Chapter 4.1 – As the Sun Rises and Sets

The room assigned to Katia was adjacent to the rooms of Marielle and Alehin. Although it wasn’t right next door, it was in the same line, so the view she had was no different from what the Crown Prince saw. 

Standing on the semi-circular balcony with a clear view of the open sea, Katia gazed at the slowly setting evening sun. Although she suddenly had plenty of time, she couldn’t leave freely. Some of the maids and escorts were sent out to have a good look around, and they quickly left the residence with cheerful faces after changing into casual attire.

Not knowing when she might be summoned, Katia still dressed as an aide. The urge to immediately discard her uncomfortable attire was overwhelming.  

“They probably won’t call.”

She thought. If it were the Alehin she knew, he likely meant for everyone to genuinely rest, including his aide Katia. It was the fate of subordinates to be unable to take their superior’s words at face value.

As the sun gradually hid beneath the horizon, the sea turned crimson. Lights began to illuminate the charming shops along the beach, shining brightly. Watching the tables on the beach fill up with tourists in light clothing, Katia sighed.  

“I should just wash up and go to bed early.”  

Muttering to herself, she headed to the bathroom. She added bath salts prepared beside the tub and immersed herself in the fragrant water. This was the extent of the luxury Katia could enjoy, but she was content with it.

After some time, Katia emerged from the bathroom with flushed cheeks. The thick bathrobe that reached below her knees felt cozy against her bare skin. She dried her hair and returned to the balcony. Under the now darkened night sky, the beach glowed like a festival. The softly playing music was quite enjoyable.  

“It’s nice…”  

She inhaled the salty sea breeze deeply.

Surprisingly, thoughts of Alehin didn’t surface much. Was it because she had resolved to sort out her feelings before coming here? Instead, she thought of Marielle, the fairy-like woman who had shyly said she wanted to befriend Katia while holding her hand on the ship.  

“They must be happy, both of them.”  

That was enough, Katia reassured herself. She murmured that it was like a fever, and once it passed, it would be nothing.

Then the face of Leonid came to mind.  

Come to think of it, she had resolved to apologize to him here… but she had avoided him twice. Although she was startled by his sudden confession, she knew her reaction wasn’t commendable.  

When they were just casual partners, apologizing seemed easier. But Katia had misunderstood Leonid’s feelings, and he had volunteered to be a substitute, knowing her unrequited love. He might have been hurt, yet he chose to stay by Katia’s side.  

Where should I start to apologize? Or maybe this relationship shouldn’t continue any longer.

While Katia was deep in thought, there was a knock on the door. Realizing her attire was inappropriate for meeting someone, she raised her voice.  

“Please wait a moment!”  

Hastily throwing on the clothes she had worn earlier over her bare body, Katia ran to the door without even drying her wet hair. Although she said she was dressing up again, in her rush, her blouse was haphazardly tucked into her skirt, and the ribbon near her neck was undone.  

“Just a moment!”  

Raising her voice as she opened the door, Katia froze in place. There stood Broin, frozen like ice, with wide eyes. He had already changed into comfortable clothes, looking quite relaxed. However, he seemed more polished, as if he wanted to impress Katia. He didn’t know where to place his gaze and awkwardly fixed it on an indeterminate spot in the air.

Her wet hair, flushed cheeks, and slightly youthful look without makeup… It was the first time he had seen her in such a disheveled state. Broin scolded himself internally for his thoughts drifting in a mischievous direction.  

Katia’s voice came out rather sharply, surprised by the unexpected visit.  

“What’s the matter?”  

“Well, um… Suddenly having free time, I noticed there are nice places on the beach in front, so I wanted to ask if you’d like to go with me…”  

Broin’s voice trailed off as he cautiously redirected his gaze to Katia’s face. Katia, slightly annoyed, brushed back her wet hair.  

“Did you forget what I said?”  

“What?”  

“I told you I don’t plan to hang out with colleagues during free time.”  

“But… it’s such a waste… It’s really beautiful outside.”  

Mumbling like a scolded puppy, Broin seemed visibly dejected. Even as he watched her cautiously, it was clear he hadn’t given up hope, and she clicked her tongue inwardly.  

