“Ugh, Master. Shall we go together? Huh? You’re always so busy, we’ve never even been to a cafe together.”

“Why would I go there? There’s plenty to eat at home.”

“You really don’t understand a woman’s heart. Eating outdoors while chatting with people is different.”

“…Alright, Leo. Even if it’s just for a moment, let’s talk for a bit before we go.”

Whether Cordelia’s whining worked or Lydia’s suggestion was effective, Leonard went to the cafe with them, albeit showing clear signs of displeasure.

As their plan succeeded, Cordelia quietly exchanged glances with Lydia.

Of course, none of this was a coincidence.

Cordelia couldn’t ignore Lydia’s desperate plea. She deliberately called Lydia here to help with her love.

The three were guided to the most secluded spot with the best view in the cafe.

“Leo, you don’t really like sweet things, so we won’t order dessert for you.”

“Master doesn’t like sweets? Why?”

“That’s just how I feel.”

“I’ve thought this before, but Master, you’re really picky with food. Do you know how many times I had to bow my head to the castle’s chef when I was in charge of your meals?”

“You even bowed your head to the chef?”

“Tch, and whose fault is that!”

As Leonard openly mocked her, Cordelia glared at him, fuming. She couldn’t count how many times she had to throw away perfectly good food and make it again just to suit Leonard’s taste.

And yet, not only did he not appreciate her efforts, he dared to laugh at her!

“Did that happen?”

“Ah, it was nothing. By the way, Lydia, how have you been lately?”

Belatedly realizing that Lydia was being left out of the conversation, Cordelia hurriedly addressed her. Lydia smiled as beautifully as a hydrangea and said,

“My days are always similar. I read books or play the piano during the day, and attend balls at night. These days, Cordelia’s name comes up without fail at every social gathering I attend.”

“What? My name?”

“Yes. Everyone is very curious because despite sending so many invitations, there hasn’t been a single response.”

“Invitations? Who sent me invitations? I’ve never received anything like that.”

Cordelia naturally turned to look at Leonard. For once, Leonard avoided her gaze.

“Do you know anything about this?”

“Well, I don’t know anything about it.”

He tried to play innocent, but anyone could see it was suspicious. If there were people who sent invitations but the recipient never received them, it meant someone had interfered in between. Cordelia narrowed her eyes and glared at him.

“Cordelia.”

“Yes?”

“Isn’t the weather really nice today?”

“You’re right. The breeze is cool and the weather is… Oh!”

Cordelia agreed with Lydia’s words without much thought, then realized it was a code to leave them alone. She abruptly stood up.

“Um, I’ll be right back.”

“What? Where are you going?”

“Just over there. I want to… um, look around a bit.”

“Your leg hasn’t fully healed yet. If you’re going, I’ll go with you.”

“No! Master, please stay here. I’ll be back really soon, I promise.”

Cordelia firmly pushed Leonard’s shoulders down to keep him seated, then quickly left the cafe. Leonard’s gaze didn’t leave Cordelia’s back.

Lydia, looking at his empty cup, said,

“You’ve finished your tea. Shall I order another?”

“…”

“The sun is really nice today. I never thought I’d be able to sit and have tea with you like this again. I’m so glad you returned safely, Leo.”

“If you have something to say, say it. Seeing as you’ve even chased away my injured disciple, it must be quite important.”

“Chased away? That’s a misunderstanding.”

Lydia denied it with a gentle smile. Leonard looked into Lydia’s eyes for the first time. His purple eyes held no emotion.

“She might be just one of many friends to you, but for my disciple who came up from the countryside, you seem to be her only friend. That’s why I’m tolerating you using Cordelia to set up this meeting. Lydia Elfenbaum.”

“Cordelia is a precious friend to me too.”

“Precious? Ha, right. Let’s say that’s true. I don’t want to waste any more time with you, so just say what you have to say.”

“…Can’t you be a little kinder to me? We’ve known each other for over ten years.”

“Hahaha.”

Leonard laughed loudly, then suddenly stopped. His face was a mix of irritation, annoyance, and subtle contempt.

“Now you’re making ridiculous demands. Let’s get up.”

“Leo. Wait, just a moment.”

Lydia urgently grabbed his sleeve. Leonard harshly brushed her hand away.

“Don’t be a nuisance. The reason I’ve kept you close all this time is because you didn’t presumptuously try to cross the line.”

