For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 14 - Sincerely

#14. Sincerely

 

“What are the conditions?”

 

At the unexpected statement, Perth widened his eyes. Lia softly chuckled, finding it amusing to see Perth show his emotions.

 

“It’s not difficult.”

 

Upon hearing it wasn’t difficult, Perth’s eyes returned to their normal size. However, the suspicion still lingered in his eyes. Distrust towards people was not easily dispelled.

 

“What do you want?”

 

Perth was a skilled negotiator. He was adept at steering most deals in his favor. He was confident in making a reasonable deal with Lia, giving her what she wanted while getting what he wanted in return. 

 

Unaware of his inner thoughts, Lia simply smiled innocently. Although Perth’s unexpected visit in the morning was surprising, it wasn’t unpleasant. Spending time with him was surprisingly enjoyable.

 

“Please be my friend.”

 

Friend? Perth blinked at the condition he hadn’t expected. He had never understood why such a presence was necessary in life. No, even at this moment, he found it hard to understand why Lia wanted the existence of a friend.

 

“It hasn’t been long since I lived in the palace, but still, having a friend would put my mind at ease. You’re good at listening to stories, and it’s fun to be around you.”

 

It was a first for him to hear that being with him was enjoyable. Most people who referred to him were mostly those who called him an automaton or a machine. He found comfort in that. He had never had the intention of associating with anyone. Yet, Lia easily opened up to him. And a friend? He had never expected to have a lifelong friend.

 

“Do you dislike it? Then I’ll find it hard to explain as well.”

 

Lia turned her head quietly and walked away first. Watching her back, Perth finally came to his senses. He didn’t have to think of becoming real friends. He thought of her request as a deal condition to easily extract information from her, and his mind cooled down again.

 

“No, I will. I’ll be your friend.”

 

Though it came from his mouth, it was a very unfamiliar word. The word ‘friend’ coming from Perth’s mouth seemed to delight Lia. She smiled broadly.

 

“Great! Please take care of me from now on.”

 

As Lia extended her hand forward, Perth looked at it hesitantly. He was someone who avoided contact with others. He always wore white gloves to avoid accidentally touching anyone. But for some reason, he felt like he should hold the hand in front of him. Hesitantly, Perth reached out his hand. Without hesitation, Lia firmly grasped his hand.

 

“Now that we’re friends, I’ll answer anything for you. Since I don’t know what I should tell you all at once, you should think of questions for me each time. I’ll answer them sincerely, and finally, since we’re friends, you should also answer the same question, okay?”

 

“Is this the second condition of our deal?”

 

“No, because we’re friends. If it’s a question you don’t want to answer truthfully, you don’t have to.”

 

The hand slipped away gently. Although touching people was usually an uncomfortable sensation, strangely, it wasn’t unpleasant. Perth looked down at his hand, clad in white gloves, without even realizing it. Somehow, he felt that becoming friends and listening to Lia’s information didn’t quite match.

 

“So, what exactly does a friend do?”

 

“Do you not have any friends?”

 

It wasn’t much of a secret. Lia looked at Perth, who nodded immediately. She was perplexed for a moment about how to describe the concept of a friend. Eventually, she tried her best to explain an ideal friend.

 

“Well… friends listen to each other’s worries, support each other when things get tough, and spend time together for no particular reason.”

 

“For no particular reason?”

 

One of Perth’s eyebrows raised. He couldn’t understand sacrifices without gain. Hence, Lia’s explanation didn’t quite make sense. However, regardless of the exact definition of a friend, Lia seemed to want such a presence.

 

“Do you dislike it?”

 

“No. I’ve already agreed.”

 

Perth said decisively. It was a firm expression of determination. Lia felt pleased, despite being a little worried that she might have proposed something burdensome to him. Even though it was part of their deal, she felt relieved to have a place to attach her heart amidst the difficult life in the palace.

 

They soon arrived at the entrance to the greenhouse. Although Lia felt regretful for not asking Perth any questions about him, she had achieved some progress as she could now ask him questions without any limitations. Looking at him with a lingering expression of regret, Lia smiled.

 

“Then, see you at lunch in the yard. Think about what you want to ask!”

 

Lia waved continuously as she ran off. Perth found himself waving along without realizing it, then abruptly snapped out of it. It was an action that didn’t suit him at all. He quickly glanced around to see if anyone was watching him.

 

Fortunately, there was no one but Lia around. Perth hastily turned back towards the royal palace, feeling strangely uncomfortable and itchy. His throat felt scratchy for some reason. He absentmindedly rubbed around his neck.

 

“Is it pollen allergy…”

 

* * *

 

May approached Lia, who was having lunch in the dining hall.

 

“I heard Mr. Perth came to see you this morning?”

 

“Oh, yes.”

 

“What was it about?”

 

“He had something to ask me.”

 

Considering telling her about becoming friends, Lia refrained, recalling that May didn’t like Perth. As soon as she brought up Perth, May’s expression turned sour.

 

“That guy has no patience, does he? What’s the point of coming so early in the morning?”

 

“He’s just diligent.”

 

Thinking of Perth sacrificing his morning, lunch, and possibly dinner, Lia felt a bit guilty. Even though it was an order from his superior, asking him to fulfill the role of a friend seemed like a bit too much.

 

May muttered, apparently displeased with Lia’s defense of Perth.

