For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 17 - Unfamiliar Encounter

#17. Unfamiliar Encounter

“Yes?”

Lia was surprised, but even more surprised was Kevin himself. It took some time for him to act as if nothing had happened, even resorting to digging the ground as if it were no big deal. Thankfully, Lia didn’t notice his subtle trembling hands.

“Say if you don’t like it.”

Then, as if nothing had happened, he started digging the ground. Watching his back, Lia fell into serious contemplation. Within the Desert Climate Plant Management Department, there was no designated hierarchy, so there was no one she could call a senior. Furthermore, there was only Kevin whom she knew well. Since May was having meals with her team members, it was obvious that Kevin was the only Perthon to eat with. But for some reason, Lia felt unwilling. Considering what he had done to her before, it would have been reasonable to refuse. Just as she was about to decline, May’s words came to mind.

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

The same applied to Kevin. She realized that she was judging him without really knowing him.

“I understand. Let’s eat together.”

Kevin was taken aback by Lia’s acceptance. He had even proposed it himself, yet he expected her to refuse. Hearing an unexpected answer, he couldn’t respond for a while. Eventually, he managed to speak.

“…Alright.”

The two, who had unexpectedly ended up eating together, struggled a few more times to ease the awkwardness thereafter.

* * *

As Kevin entered the dining hall, passersby were all surprised. They had only known him to have meals at the laboratory; they never expected to see him eating at a dining hall. Seeing the bustling dining hall, Lia realized that Kevin was somewhat famous in his own right. Objectively, he wasn’t bad-looking. Coming from the knight order, he had a sturdy build and a masculine appearance. However, to Lia, who harbored prejudices against Kevin, he didn’t seem handsome at all.

Perhaps because it had been a while since he visited a dining hall, Kevin also seemed awkward. He was accustomed to having someone bring him bread and soup from the dining hall every day; visiting in person was rare for him. Thus, he had forgotten how to use the dining hall. He could only try to recall by occasionally glancing at Lia.

“Today’s menu seems a bit special.”

Kevin, who didn’t know what was different from usual, stared at the menu for a while. Lia pointed to the soup with her finger.

“It has meat in it.”

“Oh, I see.”

He had never thought about what was in the soup. To Kevin, meals were just about filling his stomach, so whether the soup was vegetable, meat, or mushroom soup that day didn’t matter. However, he consciously considered Lia’s words and tasted a spoonful. He could feel the texture of the meat.

“It’s a simple dish, but you can tell a lot of effort was put into it. The palace chef here must surely be a skilled Perthon, right?”

“Yeah, probably. A chef who can use abilities to invigorate or enhance the taste, I suppose.”

“It seems impressive when you think about it. People working in the palace, utilizing their abilities wherever needed.”

Lia also entered the palace wanting to showcase her abilities. However, she worried whether she could handle it well during her apprenticeship. Just considering the Miracle of the Deserts, her abilities didn’t cooperate with the plants. At the moment, Lia was nothing more than an ordinary human.

“Just having abilities from birth isn’t the entirety of one’s abilities.”

“Huh?”

“For instance, that chef. In reality, he might not have any inherent abilities in cooking. But if that chef acquired exceptional cooking skills later on? Then there wouldn’t be any problem, right?”

“That’s true.”

“Relying solely on one ability can lead to a big disappointment.”

It was still an indifferent tone. However, sensing Lia’s anxiety, he felt compelled to respond. Lia stared blankly at Kevin. It was unclear whether he felt embarrassed or just spoke without any emotion; he simply bowed his head and continued to eat the soup. Occasionally, he frowned, seemingly displeased with the noisy atmosphere of the dining hall.

He’s a superior after all. Lia concluded that Kevin had comforted her in his own way. It was fine even if not. Because Lia actually felt comforted by his words. Don’t worry. Even if her ability to grow plants doesn’t work, it’s okay. Just strive to develop other abilities. She accepted it so casually.

“Mr. Kevin, then, besides the rain-making ability, did you come to the Desert Climate Plant Management Department for another ability to be recognized?”

“Me?”

“Yes. Weren’t you originally a deputy knight commander? How did you end up in the greenhouse?”

It was a straightforward question. Caught off guard by the sudden question, Kevin chuckled awkwardly.

“Don’t you usually ask those questions more cautiously?”

“Isn’t it better than making baseless assumptions from behind?”

“…Yeah, I suppose it is.”

However much he tried to see things positively, he didn’t intend to let it go that easily. There was never a way he could just obediently say ‘yes.’ It both annoyed him and amused him in its own way. So, he didn’t even realize if he was responding to the words he usually ignored.

“My abilities weakened, so I was dismissed.”

“Can abilities really weaken?”

The specifics regarding abilities were not precisely understood. Why they occurred, why there were differences, or even how they were inherited were not accurately known. No one knew how the power of abilities weakened or strengthened either.

Kevin briefly recalled the past. It was difficult to recall those times because they were so long ago. Furrowing his brow, he remembered the days spent on the battlefield. Back then, with the ability to summon rain anytime, anywhere he wished, he could unleash tempests without regard for time or space.

Recognized for his ability that was akin to a natural disaster, he swiftly rose to the position of deputy knight commander. Wherever he had summoned storms, there was always nothing left behind. He instilled fear in hundreds, thousands of soldiers. From once being the object of fear, it didn’t take long for him to fall from grace.

