I bowed politely to him.

“Goodbye, Count Esrenche. I truly hope there won’t be a next time for us.”

Yujin twisted his lips at my farewell.

“So, you know who I am. Did Yuri tell you?”

His words reminded me of Princess Sabina. That high-handed attitude, the way he spoke as if I should naturally bow down, made me uncomfortable.

Yes, that was why he unsettled me.

The mere fact that he reminded me of Princess Sabina was enough to put him on my bad side. I lifted my head and questioned Yujin.

“Just because I know who you are, does that mean I have to be nice to you?”

“Ha…”

Yujin’s lips parted in disbelief, and then his face flushed bright red.

“No one has ever spoken to me so rudely.”

“Haha.”

I laughed without any real emotion. Wasn’t it a blessed life when no one treated you coldly?

As I faced Yujin’s pale face, which had turned pale for a different reason, a large hand rested on my shoulder. Yuri, who had been stepping back from our conversation, intervened with a smile.

“Who I choose to go into business with or who I hand the building over to is entirely my decision. Opening a flower shop here is Titi’s choice.”

“But Yuri…”

Yujin attempted to argue, but Yuri didn’t give him a chance to speak.

“Why bother caring so much about others? Isn’t your motto to just let things be if you don’t see them? Claiming it’s for Titi’s sake sounds pretty ridiculous.”

His voice was soft and gentle, yet full of ridicule for the other person.

“When I was struggling, you just pretended not to see, didn’t you?”

“……”

At Yuri’s words, Yujin pressed his lips together tightly.

After standing and glaring at Yuri for a moment, Yujin abruptly turned around. Just as suddenly as he had appeared, he silently left the shop.

Watching his retreating figure, I lightly pouted my lips.

‘Leaving without even saying goodbye.’

Not that I particularly wanted a farewell.

‘How can he be so different from Yuri, even though they’re twins?’

What annoyed me most was that his behavior gave me an odd sense of déjà vu.

‘Ah, I’m completely exhausted. I really don’t want to see that guy anymore.’

I felt like I hadn’t done anything wrong, yet there was a nagging sense that I shouldn’t have treated him that way. After talking to him, feeling like I might have been too harsh was the worst part.

Just as I staggered slightly, Yuri began fussing without giving me a moment to breathe.

“Oh my gosh, Titi! You’re completely freezing. You need to eat something warm right away.”

“……Didn’t I tell you not to call me Titi?”

There were many things I could point out, but I had no energy. I sighed lightly as I faced Yuri, who had quickly reverted to being like a puppy.

To be honest, when he spoke coldly to Yujin, I was relieved I couldn’t see his face. Even though his voice had a hint of laughter, I bet his expression was terrifying.

“Hey, Yuri, what did you mean earlier when you said he pretended not to see when you were struggling?”

I asked cautiously, and Yuri chuckled, shrugging his shoulders.

“Nothing much. Just trivial stuff.”

It didn’t seem trivial at all. I never knew he could sound so cold.

I even worried about what would happen if he ever spoke to me like that.

Yuri burst into a clear laugh at my words.

“Haha. I might look like this, but I’m someone who gets things done. I mean, is there anyone in this world without a temper? We all just live by holding it in.”

That was true, but it was scarier when someone who usually smiled got angry.

What on earth had that guy done to make Yuri so mad?

It was both fascinating and bewildering.

As I continued to tilt my head in confusion, Yuri chuckled and explained.

“It’s just the usual story. After becoming a mage, plenty of people wanted to use me, and I boldly left the family.”

“Hmm.”

I snorted.

It didn’t seem like that was the whole story.

Even if he left out some details, it was still a grim situation. Now he claimed he had lost his magic and was no longer a mage.

Actually, Yuri seemed more lively after opening the flower shop.

Didn’t he realize how haggard he looked after quitting being a mage? His repeated words felt a bit off, and I tilted my head in thought.

At that moment, Yuri naturally stood in front of me and smiled.

“Alright, hooray.”

“Hooray?”

In a fluster, I followed his lead, and Yuri swiftly grabbed the apron I was wearing and pulled it off as if he were undressing me.

“Eek!”

The apron came off like clothing, making me scream involuntarily. Yuri quickly loosened his own apron, tossed it onto the counter, and tugged at my arm.

“Making something will take too long, and I don’t have the energy. Let’s go out to eat today.”

“Huh? But there are flowers left…”

“You were planning to close the shop early today anyway, right?”

How did he know that? Was it written all over my face?

Seeing his smiling face, I was at a loss for words. I finally sighed and nodded.

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

Then I thought to myself, ‘I feel like I’m weak against Yuri.’

It was a realization that came too late.

***

The two of them went to a nearby café for brunch.

They spread plenty of jam and marmalade on crispy toast and enjoyed it with a rustic cabbage salad and thin, round slices of ham.

“Mmm, delicious~!”

Titiana looked genuinely happy. Yuri propped his chin on his hand and watched her with a contented smile.

But his thoughts were far more rational than his appearance suggested.

‘Titi is such an interesting person.’

Titiana wasn’t picky about food. She enjoyed everything from oddly presented dishes to simple, everyday meals. Yet, her table manners were impeccable. She took small bites, ensured the jam didn’t get anywhere, and placed her fork and knife exactly where they should be.

Like someone who had been strictly taught.

Was this really the etiquette of a woman who grew up in the countryside without formal education?

Her contradictions didn’t end there.

She didn’t seem to know much about Yujin, indicating she was unfamiliar with high society. Yet, she recognized Sabina at first glance.

Not only that, but she also stood up to Sabina, who considered herself the best in the world.

“You should just go back.”

She remained composed despite Sabina’s fierce demeanor. However, things changed once Sabina left.

Yuri sighed through his nose as he recalled that moment.

It was the first time he had seen a woman sobbing alone.

At first, he thought she had simply collapsed from exhaustion.

He had considered it a perfect opportunity.

A perfect opportunity to examine the magic circle.

So, he tried to approach her.

But seeing her body tremble as she swallowed her sobs and her slightly flushed cheeks made him hesitate, especially after noticing the small teardrops welling in her soft pink eyes like jewels.

…She had a face as bitter as espresso.

Titiana’s bright smile suited her much better than a sad expression.

For some reason, Yuri narrowed his eyes and smiled with satisfaction.

Titiana, who was happily munching on her toast, paused mid-bite, puzzled by his gaze.

“Why have you been smiling at me like that?”

“You look happy, Titi.”

“…Have you been reading some suspicious self-help book lately? Something like ‘Happiness is Right Beside You.'”

“What a ridiculous thing to say.”

It was a reasonable guess, given how much he talked about happiness and joy.

Titiana narrowed her eyes, feeling uneasy. In response, Yuri cupped his face with his hands, further distracting her.

“See? I’m the one making you happy, aren’t I?”

“What kind of conclusion is that?”

“You said that just looking at my pretty face makes all your sad memories vanish.”

“I never said that!”

Titiana shouted, her face bright red. Enjoying her flustered expression, Yuri chuckled.

He had never shown this much interest in anyone before.

Titiana’s expressions changed like a kaleidoscope every time she spoke, making Yuri want to tease her even more.

Yuri shrugged.

“I may be handsome, but being called pretty suits me better, don’t you think?”

“You really think everything revolves around you. It’s not about being pretty; I never said anything about sad memories disappearing.”

“But no one is unhappy looking at me.”

“Who says that?”

“It’s a heartfelt truth from experience.”

At Yuri’s response, Titiana’s forehead crinkled in frustration. He found her expression cute and laughed again.