 

“He’s too diligent to the point of being problematic.”

 

Perth still seemed uncomfortable. While Lia found Perth himself to be comforting, she realized that he might be uncomfortable as a superior. So Lia understood May’s perspective. Sometimes, having a superior who is too good at their job can also be uncomfortable.

 

“Wouldn’t it be better once we get used to it?”

 

Both Lia and May were still in the process of adjusting. Lia’s words seemed to provide some comfort, as May’s expression softened.

 

“Yeah, we’re still adjusting. Maybe I don’t know how to deal with a superior who doesn’t like me.”

 

May’s positive outlook was somehow admirable. Without realizing it, Lia reached out and gently stroked May’s head. Initially taken aback by Lia’s actions, May soon reciprocated by patting Lia’s head.

 

“Let’s both hang in there.”

 

“Yes.”

 

May returned to her seat. It seemed like she was going to have lunch with the same team members as usual. Lia couldn’t join them for lunch with the team, but at least she didn’t have to eat alone. After receiving her meal at the dining hall, she casually headed towards the yard.

 

There, she saw Perth already having his meal. He seemed lost in thought, staring into space every time he took a bite. As Lia walked over, observing him, she made sure not to startle him.

 

“Oh, you’re here.”

 

Although he must have known she was coming, Perth seemed unusually startled. He seemed lost in thought, not fully present. Lia cautiously took a seat beside him. Somehow feeling awkward, the two of them ate in silence for a while. The awkward atmosphere made it hard to taste the food properly. All she could smell was the faint fragrance of the small flowers blooming yesterday.

 

“I have a question… I’ve been thinking about it.”

 

Just as he was about to take a bite of bread, Perth cautiously spoke up. Lia couldn’t speak due to the bread filling her mouth, so she just nodded her head. It meant to go on. Even with Lia’s permission, Perth hesitated for a moment.

 

“What do you like?”

 

It was a question Lia had roughly anticipated, but it was overly broad. However, seeing his serious expression, it seemed like Perth had put a lot of thought into the question. Instead of pointing out the broadness of the question, Lia answered as best as she could.

 

“As you know, I like growing plants, and I enjoy drinking tea.”

 

Perth stopped eating and stared intently at Lia. It seemed like he was mentally taking notes or something. It was the first time someone had listened to her talk about her likes with such seriousness.

 

“Um… and I also like reading books…”

 

After saying it, Lia glanced at Perth, wondering if it sounded too ordinary. However, instead of urging her to continue, Perth just continued to look at her, as if waiting for more. Lia couldn’t think of anything else. Eventually, feeling overwhelmed, Lia averted her eyes first due to the pressure.

 

“What else do you like?”

 

Apparently, Perth was not impressed with the information he had so far. It seemed like he wouldn’t back down unless she confessed to something that others couldn’t easily get, something that was unique to her. But there was no such thing. In many ways, Lia seemed to be a human being with no particular talents or hobbies. 

 

“Singing, too.”

 

“Do you like it?”

 

“I guess I like it…”

 

Lia showed an uncertain attitude. She didn’t expect it to be so difficult to talk about what she liked. She kept watching Perth’s reaction, fearing she might upset him. Just before coming for lunch, Lia thought she could easily answer such questions. But when it came to it, she struggled to come up with anything. Once again, a silent showdown with Perth began. Eventually, Lia continued eating, avoiding eye contact with him.

 

“I’m sorry. It’s just not coming to mind.”

 

“Don’t apologize too much. It’s because hardly anyone knows themselves accurately.”

 

Surprisingly, Perth responded kindly. Lia’s expression brightened at the thought that he understood her. However, Perth wasn’t originally that understanding.

 

“I heard that you don’t have any preferences towards men. I roughly guessed. Perhaps you haven’t thought about your preferences. So, I observe your preferences from being a friend.”

 

“Oh, I see…”

 

It was a promise to help her figure out her preferences. But somehow, it sounded to Lia like he was saying, ‘What have you been doing all this time if not thinking about your preferences?’ Maybe it was just her feeling, she thought, and then asked back.

 

“What about you, Mr. Perth? What do you like?”

 

“If it’s non-material, I like silence, tranquility. Otherwise, I like rational and efficient things. If it’s material, I like watches. Time is the most rational and fair thing.”

 

Lia burst into laughter at Perth’s very typical response. Perhaps he had prepared this answer even before Lia asked. He must have thought she would ask. He liked things that were efficient and fair.

 

“You also like just zoning out, right?”

 

“… How did you know?”

 

Surprised by Lia’s sudden question, Perth was taken aback. It was rare for someone to know that he liked zoning out. Usually, people mistook it for contemplation due to his serious expression. He didn’t bother correcting that perception.

 

“I saw you earlier. You looked like you weren’t thinking about anything no matter how hard I looked.”

 

“I usually don’t realize it.”

 

“People who zone out tend to have their eyes unfocused and their mouths slightly open without even realizing it.”

 

“You have good observation skills.”

 

“Oh! I like observing people.”

 

As Lia continued conversing with Perth, she discovered another thing she liked about herself. Furthermore, he found her strengths and praised her for them. Lia couldn’t help but think that becoming friends with him was fortunate. Perth also seemed to be in a decent mood. Lia gazed absentmindedly at him, noticing a slight upward curve of his lips.

 

“All right. Just keep telling me one thing at a time.”