Chapter 15: 15

Chapter 15

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Just as the embarrassing thought that this woman was only interested in the dog passed his mind, Lexus couldn’t help but think of something else at the same time.

Am I less than a dog to this woman?

But, as confident as Lexus was, he wasn’t confident enough to ask that kind of question. Mainly because he thought it would be way too shocking if she actually ended up agreeing with him.

Thinking about what she might say back, it all felt like too much.

—’Why are you asking something so obvious?’

—’Are you confident that anything about you is better than a dog?’

He was easily able to imagine what her possible responses would be. If he heard something like that back, try as he might not to be, he might actually feel a little hurt.

[Lexus] “I had a vet visit him. He’s alright. Ah, but they mentioned he’s a mixed breed of golden retriever.”

Valentia was starting to have vaguely positive feelings about Lexus, but he wasn’t a sweet and thoughtful person in the slightest, so naturally he was not the one who brought in a vet just to check on a stray pup. It was Hugo, his chamberlain, who took on that daunting task.

While he was washing the dog up, he brought in the vet right away, got a diagnosis, and even diligently gave him his prescribed medicines. It was things like that where he showed his level of professionalism to take care of the Imperial Prince’s pet so generously.

They used the word ‘mixed’ to describe the dog, but he was closer to a hybrid of different breeds.

[Lexus] “After the vet visit, they said there were no signs of injury or illness.”

All he was doing was reciting the story Hugo told him verbatim, which was one he’d heard vaguely about this morning at breakfast. But surprisingly it was coming in handy at a time like this.

[Valentia] “So he’s a hybrid.”

[Lexus] “Ah, yeah.”

[Valentia] “But I’m glad he’s healthy.”

[Waiter] “Your meal is ready.”

A handsome looking waiter came in, carrying trays containing their order. That was the reason why Lexus often came to this cafe. Here, all the employees were male.

Whenever there were female employees, they would just end up making ‘mistakes’ like spilling water on Lexus. Then there were the fallen plates, a dropped handkerchief or coin purse—whatever it took to get in front of him.

[Waiter] “You ordered the special set. You can pour the dressing into the salad. The strawberries and the whipped cream for the souffle are all made fresh this morning. And as you requested, the meat was cooked to medium doneness.”

[Valentia] “Thank you.”

[Waiter] “No problem.”

When she spoke to the waiter with a polite voice, the man widened his eyes like he was surprised, but then he responded with a kind smile.

It was a normal, good-hearted scene, but somehow Lexus felt a little twisted and bitter.

You’ll slap me into silence, but then you’ll go off and be nice to other men?

[Waiter] “Which one of you is the milk tea for?”

[Lexus] “For the lady.”

Valentia was a little surprised.

His voice when he said ‘the lady’ was a little indifferent. Though she could not deny that it was no different from his usual attractive cadence, it felt like saying that was very normal for him. Almost like it was a habit.

[Waiter] “Very well. Then the coffee must be for the gentleman. If you’d like, I can bring extra syrup. If not, then please, enjoy your meal.”

[Lexus] “We’re done with the syrup.”

The waiter bowed and turned to leave, leaving Valentia to stare blankly at the table full of food.

[Lexus] “Enjoy. Eat up.”

But when he said that, Valentia’s expression turned cold for a second. He just told her to eat up, so what’s she making that face for?

[Lexus] “Is there something you don’t like?”

I guess you really don’t want to eat together, Lexus muttered under his breath. As she listened quietly, Valentia shook her head, then picked up her fork and knife.

[Valentia] “No, it’s alright, Lexus.”

It wasn’t as though she didn’t want to eat together like Lexus thought.

It was just that she was realizing it was her first time eating with someone who’d told her to eat her food and to enjoy it. It was different from when the service staff said it.

Strange. Those were words not even her own family would say to her, and the first person she was hearing them from was a stranger.

He told her the food here was good, so she was sure it was, but she couldn’t even taste anything right now. All she could feel was her throat warming from the food.

[Valentia] “He’ll eat well now.”

To shake off that mood, Valentia spoke first.

[Lexus] “Huh? What are you talking about?”

[Valentia] “Goldie. I used to give him a little bit of food in the mornings and in the evenings, but I always thought it wouldn’t be enough for him.”

[Lexus] “Did that bother you?”

[Valentia] “That’s not it…….”

[Lexus] “Hugo fed him some dog food and gave him the best jerky he could get as a snack. Oh, Hugo is the chamberlain of my Palace.”

[Valentia] “I’m glad you took him, Lexus.”

[Lexus] “Yeah. He should probably take him out for some exercise after this.”

[Valentia] “So you took him in, but your chamberlain takes care of him.”

[Lexus] “I brought him in, so I’m doing my part.”

[Valentia] “What?”

Valentia responded with a sour expression as she quietly finished up her salad. But before the conversation could continue, the waiter reappeared.

[Waiter] “Are you finished?”

[Valentia] “Ah, yes.”

[Waiter] “Then I will prepare your dessert for you. Today’s dessert is a dark chocolate brownie with chocolate chips, topped with vanilla ice cream and crushed almonds and walnuts.”

The waiter smiled kindly as he explained the dish, placing it in front of them.

Why is he talking so softly? So annoying.

Lexus felt this wave of dissatisfaction rise up, completely unaware of how it was rising. He harshly swallowed his coffee, setting down his cup.

[Lexus] “What are you going to do now?”

[Valentia] “I’m going to review my notes for the next lecture.”

[Lexus] “I guess the top student would be sincere like that. But what are you studying so hard for?”

[Valentia] “Do students need a reason to study hard?”

[Lexus] “It’s kinda hard to answer when you put it that way.”

