Gibnen Lianster had no reason to visit Horizon’s Academy unless it was for some professional duty.

In fact, even if he did have work, there was rarely a need to personally go to the academy. The affairs of the academy ultimately went through the hands of the Council and were finalized by the Dean of the Academy. Gibnen received the finalized matters in a report.

The academy was a highly independent institution with its own way of doing things, so he rarely had direct involvement. Moreover, being someone who didn’t enjoy crowded places, his visits were infrequent.

Of course, the biggest reason was that he neither had the time nor the need to wander around the academy.

However, ever since Riley began attending the academy, all his focus had been on it.

He had just received a brief report about Riley’s daily schedule from Sakh. He checked his watch.

“Lunchtime, huh.”

“Yes, what would you like for today’s meal?”

“Hmm.”

Gibnen had no habit of eating lunch precisely on time. His schedule was always fluid, and the concept of a “mealtime” was not fixed.

Normally, he would either eat while meeting with clients for business, or simply skip a meal if he found it bothersome.

But today, he found himself free right at 1 p.m.

“Is Riley currently in a lecture?”

“According to the timetable, she has a free period.”

“Good.”

Gibnen had no intention of wasting his newfound free time.

The academy was close, and it was likely Riley’s lunchtime as well. Attention might be drawn to them, and it could become somewhat noisy, but they were planning to announce their engagement soon anyway, so what did it matter?

“She’s currently at the library.”

“…Did you put a location tracker on her?”

“There has been a kidnapping incident, and once it’s known that she will be marrying me, we’ll have to be more cautious about her safety.”

“…I see. There’s no better hostage than the wife of the Magetop of Horizon.”

“If it only ended at her being a hostage, that would be fortunate.”

“Huh?”

“Anyway, I’ll have lunch with my sister. I can’t miss this opportunity for a date when I’ve found the time.”

He was relieved to see her wearing the earrings he had given her as a gift. Thanks to that, he could easily track her location. Gibnen grabbed his coat.

So he went to Horizon. He had planned to surprise Riley, but he was the one who got surprised. His expression froze in an instant.

Why was another man holding Riley’s hand?

“Don’t hold another man’s hand.”

Riley looked directly into Gibnen’s smoldering eyes.

His gaze was cold and tinged with irritation, different from the warm and affectionate eyes she was used to. Riley suddenly remembered the first time she met him.

‘His eyes were like this back then, too.’

Upon reflection, his first impression was far from warm and affectionate.

He was gentlemanly and polite, and he smiled brightly at the reception, but that smile felt more forced than genuine. The reason, she realized, was his eyes. While his mouth smiled, his eyes didn’t.

Rather, his eyes back then, bathed in the glamorous spotlight, resembled those of a predator seeking its prey more than those of a man enjoying a party. That odd sense of discomfort was what she felt now.

Riley thought she should apologize first.

Whatever the situation, it was clear he was angry.

“…Sorry.”

Riley thought about why he might be angry.

And the answer was simple.

Holding another man’s hand when they were engaged wasn’t a good look. He had clearly stated that as his ‘wife,’ she had duties to fulfill.
Maintaining a married life also implicitly meant that one should not have an affair with another person, refrain from pointless physical contact, and avoid situations that could lead to misunderstandings.

Although they had an agreement that if they fell in love with someone else, they would divorce, Gibnen concluded that this didn’t apply as he didn’t love anyone else.

“I should have been more careful given that we’re about to get married; it was my negligence.”

It was an extremely one-dimensional response. Gibnen looked at Riley as if he couldn’t believe it and sighed.

“I’m not apologizing or arguing. Just don’t hold another guy’s hand, and don’t let yourself be caught. It’s not about holding you responsible.”

“I won’t.”

The floating carriage stopped. Gibnen took Riley’s hand and helped her stand.

“Let’s go.”

·

·

·

Ranial Lurph.

It was a rather well-known restaurant here. Gibnen had once had a meeting with the Iron King and finalized a contract here. He had thought the atmosphere and the food were decent enough to bring Riley if the opportunity arose.

Of course, the plan had been to eat somewhere in the academy’s shopping district today, but he had quickly changed the destination, sensing that Riley was uncomfortable.

Gibnen and Riley were guided to a sunny spot.

Despite the rushed reservation, the food was promptly prepared. Freshly cooked dishes were laid out on the table.

“Now tell me.”

“…”

“What am I supposed to worry about that you know and I don’t?”