The trigger was quite trivial. There was a plant that sprouted in the middle of the desert. How it sprouted was a mystery. However, during the war, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from that single clump of grass. If he were to summon a storm, it was clear that the grass would be uprooted and vanish without a trace. It was a moment when his heart was momentarily stolen.

– It’s dangerous!

In an instant, a horizontally drawn sword cleaved through his torso. It was a wound that could have been fatal. Miraculously, he recovered. However, one thing had changed; his ability had severely weakened. Now, the heaviest rainfall he could summon was merely a drizzle.

“It weakens, you know.”

He didn’t provide further explanation. But even without him speaking, it was evident that there was some story behind it. She had no intention of forcing him to speak. Lia, as if nothing had happened, continued with her meal.

“Well, it could also get stronger! My ability, I mean.”

“What would you do if it became even stronger? Cover the entire country with vegetation?”

“That could happen. Everyone living in the forest!”

Lia spread her hands as if promoting something good, with a proud smile on her face. Kevin, feeling a bit embarrassed, continued with the meal, nodding slightly. 

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“Isn’t that something you’d also like, Kevin?”

“Me?”

“Yes. Seeing the way you’re researching, it feels like you love plants, which is why you’re in this department.”

It wasn’t an incorrect statement. After facing that single clump of grass he couldn’t bring himself to uproot, he developed an interest in the plants living in the desert. So, after losing his ability and being expelled from the knight order, he voluntarily transferred to the greenhouse management department.

At first, he was just a knight who knew nothing, burdened with unfamiliar duties. Naturally, everyone avoided him as he caught the attention of the department’s superiors. However, he researched plants more diligently than anyone else. All he could do in the lab was that. However, he gradually realized that the work suited him better than he thought, much later.

“Eat your soup.”

“Oh, are you feeling embarrassed? Is that right?”

Though he tilted his head as if it were pathetic, the tips of his ears were turning red. Noticing this small change, Lia started teasing him. Nevertheless, Kevin raised an eyebrow, signaling that he couldn’t let his guard down. It was quite an enjoyable meal, all things considered.

* * * 

Sometime later, Lia was invited to another dining occasion. A formal invitation, neatly written and sealed in an envelope, was delivered to her dormitory. Lia sighed as she picked up the sealed letter placed in the middle of her bed.

“Well, it’s nice. Lately, quite a few people are inviting me to meals.”

Recalling lunchtime made her feel even more awkward. While she wasn’t eating alone anymore, she wondered if she would continue dining with Kevin in the future. Was it just a one-time thing, or did it imply future meals together?

But Lia didn’t mind eating alone. Even when she was at the mansion, she often ate alone, so she was used to it. Instead, it was the bustling atmosphere of group dining in noisy dining halls that felt unfamiliar.

Lost in thought, Lia started reading the letter. Starting with “Dear Lia Penelope,” the letter boasted flowery phrases, but it eventually turned out to be a dinner invitation. It was a courtesy meeting. Recalling May’s words from last time, Lia straightened her shoulders as if trying to shake off a burden.

“Well, maybe he’s a good Perthon.”

But she couldn’t shake off the awkward feeling. Eating alone with someone who even had a fiancée. Of course, Perth would be there, too. Now that she thought about it, it was the first time she would meet Perth since hearing the rumors. Just the thought of it made her whole body itch with discomfort.

If there was a chance, Lia wanted to make it clear to Perth that she didn’t have any feelings beyond friendship. If he distanced himself because he was wary of her possibly harboring ulterior motives, then he shouldn’t worry. She didn’t want to lose the friendship she had gained since coming to the palace.

* * *

The dining venue was the same place they had tea at last time. Arriving on time, Lia saw Alfonse sitting there like a statue, surrounded by elaborate decorations. He seemed to be staring into the distance, but it was intentional that he presented himself at that angle. Both Perth and Lia knew that fact.

Before sitting at the table with Alfonse, Lia glanced briefly behind him to see Perth. However, he still had his poker face on, so it was impossible to guess his emotions. Whether he was embarrassed by her presence or not.

Before taking her seat, Lia greeted Alfonse.

“Greetings, First Prince.”

“Oh, young lady. No need to be so formal. Please, sit.”

Alfonse deliberately wore a kind smile. There was no need to point out how fake that smile looked. Lia, too, tried to smile as naturally as possible.

Then, as if on cue, dishes started coming out one by one, as if they had been waiting. Starting from appetizers to main courses, each dish was served. The cuisine was excellent, even compared to what was served at the Penelope Mansion. The chef there was also excellent. However, as Perth had previously mentioned, the palace chefs’ skills were truly remarkable.

“How do you find the dishes?”

“They’re all delicious. Not a single one is lacking.”

Even more surprisingly, every dish that came out was one Lia liked. It was too obvious that Perth asking about the food was just for the sake of today’s meal. Only the things she had mentioned liking were being served.

It felt strange. Although it was a meal arranged for her sake, she didn’t feel happy at all. As she continued the meal in silence, dessert came out after the main course. It was only then that Alfonse spoke up, looking at Lia.

“I heard rumors about you and my aide.”