But, he couldnt answer that way.

Why? Why?

Maybe it was because he had looked into Arias eyes, which had been expecting a little bit more. He didnt want to disappoint her despite the inconvenience. In addition, Oscar also wanted to have a little time to converse with Aria.

Ive been lonely lately because Ive been eating alone in the dining hall. My father was not here, my mother was busy, and Mielle didnt come down because she was sick. Im happy because I think its going to be quite noisy today.

Aria was smiling with joy, and he was clearly enraptured by her eyes. The extent that she had grown up from a child to a mature girl while he had not seen her was enough to make Oscars heart tremble.

Seeing how much she had liked his answer made him want to return only in the morning, but he couldnt. He had to attend an early-morning class, so he couldnt delay.

As he agonized over what to say about the cut-off conversation, Oscars eyes fell on Arias dress. It was the dress he had given her.

He wished he had sent her a more luxurious dress. It wasnt a cheap dress, but it wasnt even the dress he had picked as his favorite. It was just a modest dress as a thank you. Somehow, he regretted that. Nevertheless, the dress seemed as if it was the only beautiful and noble thing in the world, benefiting from Arias colorful appearance. It was truly amazing.

You look great in the dress.

Even though he was not the type to say this, he could not help but praise Aria for her beauty. He was worried that she might think him strange, but she just seemed glad to be praised.

Im just glad you said that.

Arias eyelids, slowly blinking, were like the wings of a butterfly, and the drawing of her lips looked very sexy. He felt something indescribable. He was often speechless because she looked more beautiful than when he thought about her alone.

Oscar swallowed loudly. He drank tea several times to relieve his thirst, but his mouth was dry. What he was doing felt special even though the conversation didnt drift off from topics like the weather getting cold or if his classes were difficult or not. Time went by in a flash.

Ill see you again at dinner time.

Oscar nodded silently. The reason he wasnt rude, though, was that his expression was completely at ease, and his eyes only pursued Aria.

Aria, smiling like the Sun, left him, leaving a gentle air lingering behind her. It was like a mirage. He tried to reach out and hold it, but Aria had already disappeared.

What the hell is this feeling?

His heart throbbed. The flow of time was strange, and his brain, which had always been praised for its brilliance, did not function properly. Oscar stared down at his empty hands for a while in the quiet indoor garden empty of people.

* * *

Of course, the focus of the dinner was Mielle.

It had been the same originally, but it was all the more so because of the man named Lane who had come with the count. He paid a great deal of attention to Mielle and asked her many questions.

Ive heard that youve given advice to the count several times. Youre still young, so how did you acquire that vast amount of knowledge?

That vast amount of knowledge? I just picked it up here and there, Mielle responded shyly as her cheeks turned slightly red.

Aria swallowed a snort and ate the soup. Did Mielle ever help the count? She had suggested some lame ideas, but they hadnt really helped.

The count had never used them in his business. Although he had praised her whenever she had given him her opinion, he used to say, My daughters idea is extraordinary.

Who had really helped him was she, so Aria wondered why Mielle took all the credit.

It all depends on you using even the tiniest bit of knowledge. No matter how much information and knowledge you have, its useless if you cant use it. In that regard, it is safe to say that Lady Mielle, who has always given advice to the count, has an outstanding ability.

Is that so?

Yes, my master was very surprised to hear of Lady Mielle. He says that you are amazing at your young age, even though he is very meticulous.

I dont know who your master is, but Im glad he gives me a favor.

The count, who was watching Lane kindly compliment Mielle, said, I havent met him yet, but hes done a very easy job of solving the troubles of this business, so I think hes a great man.

Oh, my God! Is that so?

Yes. Id like to meet him.

My masters schedule is tight now, so it will take a little time, but I have come to visit you on his behalf.

Haha, I see. I suppose I cant easily meet a busy man.

Ill schedule a meeting in the near future.

Ill be in your care.

Lane seemed somewhat snarky in the way he poured out praises to Mielle and the count, and was eager to appeal to his masters merits.

Aria, watching the scene, was quietly lost in thought, What on earth does he want? Does he want to connect Mielle with his master? Or is he himself looking for Mielles favor?

Whatever it was, there was no hope. There was no way Mielle would give her heart to anyone other than Oscar. No matter how great Lanes master was, would he be greater than the heir to the family of the Duke of Frederik, who had power second only to the imperial family? Without him being the Crown Prince, Mielle would not be interested in him.

Aria laughed inwardly at his continuing efforts and went on eating. She didnt say a word at dinner that evening. No one spoke to her, and there was nothing else to say. Besides, she didnt feel the need to talk about this or that because she was with Oscar. Pretending to be pathetic would work better for him.

Sure enough, Oscar looked sideways at Aria throughout the meal. He could not speak to Aria as all the people of the family of Count Roscent, including Mielle, were there, but he could not stop being conscious of her.

Aria enjoyed the gaze and smiled at him from time to time. It was a smile that implied, This is how they ignore me, but Im OK.

When she first met him, she sat down facing him and ate like this. She was completely ignored by Cain and Mielle, but his reaction was a little different from then. At that time, if it had been like seeing a poor girl. Now, he was in a terrible mood for Arias sake and didnt know what to do. Oscars face grew colder.

Mr. Oscar and my brother, are you going back to the academy after finishing your meal?

Thats what were thinking. We just took the time off to come here.

When Aria looked at Cain, who answered, their eyes met. Like Oscar, he glanced at her throughout the meal. She had not responded to him even a bit, but he seemed rather satisfied with that.

Thank you for coming on purpose, though youre busy. I love your gift so much, Mielle said, pointing to her neck.

A bright, shiny necklace hung from her long, slender neck. There was nothing but the necklace, but it looked like a gift from a lover.

The present made Aria feel strange.

It must be quite hard for him to walk the tightrope between the elder sister and the younger sister.

It wasnt a bad feeling. Rather, there was a little excitement. How painful it must be for him to pay attention to both sides! Aria was sure Mielle would be sick and tired of watching Oscar, who kept staring at the wicked girl, by now. Aria alone felt pleasant.

Mr. Oscar?

Ah, yeah. Its nothing. Im also glad you like it.

Oscar, who was distracted by something, was not able to give a proper answer until Mielle called his name twice. Mielles expression grew more and more awkward.

It was Lane, not Oscar, that soothed Mielle, so Aria swallowed a laugh as she watched Mielles birthday be spoiled.

By the way, I made something while my father was away.

Mielle tried to freshen up the mood, so she changed the subject brightly. At that moment all eyes fell on her, even Arias.