Chapter 51

‘Aren’t those Lady Natalianne and Young Master Demius?’

And those two together were a sight no one could have imagined.

Even as the crowd stole glances, Demius hurriedly offered a skewer and spoke in desperation.

“Lady Lily, don’t you prefer beef?”

“My teacher prefers grilled vegetables more. Isn’t that right, Sister?”

Grrr!

The siblings glared at each other, their teeth grinding audibly.

Then Melissa reached out and took both skewers, one in each hand.

As the two watched in surprise, Melissa bit into the meat and vegetables together.

A soft blush spread over her face.

“This is delicious!”

She meant it. The meat was tender and savory, and the crisp vegetables brought a perfect balance that deepened with each bite.

Melissa’s eyes sparkled as she offered the skewers to them.

“You two should try it like this.”

“…”

“…”

They glared at each other’s handful of skewers before sharply turning their heads away.

“Tch.”

“Whatever.”

Natalianne clicked her tongue bitterly.

‘That fool ruined everything.’

Originally, she had planned to take Melissa to an elegant tea house she had reserved in advance, where only ten afternoon tea sets were served each day.

After that, they would have gone shopping under the pretext of buying research materials at a jewelry store and a dress shop.

That way, she could learn what her teacher truly liked.

‘It might not be the usual luxuries people enjoy.’

Someone as refined and intellectual as her teacher might prefer tea, perfume, or books.

‘I have to visit a bookstore.’

Natalianne mentally adjusted her shopping route, firming her resolve.

Once she discovered her teacher’s preferences, she would bombard her with gifts.

Then she could successfully bring her to the Magic Tower.

‘Just not today.’

It was unfortunate, but she would have to cancel the reserved tea set and postpone her shopping plan.

It would be a waste to feed that pampered brat and his mother’s boy something so expensive, and she did not want him learning what her teacher liked.

‘I’ll do it again when he’s busy.’

While Natalianne revised her plan, only one thought filled Demius’s mind.

‘I need to get rid of that nuisance.’

His eyes shifted to his sister.

The way her lips twisted and twitched, she was clearly plotting something evil.

Clicking his tongue quietly, Demius looked down at Melissa for comfort.

Ah.

Seeing her happily chewing both skewers at once, peace returned to his heart.

He had to find a way to keep that poisonous sister away from Lady Lily.

As Demius renewed his resolve, Melissa’s eyes brightened and she suddenly asked,

“Did you hear about it?”

“What do you mean?”

“What is it, Sister?”

Both asked at once, glaring at each other again as Melissa whispered like she was sharing an important secret.

“In the town below the capital, there’s a big market opening. They say it’s the first one in a year and it’s huge!”

Snap!

Demius and Natalianne shouted in unison.

“Let’s go right now!”

“I’ll get a carriage!”

“I knew you’d both like that idea.”

Melissa laughed sweetly.

Smiling, Demius gently took the finished skewers from her hand.

“If it’s something Lady Lily wants, I’ll do anything.”

With his other hand, he pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the corner of her lips.

At that same moment, Natalianne bolted toward the carriage station.

“I got us a carriage!”

Within minutes, she returned with the largest and finest carriage she could rent.

“Take my hand, Sister.”

It wasn’t quite a Grand Duchy carriage, but it was the best available. She offered her hand confidently, inviting Melissa inside.

Just as Melissa was about to take it, a larger hand reached out and took hers first.

“This way, please.”

“You little—!”

Natalianne shouted furiously, but Demius only smiled calmly and escorted Melissa into the carriage.

He was about to sit beside her when—

“Move!”

“Ugh!”

Natalianne slammed her shoulder into him, using the momentum to tumble neatly into the seat beside Melissa.

“You rotten brat.”

Demius steadied himself, his dark eyes glinting dangerously as his hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

“Get out.”

“Sister, are you okay?”

Suddenly, Natalianne pressed a hand dramatically to her forehead and staggered.

Her voice trembled pitifully.

“I feel dizzy.”

“We haven’t even started moving. How can you be dizzy already?”

Demius looked incredulous, but Melissa gasped in worry.

“You must be tired. It’s been a while since we’ve gone out.”

“Exactly!”

Demius quickly interrupted.

“If she’s unwell, we should send her back home—”

“Rest your head on my shoulder.”

Melissa gently pulled Natalianne’s head to rest against her shoulder.

A faint smirk flickered on Natalianne’s lips.

‘That annoying brother of mine.’

Demius’s hand tightened around his sword hilt as he glared.

But Natalianne trembled softly, pretending to be weak.

“Sister, your brother keeps glaring at me. It’s scary.”

“What?”

When Melissa turned, Demius quickly released the hilt.

“There’s nothing wrong, Lady Lily.”

“Hmm…”

Melissa pursed her lips, deep in thought, before speaking seriously.

“Maybe we should return to the manor.”

“What?”

The two siblings widened their eyes in shock.

Melissa nodded with a calm, careful expression.

“I think that’s for the best. Lady Natalianne shouldn’t overexert herself.”

“I’m fine!”

Natalianne blurted out, then quickly coughed and glanced aside.

“Well, maybe I’m still a little weak… cough… but it’s not that bad. Cough! The market only opens once a year. It’d be a shame to miss it. Cough!”

“Dizzy but coughing?”

“Ah, a cold breeze hit me. My throat just… cough!”

Demius pressed her, but she shamelessly shouted back.

Melissa, however, shook her head firmly.

“The most important thing is Lady Natalianne’s health. We should go back.”

My precious little squirrel.

Natalianne clutched her chest, touched beyond words.

But—

‘I can’t lose this chance.’

Her eyes flashed.

The market event was the perfect opportunity to earn points with her teacher.

And the thought of making Melissa give up something she wanted because of her was unbearable.

Besides, she wasn’t even sick.

As she was about to speak, Demius interjected.

“I have a good idea.”

That bastard.

A chill ran down her spine.

She tried to stop him, but he was faster.

“The two of us will go to the market.”

He smiled coldly and said clearly,

“Without the sick one.”

Natalianne immediately lifted her head from Melissa’s shoulder and declared,

“Completely healed!”

“Still talking nonsense, you must be sicker than I thought.”

“It’s all thanks to Sister!”

Ignoring him, Natalianne grabbed Melissa’s arm and beamed.

Demius sneered.

“If you’re really fine, why don’t you stay home and rest like an old lady?”

“At least I’m not the one suffering from premature aging. Shouldn’t you be the one resting at home?”

Crackle.

Their eyes clashed, and sparks seemed to fly in the air.

Melissa sighed softly in relief.

“I’m so glad.”

She clasped her hands and smiled shyly, her cheeks faintly pink.

“I really wanted to go with both of you.”

Oh no.

The siblings froze, still glaring but now utterly speechless.