Flower of Steel

It feels it has been a while ago since I came to work with Chelleno, but after diving deep into work it was already time to get off work. I looked forward to the time to leave, but not having Daisy or Rey made me feel a bit worried.

‘I don’t think anything will happen while watching a play… It should be alright,’ I thought. Then I began packing my things so that I could be on time.

“My assistant, do you want to have tea with me today?”

Rave tried to flirt with me again, but I was busy. I have to go watch a play, then go home and relax. “I have a prior appointment. Sorry.”

Listening to my words, Rave began teasing and asked, “With who? Huh? C’mon. Tell me. Why aren’t you answering?”

I felt annoyed at him tagging along, and I sensed he wouldn’t leave unless I told him, so I decided to answer his question, “With my cousins and Sir Droinel.” Rave’s expression froze solid at my answer. Hmph. Maybe he still has a bad relationship with Rian.

“How? I mean, what kind of appointment is that?” Rave asked.

“Well, I was just talking with him at my uncle’s place and-”

“WHAT? You called him to your place?! I’m disappointed, Marina! You don’t even allow me to have tea time, and you invite him over to your home!”

Ugh. The distance to the main gate was quite far, so I was caught in a place where I had to respond to his nonsense. I looked at him frowning at me, and I also scowled.

“Did you forget? My uncle is the knight captain of the Central Knights, and he’s a knight of that group. He was just there on an errand.”

At my words, Rave immediately brightened up to smile and began mumbling, “I knew it. There’s no way my cold assistant would invite someone so easily. But an errand, huh? I envy him. Maybe I should’ve become a knight.”

As his nonsense continued, I laughed at him in my mind. ‘You can’t even fight. How can you become a knight?’ But I also felt astonished. He can barely use a shield yet has such confidence. I actually envy such unexplainable determination.

“Heh heh. So, Lady Illumina is also going together, right?” Rave asked.

“Yes. Are your questions answered now?”

Rave shook his head at my question and grinned, still lingering in front of me. “No, I’m always curious about you. Why don’t we go to a quiet area to have tea and talk some more?”

His pickup lines were always so cheesy. I bet that he had done this to countless other women besides me.

“We’re almost at the gate, so why don’t we go on our way now? I have no questions for you, by the way.”

Even with my cold words, Rave still lingered around me childishly, looking at me. “No. I’m following you. I should watch that play too.”

At his crazy claim, I scowled and began walking at a faster pace. Rave continued to follow me with a grin. That’s when a white horse suddenly stopped in front of us. I almost fell on my back from being startled but caught myself and greeted the person on the horse.