IATAOTHKG | CHAPTER 65

[CHAPTER 65]

My heart felt like it dropped at his sudden, unexpected words.

My heart felt like it dropped at his sudden, unexpected words.

In the moment of swirling emotions, Mayna gripped the innocent tablecloth.

Caliph continued in a voice almost devoid of emotion.

The things I said to you. The things I did.

…….

Forget all the memories that were painful and unpleasant.

Mayna thought it was an extremely fitting farewell for him.

Caliph, a young man who became an adult trusting only himself after a lonely and difficult childhood.

Mayna knew that for someone who lives with a precarious self wrapped in armor called pride, such a farewell was closer to a heartfelt apology.

Painful and unpleasant memories.

Yes. That wasn’t wrong.

Each day at Lennox Castle had been unbearably hard, and Caliph’s words and actions had shattered Mayna’s self-esteem.

‘But…’

For all the youth and brilliance poured into that time, to reduce it to just ‘painful and unpleasant’ felt cruel.

She had worked diligently every moment, even giving up normalcy, and still had days she could smile.

Yet Mayna nodded.

Yes. I will.

Instead of artificially saying there were more good memories or that he should take care, she chose to accept Caliph’s farewell as it was.

Potato soup is served.

The young chef assisting Babrad placed two bowls of soup on the table.

Soon after, a salad with seasonal fruits like melon and peach, appetizer bread, and properly roasted vegetables were placed on the table.

Let’s eat.

Caliph lifted his spoon and took a big bite of soup.

Yes.

Mayna nodded and picked up the tongs for her salad plate.

She habitually tried to serve Caliph first, then froze when she realized her action.

‘I don’t need to do this anymore. Pointlessly.’

Even though it was natural, a strange feeling twisted painfully deep inside her chest.

An indescribable emotion surged. Her lips stiffened as she felt it in herself.

Glancing at her plate, Caliph spoke.

You always pile it on even though you know I don’t like greens?

Mayna’s expression instantly relaxed.

His actions and tone were exactly as before.

Thanks to that, she could quickly dispel the sadness that had come without warning.

Feeling lighter, Mayna filled her own plate with salad and replied with a mock stern expression.

You can’t live eating only what you like.

Why eat what you dislike?

Because you’re not a child.

When I was young, I had no money and sometimes didn’t eat at all.

There you go again.

Are you making fun of my scars?

Who said that?

It shows all over your face.

The sound of cutlery clashing was mixed with their unnecessary laughter.

* * *

For the remaining three days, Mayna busily went back and forth between Ocean Agency and Lennox Castle.

The mansion where the princess will stay is still undergoing finishing touches.

You didn’t need to worry so much, thank you, sir.

She discussed plans for her upcoming residence with Banje in detail.

They also worked together to select a new assistant for Caliph to fill Mayna’s role.

The most important news came from Viterion.

Banje spoke with an unusually excited expression.

They said they will sign the contract.

Mayna, realizing the meaning after the subject was omitted, covered her mouth in surprise.

Really?

Banje nodded happily.

They’ll visit in two days, so make sure to be ready.

No more childish paper scraps, we need a proper contract.

Banje rested her chin in her hands, eyes shining.

You are now Prince Parker’s assistant.

Mayna hid her complex feelings and replied.

I will work hard, sir.

There were tasks outside the house too.

Assistant! Why have you been so busy lately?

Ah, haha… Yes, Magia. It’s a bit hectic.

She prepared to say farewell to the members of Lennox Castle in a way that would hurt them the least, avoiding Caliph and Curden, and packed her remaining things discreetly.

Since she had managed Caliph’s daily life personally instead of the maids, she also made a list for Magia of things to hand over just in case.

Meanwhile, Caliph was as busy with packed external schedules as Mayna.

Now that she no longer accompanied him, meeting face-to-face was difficult.

Even though he had acted like a mad dog when she first resigned, Caliph became strangely calm as her departure approached.

During meal times, they joked as usual, and elsewhere, he greeted her with an indifferent glance.

The last night at Lennox Castle had arrived.

Mayna spent dinner preparing to give farewell messages to the castle members.

Each bite felt heavier than ever.

Her heart was unbearably heavy, and even imagining it made her nose sting, but it had to be done.

Mayna.

Caliph called her as she was about to leave, half-eating.

Yes. Speak.

Have you packed everything?

Caliph leaned back leisurely, swirling his wine glass as he asked.

Yes. I just want to double-check that I didn’t forget anything.

Good.

Caliph nodded without expression and added.

It’ll be a hassle if you leave something behind, so make sure you’re thorough.

I will. Thank you for looking out.

You’re leaving tomorrow morning, right?

Yes.

I have an early schedule tomorrow, so I won’t see you off.

……Yes.

Their eyes met in midair.

Caliph’s hand holding the wine glass slowed.

He stood with the glass in hand.

Mayna froze like a prey animal confronted by a predator.

Why…….

She couldn’t even form a proper sentence to ask why and trailed off.

Seeing her tense, backing away face, Caliph relaxed the tension with a mischievous smile.

Who’s going to eat you?

…….

He intended to ease her fear, but it wasn’t properly conveyed.

Mayna watched Caliph warily, like a cat with its fur raised.

His blue eyes, slightly intoxicated, and the subtle way his gaze swept over her body.

The sinister aura emanating from him.

Combined with his provocative question, Mayna felt every part of him was a bold, hidden suggestion.

It made sense, since the incident had happened right here in the kitchen.

The time when intoxicated Caliph had pressed his lips to hers.

Don’t do that.

Mayna said, face drained of color, her voice almost a plea.

Caliph stopped approaching, frowning.

What are you thinking?

He spoke as if scolding, but in truth, he was recalling the same scene.

The kiss from that day.

Not love, only boiling anger, betrayal, and desperation at possibly being abandoned drove that reckless act.