For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 15 - Rumors Are Just Rumors

#15. Rumors Are Just Rumors

 

“Meat or vegetables?”

 

“Hmm. I’d say vegetables. But I don’t like tomatoes.”

 

“Then, milk tea or black tea?”

 

“Black tea.”

 

Now accustomed to Perth’s questions to some extent, Lia quickly responded. Thanks to his questions, Lia began to think more deeply about herself.

 

“Alright, now it’s Mr. Perth’s turn.”

 

It wasn’t difficult, just repeating the question asked earlier. But Perth had a somewhat tense expression. What could be the question he was nervous about? Even though they were questions he had chosen himself.

 

“Um… I don’t have preferences when it comes to food.”

 

Lia made a displeased expression. They both had a principle not to give ambiguous answers. Knowing this well enough, Perth felt more embarrassed. He was someone who didn’t particularly like or dislike certain foods.

 

“Well… maybe meat is more efficient in terms of energy.”

 

“Between black tea and milk tea?”

 

“I think I prefer the newly introduced coffee.”

 

It was a third option, but not a bad one. Lia didn’t criticize Perth’s answer and moved on. They had been exchanging questions about each other for quite some time now. From big things to trivial matters, the questions never ceased. They felt like they knew each other better than their own parents, exaggerating a bit.

 

As she left the dining hall in the morning, as usual, Perth stood waiting for her. It was the same when they met at the yard for lunch and dinner. After spending a long time together, somehow it felt like the distance between Lia and Perth had shortened. Perth didn’t seem as unapproachable as she had thought. The problem was the people who doubted their relationship. Just by sincerely answering Perth’s questions, a strange rumor began to spread. It spread like wildfire, reaching May’s ears.

 

Knock knock.

 

It was a sudden knocking sound. Lia, who was just about to lie down on her bed to rest, got up and opened the door. When she opened the door, May, her neighbor, was standing there. Somehow she seemed angry, or maybe uncomfortable, with a strange expression on her face. Her lips were trembling. She seemed to have something to say but couldn’t easily articulate it. 

 

Lia cautiously stepped aside from the door. Then, May walked into the room past Lia and naturally sat down on one side of the bed.

 

“Since when?”

 

It was a sudden question without a subject or object. Lia didn’t know how to answer and asked in return.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

May’s face turned red. Whatever it was, she was misunderstanding something about Lia.

 

“Since when have you been dating Mr. Perth?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

It was truly out of the blue. Lia was taken aback by the nonsensical statement.

 

“Dating Mr. Perth? M-me? What are you talking about? Absolutely not!”

 

Lia felt embarrassed and bewildered by May’s words. Perth and she were just simple friends. It was a relationship that had only happened because Lia forced it. Perhaps because of her embarrassment, her ears turned red.

 

“You’re not?”

 

“No!”

 

“Really?”

 

“May, how could you misunderstand like that?”

 

May narrowed her eyes and glared at Lia. She seemed to think that Lia was lying. Feeling frustrated, Lia desperately shook her head.

 

“Maybe it’s really not.”

 

After observing Lia’s attitude for a while, May concluded. Then, she lay back and buried herself in the bed. She seemed relieved in her own way.

 

“Thank goodness. I mean, I’m sorry. I thought you and Mr. Perth were in that kind of relationship, so I’ve been talking bad about him to you for no reason.”

 

“You didn’t say anything wrong, but… How did you come up with such a strange misunderstanding?”

 

“I heard it. Rumors were flying around. That you and Mr. Perth are dating. I don’t have many insiders in the palace, so I was late to hear about it.”

 

“Rumors spread?”

 

“Yeah. They say you spend all day together.”

 

“How could we work if we spend all day together? We just meet briefly during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

 

Upon Lia’s response, May sat up again. Looking at her with a furrowed brow, Lia wondered what she had done wrong again.

 

“You spend breakfast, lunch, and dinner together?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then you’re dating.”

 

“No! Mr. Perth only has business with me.”

 

“Business? What kind?”

 

Lia hesitated for a moment to find the words. How could she explain that Perth had been asking about her on Alfonse’s orders for background checks and inquiries? To explain that, she would have to explain how she was related to Prince Alfonse. Before that, she would also have to talk about the contract between Perth, the Count, and her. 

 

It was ridiculous to introduce three unmarried men. Looking at it objectively, it was absurd. Not to mention, because Lia was a noblewoman, she already felt some distance from May. But if she brought up these things, she doubted May would understand her.

 

“You won’t get mad or distance yourself from me if I tell you…”

 

“Promise!”

 

May replied before Lia could finish her conditions. She was curious about the whole story of the incident. Seeing her eager eyes made it even harder for Lia to speak.

 

“The truth is…”

 

Lia slowly explained everything, starting from the moment Perth visited the Penelope Mansion. May seemed like she wanted to say something throughout, but she patiently waited for Lia to finish. It was also a time for Lia to organize her thoughts and stories.

 

“So, let’s sum it up. You’re currently being introduced to Prince Alfonse.”

 

“Prince Alfonse doesn’t know about this. Perth and I only formally know each other.”

 

“And Prince Alfonse has an interest in you.”

 

“More like on my father.”

 

Lia had never thought that Prince Alfonse would genuinely be interested in her from the beginning. To her, he was a man engaged to another woman before he was a prince. Even though it was a strategic marriage, she disliked the idea of him meeting other women behind her back, especially if she was one of them.

