Chapter 5

“You!”

“Me?”

“Yes. Who else is here besides you?”

Ian was right. We were the only two in the room, just before falling asleep.

“What?”

“Why are you acting like this lately?”

“Acting like what?”

I widened my eyes, pretending to be clueless. Ian frustratingly ran his hand through his hair. I knew the truth: Ian was displeased with how distant I’d been treating him ever since Angelo left.

‘I can’t help it; I have to keep that damned XX from rising.’

Still, hoping to boost his Temperament, I occasionally offered him precious advice before bed, like telling him to live virtuously and to straighten up his life. Of course, Ian ignored my cherished advice and turned his back on me.

“You’re protesting because I made your friend uncomfortable.”

After only three days of being deliberately distant, Ian had finally addressed the issue, though in a slightly different way. He wasn’t even thinking about Angelo’s existence.

“Isn’t this a good thing, though?”

“What is?”

“Honestly, you were annoyed by me.”

“…I guess I was.”

One of Ian’s flaws was that he was sometimes excessively honest.

“So, I’ll stop annoying you, like now.”

I cut off any further conversation. I turned my back on Ian and pulled the blanket over my head. Perhaps because my action was so resolute, Ian didn’t speak again.

***

A week passed after that.

Perhaps because I hadn’t done anything, no notification window appeared showing that Temperament, Affinity, or XX had increased or decreased. During this time, Angelo occasionally sent letters checking up on me, and Ian and I barely spoke.

Only silence flowed between us. Moreover, I stopped following him to the training grounds in my bid to raise his Temperament.

Perhaps that’s why. Lounging around all day felt physically comfortable, though my heart was strangely uneasy. The one unusual thing was that Ian, despite not speaking to me, still shared all three meals with me. That was all.

After finishing the meal, Ian headed straight to the training grounds as usual. I was rubbing my full belly and about to head to my room when,

“The Master is calling for you.”

The butler stopped me. Normally, he’d at least wear the fake, professional smile typical of service jobs, but this time his expression was blank. It seemed serious enough that I instinctively swallowed.

‘Surely, I’m not heading for a bad ending just for doing nothing?’

Thump, thump. My steps felt heavy as I followed the butler to Duke Bellocchio’s office. Before I could take a deep breath, the office door opened.

“Father-in-law, did you call for me?”

When I entered with a completely fake high-pitched tone, Duke Bellocchio’s gaze focused on me.

“Yes. How is life here?”

“Thanks to your thoughtfulness, I am doing well.”

“I see.”

Duke Bellocchio nodded and remained silent for a while. I tried hard to hide my anxiety and gauge his mood. But because he was expressionless, I couldn’t tell anything.

‘What is going on? Is he really going to kill me again?’

Annoyingly, this game had no save function. That meant if I hit a bad ending here, I’d have to start over from the beginning, just like before. No, perhaps there wouldn’t even be a second restart.

Stupid game. Damned game. I hope Lala goes bankrupt…

“Is Erlian doing well?”

Duke Bellocchio spoke while I was internally cursing the game.

“Yes. He is doing well.”

His question slightly eased my mind. He must just be checking up on Ian’s status. To think he had to ask me if Ian was doing well, even though they live in the same house. He was truly an indifferent father.

The moment I was about to feel relieved, I was taken aback by Duke Bellocchio’s follow-up question.

“I hear he isn’t.”

“Excuse me?”

What is he talking about? Ian just ate perfectly fine with me.

“I hear Erlian hasn’t been focusing on his swordsmanship training lately.”

“Ah, really?”

I didn’t quite believe it. Swordsmanship training was what Ian loved most.

“The swordsmanship instructor reported it to me. He said it’s been going on for over a week now.”

“Ian?”

It was surprising that the instructor had said such a thing, but…

“I was told that Erlian won’t answer when asked for the reason. And I hear you two have been distant lately.”

“That is…”

He already knew. He knew that Ian and I were living like strangers. What could I possibly say here?

‘I can’t get close because the problem stat XX might rise.’

I couldn’t mention such an unrealistic fact.

“I believe I told you to report it if any problem arose with Erlian.”

“…”

“You are not properly performing the role of a daughter-in-law.”

Wow, am I really going to die? I flinched and hunched my shoulders under his icy gaze.

I had to think fast. What should I say to get out of this crisis? I needed to be careful. A wrong word here would mean an immediate bad ending.

‘What excuse should I make?’

While I was confused about what to say, Duke Bellocchio spoke.

“It seems Erlian’s strange behavior started after you became distant.”

“I don’t think that’s the case?”

“Why do you think so?”

“Ian found me annoying, after all.”

