Chapter 20
And then—silence again.
Eisen Frederick didn’t seem the least bit bothered by the awkward air, simply sitting there with a beautiful smile, her gaze fixed only on Cairn.
“Um…”
Between these two, both renowned in society for their wit and manners, it was ironically Lilien de Bermore—the Empire’s own wallflower—who felt she had to keep the conversation going.
“Miss Frederick, what brings you to the Baltar Palace? Were you just passing by?”
“No, I made a long trip just to see Lord Headington. Since he never has any time for me, I had no choice but to come here myself.”
“Oh, I see.”
It felt as if she’d just overheard something she wasn’t meant to.
Eisen was every bit the confident and direct only daughter of Duchy Frederick. Lilien found herself admiring her self-assurance and honesty.
“Cairn—no, Lord Headington—must have shown you around the palace, right?”
Neither of them answered. Lilien nudged Cairn’s elbow, but he kept silent.
“Um… Isn’t the fountain especially beautiful?”
“No.”
“…Pardon?”
“I didn’t get a tour at all. In fact, I was about to be turned away until Miss de Bermore showed up. Just knowing you’re here gives me strength.”
“Oh…”
Lilien gave up on trying to keep this conversation afloat.
Why? Shouldn’t a man be delighted when such a stunning woman comes all the way to see him? Most men would be tripping over themselves to show off and give a grand tour.
Well, most men.
Men love beautiful women, after all.
“Well… I suppose it’s possible for a man to dislike kissing a woman if he has a particularly unusual disposition. For example, if he doesn’t experience s****l desire at all?”
Victor Regid’s words suddenly came to mind.
“If I can’t get through to Lord Headington, I’ll ask you instead, Miss de Bermore.”
“…Sorry?”
“I want to seriously court Sir Cairn Etienne Headington.”
Cairn himself didn’t even flinch, but Lilien’s jaw dropped in surprise.
“I knew he was impossible to woo, but I just can’t give up. I’d really appreciate your help, Miss de Bermore.”
She felt like she might drown in Eisen’s deep green eyes—she was beautiful, even to another woman.
“Oh, and please do let him know that it’s hard to find a better match than me.”
Suddenly reduced to a mere messenger, Lilien felt her cheeks burn as if Eisen had confessed to her directly.
“Um, yes… I’ll— I’ll try.”
“Thank you. I hope we can be good friends, Miss de Bermore. Do visit Frushburn sometime.”
“Thank you for the invitation.”
“I’d be happy to welcome you even if you come alone, but I’d be even happier if Lord Headington joins you.”
“That won’t be happening.”
Cairn said, breaking his silence for the first time—and making his refusal as clear as day.
“We’ll see about that.”
“Miss Frederick, you seem to enjoy wasting your time.”
Apparently finished, Eisen rose and gave a graceful curtsey.
Lilien scrambled to her feet and bowed in return.
When the storm had passed, only Lilien and Cairn—who had shared a kiss just days ago—remained in the gallery.
“Cairn, I didn’t know you and Miss Frederick were… like that.”
“Like what?”
“You know… just starting to date—”
“Stop.”
For the first time ever, he cut her off mid-sentence.
“You really don’t feel anything when you look at someone as stunning as Eisen Frederick?”
“What exactly am I supposed to feel?”
“You don’t get nervous, or want to hold her hand or anything? Even I feel that way, and I’m not the one she’s interested in…”
“Wait, is that your type? You like women—?”
“N-no! I mean, I liked kissing you, after all. Actually… what about you—?”
She swallowed that last thought.
“I’m still mad at you, by the way. I only went along with your request in a fit of pique, but the more I think about it, the more unfair it feels.”
“I see… It really was unpleasant, huh?”
Just as she’d expected, Cairn hadn’t enjoyed their kiss at all.
“I’ve been thinking it over for days.”
The tendons stood out on his hand where he gripped the armrest.
Was he actually going to hit her? If he did, it would probably hurt a lot…
The tension had her bracing for the worst.
“Lilien de Bermore.”
He rarely called her by her full name. Surprised, Lilien looked at him with wide eyes.
“Take responsibility.”
“…What?”
“You took my first kiss. Now you have to take responsibility for me.”
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