“I told you—the reason I recommended Sir Spendar was because of his abilities, not because I had any hidden intentions. Please don’t misunderstand.”
“So you don’t like him?”
Why was he being so persistent all of a sudden?
Her brows naturally furrowed.
“I wouldn’t say I don’t like him.”
“What? Then that means you do like him!”
“I just think he’s a good partner for handling the family business.”
She answered carefully to stop the noise, but honestly, it was absurd.
‘I knew this would cause misunderstandings.’
Even so, since when had he started taking such interest in her?
Her head was starting to ache.
Worse still, Kartal—the one who had created this situation—looked oddly relieved.
“Alright, I understand your thoughts. I’ll send word to House Spendar soon.”
Kartal gathered the documents and stood up first.
Serdel also tried to leave, but Reidan blocked her path.
“That guy is absolutely not allowed.”
“Exactly. It’s best not to meet men who are too good-looking!”
Adis even agreed.
‘Did the cake from Montlanche have something in it?’
She was exhausted.
“Could you let me go? I want to rest.”
“…Fine. But I’ll say it again—he’s too handsome to be acceptable.”
“A good-looking face always comes with consequences. Remember that.”
“……”
Watching the two of them glare like hyenas, Serdel clicked her tongue inwardly.
What a ridiculous situation.
* * *
Kartal sent a messenger to House Spendar the very next day and arranged a meeting.
Two days later.
Damon Spendar came to the estate in person.
“It’s been only a few days since we last met, Lady.”
The way he took Serdel’s hand and kissed it was as smooth as flowing water.
Behind him, Siri radiated a sharp killing intent. She probably had another fork hidden in her apron pocket.
Her muttering about needing a larger fork was strangely unsettling.
Regardless,
“It’s good to see you again.”
His bright smile was so dazzling that sunlight seemed to fall directly onto him.
Even the butler and head maid were now half-lidded, staring at him.
Were there forks hidden in their pockets too?
“I’m glad to see you as well. I’ll guide you to my father.”
There were too many watching eyes to respond properly.
Every word felt like it would be misunderstood by the staff.
Whether he knew it or not—
“You seem different today compared to last time, Lady. There’s even a hint of coldness… Do you know?”
“……?”
“And that’s exactly why I can’t look away.”
Is he eating butter by the brick?
Seeing no reason to respond, Serdel simply turned away.
At her indifferent reaction, Siri, the butler, and the head maid all clenched their fists as if approving.
“Interesting.”
A smile crept into Damon’s eyes.
“Truly a very entertaining place.”
Serdel led Damon not to the reception room, but to Kartal’s private office.
As Kartal stood from his desk, Damon greeted him politely.
“It’s been a while, Count.”
“Indeed.”
Kartal looked between Serdel and Damon.
Serdel, in a pale yellow dress with her hair half-tied, looked unusually pure today.
Damon, in a light brown formal uniform, looked sharp and immaculate.
They stood side by side in a way that strangely suited each other.
Kartal’s expression darkened slightly.
“Sit.”
He moved to the tea table and took the seat of honor first.
The moment Damon and Serdel sat down, Kartal skipped all pleasantries and immediately handed over documents.
“Read this.”
Damon’s smile disappeared.
His eyes moved quickly across the pages.
Serdel glanced sideways discreetly.
Additional content had been attached to the original documents.
“Show this to the Marquess.”
Damon paused briefly, then smiled again.
“Yes, understood.”
“As you know, this is a large-scale project. It may grow even further. While you may want to achieve recognition independently, we require a responsible party who can properly share the burden, especially after losing a partner due to an unfortunate incident.”
“Yes, I understand, Count.”
“With Serdel’s recommendation and considering your circumstances, I will ensure your brothers do not interfere unnecessarily.”
If Damon’s half-brothers interfered, the situation could become messy.
So it was better to manage it in advance.
Though it sounded like a favor, it was clearly a warning.
Do not let your internal succession struggle spill into this business.
A clear boundary was being drawn.
“Thank you for your support. I look forward to working with you.”
Despite understanding the meaning, Damon showed no displeasure.
Instead, he expressed gratitude for the support.
In doing so, he subtly placed House Robesta on his side.
Even small words and actions could carry many meanings depending on context.
This was a small political battlefield.
Damon neither yielded to Kartal nor acted arrogantly.
His ability to control the situation smoothly without provoking anyone was impressive.
“Then you may leave.”
The meeting ended there.
Damon bowed slightly with his constant smile, and left with Serdel.
“I was quite nervous, but I’m relieved the Count looked upon me favorably.”
Serdel let out a dry laugh at his comment while walking down the hallway.
‘Nervous, my foot.’
“You seemed quite relaxed.”
“I was only pretending.”
He leaned slightly toward her and whispered near her ear.
A chilling aura immediately rose from behind them.
It was clearly coming from Siri, the butler, and the head maid.
Serdel instinctively stepped aside.
Damon chuckled softly.
He was so strikingly beautiful that she almost lost focus for a moment.
A breeze came through the open window.
Damon turned his gaze outside.
“Meeting you that day—when you accidentally boarded my carriage—was truly fortunate for me.”
‘It was fortunate for me too.’
Even now, she couldn’t believe that coincidence.
“I believe my luck will continue to be very good.”
“Same here.”
Serdel smiled lightly.
“I think my luck will be very good as well.”
Because this was just the beginning.
At her soft voice and unconscious smile, Damon was momentarily stunned.
Sunlight scattered around her like fragments of light.
Her slightly lowered gaze.
Her fingers brushing her hair to one side.
Every small movement seemed to radiate light.
It was strange.
She was undoubtedly beautiful, but she had never seemed aware of it.
There were many dazzling beauties in the capital.
Compared to them, Serdel had always seemed somewhat modest.
And yet, at this moment—
Just as he had jokingly said when entering the estate, he could not look away.
The natural softness revealed when her guarded wall briefly lowered was more beautiful than anything else.
The unspoken breath rolled in his throat.
* * *
After Damon left,
Serdel returned to Kartal’s office carrying what she had prepared.
“Father, I have something to tell you.”
“Speak.”
“I want to participate in the Elbash Forest expedition in two months.”