“If he found you annoying, he wouldn’t even have conversations with you, let alone share meals.”

Is that so…

When I thought about it, he was clearly annoyed at first, but lately, he had occasionally shown a favorable attitude. Maybe it was because I had diligently raised his Affinity. If not that, then… Something flashed through my mind.

‘Could Ian possibly like me?’

He’s neglecting his beloved swordsmanship training just because I’ve become a bit distant.

Ian’s Affinity status window suddenly came to mind. Although raising his Temperament was difficult, his Affinity was rising easily.

‘Perhaps his Affinity is soaring because he’s in love with me.’

I had always thought Affinity was just a general liking between people, not the emotion of love. After all, he falls in love with the heroine, Ethel, later, doesn’t he? Enjoying a smooth, non-obsessive love with Ethel—that is the condition for the game’s happy ending.

‘This is awkward…’

It seems Ian has definitely fallen for my charm and beautiful Temperament. That must be why he can’t focus properly on his swordsmanship class just because I’ve become slightly distant. This was very troublesome.

“Don’t worry. I will properly set Ian’s discipline straight again.”

A budding sprout must be removed before it flowers. I will let Ian know that we are merely colleagues and should not harbor any other feelings.

“Good. I will help you as well.”

Duke Bellocchio’s stern expression softened a bit, as if he liked my resolute face.

I wasn’t sure what he meant by “helping me,” but I brushed off his comment, offered a brief goodbye, and left the office. I intended to go back to my room and calmly wait for Ian.

“Where are you going?”

“You must go on an outing.”

However, the butler led me toward where the carriage was parked. It was a schedule I hadn’t heard of.

What is happening? The moment I got into the carriage, feeling bewildered,

“…You’re coming too.”

My eyes met Ian’s, who was already sitting opposite me inside the carriage.

“But why are we suddenly going on an outing?”

“…”

Ian didn’t even look at me, let alone answer my question. He just rested his chin on his right hand and stared out the window, seemingly expressing his resentment that I had been ignoring him all this time.

“Ian.”

“…”

“Hey.”

“…”

No matter how hard I called him, he remained silent, emphasizing that he was pouting. Ha, I didn’t intend to make Ian’s heart flutter like this… I hesitated for a moment, then took a big leap and muttered a word I shouldn’t have.

“Honey.”

“What?”

I knew it. I had only uttered two syllables. But Ian, who had been fixing his gaze out the window all along, was startled and looked at me.

He must have been thrilled. He might not be able to sleep tonight. Maybe he was staring out the window because he was too embarrassed to look at me all this time.

“Why are you using that kind of word again?”

“You weren’t responding no matter how many times I called you. Did it make your heart flutter?”

“What are you talking about?”

Now he looked displeased. Look at him acting to hide his unrequited love… I decided to play along and pretend not to notice.

“Anyway, why are we suddenly going on an outing?”

“I don’t know. Father ordered it.”

So that was it. What Duke Bellocchio said about helping me in his office must have been this. Still, shouldn’t he have informed the people involved beforehand? I really am incompatible with Duke Bellocchio.

“I was dragged away from my swordsmanship class. I’m just wasting time right now.”

“Are you sure it’s a waste of time…?”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

He, who couldn’t even focus on his swordsmanship class because he was worried about the me who changed overnight, is now complaining about wasting time in front of me. He must definitely be embarrassed.

***

The carriage drove for a long time and finally arrived at a place that was surprising enough to fluster both Ian and me:

“So we’re having an outing here…”

“Are we sure we’re in the right place?”

It was a Children’s Only Teahouse.

It had a light purple building with a rainbow-colored sign, as if to welcome only child customers, and large sculptures of a rabbit and a puppy were placed next to the entrance.

“Welcome. We’ve been waiting.”

When we opened the door and entered, an employee wearing a buttercup-yellow dress and a white apron politely greeted us. It seemed Duke Bellocchio had rented the entire place, as there was not a single customer inside.

“I’m going crazy, seriously.”

“I’m going home.”

The colorful interior, which would make Ian want to go home, greeted us. On the cute pink table, there was a charming rabbit doll instead of a vase, and the chairs had cushions shaped like dogs and cats. I personally found it quite cute. Enough to think it wouldn’t be bad to visit once.

But…

“I’m leaving first.”

It didn’t seem to suit the taste of thirteen-year-old Ian. I could tell from his hardened expression as he backed away.

“You cannot. It is the Master’s order.”

The world was not easy on Ian. The escort knight blocked the entrance.

“Okay, let’s sit first.”

When I took Ian’s wrist, he sighed as if he had no choice.

‘See? He can’t refuse when I take the lead.’

