Flower of Steel

ked Adrian.

“Yeah.
You can call me Marin!”

“Marin… Alright, I’ll take you back now.”

“Sure.”

Actually, it felt good to have more friends, as I only had three people who I could consider as ones.
I hope they are doing well.
Beth, Aria, and Mion.
I suddenly miss them.
Will I be able to see them again?

“Marin, what were you up to with my superior until now?”

As I got back to the hall with Rian, Chelleno ran up to me and asked as if he was waiting.

“It’s a secret!” I answered playfully, and Chelleno frowned.

“Marin!” shouted Chelleno.

“Sir Chelleno, since when have you been so interested in Marin’s personal life?” Rian asked with a smile as he wrapped his arm around Chelleno’s shoulder.

“W-wait! Sir, did you just say ‘Marin?’”

“Yeah, we agreed on me calling her that way from now on.
Isn’t that right, Marin?”

I nodded as his voice calmed me, and Rian smiled at Chelleno.
They seemed quite close to each other.
Chelleno’s expression, however, seems to have hardened a bit.
I guess I’m overthinking it.

Lumi found us and approached us.
She was about to say something, then saw Rian beside us and bowed.
Then, she pulled me towards her and said, “Sister, we should get some fresh air by the terrace.”

I nodded and left Rian and Chelleno’s side.

***

As we got out to the terrace, Lumi checked around the entrance to see if there was anyone around.
Afterward, she said to me, “Sister, oh my god.
I didn’t think he was the rumored Droinel! It’s my first time seeing him.”

What rumor? I looked at Lumi curiously, and she began to explain.

“He’s famous for not having any kind of personal relationship with anyone other than his family and the other knights! Just look at his face! He’s so unrealistically handsome! Besides, I heard countless girls wanted to stand beside him since he’s the son of the Chancellor and all.
Such mesmerizing handsomeness and the title of the future duchess.
It’s a seat envied by every central noble,” said Lumi belatedly.

Then she whispered, “Rumor says that he turns so cold as soon as a girl shows interest in him.
He never showed interest toward a girl ever, so this must be…! I’m so happy for you! It’s going well between you two, right?”

I was astonished by Lumi’s words.
This is a huge misunderstanding, so I clarified, “Going well? We’re just friends.”

“Friends? No way.
Sister, what do you think of him, honestly?”

What did I think of him? Hm… Handsome? Splendidly handsome? And also, he reminds me of my first love that I gave up a long time ago.
Such a splendid face is very rare.
The only one who I can think of that can be compared is the Crown Prince.

“Honestly… he’s handsome,” I answered, and Lumi seemed glad.

“That’s right! I agree if it’s him! He’s perfect! Handsome and also from a prestigious family! It will be even more perfect since there’s no chance he will ever cheat on you!”