression hardened at Dumfree’s excuse.

“Shut your mouth, Dumfree.”

“My chess skills and appearance have changed. Viscount, I’m not the same as before, trembling at your every word.”

“Trembling?”

“…Well, that’s what people say!”

They bickered like children, especially Dumfree, who vaguely resembled the young Roger, reminding me of old memories.

I was busy intervening between the two of them whenever their eyes met. Looking back, their argument was a spectacle.

If Roger and Urick were like that now…

‘Those were the best times.’

They had changed in personality and appearance. As an adult, I faced the realities I didn’t know before, and I was no longer at an age where I could give my heart just because I liked someone.

For the sake of the Ignora Guild and my own fate, I needed to persuade Roger.

The changing situation would also affect Urick, the Penthon family, and others around me.

“Lize, I’m really sorry I couldn’t win.”

Urick apologized, looking at me.

“…”

Would Urick also give his heart to me at that time?

Could I hold onto Roger and Urick?

Would Roger forgive me?

“Lize?”

Urick called me as I leaned against the tree. I lifted my waist from the tree I had been leaning on.

“Dumfree, sorry. I’m not feeling well right now, so we should postpone the match.”

“What? What are you saying! It’s different from the promise… Haha. Ha.”

Dumfree, realizing the stern gaze Urick was giving him, awkwardly laughed.

‘He’s still trembling…’

“Lize, you look pale.”

Urick came closer, naturally placing his hand on my forehead. Seeing that, Dumfree, who was watching us, took a deep breath.

“Although you don’t have a fever.”

“Maybe just tired.”

“Should I bring some medicine?”

“It’s okay.”

At my words, Urick took my hand and gently massaged each finger. Even when I tried to pull my hand away, Urick didn’t let go.

I briefly glanced at Dumfree’s face, who was watching us. It seemed like he misunderstood our relationship.

I hoped his mouth wouldn’t be too loose.

“I, I should go now.”

Dumfree retreated subtly.

I thought to myself that he was in trouble. Tomorrow morning, there would be all sorts of baseless rumors and gossip about me among relatives.

‘Because I said Urick and I were just friends… How hypocritical will they think I am?’

Just a moment ago, it was just a ploy, but now my head really hurt.

Seeing my uncomfortable expression, Urick’s face also darkened. Instead of releasing my hand, he held my waist, supporting my body.

“It won’t work. There should be an empty guest room. Let’s sit comfortably there, Lize.”

He had a look that was going to drag me there, even if it was by force.
Dumfree, who had been there until the end, finally entered the hall with us when we moved. Urick, after pressing my body against his, hung at the end of the hall.

Unfortunately, the guest room was located inside the hall, so we had to pass by many people.

I felt the gaze of people watching us with interest. Even if it wasn’t Dumfree’s nonsense, rumors would spread.

Fortunately, there was an empty room. The room with a spacious sofa emitted a strong lavender scent. While the thick blanket was understandable, I wondered why there were two black robes here.

“I’ll bring some medicine. If there’s a doctor, should I call one?”

Urick laid me down on the sofa and stood up.

“No, it’s okay. I’m not that sick. See, there’s medicine here too. It’s a well-equipped room.”

“…”

I discovered the medicine on the table and handed it to Urick.

His face subtly distorted, and he avoided eye contact like someone who had seen something unpleasant. Realizing his strange reaction, I finally looked at the medicine bottle I was holding.

“…”

It was primarily a contraceptive. It seemed like this room was intended for lovers who had just become a couple.

“If it’s uncomfortable, I’ll leave.”

I quickly grabbed the hem of his clothes. Urick, who stopped moving, looked at me with a mixture of embarrassment and anticipation.

“…”

I didn’t know why I had grabbed Urick. I thought about what answer would ease the atmosphere, but strangely, my mind didn’t work at times like this.

“Rize. Can I stay here?”

Urick, unable to endure, asked.

I nodded cautiously. Urick, who realized my approval, smiled slightly and came closer to me. Instead of sitting on the sofa, he bent his knees.

It was a place where his gaze and my face met directly.

Urick silently touched the tip of my hair.

“Rize, there’s something I want to ask you.”

Urick’s hand gradually moved toward my face. The sensation at the tip of his hand touched my senses. Feeling the tingling sensation, I unconsciously held my breath.

Urick’s hand didn’t stop. The warm touch that held my cheek lingered for a short time and then parted. The hand that wanted to stay on my cheek lost its way in the air.

“…”

Roger Baccus.

“…”

“Did you meet that guy?”

He asked. I wondered if he heard Felicia’s whisper at the wedding.

Should I say it? Or should I hide it?

Urick didn’t ask further and calmly waited for my answer.

“Yeah, I met him. Recently.”

Urick stopped his gesture.

His hand, which had the courage, embraced my cheek more than before. He touched my cheek with his fingers as if touching fragile glass. While Urick’s answer was firm, his expression seemed worn out.

“I’ll tell you.”

“…”

“Everything that happened.”

Even then, how could I hide my words completely?

I spoke about everything that happened with Roger, and Urick quietly listened to that story.