I pitied Ian’s unrequited love, which could never be fulfilled.

We sat across from each other, separated by the pink table. As if on cue, a plate with milk and bread was placed on the table.

“Wow, this is cute.”

The teahouse was faithful to its concept. The cups of milk had drawings of various animals, such as rabbits and bears, and the bread was also shaped like bears and rabbits.

“The rabbit is too cute, I can’t eat it…”

I muttered, looking down at the golden-brown rabbit bread on the plate. I only intended to look, but the savory smell led me to take a bite out of an ear.

“It’s delicious!”

“You said you couldn’t eat it.”

“The rabbit bread would have wanted this result too.”

I expected sweet cream, but surprisingly, there was no cream inside the rabbit bread. However, the chewy texture made it easy to eat a lot without getting tired of it.

“Ian, you try some too.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Are you perhaps…”

“What?”

I thought I knew the reason for his firm refusal. He must be waiting for me to feed him, just like with the cake last time. Knowing Ian’s feelings made it easy to guess his actions.

“I think you’re just sitting there, hoping I’ll feed you, but I won’t.”

“What are you talking about? Only kids eat this kind of thing.”

“You’re still a kid.”

“If you’re going to be technical, aren’t you a kid too?”

“That’s why I’m eating it. And I’m more mature than you.”

I took a sip of milk, crossed my arms, and looked at Ian. Ian seemed to be looking at me with an expression that said, What nonsense are you spouting? I must be mistaken.

Silence fell when neither of us spoke. In the quiet teahouse, Ian and I sat facing each other without conversation. This was the perfect time for a serious talk.

“Ian.”

“Why?”

“Don’t fall in love with me.”

Ian’s brows furrowed attractively.

“What are you even saying?”

He said, denying reality.

“You’ve been paying so much attention to me lately.”

“…When did I ever?”

I saw it. The moment he hesitated, as if my words hit the mark.

“Just because I neglected you a bit, you couldn’t even focus on your swordsmanship class.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Then why haven’t you been focusing lately?”

“How do you know I’m not focusing? You haven’t been coming to the training grounds lately.”

“So, you were worried because I wasn’t following you to the training grounds.”

Ian shook his head, denying it, but it was too late. He had already clearly shown that he was worried about me, to the extent that he couldn’t concentrate on his classes. That’s why the news reached Duke Bellocchio’s ears.

“The feelings you have for me will just pass.”

“What are you talking about?”

“It might hurt now, but you’ll thank me later.”

“What did you even do?”

“You’ll meet the person you truly love later. Not just a puppy love like this.”

This is inside a game, and I have to reach the happy ending no matter what, so I can’t accept his feelings. The condition for the happy ending is Ian loving Ethel without obsession. Therefore, I must remain just a fleeting, poignant first love. This was a courageous decision for Ian’s sake.

“To sum up what you just said,”

Ian clenched the hand resting on the table into a fist.

“You think I like you?”

“Isn’t that right?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard such a humiliating thing in my life.”

He was the Duke’s sole son, raised without want. Everyone other than his father, Liam, and that terrible former etiquette tutor must have been kind to him. This must be the first time he’s had his feelings rejected, which is why he feels humiliated.

“Why would I like you?”

“You don’t?”

“What part of you would make me feel that way?”

“My face. And my personality.”

Ian neither affirmed nor denied my answer. He just stared intently at me without saying anything.

‘What is it?’

That cold, dark gaze.

Looking into Ian’s eyes, I suddenly realized that he might not have a crush on me after all. It wasn’t the gaze of a male lead in love, which I’d often seen in movies and dramas. There was no deep affection in the eyes fixed on me. In fact, his eyes sparkled more when he looked at his sword.

‘My deduction was wrong.’

I thought I had learned a lot from movies and dramas, even as a single person. I guess I still have a long way to go.

“T-then why! Why did you start being conscious of me not talking to you?!”

Though it was only a brief moment, I felt my face flush with embarrassment for making such a mistake. So, I wrongly blamed Ian. I don’t care, it’s definitely Ian’s fault.

“I can pay that much attention.”

“Then why pay attention? When you don’t even like me.”

“You said it yourself. We’re married, so we’re partners.”

I seemed to recall saying something like that. Back when he was misled by the mean etiquette tutor and misunderstood me as a wicked child. I made an excuse that we should get along well since we were husband and wife, and he must have remembered that.

“I haven’t had a friend before, but…”

Does Ian not realize why he hasn’t been able to make friends?

“Anyway, if there’s a misunderstanding, we should clear it up and get along well. You are my partner and my friend.”

