Episode 54
“…Thank you.”
“Ah.”
After a moment, Luisa reached for the hat. But Raphael suddenly pulled his hand back.
“…?”
Just as Luisa looked up at him in confusion, an unexpected comment slipped out of him.
“I’ll put it on for you.”
“Pardon?”
“You can’t see, can you?”
“It’s fine. I can just…”
“I’d like to do it.”
“If you put it on…”
“Is that not allowed?”
“…Go ahead.”
Why was he looking at her like that? Luisa quickly averted her eyes from his intense gaze. She caught a glimpse of the corners of his lips turning up, but pretended not to notice and looked the other way entirely.
Soon, the hat gently settled on her head.
She wished he’d just placed it quickly and left, but he didn’t seem to have that in mind. He carefully adjusted the hat’s position and even tucked her hair behind her left ear.
Though their skin didn’t touch, his movements were oddly ticklish—maybe because he treated her like something precious.
‘No, we’re not even close like that! How did this mood even happen?’
Luisa decided she couldn’t let this go on any longer. For a moment, she had stayed still like she was possessed, but this sort of development was definitely not good. What if he started getting attached? Luisa leaned back slightly.
“I think it’s fine now. I’ll just go—Ah!”
“Luisa.”
Suddenly, she was shoved from behind and let out a yelp. Raphael quickly caught her in his arms, and in the process, her hand landed against his chest.
“Ow… I’m sorry, huh? Commander?”
And then—an oddly familiar voice rang out. Luisa stiffly turned her head toward the sound, like a mechanical doll.
The moment she saw the cotton-candy-like sky-blue hair, she sighed internally.
‘Of all people, it had to be the heroine. And right at this timing, too.’
She wondered if she’d accidentally stumbled into an event that was supposed to happen today. Normally, Raphael would be falling for Bella right about now, so it was actually a good thing they met.
But that should have happened without her in the picture. If she got caught between them, she’d be branded a villainess or worse. She wanted no part in a ridiculous love triangle like this.
“Saint.”
Raphael called out to Bella with a voice colder than ice, frost practically dripping from it.
‘Doesn’t look like he’s falling for her at all… Wait, did they start out disliking each other?’
Luisa narrowed her eyes, almost in denial of the reality in front of her.
She quietly observed Raphael and Bella. Despite being startled, Bella broke into a cheerful smile—that characteristic brightness of a female lead shining through.
“Commander! Fancy seeing you here. I was actually in a bit of a pinch.”
“What are you doing here?”
“Pardon?”
“I asked why you’re here instead of at the temple.”
He was a wall of ice. No—more like a steel wall. The air grew tense, and Bella’s smile faltered.
‘…Well, they’ll figure it out. I give up.’
Luisa chose silence over reaction to this awkward situation.
She slowly pulled her hand away from Raphael’s chest and awkwardly moved her body out from between the two of them.
‘I knew I shouldn’t have come out. I’m going to burst before I see any fireworks.’
She especially wanted to avoid getting involved with Bella, and yet here they were—face to face. It was already exhausting.
‘I should slip away and let them talk—ugh. Damn it. Why is she looking at me…?’
Luisa briefly considered turning her head and pretending she didn’t notice.
But before she could react, Bella—glancing nervously between her and Raphael—suddenly opened her mouth.
“Um… we’ve met before, haven’t we?”
“…Yes, at the appointment ceremony.”
The reluctant greeting slipped out. Luisa forced a faint smile, trying to hide her irritation.
Despite her effort, the smile was blatantly hollow—but Bella didn’t seem to mind. She actually appeared more interested in something else.
“It’s nice to see you again! Um… did the two of you come out together?”
She said it with bright innocence. Her casual tone would have made most nobles frown, but Luisa found it easier to deal with and simply nodded.
‘She’s not being formal, so I don’t need to be either. I doubt she knows we’re engaged.’