 

“He might have an interest in you, though.”

 

Lia had never frowned upon May before. However, this time, it was just too hard to let it slide.

 

“I don’t want to think about it.”

 

“Why? Isn’t the prince somewhat charming? He seemed quite popular in his own way.”

 

“He has a fiancée!”

 

“Break the engagement.”

 

“Well, then, he’s not my type.” 

 

It was a firm refusal. She might not know her taste in men, but she knew it wasn’t Alfonse. That was one thing she was sure of. May looked pensive for a moment as she observed Lia, who had turned her head away in frustration.

 

“Do you know much about Prince Alfonse? Is he that bad?”

 

“…It’s not like that.”

 

In truth, aside from what she had seen at the ball, she hadn’t talked about him in the palace. Her judgment of him had been based on floating rumors. Listening to May, she began to think that maybe she had unfairly prejudged someone who might be trying to be kind to her.

 

“Did I go too far?”

 

Lia’s voice had diminished. Seeing Lia blaming herself, May shook her head.

 

“No. Instincts can be more accurate when it comes to love. If you don’t like it, just stop it.”

 

“It seems like you have a lot of experience with love, May.”

 

“Just from reading a lot of novels. Romance novels.”

 

“Can you give good advice just from reading romance novels?”

 

“Novels are often better at explaining things than reality.”

 

Before they knew it, it was time for lights out in the dormitory. Instead of going back to her room, May decided to stay with Lia. It was the first time Lia had spent the night with a friend. The bed was small, but chatting with May all night was enjoyable. It felt like she was discovering another world because they had to sleep close together, the warmth brushing against her felt somewhat unfamiliar.

 

“What about Mr. Perth? What do you think of him?”

 

“Well, he’s nicer than I expected. A good friend, perhaps?”

 

For a moment, May made a disgusted expression. She pulled the blanket tighter as if trying to play a trick on Lia.

 

“Do you know what that guy’s like in the office? If it’s not something really necessary, he won’t even open his mouth. Sometimes he’ll only say ‘hello’ and ‘I’m going to leave’! And if you make a mistake, he’ll scold you with his eyes! Do you know how stern he can be?”

 

“Mr. Perth seemed precise. I don’t know how lucky I am to not have him care.”

 

But as she spoke, Lia thought of Kevin, her superior. Then, reflexively, she narrowed her eyes.

 

“Or maybe it’s just that superiors are naturally hard to please.”

 

“Weren’t you saying your superior wasn’t easy either?”

 

“At least Mr. Perth doesn’t test the patience of ladies like my superior does.”

 

“That’s true.”

 

Both of them sighed simultaneously. They should have slept early, considering they had to go to work tomorrow, but sleep didn’t come easily. The conversation had been entertaining.

 

“If by any chance you develop feelings for Mr. Perth, make sure to tell me.”

 

“May!”

 

May teased Lia whenever she got the chance. It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that they could finally fall asleep.

 

* * *

 

Even if one wasn’t involved, rumors continued to spread. It was the nature of rumors not to seek out the explanation of the parties involved. And inevitably, the rumor persisted and reached Alfonse’s ears.

 

“Perth.”

 

Alfonse, who entered the office without knocking, wasn’t in the best mood. But he didn’t show it. If anything, his brows furrowed even more. 

 

“Yes.”

 

What was bothering him? Perth faithfully carried out his orders. He even dedicated his break time to investigating Lia. He compiled his findings into reports each night, placing them at the top of Alfonse’s desk every morning.

 

“Do you happen to know what rumors are circulating in the palace these days?”

 

“What rumor are you referring to?”

 

Rumors were commonplace in the palace. With so many people and so many secrets, it was inevitable. Most rumors were about love affairs or scandals. But some rumors required attention.

 

So Perth made an effort to keep track of the palace gossip. However, this particular rumor involved Perth himself. Consequently, those spreading the rumors were cautious. He wasn’t sure what Alfonse’s question was referring to. 

 

“They say you and Lady Penelope are in a special relationship.”

 

Does everyone know that he and Lia have a friendship pact Perth frowned momentarily. But there was no way Alfonse would have traveled all the way here with such a juvenile tale, so there was only one possibility. 

 

“Do you mean to say there’s a rumor that Lady Lia and I are dating?”

 

“That’s right.”

 

Alfonse lifted the documents from Perth’s desk without waiting for permission, revealing the report on Lia. It was being written up. The intention was to arrange a meal meeting with Alfonse soon, based on what they discovered today.

 

“No, I merely investigated as instructed by Your Highness.”

 

He was even in a position to introduce Lia to three unmarried men. As if that wasn’t hectic enough, now there was this ridiculous rumor. He felt unjustly accused to the point of bursting.

 

“Well, an uninteresting person like you wouldn’t interest women anyway. Just thought I’d ask, just in case.”

 

“You seem to be dismissing it quite harshly, but you’re not wrong.”

 

“Then does the lady perhaps like you?”

 

Perth, who was about to answer no, hesitated for a moment. Not in a romantic sense, but in a human sense? At least she didn’t seem to dislike him as openly as Lia did Alfonse. It was a part he hadn’t considered until now, so he became somewhat curious.

 

“If you’d like me to look into that as well, I’ll investigate.”