Lexus replied with a smile, but there was a slight distortion to his expression.

[Valentia] “I suppose.”

[Lexus] “Aren’t you going to ask me what I’ll be doing?”

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[Valentia] “What are you going to do now, Lord Lexus?”

Her tone of voice did not hide how obvious it was that she was only asking out of courtesy.

[Lexus] “Me?”

[Valentia] “Yes.”

[Lexus] “I was going to spend time with you.”

He replied with a bright smile.

Valentia was midbite, eating her brownie and vanilla ice cream, when she suddenly frowned like she couldn’t control her facial expression.

Seeing her frowning face, he couldn’t keep smiling. He was trying his damnedest to find a way through her walls, but no matter how he struggled, he couldn’t find a gap any bigger than a needle. She really was like an iron wall.

[Lexus] “Do you hate it that much?”

[Valentia] “Aren’t you embarrassed to say that sort of thing so openly?”

[Lexus] “It’s my first time saying something like that.”

[Valentia] “You must think every woman in this world loves you.”

[Lexus] “Rather than thinking it, that’s just the reality I’ve lived so far. I wouldn’t know any different because that’s how it’s always been. People like me.”

[Valentia] “Then go have a nice time with them.”

[Lexus] “But I don’t really like people who like me.”

His words were textbook philanderer, and Valentia felt that assessment twist up for some reason.

[Lexus] “And you’re someone who’s not interested in me.”

[Valentia] “I’m not interested, but I don’t fit in with people like you, either.”

[Lexus] “Those two things are the same. And I can fit in with anyone.”

He was a smooth talker.

He was a strange man who carried an air of condescension that irritated her, but he also had a soft and natural attitude. Was it because he had such a delicate looking face? One that allowed him to get away with talking like that?

The sunlight that filtered through the window seemed to linger in his blond hair, glimmering golden. His sweet eyes were like gold, echoing the imagery of the sun, and seemed to radiate the kindness of honey.

[Valentia] “I dislike rude people.”

[Lexus] “I guess those words have firmly embedded themselves in your side like a thorn. But aren’t you a bit harsh to the person who saved your life?”

[Valentia] “This and that are two separate things. I still appreciate what you did for me.”

Valentia set down her tableware on her plate, signifying the end of her meal. All that was left for her to do was to thank him and leave.

That kind of ending was one that opened many doors in Lexus’ mind. Doors filled with potential.

[Valentia] “Thank you for the meal.”

See? Just as I thought.

But then Valentia did something he did not think about. She reached out and slapped a bill onto the table.

[Lexus] “What’s this?”

[Valentia] “That’s the price of my meal. And since you only drank coffee, I will buy that too as a thank you.”

This was a ridiculous situation, one that he’d never been through before. Never before had a woman offered to buy him coffee like this.

What kind of woman was she? Whether they were seeing each other, or even just going out as friends, it was common sense that the man would buy things for the woman.

[Lexus] “What are you doing?”

[Valentia] “You asked me to eat with you, but you never said you’d pay. So I’ll buy it myself.”

She wasn’t wrong—he did ask her out to have a meal with him, not once mentioning that he would be the one paying.

But wasn’t it only natural that the man foot the bill? The common sense used by the people of this nation certainly believed that. No man of decent standing would accept a meal from a lady like this.

He couldn’t figure out what the hell she was thinking. If it were anyone else, he would’ve grabbed them by the collar and throttled them until they told him what was in their head, but even thinking that made his mind get all messed up from how boorish it was.

[Lexus] “Do I look like a lady that needs to be treated?”

[Valentia] “It’s not a bad thing to experience at least once. Then, I will return first.”

Lexus jumped up from his seat.

[Lexus] “That’s a little insulting”

[Valentia] “Buying you coffee is an insult? Why? It isn’t as though I pity you.”

If she were pitying him now, not only would that be an insult to him, but to Valentia herself.

[Lexus] “It’s not like that, but…..”

[Valentia] “Is it not appropriate to buy a cup of coffee for the person who helped me? Then if I cannot even buy you coffee, then it’s doubtful I’ll ever see you again, so I will take it with me.”

If he agreed, then this noble lady in front of him would’ve taken that chance with total elation, he was sure.

[Lexus] “No, I understand what you mean. I drank it well.”

[Valentia] “Then I am relieved.”

[Lexus] “Then next time…..”

[Valentia] “Yes?”

[Lexus] “Next time, let me pay.”

His voice made it sound like he was surrendering. He frowned with dissatisfaction, his lips slightly pouting in their shape, but somehow, Valentia actually quite liked that. 

Much better pouting than his skillfully crafted smile.

[Valentia] “……I will.”

Lexus was a little bummed out a second ago, but hearing her agree, a small shine returned to his eyes.

…..He was actually more interesting than she thought he would be. Even though she was essentially being forced to be around him, she actually had a little bit of fun talking with him.

Valentia did not have a single friend or acquaintance she could talk to, let alone a person close to her that she could spend her free time with. All of this was very new to her, so she actually found it to be somewhat fun. 

Though she obviously didn’t express that.

[Lexus] “Valentia.”

[Valentia] “Yes?”

[Lexus] “Let’s take a walk together.”

[Valentia] “You wish to take a walk with me?”

It would not have been strange for her to immediately cut back with ‘why me’. Truthfully, Valentia tried to say that, but this man was quick-witted, beating her to the punch before she could say anything more.

[Lexus] “Not you.”

[Valentia] “No?”

[Lexus] “Don’t you miss your dog?”

He offered it like he was trying to coax her into it.

[Lexus] “Let’s take a walk with Goldie.”

Valentia looked lost in thought for a moment, but at her eventual answer, Lexus smiled brightly.

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