“Titi, are you crying?”

“……!”

A shadow fell over me as a large hand gently rested on the top of my head. Feeling sensitive, I quickly turned away, avoiding the touch. I mumbled awkwardly, trying to sound casual.

“C-Crying? No way. Why would I?”

Yuri tilted his head, puzzled by my overreaction, and then knelt down in front of me.

He was much taller than I was, so even in this position, his gaze was significantly higher. As the sun set, a rainbow-like halo shimmered on his soft pink eyelashes.

‘What a beautiful face…’

Even in this situation, his striking features captured my attention for a moment.

He reached out his large hand again and wiped my eyes. The sensation of his long, delicate fingers brushing against my skin was indescribably ticklish.

After confirming the moisture on his fingertips, he smiled softly and said, “Oh, it’s real. No tear stains. That’s a relief. It’d be a disaster if those pretty eyes got swollen, right?”

It was a typical consolation, sounding like a routine compliment.

But at that moment, a red alert flashed in my mind.

‘This is dangerous.’

Especially when my heart felt so fragile. Experiencing a kind touch at times like this would inevitably disrupt my firmly locked heart.

Sensing the danger, I instinctively slapped Yuri’s hand away. His light blue eyes widened in surprise. I deliberately replied in a gruff voice.

“Just don’t touch me, okay?”

Yuri’s eyes narrowed again.

“Seems like Titi is back to her usual self.”

“I told you not to call me Titi.”

“Come on, let me have that much. You’re always so harsh on me.”

I merely pouted my lips, feeling that if I spoke, he might notice the turmoil in my heart.

Even though I spoke curtly, I was glad Yuri was there. The darkness in my heart brightened the moment I saw him.

‘I’m such a fool.’

What was it about him that stirred my heart like this?

I chuckled to myself without any real humor. Then, as I swept my hair back, I suddenly came to my senses.

“More importantly, what was that just now? Did you finish talking with Princess Sabina?”

“There’s nothing to discuss with her. I just told her not to come back. Politely, of course.”

“Her?”

Did he really act politely? The way he casually referred to the princess made me seriously doubt his sincerity.

While I was left speechless, mouthing words, Yuri stood up and returned to where he had set down a tray. He gestured for me to join him.

“I’m starving here. Can’t we talk over a meal? I’m really exhausted.”

Even after I sat across from him, Yuri remained silent, as if organizing his thoughts. I waited for him, holding my cup in my hands.

By the time the warm coffee had cooled to lukewarm, Yuri shrugged his shoulders and spoke.

“It’s true that I know Princess Sabina. But we’re not close. I don’t plan to get close either. To be honest, I never want to see her again.”

I opened my eyes wide at Yuri’s nonchalant response, and before I knew it, I was grinning and agreeing with him.

“That’s exactly what I want to say! I don’t even want to run into her on the street.”

“I don’t understand why everyone likes that princess so much.”

“Exactly! She has a ton of followers, right? Why does she come to our shop to bother me? Couldn’t she just send someone else to get the blue roses?”

“Titiana, you always say things that resonate with me. I completely agree.”

What did he mean by “resonate”? I shot him a glare, signaling him to stop with the nonsense.

Then I realized Yuri was subtly changing the subject again, so I pressed him further.

“No, seriously! What’s the deal? Who are you really? Are you even friends with the princess?”

Yuri frowned deeply and replied in a firm voice, “Friends? Don’t say such horrible things. I told you earlier, we’re not close. I really don’t like her.”

“It seems like there’s something unusual between you two.”

Despite the fierce glares she sometimes directed at me, Sabina always wore a gentle expression when facing Yuri.

As I twisted my lips, recalling Sabina, Yuri hesitated for a moment before speaking in a heavy voice.

“…I told you I was a mage, right?”

“Yeah.”

Oh, could it be that Yuri’s connection with Sabina started because he was a mage?

“Having a close mage would definitely be advantageous for a princess. Mages are generally pretty independent, right?”

They don’t even listen to the emperor. The group of mages are inherently above the law and nations, so it was understandable.

Yuri looked at me with surprise in his eyes. “Titiana, you lived in the countryside, but you seem to understand the dynamics of high society quite well.”

I felt a bit caught off guard by Yuri’s observation. Thankfully, he didn’t seem interested in digging deeper. He let out a deep sigh and said, “She wants a mage who will act according to her wishes. Preferably a good-looking one, since that would be something to boast about, right? Knowing her true intentions, it’s no wonder I can’t feel any affection for her.”

“…That’s harsh.”

I was taken aback by Yuri’s analysis.

‘It didn’t seem like it was just that simple.’

If she just wanted to own a pretty mage, why would she glare at me like that?

There was another aspect that couldn’t be explained by that reasoning.

“But didn’t you say you’re not a mage anymore?”

“She doesn’t believe that.”

That was why dealing with such independent people was troublesome. I shook my head.

“You’ve got it tough too.”

Yuri, who had been watching me quietly, spoke in a small voice, “…I’m sorry.”

“Why suddenly?”

Sabina showing up was just a coincidence, so why was he apologizing?

‘Ugh! Is he apologizing because she might come again?’

I really didn’t like that idea. As I shuddered, Yuri gave a sheepish smile and replied, “But don’t worry. If anything happens, I’ll risk my life to protect you, Titiana.”

Risking his life? How dramatic.

“How about asking the Magic Tower for help instead? Handling it on your own has its limits.”

That way, there would be no need to risk his life.

It seemed like a good idea, but instead of answering, Yuri pushed a plate toward me.

“Try the sandwich. It’s really delicious.”

“You’re changing the subject again, aren’t you?”

“If you’re not hungry, I’ll eat it all…”

“Okay, okay.”

He seemed ready to take my share of the sandwich as well, so I quickly grabbed it. Yuri laughed, as if he had expected my reaction.

I made a sulky face, but I couldn’t give up the sandwich. Whether it was natural talent or not, everything Yuri prepared was always delicious.

‘Well, he’ll tell me when the time comes.’

As expected, the sandwich was fantastic, with crispy apples and a perfectly blended sauce. I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration and asked Yuri for the secret.

“What do you put in it to make it taste this good? Mustard? Honey?”

Yuri narrowed his eyes and smiled. He was already a stunningly handsome man, but when he smiled like that, the phrase “melts your heart” seemed entirely appropriate.

“It’s a secret.”

How could he speak about keeping it to himself so sweetly?

I pouted and replied, “Tell me. You have to show me how to make it this delicious later.”

“If you make better coffee and sandwiches than I do, you won’t need to hire me anymore. No way.”

“Pfft.”

“Hiring” wasn’t the right term to begin with. We were business partners.

So that was just his way of placating me.

‘It also seems like he’s saying he’ll keep making them.’

Fine, let him do as he pleased. If he made them, it would be easier for me.

Thanks to the delicious meal, I was able to forget about Sabina.

‘I hope she never shows up again.’

I even prayed to a god I didn’t believe in.

***

Four days later.

Just as I had expected, other flower shops began selling blue roses, and our shop’s sales dipped slightly when another suspicious person visited our flower shop.

“Are you the woman?”

“Excuse me?”

He had the same hair and eye colors as Yuri, but the vibe he gave off was entirely different.

His sharp gaze, reminiscent of an untamed beast, pierced through me.

“Is your name Titiana Este?”