Chapter 132 - Rejection

But, even so, Azriel wished that he would hold on to her even if she said that she would leave, and he would tell her to remember him instead of erasing her memory. She did not want to give up being with him, but he always seemed so ready to give it up.

‘That was hurtful to me.’

Azriel vacantly looked inside her cup. Her face was reflected on the surface of vivid orange liquid. She looked discouraged. It was also hurtful that he left the house without a word again after saying such things. Blanchet’s words not to believe everything Rhema said also bothered her. By any chance, was it a lie when he told her that she was the most precious to him? If she was that precious, would he not try to hold on to her at any cost? It was also strange that he felt like a huge man, when he cast his shadow over her, not the same Rhema Reshith she had known,

‘I’ve never felt that way until now.’

She could not think straight. As Azriel sighed repetitively, Maylie raised her brow.

“What’s wrong? Did Mr. Wizard bother you?” Maylie asked.

“It’s not that,” Azriel replied.

“Then what?”

“I won’t say it because it’s embarrassing.”

“What’s embarrassing between you and me?”

“Still, it is embarrassing. I will go back home when I’m roughly done with what I’m investigating, so don’t worry,” Azriel reached for the sandwich. Maylie, who was looking at her friend with suspicious eyes, finally gave up and lifted a fork. “Are you not going to come home at all until you’re done with that?”

“Umm, I should drop by if I need to.”

“Then, what are you going to do about the ball? It’s tomorrow.”

“Oh.”

Azriel had forgotten about it again. She was so surprised and concerned right after she was invited, but now that she was occupied by other things, it disappeared from her memory like a lie, even Charle’s confession, too. When Azriel seemed startled, Maylie clicked her tongue as if she had expected it already. “Your new dress and jewelry have already arrived in the castle.”

“What dress?”

“You said Mr. Wizard ordered them.”

“Oh, right.”

“Why are you so all over the place? What on earth are you investigating?”

Azriel smiled awkwardly and changed the topic. “It’s a small thing. Hey, Maylie. What about you? How do you like being a cub reporter?”

“Oh, don’t get me started, I’ve been all over the place, too. I think I should graduate as soon as possible so that I can have a moment to breathe.”

“You’re busy. Are you still following around to cover those missing incidents?”

“Yeah. I only go to school to confirm my attendance and go around to inquire if there are any more missing people all afternoon. In the evening, I organize all the data that my senior reporter gave me. Then, it’s dawn already.”

Azriel considered telling her what she knew about the missing incidents but quit. She should not mention about the incident in which the royal family was secretly tracking the culprit recklessly. Besides, it was not like Maylie asked for her help.

“Are you sleeping enough?”

“In my spare moments. Well, it’s something I want to do! I’m complaining like this, but I’m actually happy,” Maylie smiled actively. Her bright face made Azriel feel better, too.

“So, you don’t have to worry about me… Azriel, do you have plans in the afternoon?” Maylie asked.

“No, not really? I’m doing the investigation at my own convenience.”

“Then, let’s go to the castle. Tomorrow is the masquerade. You’re not going there, not even trying on the dress, are you?”

“Didn’t you say you’re busy?”

“No matter how busy I am, there is a priority in work. Then, let’s go after you’re done eating that. Okay?”

“Is putting the dress on me your priority?”

“Of course, it is. Eat up, quickly,” Maylie said sternly and put a piece of lemon tart about the size of one’s palm in Azriel’s mouth. Azriel laughed, remembering the time they shared a piece of chocolate pie that was smaller than this.