Unless Raphael brought it up first, there was no need to mention it. Luisa looked at Raphael, wondering how he’d respond to this sunny saint.
“That’s none of your concern, Saint.”
Yup, she’s going to cry.
His coldness toward Bella mirrored how he once treated Luisa. He hadn’t acted this rigid in a while, so it felt a bit strange.
Luisa abandoned the idea of giving the two some time alone.
If they were destined, they’d come together on their own. She had no intention of playing matchmaker for someone being so cold and dismissive.
“And I haven’t heard your answer yet. Why are you here?”
“Well…”
“Don’t tell me you snuck out?”
Bella lowered her head, looking dejected. Her clear green eyes clouded with gloom.
“I just wanted to see the festival…”
“And you came alone?”
“Everyone kept telling me I couldn’t. I know it was wrong, but the temple is so stifling.”
If she’d grown up in a remote village, she’d be naturally curious about the capital. Still, that didn’t justify her impulsiveness—especially as the newly appointed Saint.
Luisa thought it would be best for her to go back and request official permission with a proper escort. She expected Bella to say the same.
“But… since I ran into you, Commander, it should be okay, right?”
Well, that was unexpected. Bella’s optimism might be beyond imagination.
She peeked up and smiled innocently, her eyes sparkling. Raphael, perhaps at a loss for words, visibly tensed his jaw.
“Can I come with you?”
She asked like a child seeking permission, then beamed. Maybe she took his silence as a yes, as her expression eased.
Luisa mentally added “clueless” to her list of Bella’s traits and waited to see how Raphael would respond.
“Return to the temple.”
“…Pardon? Right now?”
“If you must go out, seek approval from the high priest and bring a proper escort.”
“But… you’re here, Raphael. Can’t you just say something for me?”
Bella reached out to him pleadingly, like a puppy whining—but then—
“No. And as I’ve said before, I never gave you permission to use my name.”
“Oh…”
“This is your final warning.”
“…I’m sorry.”
Raphael turned his head away, not bothering to hide his annoyance. But when his eyes met Luisa’s, his expression softened.
“My apologies. You must be tired from standing.”
“It’s fine. Go ahead.”
“Would you mind waiting inside that shop for a moment? I’ll summon the knights patrolling nearby to escort the Saint back to the temple.”
“Escort her?”
“Yes. They’ll take her back to the temple on my behalf.”
He’s not taking her himself?
Luisa blinked in surprise. Bella seemed equally stunned, but then moved closer to Luisa as if realizing her situation.
“Um… my legs hurt!”
“…Excuse me?”
“While you’re gone, can’t I stay with her? I need to rest…”
Raphael’s brows knit together. His expression clearly said, “Unbelievable.”
“It’s just for a bit… And isn’t it better than me being alone in a shop?”
Not at all. Being alone would be much better.
Luisa debated whether to shut this down herself—but to her surprise, Raphael hesitated.
“…Would you be all right with that?”
After a brief pause, he reluctantly asked Luisa. His words were careful, but his face screamed, “This is a hassle.”
“It’s fine. Go ahead.”
Luisa gave in. As annoying as it was, it seemed best to keep Bella close until Raphael returned—better that than risking the heroine falling out of favor.
Whether they ended up together or not didn’t matter much to her—unless Raphael didn’t fall for Bella. Then their engagement would remain uncertain, and that could mess up Luisa’s future.
‘Damn it… the world just won’t leave me alone.’
Luisa smiled, resigned to her fate.
The shop was a high-end tea salon. It offered a variety of teas and light desserts, but it was more of a private social lounge for nobles than a typical café.
They passed through an arched corridor decorated with gold-trimmed windows and a massive chandelier, arriving at a private room.
“What would you like to drink?”
“Ah… I’m not really sure…”
Bella, clearly fascinated by the place, blushed slightly as she glanced around in awe and answered Luisa’s question.
As someone who doesn’t like unnecessary social interactions, I would’ve firmly drawn lines and waited at the shop alone.