Chapter 3.6

The three of them walked side by side toward a location that had been prepared in advance. The governor had scoured the area to find the most popular restaurant in this resort, aiming to host the Crown Prince and his lover.

Leonid and the guards followed the three in order, and behind them trailed Katia and Broin. For this lunch, which had been delayed slightly as a courtesy, only Alehin, Marielle, the Governor, and Leonid entered the private dining room, while the rest were left to enjoy their meals separately. Both Katia and Broin expressed concern about not being by the Crown Prince’s side, but Alehin reassured them repeatedly, saying, “It’s really fine.”

Katia watched the four of them move to another area, their figures disappearing into the private room. For some reason, she felt as though an invisible wall had appeared between them and herself.

At the seafood-laden table, typical of an island setting, Katia barely touched her food. Before long, she was the first to stand up.

“Hey, where are you going?”

Jamil called out to her when she saw Katia leaving her seat. Katia smiled awkwardly and replied, 

“Maybe it’s because of the boat ride… I feel a little queasy.”

“Aww, what a shame! The food is so good.”

“It’s fine. I’ve eaten enough. I’ll just go wait. Enjoy your meal, everyone.”

After lightly bowing to the others seated at the table, Katia left the restaurant. Naturally, her steps led her toward the private room where the four had gone earlier. She lingered near the closed door for a moment before settling onto a luxurious three-seater sofa that seemed to serve as both decoration and a resting spot.

There was no reason for her to be called during the meal, so it was unlikely that either Alehin or Marielle would come looking for her. In truth, Katia didn’t want to wait here either. However, she hadn’t been assigned a room yet, and it was unthinkable for her to lie down while the Crown Prince’s schedule was still ongoing.

Though bored, Katia knew how to make use of her spare time. First, she contacted the Crown Prince’s palace through her communicator. She quickly reported that everyone had arrived safely, what His Highness was currently doing, and the plans for the rest of the day. Then, she reviewed the schedule to check what Alehin and Marielle might need.

Even after finishing her tasks, not much time had passed. This meal seemed endless. Royal and noble meals typically lasted over two hours, and judging by the state of the food being served, it looked like there were at least forty more minutes to go.

With her mind blank, Katia stared at the firmly closed door. As she emptied her thoughts, the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore reached her ears, creating a meditative atmosphere.

Much time had passed. A soft voice called out to her.

“Miss Evlaine.”

“Yes, what… Ah!”

Startled by the sensation of something poking her cheek, Katia turned her head quickly and instinctively covered her face with her hand. Standing before her was Broin, wearing a mischievous expression. His finger, which had been near her cheek, had poked her just as she turned.

“What are you doing?”

“You looked so bored.”

“Ha…”

As Katia sighed in exasperation, Broin sat down next to her with a bright smile. He left a modest distance of about two fists between them and picked up the papers Katia had placed beside her, flipping through them.

“You’ve already reviewed these several times. Did you go over them again?”

“I had nothing else to do.”

“I really checked them thoroughly, though.”

“I don’t trust you.”

“Wow, Miss Evlaine, that’s harsh!”

“It’s always safest to double-check. I would’ve had to do it anyway.”

Speaking indifferently, Katia propped her elbow on her knee and rested her chin on her hand. Sitting slightly hunched, she stared at the door. Broin, in a quiet voice, asked her a question.

“Miss Evlaine, do I make you uncomfortable?”

Without turning to look at him, Katia replied, 

“No.”

“…”

“But I think you might start to.”

“I’ve been a bit forward, haven’t I? I’m sorry.”

At his straightforward apology, Katia shook her head. 

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

“Could you worry about me, though…?”

“I don’t have time for relationships right now.”

“But you’re not like that with Captain Karev.”

At that, Katia’s head snapped toward him. Seeing her immediate reaction, a bitter smile appeared on Broin’s face. Katia’s sharp voice followed.

“What do you mean by that? What have I done?”

“Your expression is so relaxed around him.”

It was something she hadn’t even considered. She had never noticed it herself. Seeing Katia’s startled and confused expression, Broin realized he had made a small mistake. It seemed Katia was entirely unaware of her feelings. If he hadn’t said anything, she might never have realized.

I shouldn’t have said that.

Broin thought to himself. He quickly tried to smooth things over.

