Seeing Marquis Retan up close, I understood why Levina fled. If I had to stand beside such a terrifying man, I’d want to run too.
His eyes flicked sideways. Though his body was still, his gaze hunted for Levina.
“If you keep chasing her like that, she’ll only run farther.”
His eyes froze, unleashing a suffocating wave of menace.
Am I gambling here?
“If you harm me, she’ll hate you even more.”
“…!”
The killing intent radiating from him faltered. He was clearly smitten with her. I drove the point home.
“I’m her closest friend, after all.”
I forced a convincing smile. The piercing hostility stopped. His eyes scanned me up and down, assessing.
This is tricky…
Levina was no match for him. Marquis Retan was a predator; Levina, prey. It was instinct for her to flee. Instincts don’t change easily. I wanted to persuade him to let her go, but his gaze told me he wouldn’t.
Then there’s only one option.
“I’ll help you make sure she doesn’t run.”
“…!”
His eyebrows shot up. Though his face barely changed, his surprise was palpable.
Living with Father’s stone face has given me a knack for reading these types.
“…What do you want?”
His voice was startlingly hoarse.
His immediate response shocked me more. I’d thrown out the offer halfheartedly, not expecting him to bite. His desire for Levina was stronger than I’d imagined.
No wonder he’d do something as mad as abducting a noblewoman tied to the imperial family.
“Nothing.”
“Why?”
He asked slowly, clearly unused to conversation. Despite the disadvantage, I wasn’t backing down.
“I just want my friend to be happy. If you can make her happy, that’s enough.”
“…”
“If you’re worried about loss, there’s none for you.”
He fell silent, seemingly conflicted.
“Or are you planning to kidnap her when she runs?”
“…!”
His eyebrows twitched again, a flicker of dismay in his eyes. He’d clearly considered it. His straightforward approach almost made me sigh.
“She’d never forgive you.”
His body flinched, his clothes straining over tensed muscles as he imagined the scenario.
“What should I do?”
“First, stop chasing her blindly.”
A spark of hostility flared again, but it wasn’t as intimidating as before.
“Women run faster when chased. Do you want to spend your life pursuing her?”
He looked at me as if that was no issue.
He was planning to chase her forever.
I needed to reassess him. His mindset was far from ordinary.
“Do you want to see her cry and scream every time she sees you?”
His brow furrowed. That clearly didn’t appeal to him. Finding a way to sway him, I sighed in relief.
“Don’t you want to see Levina smile?”
His sharp aura softened instantly. A faint flush colored his stern face, as if he were picturing it.
“Her name… is Levina?”
He didn’t even know her name…
I barely kept my smile from faltering. The road ahead felt daunting.
Did I bite off more than I can chew?
Regret crept in, but it was too late. If I could make him an ally, though, few would be more valuable.
“Levina Izzle Asteia. That’s her name.”
His lips moved silently, committing it to memory.
“I’ll help her come to like you.”
His guarded eyes widened, a satisfying reaction.
Even with my support, he’d struggle to win her over. His intimidating appearance made it unlikely she’d warm to him easily.
At least his face isn’t bad.
Aside from his sharp eyes and the scar slashing across his face, Marquis Retan was handsome enough.
If only he didn’t glare like he’s about to pounce.
It was a pity, but if his looks couldn’t change, his behavior could.
“Promise me one thing.”
“…”
“Do exactly as I say.”
His eyebrows shot up again. He seemed confused, so I elaborated.
“Levina’s ideal type is a kind, gentle man. Frankly, you don’t come across as kind—more like the type she fears.”
Displeasure radiated from him, but no hostility. Just a bit more, and he’d be convinced.
“Follow my guidance, and Levina will come to like you.”
A gruff man’s tender care would strike Levina’s romantic sensibilities. If she felt uniquely special, she’d likely fall for him.
“Will you do as I say?”
He nodded slowly, agreeing.
“Stay in the capital for a while. I’ll arrange opportunities for you to meet her.”
He nodded again. Once our talk ended, he left without hesitation.
As he vanished from sight, my legs buckled. I steadied myself against the wall, realizing how tense I’d been.
I need a break.
I headed for the balcony where Levina and Retan had been, hoping to rest.
“…!”
As I reached for the curtain, someone grabbed my wrist. Startled, I couldn’t even scream.
“You’re not cheating on me, are you?”
“Sys!”
A familiar embrace enveloped me, the cool, sweet scent of spearmint filling my senses.
“You scared me!”
He crossed his arms behind my waist, trapping me in his hold.
“Why?”
“You really don’t know?”
“Caught cheating?”
“…!”
His absurd question left me speechless. He tilted his head with a mischievous grin.
“What were you talking about with Marquis Retan?”
His smile was bright, but his eyes were sharp.
“Jealous?”
“Of course. Every man near you is my enemy.”
His bold whining drew a faint smile from me. I reached out, hugging him back.
“Marquis Retan is charming, but not my type.”
“He’s charming?”
He glared, clearly displeased. His growing possessiveness didn’t bother me—proof I was just as smitten.
“Yes, quite charming.”
“Not more than me, right?”
His mock anger warned that he wouldn’t let it slide if I said otherwise. I looked up, grinning.
“Of course not. You’re the most charming in my eyes.”
“Having fun teasing me, huh?”
