For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 45 - Cold Weather (1)

#45. Cold Weather (1)

Lia firmly packed the winter clothes prepared for her at the Penelope Mansion. Although she had winter uniforms provided by the palace, she was instructed to attend in civilian attire to avoid standing out during her trip. She worried that Jacqueline, who favored extravagant designs, might have included inappropriate winter clothes. But since she was told to send practical items, she assumed they must be suitable and didn’t bother to check.

“Is that your civilian outfit?”

The clothes she wore before departure were thin spring attire. It was her first time wearing civilian clothes in front of people since the festival.

“Yes. Mr. Kevin, too, is in civilian clothes?”

Because they didn’t go out together on festival day, it was the first time Lia had seen Kevin in civilian attire. However, it was subtle to call it civilian attire. He was dressed in clothes suitable for mercenaries, complete with a sword hanging at his side.

“I may not be very skilled, but I can swing a sword.”

As Lia’s gaze fell on the sword, Kevin spoke defensively.

“Do you need a sword?”

The fact that he carried a weapon was more surprising than his attire. Besides mercenaries and knights, Lia had never seen anyone walking around with weapons during her travels. There might have been people carrying small daggers for self-defense, but that was it.

“The Hiver region is not safe. You never know what might happen.”

At times like this, Lia’s naivety as a noble lady was evident. She had been protected and raised since birth, so she had never experienced how harsh the world could be. Perhaps realizing how pitiful she seemed, Lia’s face flushed.

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Oh… I’m not saying anything like that. I’ll protect you, so if something happens, just hide behind me.”

But Lia didn’t listen to Kevin’s words and instead mounted her horse first. Even a noble lady like her, who grew up pampered, knew how to ride. Kevin looked astonished at this unexpected sight.

“I’ve learned a bit of horsemanship. My older brothers taught me.”

When she was young, she wanted to play with her older brothers and learned a little about swordsmanship. It didn’t suit her temperament, so she quickly gave it up. At that time, even though her two older brothers stopped wielding swords, they advised her to learn some self-defense techniques. Thanks to them, Lia knew how to strike at a Perthon’s vital spots. Kevin, looking up at Lia’s exuberant demeanor, shook his head. He realized he had underestimated her.

“Lady Lia.”

Just then, Alfonse approached Lia on horseback. Of course, Perth was standing behind him. After exchanging greetings with him through eye contact, Lia jumped off her horse to greet him.

“Prince Alfonse.”

Lia bowed her head, but the prince raised his hand to stop her.

“Why such a formal greeting between us?”

What are they doing? The same question popped into the minds of the three people present. Ignoring the stiff expressions of others, Alfonse smiled at Lia.

“As you are the darling of the House of Penelope, you must ride on the carriage; come with me in my carriage.” 

Alfonse’s offer was quite overtly special treatment. He had been quiet for a while, so Lia wondered why he was behaving like this now. Thanks to Alfonse’s special treatment, Lia had heard gossip from other colleagues for a while. Lia glanced at Perth, wondering if this was also his idea. Perth slightly shook his head, indicating that this particular treatment was solely Alfonse’s own decision. He was innocent.

“I’m fine, thank you.”

Lia rejected his offer decisively. She was already standing out enough; she wouldn’t have come to the palace if she wanted special treatment like this. Alfonse was taken aback by her firm refusal. He had planned to chat with her throughout the journey in the carriage. Lia was smiling, but her expression was resolute. Alfonse couldn’t insist further and had to step back.

“I’m afraid it might inconvenience you.”

“I’m fine. I am just a regular palace worker. I can’t express enough how grateful I am for Your Highness’ attention.”

“…I understand.”

Alfonse maintained his smile to save face, despite his wounded pride. Lia seemed uncomfortable with the idea of being treated especially in front of everyone. Otherwise, she would not miss the chance to spend several days with him. 

Perth seemed to understand what Alfonse was thinking without even looking at him. He was probably internally patting himself on the back. Anyway, handling the aftermath was all his responsibility. As Alfonse disappeared ahead, Perth whispered an apology to Lia.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

“It’s fine.”

Perth and Lia exchanged a soft smile. Kevin, observing them, spoke up.

“Aren’t you going?”

“I have to.”

Until the end, Kevin glared at Perth. Knowing that the two of them had a strained relationship, Lia paid no mind. Kevin also mounted his horse alongside Lia. It was the beginning of what promised to be an eventful journey.

* * *

Even though it was an official visit, they needed to be prepared for any situation due to the small group. They had a prince with them. They intentionally made the trip appear as if nobles were going out, passing through Ferdinand’s estate. As a result, they stayed at the mansion for a day. Since the group was smaller than during the festival, Lia and Kevin could also stay at the mansion.

“In many ways, this is like sponsoring the royal family.”

Kevin, who was not particularly interested in politics, could still grasp this much. Even on their second visit, the mansion was still imposing. It was truly impressive, second only to the palace. Lia realized once again that her choice had been correct. Getting on Prince Alfonse’s carriage would have been disrespectful to his fiancée, Abigail. 

