Chapter 22

Food and beverages came out quickly thanks to Aron ordering a simple brunch upon entering.

Three sandwiches with ham and cheese in a soft bun, and three glasses of juice.

The food matched Citrina’s palette.

“Don’t worry about the cost. You can put the name of the family on it. Anyway, the situation inside the duke’s house right now is unknown, so it’ll be fine!”

Aron openly said what was in his mind and Desian did not stop him.

Is it really okay with that kind of reasoning? She was drinking her juice when she thought of this.

“By the way, Citrina, although we’re family, I’m very sad.” Aron spoke.

“Eh?”

‘What does he mean by that?.’

She just smiled and looked at him while hiding the ominous feeling she has.

“Citrina, why do you use honorifics when you speak to me?” (T/n note: All this time, Citrina speaks formally to both of them and called Desian and Aron young master Aron and young master Desian, basically. It can’t really be translated properly to english.)

“Uh… Because I have to?”

“Why do you speak formally to brother?”

At Aron’s unassuming remarks, Citrina explained cautiously, “Because I am a Baron’s daughter and also an employee of the Duke. Of course I should use honorifics.”

… The sudden mention of the difference in status made her sad.

When she was asked the question, she didn’t know what to say, and also the fact that she was an employee of them.

She really wanted to become a craftsman quickly so she could ask the Empire for a noble title for herself.

‘ And I can’t believe he’s able to stab people without malice.’

It makes me a malicious person look pathetic.

“I’ve never thought of you as an employee. Can’t we just speak with each other more comfortably?” Aron pouted, clearly acting cute.

“Um….”

Aron treats her like a family, and this family was also her employer.

But it’ll be hard if she gets too close. Speaking informally is a sign of getting deeper in their relationship.

Still… Her heart can’t help but soften.

Citrina subtly checked Desian’s reaction on the side. He was only looking at her without saying anything.

In fact, she was also curious of why Desian talks formally to her even though he was completely ignorant on why he does.

“You and my brother are really close! You both also like each other.”

‘Wait a minute. The choice of words is a bit ambiguous.’

Aron doesn’t know love yet. In fact, the only ones who know the feeling of love here is her alone.

‘He must still be in the stage of getting to know what like is, so let’s fit it in roughly.’

Citrina nodded in hesitation.

“Yes. I’d like that, of course.”

Desian, who was looking at Aron and Citrina, to be more precise, watching Citrina’s actions, opened his mouth, “If you’d like that, then what do we have to do?”

“That’s right, brother!”/”Brother is right!”

“Well, will you be able to protect me, be nice and friendly?”

Desian, who was leaning back with a drowsy face, leaned closer towards Citrina.

“If we do that, would you, Citrina?”

Desian’s tone was ultimately sweet. Rather, it was gentle. As if he was on a leash.

She was relieved.

It seems like this way can prevent him from becoming a villain to some extent. It gives her stress just thinking that she has short days ahead of her.

“That’s right. Would you?”

At his words, Citrina nodded in partial happiness.

Her words shortened. Still, her neck wasn’t cut off. It was a tremendous feat.

“Okay. Then, we’ll do it.” Desian’s eyes sparkled.

Citrina Foluin changed his way of thinking as the supposed laws that Tuloji engraved in his mind are disappearing one by one. And everytime he hears her speak, he feels more alive.

After Desian’s words, Aron grabbed her attention.

“That’s right. Citrina! What do you want to do when you get older?”

“I want to make pretty jewelries with gems.”

“Jewelry?” Desian asked in a low voice.

“Yes. Dwarves and spirits live in other empires where one can learn about gems and craftsmanship… I’ll definitely succeed.”

She found what she wanted to do for the first time in her life. It was only natural that her eyes were shining and her breathing was rough.

Desian watched calmly as Citrina’s face turned vibrant. He liked it most when he sees Citrina like this.

He obviously likes Citrina Foluin. He liked her more than he thought. Although he wasn’t clear what the higher level of liking was.

“Well, you know.”

Citrina coughed briefly, then changed the subject. In her opinion, this was not a good topic for them, whose feet are still tied to the duke’s house. It was what she felt.

Besides, it’s a little awkward to talk about herself.

“Is summer all over now? Around this time, the Imperial Palace will be having a summer ball, at the Lection Pavilion.”

“Summer Ball?”

“Yes. Wouldn’t it be amazing?”

“Do you want to go?”

“Yes. It’s romantic.”

‘I also want to have a noble title high enough to be officially invited to the summer ball.’

There was no need to display her love for money, so she only responded moderately.

The Imperial Palace’s summer ball hosted in the Lection Pavilion was beautiful. There will be many customers who would want to buy jewelry.

“You’ll definitely be able to go.”

Desian smiled casually. As if she could really go.

“Thank you, Desian.” Citrina nodded, but didn’t take his words seriously.

“Do you like dancing?”

“To some extent. How about you, Desian?”

“I’m interested, now.”

Curiosity and interest are good signs. He will be able to escape from the disease called boredom that will consume his life.

“Do you want me to show you how to dance?”

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