He was known as someone who studied artifacts, and there had been several cases where he simply showed an item and got paid for it.

There were rumors that he was incredibly gentlemanly and had a good eye for things. Some even said he might be the child of a high-ranking noble. If that were true, then Kyla would surely know him as well.

‘What’s the point of researching artifacts?’

She had only heard his name for a long time and done business through letters, so now seemed like a good opportunity to meet him face-to-face and ask. If she were lucky, maybe they’d hit it off like she did with Maryville and Everett.

“Mary, could you bring me a pen? I have to write back right away!” 

She wanted to share this happy news with Everett and decided she would accept Rophelin’s invitation. Excited at the thought of meeting a new businessman, Kyla sat down at her desk—only to accidentally knock over the schedule Everett had given her earlier that morning, detailing the duke’s updated plans.

“Oh! I forgot to look at this today.”

She must’ve been running around so frantically. She picked up the schedule and skimmed through it quickly. Then her eyes stopped on a particular part…

“Ah.”

It finally felt like the heavens were giving her a chance, too.

***

The meeting place was a luxurious restaurant called “Rose de Blanc.” This was a top-tier restaurant where noble lovers visited on special days like anniversaries, and she had only been there twice in her life because it was so hard to reserve.

Yet, to suddenly have an appointment at such a place…

Rophelin must surely be a remarkable noble family.

‘Did I arrive too early?’

Arriving before the appointment time, Kyla was guided to a room. Inside was a spacious area where a horse could run around, with a long dining table set up.

‘This place could fit twenty-two people for a meal!’

She thought this must be the most luxurious room in Rose de Blanc.

“Is there anything uncomfortable, my lady?”

She had only looked around a bit, but the staff noticed and kindly asked.

“No, it’s just… the flowers are so pretty.”

“They’re fresh every day, so the scent is excellent too. Would you like a particular flower brought to your table?”

“Then… those yellow ones over there…”

Isabelle hhad told her that yellow was the color her mother had loved since long ago. So, there were always bright yellow flowers blooming in one corner of the garden for her mother. Seeing these yellow flowers reminded her of her mother, whom she hadn’t seen even once.

While waiting, as Kyla held a bouquet of freesias brought by the staff and smiled while smelling their fragrance…

“You arrived early.”

A voice echoed from the entrance. It was a voice that always captivated her, no matter how many times she heard it.

He approached her, holding a bouquet and bowing his head.

“As someone who shares the same interests, I’ve always wanted to meet you. I’m Rophel—”

But she looked up at that moment, reacting to his presence. The man, clearly startled, had extended his hand but now hesitated.

‘Caught you.’

He had tried to hide his identity—dyed his hair, wore a mask, changed clothes. But none of that worked on someone as observant as her. Kyla stood and firmly grabbed the hand he had offered, looking him straight in the eyes.

“So we meet again, Your Grace.”

He froze like a statue, visibly caught off guard.

“You look like someone who just got hit on the back of the head.” 

As if embarrassed, he let go of her hand and awkwardly touched the back of his head.

“I didn’t follow you this time. Would you believe me if I said that?”

With a low sigh, he seemed to give up on the mask and removed it in frustration.

“I really didn’t see this coming.”

He wore his usual relaxed smile on that handsome face, but she had already seen his startled expression behind the mask.

“Really? Because I did.”

She had memorized the duke’s entire schedule for a while. Unless there was something special, his days were usually predictable. But making a sudden reservation at such an upscale restaurant? That was new. From the first time they met, she had noticed—the pendant he always wore, the watch he carried, the brooch on his clothes—not a single one was anything less than elegant.

It all pointed to the fact that his sense of style was impeccable. And then there was the middle name, “Rophel.”

With such a distinctive middle name, it was almost rude not to recognize who he was, no matter how common similar names were.

‘Why does no one else recognize this man?’

Her eyes sparkled like a cat spotting prey.

‘So last time, you pretended like nothing was going on, huh?’

Her face now was a complete change from the sweet girl who had been admiring the flowers just moments ago.

“Shall we have a glass of wine and chat, then?”

At this, Haiden suddenly pressed a hand to his forehead, as if dizzy.

“Oh my, are you not feeling well?”

“My stomach’s not in great shape today, so I don’t think I can drink wine with you.”

“That’s okay. I’ll drink alone.”

“…Do you really have to?”