“…”

“That’s what the new etiquette tutor taught me. I was just agonizing over how to resolve this problem. It’s not something I’ve ever experienced.”

So, Ian was feeling anxious because his relationship with his only friend, me, had soured. It wasn’t love at all.

“Is that so? Then I’m relieved.”

I was embarrassed by all my misinterpretations, but I had to hide it. I tried to act cool, raised my milk cup, clinked it against Ian’s on the table, and inwardly cheered:

‘To our friendship, forever!’

***

Two weeks later.

“Thanks for inviting me, Sia.”

Angelo approached with a bright smile that made even onlookers feel good. Of course, he was holding a paper bag in his hands. There were probably delicious financiers inside. Just as I was about to return the greeting while receiving the paper bag,

“The invitation wasn’t from Ellie, it was from me. Did you not hear that?”

Ian beat me to it.

“Ah… Now that you mention it, I think there was something like that in Sia’s letter.”

Angelo scratched the back of his head as he spoke. His flustered expression came as a bonus. It was understandable. Last time Angelo visited, hadn’t Ian been openly hostile? And now he suddenly changed his attitude and invited him to the ducal residence. It was natural to find it puzzling.

“Right. This time, let’s have a proper conversation.”

Ian spun around and headed to the reception room.

“Um… This is a really awkward invitation.”

“Don’t feel too uncomfortable. I think Ian wants to become friends with you too.”

Even when I said that, Angelo still seemed uneasy and couldn’t quite smile. I felt that way at first too, so how much more must he feel? I pulled Angelo’s arm and headed toward the reception room. Ian’s behavior had changed a week ago.

“How about inviting your friend over soon?”

It was after our outing—that is, after we’d been to the children’s tea house that Ian had detested with grinding teeth—a week had passed. Ian made an unexpected suggestion before going to sleep.

Did I hear that wrong? I couldn’t believe it and turned toward Ian. But just then, as if he’d been looking at me too, we ended up lying face to face. Seeing his eyes wide open, it didn’t seem like he was talking nonsense in his sleep.

“Who? Do you mean Angelo?”

“Yeah.”

“Why Angelo all of a sudden?”

“The etiquette teacher said I should.”

“…”

This kid, both last time and now, really listens well to the etiquette teacher. The fortunate thing was that the current etiquette teacher was a normal person. Looking at Ian’s behavior now, it seemed the etiquette teacher was supportive of a harmonious relationship with Angelo.

“But didn’t you feel uncomfortable being with Angelo?”

“I did, but since he’s your friend, I should be able to become friends with him quickly too.”

What is this? While I wasn’t paying attention for a moment, did Ian’s Temperament stat increase by about 20? I was confused because he seemed to have become a child with normal Temperament.

“Besides, it’s not bad to stay on good terms with Marquis Leglorie’s family.”

So it’s just an investment for his future as a duke. Indeed, he hasn’t changed at all. Still, it would be good if Ian had one more friend besides me. I nodded in agreement with Ian’s proposal.

And so the next day. When dawn broke, I sent a letter to Angelo, and he immediately accepted the invitation. I clearly wrote that it was Ian inviting him, but unfortunately, Angelo seemed to think ‘Ian’s invitation’ was just a mistake.

The reception room table was filled with delicious-looking food.

Since it was lunchtime, guest or not, my fork went straight for the meat first. The moment I put a piece of steak in my mouth, happiness spread throughout.

‘How does it melt so smoothly?’

I must be an irredeemable Korean. To be this happy over a delicious meal. But looking around, it seemed I was the only one focused on eating.

“I was honestly surprised. I naturally assumed Sia had invited me.”

“I was the one who suggested it. When I thought about it, Ellie’s friend is my friend too, isn’t it?”

Perhaps because they were born and raised as nobles. The two boys were more focused on conversation than the meal. What was peculiar was that there was one person but two nicknames being used. Neither of them seemed to have any intention of unifying the nickname they called me.

And if there was anything funny,

‘He’s never used that nickname when we’re alone.’

Ian was pretending to be quite close by calling me “Ellie,” a nickname he’d never uttered when we were alone together. It was probably because we had a guest.

“I see.”

“Besides, I heard you’re an heir like me. Even for the future, it would be good to build rapport.”

Hearing what Ian just said, I could be certain his Temperament stat was still low. No matter how I thought about it, it was hard to see this as dialogue from a thirteen-year-old child who wanted to make friends.

“Is that so?”

“And even if we don’t want to see each other, we’ll have to keep meeting at the Academy, so it might be better to just become friends.”

The Academy. Perhaps this is where the real story of this game begins. Ian first met Ethel when he was fifteen, at the Academy.

