Chapter 4 – Prejudice (Part 5)

“….”

Sophia was at a loss for words in response to Liam’s remark. He continued speaking with a smile still on his face.

“Have I been taking Killian’s side too much? But you know that my priority is always you, Sophie, right? I’m always on your side, so if you ever have a problem or something troubling you, tell me. I’ll take care of everything.”

Having said what he wanted, Liam stood up from his seat.

“Just hearing that makes me grateful.”

As Sophia also stood up, Liam gently patted her head while she smiled brightly at him. Seeing his sister trying to make the best of her situation, despite it being an unwanted marriage, made him proud.

Sophie, I’m sorry.

At the same time, he swallowed the words he couldn’t bring himself to say. Part of the reason Sophia was in this unwanted situation was because of Liam. But he couldn’t explain everything now, which made him feel even more apologetic.

This is all for you.

Among the family, he wanted Sophia to be the happiest, and he did his best to ensure that. So, he hoped that even if she learned the truth later, she wouldn’t hate him.

Of course, the person he needed to apologize to more than Sophia was Annette, but for now, he had to keep everything to himself.

“I’ll come again, so take care.”

Not revealing his inner thoughts, Liam gave Sophia a gentle smile.

“You must visit often.”

After seeing Liam off with tears welling in her eyes, Sophia pondered their conversation.

“To see without prejudice…”

Even if she disregarded the fact that he was the third son of the Loden family and considered the fierce look he gave her at the banquet as a misunderstanding, the things Killian had done to her so far had no justifiable reason.

Stopping a public kiss, slicing a necklace from the young master of Valkeres with a sword-

The former might be understandable, but the latter was clearly an act of anger over the necklace from the young master of Valkeres, not an attempt to catch a bug.

Why? Was it because, even though I have a fiancé, I accepted a necklace from another man?

Sophia realized her actions were wrong. But no matter how she thought about it, it wasn’t something Killian should have interfered with.

By that logic, Clive, who also mingled with other women after the engagement, should have been reprimanded more by his brother. He should have told him to behave properly.

Had Killian treated both of us the same way?

Thinking back, Clive never showed a favorable attitude towards Killian. In fact, he was wary and uncomfortable around him.

Feeling that way just from a brief encounter suggested that Killian might have said something to Clive regularly. Judging by Killian’s behavior so far, it wouldn’t be surprising.

Was I thinking too negatively?

At that moment, Sophia realized she was equating Clive with Killian. It was natural since they were brothers, but even with a little thought, it was clear they were very different.

Clive was all talk with no weight behind his words. Whereas Killian would rather remain silent than speak empty words.

Moreover, Clive had no intention of keeping basic manners or promises. In contrast, Killian was strict about etiquette and always kept his word.

The more she compared the two, the more curious Sophia became about Killian. Of course, it wasn’t a romantic feeling. She simply wanted to know if her previous thoughts about him were wrong.

To satisfy her curiosity, she immediately sought out Victor. Worried that she might have come with complaints, he asked with a concerned expression.

“Is there anything bothering you?”

“No, not at all.”

“I’m glad to hear you are adjusting well to the new house.”

“Everyone has been kind to me. I’m grateful.”

“It’s all thanks to Sir Killian.”

After exchanging formalities, Sophia was about to get to the main point, but Victor’s unexpected words stopped her.

“What? What do you mean?”

“He wished for you to live comfortably. That’s why you were moved here from the Loden household where you were having a hard time.”

“Did he really move me for my sake?”

She had heard it in passing before but couldn’t be sure, so she had forgotten about it. But hearing Victor say it again made her believe it.

“Of course. Sir Killian personally chose the house. Do you like it?”

“The house?”

“Yes. Despite his busy schedule, he took the time to find a suitable place.”

“Did he also choose the interior decorations?”

“Yes. He selected everything.”

Sophia knew how busy Killian was as the commander of the knights. Finding a house and furnishing it within a month seemed impossible.

Yet, completing the selection and furnishing of the house within a month meant he was considerate of her.

He wanted to get her out of the Loden household as soon as possible.

He never came into the room when they were at the Loden estate, but after moving, he came in regularly. Was it because he was concerned about me all this time?

Even if he didn’t like me, he still thought of taking care of me.

Realizing, as Liam said, that there was a reason behind Killian’s actions made her feel strangely emotional, and her nose tingled.

He had more sense of responsibility than his brother. His willingness to sacrifice himself for the family was commendable, making him appear different to her suddenly.

Perhaps reading her thoughts, Victor made a surprising suggestion.

“Then how about expressing your gratitude directly to Sir Killian?”

“D-directly?”

If it were anyone else, she would have immediately expressed her thanks, but because it was Killian, even saying thank you felt awkward.

However, it was impolite to accept help without expressing gratitude.

“Oh, alright.”

Knowing it was only right to thank him, Sophia accepted Victor’s suggestion.

* * *

Late at night, Sophia quietly watched Killian, who had come to bed as usual.

Gazing at his back, Sophia fell into thought. Perhaps due to Liam and Victor’s words, Killian seemed slightly different.

“Is there something on my face?”

“Oh, no?”

Caught off guard by Killian suddenly speaking, Sophia stammered and hesitated as she was about to lie down in bed.

‘Would he look different if I set aside my prejudice?’

Sophia glanced at Killian from the corner of her eye.

Considering his past actions towards her, it wasn’t easy to see him without bias. However, as Liam suggested, seeing Killian for who he was might not be a bad idea.

Of course, the predatory gaze and the smile that seemed wicked were still there, which was intimidating, but she mustered the courage to express her gratitude.

“Th-thank you.”

However, what came out was a simple phrase, and even that she struggled to articulate properly.

What kind of reaction will he have?

Not knowing what response to expect from him, Sophia held her breath and watched Killian. For a moment, his eyes seemed to flicker with desire, and then he said something unexpected.

“If you feel grateful, could you give me a kiss?”

“A k-kiss?”

“Yes, a kiss of gratitude.”

“Oh….”

She wondered why he suddenly asked for a kiss, but realized she was overthinking it. A light kiss on the cheek as a thank you was common, so it wasn’t something to be surprised about. However, because it was Killian, she couldn’t help but react a bit sensitively.

She felt she should express gratitude for being able to live comfortably, but a kiss felt burdensome. Reading her mind, Killian spoke.

“If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. I won’t force you.”

It’s not even on the lips, so why not?

“I-I’ll do it.”

Sophia hesitated but nodded. As she cautiously approached Killian, even on tiptoe, her lips couldn’t quite reach his cheek. Almost, but not quite.

“If you could lower your head a bit, it would be easier for me to express my gratitude.”

She deliberately referred to it as “expressing gratitude” rather than a “gratitude kiss.” After all, it was just a gesture of thanks.

“Understood.”

Killian slightly lowered himself, and Sophia lightly pressed her lips to his cheek before pulling away.

Her lips were only in contact for about three seconds, but the memory of their previous kiss made her heart race. Her face flushed like a beetroot.

That should be enough, right?

As soon as her lips left his cheek, Sophia checked Killian’s reaction.

Wondering what he would say this time, she looked at him, but he stood still as if he had forgotten to breathe.

‘What’s wrong with him?’

His behavior seemed so odd that Sophia waved her hand in front of his face, but he didn’t react.

‘Huh? Can’t he see my hand?’

She waved more vigorously. Still getting no response, she was puzzled when suddenly, Killian grabbed her wrist and pulled her in.

“Mmph!”

His hand cradled the back of her head, and their lips met. She struggled to push away the man who had overwhelmed her, but it was futile.

He said he wouldn’t kiss me without permission. You really can’t trust the Loden family!