Chapter 29 Tea Time (1)

Albeit a bit belatedly, I realized that I needed to stop staring at him because ogling people for no reason, or frankly any reason, was definitely against the rules of proper etiquette.

Moreover, this was not the first time I was caught peeking at Kyle. I mentally told myself I should be more careful.

No, theres nothing on your face, I said as I averted my gaze. Im sorry. I shouldnt stare at you like that.

Its fine.

Kyle brushed off my apology without much of a reaction and just continued to sip his tea. I surreptitiously tried to change the subject.

Archduke, I heard from Jean that this rose tea is made from the ones in this very garden?

Thats right.

The Romani family was also well known for their famous red roses because their blooms were larger and brighter than the usual rose varieties, making them especially popular among the aristocracy.

However, outside of the Romani mansions gardens, these roses were exceptionally hard to come by because they could not be found or purchased anywhere else.

If we were somehow able to scale their production and turn them into a product, then the rest of the kingdom could benefit from the roses and the mansion would surely see a boon in its fortunesnot that they were lacking to begin with or anything.

I cant imagine the kind of money we would earn from such a venture

When I looked back at Kyles face after letting my thoughts trail on entrepreneurial interests for a while, I saw he still wore his usual, expressionless countenance.

Then, I picked up my teacup to take a sip and noticed that the cup was still quite warm.

Oh, the tea is still hot, so you should be careful when you drink it Ahhh!

Ironically, I had warned him to be careful, but I was the one who burned their tongue in the end.

My face flushed hotly and I couldnt help but feel self-conscious at how foolish I must have seemed.

Didnt you just tell me to be careful because it was hot? Kyle was quick with his sarcastic remark as if he had been waiting all along for the opportunity to tease me.

Huh? I know that its my fault, but hes seriously pissing me off.

Despite my irritation at his smugness, I couldnt really say much in retaliation because I was indeed the only one to blame for my negligence.

I grimaced and placed a finger on my tongue out of instinct in response to the buzzing sensation.

Ah, it stings, I whined.

I resolved never to drink tea again after this.

Should I use my power to heal myself?

I felt a certain someone staring relentlessly at me as I was busy thinking about the tea.

Why is he looking at me like that? Does he want to make another sarcastic comment?

Anticipating his next provocation, I shot him a glare, but the words coming out of Kyles mouth momentarily stunned me.

Do you want me to lick it?

Huh?

For a moment, I couldnt understand what Kyle had meant. I had to take a minute to process his sentence and then deliberate with myself over whether I had heard him correctly or not.

Licking? Hmm? Wait Does he mean my tongue?!

A Are you crazy?!

Upon realizing his words, I momentarily lost my cool and yelled at him. The blood rushed quickly to my cheeks and they felt so hot that I worried my entire face would start to burn up.

Kyle nonchalantly continued drinking his tea.

Youre overreacting. You wont die from a little lick. It will just feel a little bit cold.

He was very clearly misunderstanding what was making me so flustered. The possibility of my tongue freezing over upon contact was certainly not high on my list of concerns over his very flagrant offer.

Did he really believe I would just say, Ahh, its cold, and be done with it? It didnt matter if it was cold or not. What mattered was Kyle offering to lick my tongue. That would never happen.

No thanks, I shot him down immediately. Ill pass on your offer.

Upon hearing my rejection, Kyle frowned slightly.

You dont have to.

Then, Ill rephrase it as Im not passing on that offer, but Im refusing it.

But youre the one who said licking helps heal wounds.

When did I say that? All I said was that it was just a habit of mine that helped me feel like my injuries would heal soonnot that licking actually has any real healing properties.

Only

These were two very different concepts, but he had combined them in his head and distorted my words. Kyles forehead creased in confusion.

Then, I will help you feel that way.

Argh, but why do you feel the need to be the one who makes me feel like that?

Because youre the one who taught me so.

But what does that have to do with what you just said?

Ill lick your wounds for you in return for you teaching me.

Hes crazy. Hes really a crazy man. You cant say something so outrageous if youre not crazy.

Ah, it seems hes actually a madman deep down.