“Oh? I guess you don’t want to see the necklace, then.”

What was so special about that necklace, anyway?

The duke, who had been debating whether to leave or not, finally returned to his seat.

“When did you buy that necklace again…?” he muttered, but Kyla paid him no mind.

“One bottle of wine here, please.”

Just from the miserable look on Haiden’s face, she could already tell this meal was going to be delightfully entertaining.

***

‘See? Who told you to lie in the first place?’

Kyla recalled Haiden’s snide words from last time.

“I think you’re mistaken, Lady Bailey. There’s nothing to negotiate between us.”

Back then, she wanted to twist his lips right off his face. But now, this was turning out to be a perfect opportunity.

The lavish feast before her looked more splendid than a bouquet of flowers. Haiden hadn’t even glanced her way since earlier and was silently cutting into his steak and eating it.

‘Let’s see if there really is nothing to negotiate.’

“One more bottle, please.”

Haiden flinched at the sound. She noticed his reaction and, watching him closely, he suddenly blurted out an excuse.

“The wind… It’s gotten chilly. Could you shut the window?”

But the window had already been closed as dusk set in.

“Mmm, this meat is so tender. The wine really enhances the flavor,” Kyla murmured smoothly, curling her red lips into a smirk.

Haiden finally lifted his head and snapped,

“Don’t overdo it and get drunk. Did you bring the necklace?”

“Nope. What if someone steals it? I wanted to meet you first before deciding.”

She was, after all, a businesswoman.

At the start of her business, she’d been tricked endlessly just for being a clueless noble lady. But now, seasoned and sharp, she had no intention of showing even a glimpse of the necklace until negotiations were fully over.

“We might not have had the best personal relationship, but as anonymous trade partners, we did quite well. I thought we had at least that level of trust.”

“Yeah, I kind of wish we’d stayed anonymous.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Chomp.

Kyla grinned, chewing on a piece of steak as she looked at him teasingly.

“That necklace… Is it really that important to you?”

“It’s not that… important. Collecting antiques is just a hobby.”

Exactly. Because it’s a hobby, it probably matters even more. Why work so hard to downplay something if it really wasn’t important?

“Then I’m definitely not showing you.”

Haiden remained composed, sitting dignified, but his eyes kept drifting toward the water glass— probably thirsty.

“Is it really that hard to just show it to me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re you.”

“And if I weren’t?”

“Then I would’ve shown it easily. It’s not like looking at it would wear it out.”

“You’re really pushing my buttons.”

Unable to hold back any longer, he grabbed the water glass he’d been eyeing and downed it in one go. Watching him struggle like that felt incredibly satisfying — as if she were finally settling the score from all the teasing he’d done before.

Feeling victorious, Kyla turned to the waiter and said,

“One more bottle of wine, please.”

“That’s enough. You’ve had too much.”

She hadn’t just been drinking by the glass — she was on her third full bottle. Sure, her face had flushed red with a bit of a buzz, but the necklace wasn’t her only aim tonight. She wanted to uncover one more of the duke’s weaknesses.

If he admitted to even one, the rest of the negotiation would tilt completely in her favor.

‘Just a little more, for that moment!’

With that resolve, Kyla ordered the most expensive wine in the restaurant. Not long after…

‘Hic.’

She leaned her chin in her hand and laughed proudly.

“See? I told you… I could drink it all! Hic!”

“Clear the room.”

Sensing the shift, Haiden immediately ordered all the staff to leave.

Her cheeks flushed a rosy pink. Kyla deliberately widened her eyes and cupped her face with her hands like a flower. Then she closed her eyes gently and smiled sweetly.

“Aaah… Whew…”

“You’re drunk.”

He still hadn’t been looking directly at her — just gazing off elsewhere, biting his lip as if enduring some great trial.

Irritated by that, Kyla raised her voice dramatically.

“Your Grace~ Why won’t you look over here?”

She was definitely slurring now — had to admit she went a bit too far. But drunk people have no shame. The only ones embarrassed are tomorrow’s version of themselves… or the poor sober soul sitting across from them.

Throwing away all noble dignity, Kyla decided to go all in.

She stood up from her seat.

Haiden flinched and looked toward her with suspicion.

With a wine glass in hand, Kyla slowly made her way around the table.

The closer she got, the more his pupils shook — like they’d been hit by a storm.