My New Love That Isn’t Fated - Episode 13

Lilia’s days off are Sunday and Monday.
Sunday is the day of the open-air market. She could leave things to the Griez family, but she felt reluctant to have them work while she met Owen.

“Owen-sama, the only day I think I can help is Monday.”
“That’s fine. I’d like to meet somewhere. How about the fountain square in front of this shop?”
“Yes. What time?”
“The Earlier, the better.”
“Then, how about 9 o’clock?”
“That works. Also, on the days you go to the Tenegro Library, could you spend a little time with me during your lunch break or after work?”
“Of course.”

After finalizing the plans, they finished their meal and left the shop. