For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 36 - Goddess Of Spring Festival (3)

#36. Goddess Of Spring Festival (3)

 

“I didn’t become a noble because I wanted to. It makes me feel bad when they say things like that.”

 

“Most people who want to become something never get the chance. Do you think it’s okay for the privileged class to say such things?”

 

“It’s unfair. I haven’t done anything wrong. I was just born this way.”

 

“Then just ignore it. At least you’re capable of threatening when you hear such words.”

 

It was true. Sometimes, her status suffocated Lia, but she didn’t think becoming a noble was a curse. She was well aware that she had received privileges. But just because she heard the truth didn’t mean she felt relieved. Must people always speak so harshly?

 

“Yeah. Anyway, even Mr. Kevin dislikes me.”

 

“I don’t dislike you. I said I like you, didn’t I?”

 

Lia’s cheek burned at his sudden words. Kevin was too casual to say something so embarrassing.

 

“I thought you hated noble… women.”

 

“I told you, I don’t hate you that much. When you’re in a royal palace, you meet a lot of women. And a lot of them are bad cases.”

 

Bad cases? She couldn’t think of any examples. She didn’t have many close noblewoman friends since she wasn’t interested in socializing.

 

“Several asked me to be their concubine.”

 

“Concubine?”

 

It was surprising, but it seemed plausible. Kevin was quite handsome if he kept his mouth shut. Moreover, being a man with a story. He was the type women would adore.

 

“Yeah. Honestly, I had prejudices. I thought all noblewomen were like that.”

 

“No.”

 

“Right, not all. I realized that seeing you. You’re the closest noblewoman to me.”

 

The word ‘closest’ caught her attention. It was merely a statement among noblewomen. Lia deliberately turned her head to hide her blushing face.

 

“Yeah. I’m not as elegant or noble as other noblewomen.”

 

“Who said that? I just mean you’re special to me.”

 

Saying that, Kevin sat down in front of Lia. He didn’t mind sitting on the ground at all. Thanks to that, his eye level was slightly lower than Lia’s, who was sitting. 

 

“How do you say such embarrassing things so easily?”

 

Lia couldn’t even meet his gaze. But Kevin stared straight at her.

 

“Look at me, Lia. I’ve been avoiding you because I thought you’d feel awkward, but now I won’t run away or feel embarrassed. You need to be aware of that so you don’t forget that I like you.”

 

“I haven’t forgotten….”

 

“Be more aware. And start considering me.”

 

Perhaps it was because she refused to accompany him to the festival. Lia couldn’t hide her awkward expression. Every time he saw that expression, Kevin’s mood sank. So he pretended not to notice. But that wasn’t the case. He realized that if he kept pretending to be good and considerate, he would be overtaken by that guy. He couldn’t remain the same anymore.

 

“Let’s go back. It’s getting too dark.”

 

“… Okay.”

 

Kevin stood up first and extended his hand. However, Lia hesitated and couldn’t readily grasp it.

 

“It’s dark, you might get lost.”

 

Eventually, Lia cautiously reached out and grabbed the edge of Kevin’s sleeve. Kevin thought about forcibly holding her hand, but he sighed and gave up. There was no need to rush things unnecessarily.

 

Following behind Kevin, Lia continued to gaze at his back. It was a broad and reliable back. Surely, she would feel more at ease leaning on him. Knowing that, why couldn’t she bring herself to rely on him? It made her heart unnecessarily complicated.

 

* * *

 

Everyone was busy preparing again for the procession early in the morning. Even Ferdinand’s family spared no support. Since there were quite a few people from the royal palace, substantial expenses would have been necessary even at the mansion.

 

In the daylight, the mansion seemed even more majestic. Compared to Penelope Mansion, which was Lia’s family’s main residence, Duke Ferdinand’s mansion was indeed larger and more grandiose. However, Lia thought Penelope Mansion with its greenhouse and vast forest was more beautiful.

 

“Oh, over there.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“That’s the fiancée of the Crown Prince.”

 

When it was time to leave, members of the Ferdinand family emerged from the mansion to see off the royals. Lia had seen them in social circles a few times. Especially, Abigail, the fiancée of Alfonse, was exceptionally beautiful and dignified.

 

The phrase ‘typical noblewoman’ seemed to be aptly used for women like her. Alfonse and she were affectionately chatting, exchanging smiles. With such a beautiful fiancée, why was he still unfaithful?

 

“Indeed. She’s a lady of dignity and beauty unlike anyone else.”

 

Following, a snickering laughter was heard. It seemed yesterday’s warning wasn’t enough. However, having accepted Kevin’s advice yesterday, she decided to ignore it. But she was indeed a beautiful lady.

 

Lia unconsciously gazed at her for a moment. Perth came over to Alfonse’s side. Whether they knew each other or not, Abigail seemed to engage in conversation with him.

 

‘Huh?’

 

Was it just her mood? Alfonse briefly stepped away, leaving Perth and Abigail alone. At that moment, Abigail blushed, looking embarrassed. Perth, as usual, remained expressionless. Thinking she might have misinterpreted, Lia averted her eyes. 

 

Meanwhile, Perth seemed to have noticed her watching first. Even from a distance, they could feel their eyes meeting. Lia awkwardly waved her hand with a slight smile. It wasn’t very noticeable, but he seemed to be smiling slightly too. 

 

Though he continued conversing with Abigail verbally, his eyes spoke differently. For some reason, she felt glad to have locked eyes with him. Amidst her secret admiration, she felt a warm gaze beside her. 

 

“Hey, Abigail seems to be looking in this direction, doesn’t she?”

 

“Don’t get delusional. Why would a noble lady like the sky glance at someone like you? She’s just taking a look.”

 

As the beautiful lady glanced in their direction, the employees who caught her gaze became noisy. But was this also because of her mood? Lia had a feeling for a moment that she was glancing in their direction. But it was just for a brief moment. Soon, she turned her head and resumed chatting with Perth, smiling. Was this also just a delusion? But before she could chuckle, Kevin’s uproar echoed.

 

“Is nobody paying attention properly? Is this why we can’t start the procession by morning?”

 

“Yes, yes!”

 

Lia, who had been lost in her own thoughts along with others, hastily turned her head. It was time to hurriedly move their hands, which had been idle for a while. With the body busy, the small incidents of the morning were quickly forgotten.

 

* * *

 

The procession for the remaining two days also went smoothly. It was because the recent Psychedelia monarchy had stabilized. Hopefully, it will continue to be smooth thereafter. The problem was whether Prince Alfonse, the most likely candidate for the throne, could handle it. Lately, there hadn’t been any dealings with Prince Alfonse, which was fortunate. It seemed that his aide, Perth, had a hand in it for some reason. Whatever the reason, Lia was glad not to encounter any discomfort. 

 

Her relationship with the people sharing the same tent remained sour. It required physical strength even to make an effort to improve the relationship. Focusing entirely on the procession, Lia fell asleep exhausted every night. Fortunately, there was no physical harassment, perhaps because of the threat they received.

 

“Today is the last day. I hope everyone gives their best without losing focus until the end.”

 

Kevin fulfilled his role as the supervisor until the very end. He was attentive to every detail, from minor issues to major ones. Looking at him like this, he was a reliable supervisor. Remembering his confession for a moment, Lia covered her cheeks with both hands. Lia, who wasn’t used to such things, often blushed when she let her guard down. Moreover, whenever their eyes met during work, he seemed to know everything, smiling knowingly. Lia gathered herself and focused on the procession.

 

After about three days, even the royals who repeated this event every year seemed a bit tired. However, as they moved to the outskirts of the capital, where opportunities to see the royals were rare, the cheers from the citizens grew louder. Whenever Alfonse’s smile faltered, Perth quickly shielded him with his body. Then he whispered something in his ear. After listening for a moment, Alfonse smiled brightly again.

 

The end of the procession was near. Lia also gathered herself and smiled. It was physically exhausting, but it was a festival. Those who didn’t enjoy it would lose out.

 

“Let’s conclude the procession here! Everyone, enjoy the festival until the very end!”

 

With the king’s declaration, the procession came to an end as they returned to the palace. Now, all that was left was to tidy up. The palace staff who participated in the procession were given a day to enjoy the festival. Due to her sore body, Lia stretched. Once the procession ended, employees dispersed regardless of their departments. It was time to find partners to explore the festival together.

 

Before heading to the agreed meeting place, Lia stopped by the dormitory to change clothes. Casual attire was allowed for outings. It was a rare day to escape from the monotonous work uniform she was tired of. Although it was a simple dress, it looked better than the work uniform. She had never paid attention to her appearance, but she found herself looking into the mirror a few times for no reason.

 

Knock knock.

 

“Lia, are you there?”

 

“May?”

 

Opening the door, May was also dressed in casual attire. Her outfit was as vibrant as her red hair. However, it didn’t seem burdensome and suited her well.

 

“Wow, you look pretty.”

 

“So do you, May. What’s up?”

 

“I thought our lady might not know how to tie her hair alone, so I came just in case.”

 

It was true that Lia couldn’t tie her hair alone. When working, it was sufficient to tie it with a ribbon.

 

“So, did you come on purpose?”

 

“I don’t really want to cooperate with someone I don’t like, but it’s still your first date, right?”

 

“D-Date?”

 

“Yeah, yeah. Just friends going out together to look around. Don’t overthink it.”

 

About to retort, Lia quietly closed her mouth. May started combing Lia’s hair with familiar hands. She said she had many younger sisters, so she was used to tying hair.

 

“Didn’t you say you were going out with your team members?”

 

“Yeah, I wonder why they like going out with their team members.”

 

“May’s team members seem close. I envy you.”

 

“When there’s a bad boss, the subordinates below naturally become close.”

 

The bad boss May mentioned was the person Lia was going to meet today. Finding it amusing, she chuckled.

 

“Your coworkers harass you?”

 

“It’s nothing much. It’s inevitable because I’m a noble, you know.”

 

With one hand tying her hair, May grabbed Lia’s cheek forcefully.

 

“Ouch!”

 

“It can’t be helped. You’re just Lia. Whatever the reason, there’s no reason for you to be harassed. Got it?”

 

“Okay, so please let go!”

 

Lia appreciated May, who became friends regardless of whether one was a noble or commoner. Perhaps she was blessed to be surrounded by good people. She almost shed a tear unintentionally. Lia secretly swallowed her tears without May noticing.