Flower of Steel

“Marin, what are you doing here?”

I was scared by the person, who suddenly was speaking to me. Gosh, you scared me. It was Rian. I replied to him, “Oh, I was resting by the pillar because my legs hurt.”

Rian slightly frowned because of my words. Even with that expression, he looked so elegant. What a man.

“Your legs hurt…? Here, I’ll carry you.”

I was surprised when he immediately turned around with his back facing me and kneeled, signaling me to get on. Because of this, I said, “It’s okay. It doesn’t hurt anymore. Don’t worry, Rian.”

He then got up again and looked at me. Er, that’s a bit awkward. He’s too kind to the point where I could misinterpret him…

“Is that true?” he asked.

“Yes,” I responded.

Hearing my answer, he looked at me worryingly and said, “Tell me anytime if you ever feel sick. We’re friends.”

Friends. Yeah, we’re friends. I think my heart ached just a tiny bit because he friend-zoned me. Hearing those words from him, who may be my first love, was a bit sad.

“Yeah,” I answered. But it felt weirdly unpleasant. Was it because I saw my first love in him?

***

After days of suffering, I created the masterpiece of my life. It was so lovely that I wanted to hug it so tightly. I’m sure that nutjob will be pleased. After completing that doll, I fell asleep.

“Rina, thank you.”

I think that boy was in my dreams. When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t remember much about him still, which frustrated me.

But today was D-day. I made up an excuse that I had things to report to the Crown Prince and got out of the office. Let’s give this to him and be done with it!

Gosh, the crazy crown prince. The nutjob! But I feel good that my paradise, the garden, is now safe. He might threaten me again… But honestly, it would be nice if I could see its beauty again.

“Marin?”

I turned to the voice calling my nickname and saw Rian there. Handsome as always, he was smiling wonderfully under the sunlight. He still looked shiny and had a gorgeous face with a bright grin on it.

“Good day, Rian,” I greeted.

“Good morning, Marin. Where are you off to?” he asked.

“I have a report to bring to His Highness,” I answered using the official excuse that I had made up.

Rian laughed unintentionally and answered, “Then, I’ll escort you to his palace.”

He’s such a great man. It would be strange if a woman didn’t fall for him. If he’s actually my first love, then will I be able to have him? A man who was so different from me?

Rian then suddenly called, “Marin.”

“Yes?” I responded. Then I looked up at him and saw a kind smile on his face.

“Come visit my place again anytime soon. I’ve got new cookies and tea for you. I also want to learn more about chess.”

If you think asking me will make me go… Yes, I’ll go. I’ll definitely go. Honestly, it’s a hard offer to turn down. The tea that I drank from before, I liked it so much that I looked into buying some more, but found out it was so expensive. It was too expensive with the amount of money I had, so I still thought about it. And he wants me to come again! A newly-recruited government official with a low salary can’t refuse that kind of offer.

“If you say so, I suppose I have no choice. I’ll let you know before I go,” I replied. But honestly, I almost wanted to beg him to invite me. Still, I should sound cool. After all, I’m the most anticipated person in the center.