No Such Thing as a Chaste Man! Just Give It Ten Tries! - Chapter 14
Seo-ah, sensing that her plan was working well, took a step back, as if waiting for him to invite her to dance. After all, it was wise to create a good atmosphere between them before her evening seduction attempt—preferably, a romantic one.
“Your Holiness, hmm?”
Ephelinus’s blue eyes were fixed on the back of Seo-ah’s extended hand.
His lips moved as if to speak, but he hesitated, unable to take her hand. His own hand shifted slightly, caught in a subtle conflict as the wide sleeves of his robe fluttered.
After a brief pause, his thick eyebrows seemed to relax slightly, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. It wasn’t exactly a smile of rejection, but it held a hint of sadness.
His gaze, shimmering like the ocean, turned toward Seo-ah, and she noticed… sadness, loneliness, and regret in his eyes.
Why…?
As Seo-ah tilted her head slightly in confusion, Ephelinus’s blue gaze shifted smoothly past her, landing on something behind her.
“It’s true that, as you’re not the star of tonight’s banquet, you’re free to enjoy it as you wish. But you’re receiving more attention than any star would, so perhaps it’s best to be cautious.”
Seo-ah narrowed her eyes at his rejection, but when she turned to see what he was looking at… a group of familiar faces watching her came into view. They were all people she was happy to see.
There was an officer from the United Government who handled all of Seo-ah’s administrative matters, the lady who frequently visited the palace to teach Seo-ah about Genève’s customs and etiquette, the lord of the territory that had served as their base camp before the battle with the black dragon, and others.
Upon recognizing them, Seo-ah broke into a warm smile. She lifted her skirt slightly and nodded her head, a welcoming gesture that prompted the group to approach her eagerly.
“Miss Seo-ah, you are dazzlingly beautiful today.”
“Lady Seo-ah, that dress suits you perfectly. I almost thought it was made in the Holy Kingdom since it’s cream-colored, but the design has a more modern flair… I take it Lady Istel had a hand in it?”
“Haha! Who would’ve thought our Dame Seo-ah had such seductive beauty? I never realized it in the depths of the End Gorge!”
“Thank you, Sir Chris. You look quite dashing yourself outside of the office. Madam, your keen eye never fails! Yes, Miriam insisted on making my first dress. And, Count Borodel… how are you already so tipsy? There’s no forest essence from Nurem to sober you up as you drink!”
As Seo-ah exchanged greetings with each person, a crowd began to gather around them. Those who were acquainted with her were all eager for a word with the elusive hero who had been hidden away in the Holy Kingdom. Even those unfamiliar with her drew closer, wanting to exchange a word with the continent’s hero.
When the chatter around Seo-ah had reached a lively peak…
“Well then, I’ll take my leave for now.”
The man who had been standing behind her all along quietly excused himself and left. It was as though he was gracefully withdrawing, leaving her in the company of others.
Seo-ah had no chance to stop him, and thus missed the faint trace of sadness in his voice.
***
‘…Well, at least it seems today’s outfit doesn’t look strange.’
After entertaining a long line of people, Seo-ah felt somewhat pleased, despite her dismay at losing sight of Ephelinus. The enthusiastic compliments on her dress lifted her spirits.
‘At first, I worried I’d done something pointless because of his lukewarm reaction!’
Seo-ah knew her outfit today was perfect. After all, it had been crafted with the skill and vision of the Istel family, the wealthiest household in the old kingdom.
It was just that she’d felt disheartened by the lack of reaction from the person she most wanted to impress.
‘He used to compliment anything I wore!’
When Seo-ah, who had been summoned in her school uniform, tried various new outfits from this world, he had always greeted her with that angelic smile, telling her how well she looked.
“Your Holiness…! Look at this. I even had a ceremonial robe made to wear for the next service. It doesn’t look strange, does it?”
“Ah… You are indeed a Daughter of Sol that none could deny. Perhaps because of your hair color, this robe looks pure and white as snow. There’s an elegance about you that seems to flow naturally.”
“Are you just relieved you can’t see my short pants, is that it?”
“…I’ve told you several times, it’s not because I think showing your ankles is improper. It’s simply that I’m unaccustomed to seeing others’ bare legs… but I always feel that altering your everyday clothes suits your nature well.”
She had loved his gentle, refreshing smile and the way he spoke with such thoughtful compliments. Every time she tried a new outfit, she would run to him first.
On the day she first met the expedition members, when she wore her new outdoor robe, or when she dressed in the ceremonial attire of a Holy Knight for the departure ceremony…
Today, too, she hoped to hear a kind word from him. But as soon as they met outside the residence, his expression had hardened with displeasure.