She thought he was a perceptive junior, but it seemed that was only when it came to work. She sighed, realizing he was quite stubborn. When he had suddenly confessed his feelings, she didn’t expect him to be this persistent.  

With his gentle appearance… Katia shook her head and waved her hand.  

“I’ll say it again since you didn’t understand: I decline.”  

“Senior…”  

“And you, just sitting at a bar outside, will probably have women looking at you and even approaching first.”  

“I’m not interested in anyone else. I told you I like you, Aide Evlaine.”  

His expression changed immediately. The sulky, pouting demeanor vanished, and Broin spoke with earnest eyes, making Katia feel uneasy.  

“It’s okay if you don’t want to go out with me. I won’t insist if you don’t like it. But I didn’t tell you I like you lightly.”  

“Alright, I see. Sorry.”  

Thinking her words might have been too harsh, Katia nodded. As she apologized, Broin’s expression quickly softened. He was such an easy man, at least when it came to Katia. Broin soon smiled broadly, and for some reason, blushed and bowed his head.  

Wondering why he was acting this way, Katia looked at him with puzzled eyes, and he cautiously spoke in a voice barely audible.  

“Well, um…”  

“What?”  

“It’s the first time I’ve seen your bare face, Aide Evlaine… and it’s so beautiful.”  

Broin, embarrassed by his own words, covered his face with both hands and bowed his head. His neck and chest turned bright red, clearly visible through the open collar of his shirt.  

Katia was at a loss for words and simply blinked.  

How should she react to such a person? With an uncertain expression, Katia scratched her cheek with her finger. But she couldn’t stand there forever. She couldn’t invite him into her room either. It was time to gently send him away.  

Just as she was about to tell him to go back, Broin parted his fingers slightly and peeked at Katia. Then, almost whispering, he asked her.  

“Um, Senior… I know this sounds crazy.”  

“……?”  

“Can I… touch your cheek just once?”  

Not understanding what she had just heard, Katia blinked. Did he take that as consent? Broin rubbed his face with both hands, hesitated, and then cautiously extended his hand toward her.  

Katia could clearly see his trembling hand. Like a turtle reaching out, his hand aimed directly for the center of her cheek.  

The fingertip that touched her soft, moist, flushed cheek felt like a hot iron, and Katia flinched. As she unknowingly stepped back, Broin’s hand crossed the gap and came closer. At that moment, his large hand completely covered Katia’s cheek.  

“You two there.”

Katia jumped back a few steps like a cat doused with water at the voice she recognized yet somehow didn’t want to hear at that moment. Both Katia and Broin turned to look at the owner of the voice. 

Leonid was standing there with his arms crossed, leaning slightly to one side, watching the two with an expression full of discomfort. 

The only one flustered was Katia. Her heart pounded madly as if she had been caught in the act of something scandalous. She couldn’t even look directly at Leonid and stood there awkwardly. Strangely enough, Broin seemed rather calm. No, he even looked somewhat defiant as he stared back at Leonid. 

Leonid returned the gaze with equal intensity, taking one step closer at a time. He stopped just short of closing the gap completely, leaving a single step of distance between them. 

“What are you doing here?” 

“It’s a personal matter.” 

“Here? Right next to His Highness’s room?” 

One corner of Leonid’s mouth lifted into a crooked smile. Still with his arms crossed, he clicked his tongue softly. 

“What, did you two come here to have a romantic rendezvous?” 

“No, it’s nothing like that. My apologies.” 

“Looks like only Aide Evlaine knows she’s done something wrong.” 

“…I was wrong.” 

Leonid scanned Broin up and down, his tone making it clear he didn’t believe the apology was genuine, before nodding his head. 

“Aide Glendale, you may leave.” 

“…Yes.” 

“Aide Evlaine, stay for a moment. I need to discuss some changes to tomorrow’s security arrangements.” 

Katia nodded silently. Broin bowed his head and left the scene. As he brushed past Leonid and walked away, his slumped shoulders seemed a little pitiful. Katia glanced at Broin’s retreating figure, only to accidentally meet Leonid’s gaze. 

Gasp. She swallowed a scream internally. Her neck instinctively shrank back.