Lia went out to greet them again this time. Even from afar, the two looked good together. An engagement predetermined from birth due to their noble status. Lia couldn’t understand why someone would betray that engagement and show interest in another woman.

“It’s possible to have other thoughts even with such a beautiful fiancée. At that level.”

“There are complicated circumstances, or so I’ve heard.”

Though he seemed to be defending him, Lia’s expression revealed her discomfort with his words. Perth, who was behind Alfonse, also greeted Abigail. Most of the time, the three of them would engage in conversation.

“Oh my, Perth!”

She laughed heartily and playfully hit Perth’s arm. This drew the attention of everyone at the entrance. Despite everyone’s gaze, Abigail continued talking with Perth as if nothing had happened. Even Lia, who was typically oblivious, couldn’t help but notice. Abigail was speaking through her actions.

“I’ve wondered before, but could it be that the fiancée also likes someone else?”

Even Kevin seemed to pick up on it. At this level, could there be no hidden feelings? Alfonse appeared disinterested in where her heart was truly directed, as long as the outward appearances were maintained.

“Does it bother you?”

“Me?”

Regardless of Alfonse and Abigail’s relationship, Lia had no involvement. Whether engaged couples liked other people or not, as long as no harm came to her, she thought it was none of her concern.

“Why are you gripping so tightly?”

In response to Kevin’s question, Lia glanced down at her own hand. Without realizing it, she had been tightly clutching the bag strap, causing her palm to turn white.

“I just got carried away. It’s not a big deal.”

“Really? You’re not bothered?”

“Of course not. Why would I care about Prince Alfonse or her fiancée?”

“Besides the prince and the fiancée, isn’t it concerning that the fiancée likes that aide?”

Instead of answering, Lia narrowed her eyes briefly. Throughout their time at the mansion, Perth wore the same smile he used when meeting external acquaintances. Lia couldn’t shake the feeling that his smile wasn’t genuine.

“No, that’s none of my concern. If a friend were to enter an inappropriate relationship with someone else’s fiancée, I’d oppose it honestly.”

Although it was fine for Abigail to have feelings for someone, Lia felt upset at the thought of Perth reciprocating those feelings. It was undoubtedly because she considered it inappropriate to form a relationship with someone else’s fiancée.

Kevin silently looked down at Lia. Despite wearing a somewhat displeased expression, she was denying her feelings for Perth. But he didn’t see any reason to make her aware of it. If she wanted to deny it to the end, he would be helping her.

“Lia, I won’t be a playboy.”

Kevin’s declaration was sudden. Lia was taken aback and glanced around to see if anyone else had heard them.

“You can’t say something like that here!”

Even her embarrassed expression seemed cute to Kevin. It was severe.

“Remember that. Meeting me has its benefits.”

It seemed like Kevin was determined to constantly appeal throughout the journey. Lia, trying to conceal her embarrassment, deliberately responded with a rough speech.

“You won’t know until you try whether someone will play around or not, right?”

“Then let’s meet up first.”

“You’re speaking so easily!”

“Aren’t you overthinking it too much?”

Kevin, who had been briefly serious in his appeal, quickly reverted to his usual playful self. Lia liked him as he usually was. She hoped he would just remain a good colleague, but he kept expecting more from their relationship, which was burdensome for her. Kevin was aware of this and often used humor to lighten the mood, hoping that she’d acknowledge his feelings without causing her resentment.

* * *

As the journey approached, the final dinner began. Lia, in her role as a staff member, did not sit with the key figures this time either. However, she was pleased to see a menu she couldn’t usually enjoy in the dormitory dining hall.

“The Ferdinand family seems to be quite wealthy, as I thought during the festival. To serve meat like this even to the staff.”

The meat served was not trivial. To serve this amount to such a group was equivalent to the annual living expenses of a common family.

“How’s your home?”

“My home?”

“You’re also a count’s daughter in your own right. Can’t you afford this kind of thing?”

Lia was momentarily speechless at her colleague’s question. It was easy to slip up. Fortunately, it wasn’t too damaging due to her resistance. Instead of answering, she casually tore into the meat and put it in her mouth.

“Whether they can afford it or not, they wouldn’t serve it to someone like you, would they?”

Kevin stepped in to intervene between the colleague and Lia.

“Mr. Kevin! This is my seat, you know?”

“Yeah, I know. I thought you might choke if you looked at her face while eating, so go sit at that end.”

The colleague obediently moved to the seat Kevin pointed out. The greenhouse workers were all afraid of Kevin. Being a former knight, coupled with his rugged appearance, made it understandable. However, Lia often found him playful like this.

“Do you usually give them a shot like that?”

“They find it more fun when I engage with that type.”

It was already a familiar attitude as if it were part of her daily routine. Since she did not retaliate against them using her status, they looked down on her more casually. But enduring this quietly didn’t suit Kevin’s temperament. Just as he was about to say something sharp, an unexpected voice was heard.

“Lady Penelope?”