Chapter 120
Ares knew well that Kirine and Vincent had known each other for a long time. He had also heard plenty about what Vincent meant to Kirine.
Though it bothered him that Vincent had been by Kirine’s side during the times he wasn’t there, he understood that was unavoidable.
But seeing them so close that others might misunderstand was something he couldn’t tolerate.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d show some restraint.”
Ares spoke in a deliberately calm tone while gripping Vincent’s wrist firmly. However, his expression was frighteningly stern.
“Don’t you know this makes people lose respect for you?”
Vincent let out a bitter laugh at Ares’s head-tilting gesture that showed genuine incomprehension.
“I have a prior engagement, so I’ll be going first.”
Ares wanted to grab Vincent by the collar and shake him if he could. But not wanting to make Kirine uncomfortable, he barely suppressed his emotions and pulled her hand. Understanding immediately that he meant to leave, Kirine didn’t hesitate to go with him.
Naturally, they headed to the training grounds.
“I’m sorry.”
As soon as they arrived, Kirine hung her head apologetically.
“I’m sorry I can only say these words, and anyway… I’m sorry.”
But Ares just looked down at her silently. Though he understood Kirine’s position, he let out an irritated sigh, unhappy about constantly clashing with Vincent like this.
“Should I quit?”
Ares frowned slightly at the sudden question.
“Quit what?”
“…”
There was no answer. Seeing her avoid his gaze, Ares looked at her curiously before letting out a small laugh.
“Are you serious?”
“Maybe I should ask Reilly to help me join the Magic Tower…”
“I don’t want that.”
He disliked the idea of not being able to see her even more.
He’d rather deal with uncomfortable situations where he could see her than not see her at all.
“I barely get to see your face as it is because you’re so busy, and you want to go to the Magic Tower?”
“I don’t like making you uncomfortable.”
“I dislike not seeing you even more.”
“…”
Kirine fell silent at his unexpectedly firm response. As she looked up at him in surprise, Ares spoke with a sigh:
“As you know, I’m not particularly understanding or patient.”
There was only one reason he endured.
“It’s because it’s you. I endure it because I don’t want to see you troubled or uncomfortable.”
For this reason alone, he had been holding back both his anger and his hurt feelings.
“So I’d like you to handle things properly too.”
It wasn’t a reprimand but a request. Because it was becoming hard to just keep enduring.
Understanding his meaning immediately, Kirine nodded obediently.
“I’m sorry.”
“Something other than that.”
“Then…”
“…”
“…?”
When she tilted her head, not knowing what he wanted, Ares rolled his blue eyes and mouthed something without speaking.
Though no sound came out, she could understand perfectly what he wanted her to say just from the shape of his lips.
“You’re so greedy.”
“Hurry up.”
At his urging voice, Kirine laughed softly before wrapping her arms around his neck. When their eyes were almost level, she brought her lips close to his ear. His stern expression naturally softened at her quiet whisper.
“Just one more time.”
“No.”
“Please.”
At his pleading request for just one more time, Kirine pretended to give in and whispered to him again.
Finally, Ares smiled contentedly and embraced her.
***
After that, there were no more clashes with Vincent. Though they occasionally crossed paths, they didn’t exchange words.
While thinking this was for the best, she also felt strangely uneasy.
‘It should be fine.’
Believing it was just her imagination, she continued with the festival preparations until the day finally arrived. The plaza was already in full festival spirit. Flower petals floating in the air, the sound of trumpets, and loud cheers filled the space. Everyone was holding hands and dancing in the center.
‘Finally ends today.’
It would be completely over after attending tonight’s party.
As she let out a deep sigh of relief that it was finally ending, her colleague who was watching the festival beside her asked casually:
“Did you prepare your dress?”
“Of course.”
“Did your lover choose it?”
“No.”
“Ah, then did you choose it yourself?”
“No.”
“Then who?”
Though her colleague asked curiously, Kirine just gave a brief smile instead of answering.
Unable to say that Reilly, her lover’s sister, had chosen it, Kirine vaguely said something had been arranged.
“You managed to get a dress despite being so busy.”
“You got a pretty one too.”
“Well, of course I did—I’ve been waiting for this day. So what color is your dress?”
Seeing their expectant look suggesting this much could be shared, Kirine thought for a moment before answering calmly:
“Blue.”
“I knew it.”
“?”
Kirine blinked at her colleague’s knowing nod.
“What do you mean, you knew it?”
“You like blue.”
“I do?”
“Yes, you do.”
Kirine, who had no idea she liked blue, responded with confusion, making her colleague look at her in disbelief.
“You didn’t know?”
“No, not at all.”
Looking at Kirine’s blank nodding, her colleague muttered:
“A blue dress, huh. Well, it should suit you.”
“You think so?”
“Yes. Then again, what wouldn’t suit you?”
Though she had features that made her hard to approach, her striking beauty meant she could probably pull off dresses that would be difficult for others to wear.
“So still no plans to reveal who your lover is?”
“Here we go again.”
Shaking her head wearily, Kirine said casually:
“I’ll tell you when I get married.”
“You’re getting married?”
“No, I said ‘when I get married.’ ‘When’!”
Kirine lightly hit her colleague’s arm as they made a fuss, then watched the festival scene. In the center stood Vincent, receiving the crowd’s cheers.
***
Fortunately, the festival concluded without any problems. At the celebratory banquet, Kirine glanced around while holding a champagne glass.
‘Seems he’s not here yet.’
Even though Ares was coming, they had agreed to keep their relationship secret, so they couldn’t stay together. Still, not seeing him made her keep glancing at the doorway.
‘When will he arrive?’
Just as she was leaning against the wall, secretly watching the door, she felt a commotion with cheering. Turning her head toward it, she saw nobles approaching Vincent to speak with him. Everyone was busy offering thanks to Vincent for helping with the festival preparations.
‘This is the last time I’ll see that face too.’
She felt both relieved and complicated emotions. Feeling her throat go dry, she drained her champagne and was about to reach for another glass when:
“What if you get drunk?”
A large hand appeared, taking the champagne glass from her hand. Looking up at the familiar voice, there stood Ares, of course.
