INWY~45

Chapter 45

After a short standoff, it was Riena who finally raised her hand first.

“Then… I’ll see you later, Your Highness.”

She paused for a moment before continuing, her tone awkward.

“…The other day, Sharon said that if I ever had an appointment, she’d finish up for me. It’s a little early now, so… just wait two hours, please.”

It was when Sharon had left early for her parents’ wedding anniversary.

‘Rena! I’m really sorry! Next time you have plans, just tell me, okay?’

Riena remembered her saying that clearly. Back then, she hadn’t thought she’d ever have an “appointment” worth leaving for, so she’d just brushed it off.

But now she did. And so, feeling embarrassed for no reason, Riena fiddled with the hem of her skirt.

“Fine.”

At last, the sulky ten-year-old boy seemed to relent. Riena seized the chance before he could change his mind.

“See you later, Your Highness.”

Facing the lightened golden eyes of midday, she gave him a gentle smile.

***

“Building the resort will ruin our hometown! How can you not see that?”

A furious shout shook the inside of the meeting hall.

“But Mr. Miles, this was all decided already. Everyone agreed beforehand, and even at the start of construction, the council gave consent.”

“What, and the newly elected council doesn’t count? We all know three years isn’t a short time!”

“Well, yes, but… how are we supposed to overturn what’s already been set in stone?”

One of the council members shook his head firmly.

“You need the consent of the current Florian council. At least, if you want to do business here.”

“So you’re saying we need to seek approval again? When the resort’s already built and about to open?”

“That’s their problem. Think, all of you! Think about how noisy and filthy this clean ocean and peaceful town will become once nobles from the capital come flooding in! They care nothing for nature, not a single bit!”

Miles slammed his fist against the table with a bang, his anger spilling over.

“We cannot let ourselves be toyed with by those self-indulgent aristocrats!”

Grinding his teeth, Miles knew too well what was at stake. If they let this slide simply because the grand opening was near, the future of his hometown would be as clear as day—and it wouldn’t be a good one.

“Please, Mr. Miles, calm down—”

“Calm down? How can I? Nobles only care about lining their own pockets!”

His words grew harsher, making the other council members fidget nervously in their seats.

“Fine then. On what grounds do you propose we oppose this?”

“By submitting a declaration signed by residents who oppose the resort’s opening.”

His bold suggestion sent a ripple of unease through the hall. A declaration? Even if people did oppose it, it would spell trouble.

Whoever had funded such a resort had to be a powerful noble—or worse, a tycoon. Once the resort opened, that person would wield immense influence over Florian. Anyone whose name appeared on such a declaration would be openly declaring enmity.

“Don’t forget—when approval was first sought, there were already plenty of residents against it. It only passed because the council fell just short of a majority.”

“But… how do you know the resort will ruin our town when it hasn’t even opened yet? It could bring prosperity.”

“Don’t be naive! And if you’re wrong? What happens when Florian is destroyed? Who will take responsibility for the next three years?”

Miles shot to his feet, voice booming, and pulled out a sheet of paper he had prepared in advance. Without hesitation, he scrawled his name at the top.

“I’ve signed my name here! Those who oppose, sign and walk out!”

The council hall went still. The meaning behind his words was crystal clear.

Side with the tycoon, support the resort, and risk becoming an enemy of your hometown and its council head.

Or… stand against the resort, protect the town, and risk retaliation from a powerful man who could crush Florian under his heel.

It was no easy choice. Silence pressed down on the hall like a weight.

“I agree with Mr. Miles.”

A voice broke through. A man stood, signed, and declared firmly, “If not us, who will protect our hometown? Shall we entrust it to the young who leave for the capital chasing empty dreams? They’d only welcome the resort. So it must be us who oppose it.”

Once the first dam breaks, the water rushes out.

One by one, more members stood.

“He’s right! I agree!”

“I’ve been against this from the start. Only spoke differently because of the old chair and the mayor’s stubbornness…”

A slow smile curled Miles’ lips. All those private talks with council members hadn’t been in vain.

“Yes. We will protect our home.”

Now, only one thing remained: persuading the townspeople.

***

“Your Highness.”

The soft, velvety call brushed against his ear, and Dante turned his gaze. She was walking toward him now with calm, measured steps—so different from the flustered girl earlier.

“You’ve become a lady already. Just before, you were like a mischievous little girl.”

He chuckled, and Riena narrowed her eyes, glaring at him without malice. His casual remarks carried just enough edge to sting.

“Do you really enjoy teasing me so much?”

“Quite a bit.”

“Then perhaps you’ll be watching the sea alone.”

Even her retort, light and petulant as it was, sounded tender.

Dante’s laughter slipped free, low and soft. He opened the passenger door for her again.

“You won’t slam it shut this time, will you, Riena?”

She hesitated. He gazed down at her lazily, then pressed the point.

“I’ve been waiting long enough.”

The gentle lilt in his voice made her ears grow hot. Feigning calm, Riena lifted her chin and slipped into the passenger seat.

Carefully, Dante closed the door so it wouldn’t startle her, then circled around to the driver’s side.

Click.

The sound of the doors shutting sealed the air tight, shrinking the space around them. Startled, Riena drew a sharp breath.

It hadn’t looked so small from the outside. Now, in the close, silent interior, her heart pounded violently.

Thump, thump.

It thundered in her ears like a storm. She bit her lip. It’s only because it’s quiet in here, she told herself desperately.

Just then, her eyes locked with a pair of golden irises—unyielding, pulling her in.

Dante was the one who broke the gaze first, turning his head without a flicker of expression. Smoothly, he pressed down on the pedal.

“Riena.”

His voice came after some time had passed, just as she was pressing her hand hard against her chest to steady her racing heart. She jumped, her shoulders trembling.

“Y-yes?”

“Look outside.”

Outside?

She turned her head as if under a spell—then gasped.

“Wow…”

The car sped along the cliffside road, the ocean unfurling beneath them in a breathtaking sweep. The sea shimmered in hues of crimson and gold, bathed in the falling sunset.

It was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. Even blinking felt like a waste.

“Well? Pretty, isn’t it?”

“So, so pretty. Truly, it’s too beautiful…”

She murmured, entranced, repeating the same word over and over as though nothing else existed in her vocabulary.

Dante slowed the car slightly, his gaze sliding toward her.

Her head leaned out the window now, drinking in the view, her hair tousled by the sea breeze. Sweet traces of her scent mingled with the salty wind—floral, fruity, like honey.

And then—she turned, her face lit with joy, and looked right at him.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Don’t you think so too?”

Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks glowed, her lips curved with laughter.

All of it directed only at him.

“…Yes. Beautiful.”

Dante’s lazy smile curled, his voice a low murmur. He drank her in, piece by piece, as though she herself was the sunset before him.