“What about Cordelia?”

“What?”

“Why can’t I, who’ve known you for over ten years, cross that line, while Cordelia, who’s only known you for less than a year, can enter your inner circle?”

“Cordelia is my disciple. She’s different from you.”

She wanted to ask if that was really how one looked at a disciple, but she was afraid that if she said this, Leonard might become aware of his own feelings.

At the same time, she was intensely jealous of Cordelia. Once she admitted it, that feeling grew stronger, burning like fire on dry grass.

Everything about Cordelia bothered her – how she could casually cling to Leonard’s arm, speak to him familiarly, and even stay in the same mansion.

“I wish you had remained alone.”

“What?”

“If there had been no one around you, I would have been satisfied with the current state. Maybe I could have been content being just your friend for life, even after marrying another man and having children.”

“I guess that position is no longer satisfying?”

“You broke your promise to never take a disciple and accepted Cordelia. Would marriage be any different? I’m so afraid of that.”

Leonard didn’t answer. It was closer to him thinking the answer wasn’t worth giving. He looked visibly bored with this conversation.

Lydia gazed at Leonard for a long time.

There was a time when she thought he was her destiny. She had imagined getting married under blessings, having children, and if lucky, perhaps even falling in love.

“Let’s get married. I’ll adjust everything to suit you. If I marry, my father said he’d give the diamond mining rights in Rotz as part of my dowry. I won’t ask for love. I won’t say anything even if you don’t come home after marriage, or if you have a mistress.”

“How very merciful of you. No need for love, it’s fine if I’m not home, you’d even allow a mistress? Then what do you gain from this marriage?”

“The position of your wife. The legal right to be by your side for life. That’s enough for me.”

Lydia’s blue eyes didn’t waver at all. If she couldn’t have love, she wanted at least the position of wife, even if it was just an empty title.

“I’m sorry, but my answer remains the same. To be honest, I’m tired of even refusing. How many more times do I have to say no before you accept it?”

“Just think of it as a political decision. You need an heir anyway, don’t you?”

“I don’t understand why you’re concerned about the Atilei heir.”

“Then do you plan to end the Atilei line with your generation?”

“That’s also none of your concern.”

Leonard stopped mid-sentence, his attention drawn to Cordelia sitting on a bench in front of the cafe. Cordelia was looking around curiously, observing the passersby.

Lydia realized where his eyes were directed and bit her lip hard. Leonard stood up.

“It seems we’ve said all there is to say, so I’ll be going now. And.”

“…And?”

“Don’t use Cordelia’s feelings too. She seems to genuinely consider you a friend.”

“Cordelia again, even at the end.”

Finally, a tear fell from Lydia’s eyes, which she had been desperately holding back. She looked up at him, barely managing to steady her trembling voice.

“If I had talent in magic like her, would you have looked at me?”

“Well, I might have shown some interest at least.”

With those final words, Leonard left the cafe, leaving Lydia behind. Lydia composed herself, wiping away her tears. She reached out and fiddled with the teacup he had finished.

If only I hadn’t given up on magic and continued learning, if I had brilliant talent like Cordelia…

These meaningless hypotheticals turned into a base sense of inferiority towards Cordelia, gnawing at Lydia’s heart.

She couldn’t leave that spot for a long time.

* * *

“Are you showing off that you’re from the countryside? What are you looking around at so intently?”

“Ah, Master. When did you come? Where’s Lydia?”

“She said she had to leave early because she was busy.”

He lied without batting an eye. Cordelia believed her master’s words without any suspicion.

“Is that so? She must have had some urgent business.”

“We’ve accomplished our purpose for coming here, so let’s go home.”

“Alright. I’ve checked where the carriage can come, and there are many people passing by, so we can stage a carriage accident here.”

“What are you talking about? Wasn’t the goal to leave me and Lydia alone?”

“Ah, no, that’s not… I don’t know what you’re talking about, Master.”

“Hmph.”

Cordelia stammered in confusion. Leonard snorted and naturally placed her hand on his arm.

As they called a hired carriage to return to the Atilei townhouse, Cordelia glanced at him cautiously before carefully speaking.

“Did you know?”

“How could I not when you were so awkward?”

“I just thought, you know, it would be nice for you two to spend some time alone together.”

“Alone? I’m not going to marry Lydia Elfenbaum, so stop with this useless meddling.”

“Huh? You’re not going to marry her?”