She was the same age as Ian, but because she was a baron’s illegitimate daughter, she entered late compared to others, and only by luck. Despite being illegitimate, she was confident and never cowered before other nobles. Her swordsmanship was also excellent.

Seeing this, the game’s Ian gradually became obsessed with her. So I need to train Ian well before he meets her so he doesn’t grow up to be a Temperament-ruined bastard.

“That’s right. Starting next year, we’ll be able to meet at the Academy.”

“Probably. Rather than building rapport with weird guys, you’d be better.”

Does this kid really want to be friends? At this rate, Angelo might refuse to be friends. Having eaten enough, I put down my fork.

“Anyway, Angelo has been my friend since childhood, and Ian is my hus…band.”

Ian is my husband. I’d already introduced him that way several times, but perhaps because of the recent misunderstanding, I felt inexplicably uncomfortable.

“As I just said, the three of us will have many opportunities to meet in the future. So I think it would be good if we all got along well.”

When I smiled innocently like a child who knew nothing, Angelo nodded. At least you’re normal, thank goodness.

***

After finishing our meal, we didn’t have much to do, so we took a walk in the garden. Perhaps because Ian hadn’t said anything to get on Angelo’s nerves. We were having a fairly peaceful time.

That’s probably why Angelo, who couldn’t hide his bewilderment right after arriving at the ducal residence, now seemed much more comfortable. Though he still seemed uncomfortable with Ian, as he only talked to me. The content was mainly reminiscing about memories with me. But the content…

“Sia, do you remember? Once I tripped over a stone in your family’s garden, and you laughed so hard at me. I cried because it hurt.”

“…Did I?”

“Back then you said it wasn’t something to cry about and told me to hurry home, but it turned out my arm was broken.”

I was really trash. Elicia’s original self’s temperment was as rock-bottom as Ian’s. It was truly a match made in heaven.

‘Is Angelo a pushover? Why does he stay friends with me?’

It was incomprehensible. Ian, who had been quietly listening to our story, let out a “pfft” and laughed.

“Don’t laugh.”

Feeling embarrassed for no reason, I turned my head with a threatening expression to warn Ian. Up to here was fine. But after that, I got my feet tangled while paying attention to Ian.

“Whoa?”

The moment my body swayed and I was about to fall, Ian grabbed my arm and supported me so I wouldn’t fall.

“Be more careful.”

“Thanks.”

Of course, his tone wasn’t pretty.

[Ian’s Temperament has increased by 1.]

Ah, how long has it been since I’ve seen a Temperament increase notification? Just as the corners of my mouth were creeping up with joy.

“So you didn’t catch him like I just did when he fell, you just laughed?”

At Ian’s gaze looking at me like I was trash, the corners of my mouth drooped again. It wasn’t me. It was the original Elicia who did that. But since I couldn’t tell the truth, I just stayed quiet.

“Still, I’m glad you didn’t get hurt, Sia.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

Isn’t this too opposite from Angelo who only says pretty words? With a spiteful heart, I secretly glared at Ian.

That’s when it happened. Ian stopped abruptly in his place and bluntly said, “I’m tired. Let’s end today’s meeting here.”

And as if telling Angelo to hurry home, Ian even jerked his chin toward the carriage.

“Already?”

“Already? It’s been two hours since he arrived. I don’t want to walk anymore.”

Ian urged with a face full of annoyance. We’d been getting along well until just now, so why did he suddenly change his mind?

I had no choice but to follow Ian’s words. If I didn’t send Angelo away now, he’d obviously pick a fight and cause trouble.

“Right. Children should go home early.”

“Is it because you’re married? Sia, anyone would think you’re an adult.”

Angelo said in a playful tone. He meant it as a joke, but feeling oddly guilty, I quickly pushed Angelo’s back toward where the carriage was waiting, telling him to go.

“Are you trying to push him over this time?”

“That’s not it!”

Why does Ian keep picking on me? No, should I be glad he’s not bothering Angelo, who’s the guest?

We hadn’t even talked much, but we’d already arrived in front of the carriage Angelo would take.

“Sia, I had fun. Let’s meet again next time.”

I waved at Angelo as he got into the carriage. When I glanced to the side, Ian wasn’t even greeting him but just watching Angelo with his arms crossed.

“Why don’t you say goodbye to your friend?”

I forcibly lifted Ian’s arm and waved it. He must not completely hate it though. If it were the usual Ian, he would have shaken it off immediately, but he was obediently waving his arm as I moved it.

Angelo also seemed surprised by this change, staring at Ian’s arm for a while before leaving.

And the next day, as usual, after finishing breakfast, I was watching Ian training in swordsmanship.