“No, I misspoke.”

“…Right. That couldn’t be true.”

“Still, I wasn’t speaking lightly. I meant it.”

Broin continued, his gaze fixed on his clasped hands. The tips of his ears were bright red. Talking about his feelings wasn’t easy, and he couldn’t bring himself to look at Katia.

“Miss Evlaine, you might not know this, but I’ve known you for a long time.”

“What?”

“Since the academy. I’m two years your junior.”

After becoming the Crown Prince’s aide, Katia had focused solely on Alehin, to the point where she had long forgotten where Broin had come from. Embarrassed, Broin scratched his head. Before she knew it, he had started calling her “Senior.”

“I didn’t originally plan to become an aide. I was going to continue studying under Professor Arbach… But I came here to follow you.”

“You changed your career path just because of me?”

“It wasn’t ‘just’ because of you. You were worth it to me. Besides, it turns out the job isn’t so bad.”

Broin’s face showed a hint of embarrassment as he mentioned how pleased his parents had been. Katia quickly recalled that his family was a once-prominent but now declining noble house. Of course, they would have been overjoyed to see their son take a position as the Crown Prince’s aide instead of becoming a scholar.

Though momentarily speechless, Katia soon steeled herself. There was no reason to let such sentiments sway her.

“Thank you for your feelings, but I’m really not interested in dating anyone right now.”

“That’s okay. I can wait.”

“You could find someone much better than me, Broin.”

“There’s no one better than you for me.”

How can he say such embarrassing things so easily…? 

Katia scrunched her nose and turned her head away. Broin leaned slightly closer to her, his playful tone returning as he made another request.

“So, about that… Could you at least pity me enough to go out with me during our free time?”

“Ugh, I told you, I don’t hang out with coworkers!”

“Just once, please? When else will we get to visit Belynas?”

“Why should I—on Belynas, of all places…”

Katia leaned back, her expression one of disbelief. Broin’s overly friendly demeanor was starting to feel overwhelming. She exaggeratedly waved her hands in refusal, but Broin continued to plead in a pitiful voice, “Just once, please, just once.”

As Katia bickered with Broin, a faint noise from behind made her straighten up and quickly compose herself. She stood abruptly, while Broin, slower to react, awkwardly rose to his feet, his mischievous smile not fully erased.

For some reason, his smiling lips trembled slightly. Why did his facial muscles refuse to cooperate? Katia, forcing herself to appear calm, addressed the newcomer.

“Have you finished your meal, Captain Karev?”

Leonid didn’t reply. Instead, he alternated his gaze between Katia and Broin. As he remained silent, Katia grew increasingly anxious.

Did he see? Did he hear?

Though she had done nothing wrong, Katia couldn’t shake the feeling that she had shown Leonid something inappropriate. She deliberately asked again.

“Will His Highness be coming out soon?”

“…His Highness has asked for everyone to rest for now.”

The moment Katia heard Leonid’s voice, she immediately realized something. He was in a very bad mood. Though he seemed no different from usual, the discomfort in his tone was unmistakable to her.

“All further schedules have been canceled for today. Please inform everyone.”

“What? Really?”

“Do you think His Highness would lie?”

Leonid’s curt response startled Broin, who had excitedly asked for confirmation. Before Katia could say anything, Leonid tersely added, “Go deliver the message,” and disappeared back into the private room.

Staring at the closed door, Katia felt her mind go blank. She barely registered Broin’s chatter about how happy he was to have free time.

Leonid Karev had turned his back on Katia without meeting her eyes for the first time since that night. The night she had recklessly approached him, out of her mind, asking him to stay with her.

Was he upset about seeing her with Broin? But what could she do about it? Katia and Broin were both aides to the Crown Prince, and it wasn’t unusual for them to be seen together.

Could Leonid be jealous? 

The thought briefly crossed her mind, leaving her slightly stunned.

But what could she do? The connection between Katia and Leonid was tenuous at best. It wasn’t an emotional bond but a messy, superficial, and accidental tie. For Katia to approach Leonid and tell him not to misunderstand or be upset would be absurd.

‘What am I to him? What is he to me?’

With no other choice, Katia led Broin to where the guards and maids were dining. Delivering Alehin’s orders took precedence over her own discomfort.