IWBCAS 24

Chapter 24

“Countess Philon,”

Kalheil, who had confidently called Nicolaus “Father,” didn’t dare call Grace “Mother.”
He clearly knew that Grace hadn’t accepted him yet.

“I understand your concerns, Countess. Of course, you’re worried. Something like that happened even before we were engaged.”

Grace turned her head away, showing she didn’t want to listen.

But Kalheil didn’t back down. He used a bold move.

“…It happened because I admire Lady Reyna so much. I couldn’t control my feelings.”

What?! Who admires who?!

Reyna looked completely confused.

Even Count Philon and Grace looked surprised at his sudden love confession.

“You admire Reyna… that much?” Nicolaus asked in shock.

“Yes. How could I not fall for someone as beautiful as Lady Reyna?”

Reyna could hardly believe her ears.

“What happened that day was just my foolishness because she rejected me. Please understand my desperate feelings.”

He was lying so easily. But hearing that he was in love with their daughter made the Philons’ minds go soft.

“…Well, Reyna is a little pretty, I guess,” Grace muttered.

Nicolaus nodded too.

But Grace wasn’t that easy to convince.

“Still, even if things are rushed, there are proper steps to follow. A wedding without an engagement party? That’s not acceptable.”

Kalheil sat forward and looked more serious.

“I am risking my life for this marriage, Countess.”

Oh. That part was probably true.
Reyna was his only cure.

But to Reyna, who knew she was just a walking medicine bottle to him, it didn’t sound touching.

However, Grace was clearly moved.

“You’re risking your life…? My goodness…”

“Yes.”

Then Kalheil kept talking about how deeply he felt for Reyna.
Little by little, Grace’s firm expression started to soften.

Finally, she even leaned toward Reyna and whispered,

“Reyna. That was the most romantic proposal I’ve ever seen.”

“…Huh? That was romantic?”

“He said he would risk his life for love.”

“He didn’t say he loved me. Just that he was risking his life…”

“Same thing, dear.”

Grace gave Reyna a half-smile and a knowing look.

“He’s risking his life for you. How could I say no?”

Even though she tried to stay strict, it was clear Grace had given in.

Kalheil added one last question to confirm.

“Then may I take that as a yes?”

Grace didn’t argue this time.

“Ahem. Yes, I suppose so.”

Once Nicolaus gave his approval, Kalheil looked proudly at Reyna.

“It’s a good day. How about a drink to celebrate?”

Just like many fathers with daughters, Nicolaus wanted to pour Kalheil a drink.

Kalheil accepted politely, and soon, a table of drinks was set.

Of course, Nicolaus didn’t stop at just one glass.

One became two… and then many.

Kalheil drank everything as if he were already their son-in-law.

Nicolaus even brought out a bottle he’d been saving for a special day.

The drinking went on from the afternoon into the evening.

As the boring conversations about politics dragged on, Reyna started yawning.

By the time the last bottle was empty, Nicolaus’s face was bright red.

Reyna nudged Kalheil in the ribs.

“Your Highness… Don’t you think it’s time to leave? It’s really dark outside.”

Even Grace supported her.

“Yes, it’s late. You should head back now, Your Grace.”

Seeing Grace’s cold look, Nicolaus also nodded, though sadly.

“It’s gotten quite late. I’ll take my leave then, Mother, Father.”

Now, no one stopped Kalheil from calling them Mom and Dad.

‘He’s a natural…’

As Kalheil politely bowed, Reyna waved her hand.

But Kalheil suddenly turned to her and said,

“My fiancée drank with her future in-laws. Shouldn’t she walk me to the gate, Lady Reyna?”

He looked totally sober, but acted drunk?

Reyna tried to ignore him, but her parents gave her silent looks urging her to go.

So, with a sigh, she got up and followed Kalheil out of the room.

“Too easy.”

Under the cold moonlight, Kalheil’s first words were unexpected.

“Your family… They were surprisingly easy to convince.”

“Sure, whatever you say.”

Even Reyna admitted her parents gave in too easily.

She thought her mom would take a few days to decide.

But no—Grace melted at a ridiculous lie about admiration.

“You must be happy. Your life just goes perfectly, huh?”

Kalheil was born with everything. His father was the emperor, his grandfather was the Grand Duke of the North.
Born with a golden spoon in one hand and a diamond spoon in the other.

Kalheil chuckled bitterly.

“Is that how you see me?”

“Of course. You always get what you want. And you’re a great liar, apparently.”

“Liar?”

Kalheil narrowed his eyes.

“What lie?”

“You said you fell for me at first sight. I can’t believe how easily you said that without even blinking.”

“…”

“I almost lost all my fingers from the cringe.”

Reyna rubbed her hands as if shaking off the awkwardness.

Kalheil stared at her and suddenly stopped walking.

“…The alcohol is kicking in.”

“What?”

She looked at him.

“Come on, stop joking.”

Kalheil had drunk all day and still looked perfectly fine.

Even now, his face was calm and neat—maybe even more refined than usual.

‘What a fake.’

Then, suddenly, Kalheil’s body started to sway.

“Why are you wobbling?”

Reyna frowned.

Then—he started to fall sideways like a log.

“Wait—what?!”

Just before he hit the ground, Reyna rushed forward and caught him with all her strength.

“Wha—what the heck?! He’s actually drunk?”

His body felt heavy like wet cotton.

Reyna’s knees almost buckled under the weight.

“He’s… too heavy!!”

Out of breath, she tried to hold him up, but her legs were shaking.

“I can’t do this anymore!”

With a shout, she pushed him away.

Thud!

Kalheil landed on the ground with a loud sound.

Reyna stood there, panting, staring down at him.

‘If he was gonna fall anyway, I shouldn’t have tried to help…’

It had been pointless.

“I need help.”

She turned to get some servants, but then heard Kalheil mumbling.

“…Did you… think it was a lie…?”

“What?”

Reyna leaned down.

“I can’t hear you! Say it again!”

“…Did you think what I said was a lie?”

He was slurring his words, but he definitely said that.

“What…?”

“Speak clearly!”

She shouted into his ear—and then his eyes snapped open.

He looked straight at her and slowly said each word:

“Was it a lie when I said I fell for you at first sight?”

‘Is he drunk or not?!’

He looked perfectly clear-headed now. Eyes sharp, voice steady.

Reyna tilted her head.

“Are you sober now, or what?”

Kalheil lowered his voice and said again,

“I’m asking you. Did you think I was lying?”

Reyna gave a dry laugh.

‘What’s with him?’

Why ask her that?

“I mean… why pretend here? My parents aren’t watching. It’s just us.”

“…So you really thought it was fake?”

Kalheil’s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze darkening.

“…What if it wasn’t?”

“…Huh?”

“What if… it wasn’t a lie that I fell for you at first sight?”

He stared deep into her eyes, his navy-blue pupils glowing under the moonlight.

Suddenly, her calm heart started to stir like ripples in water.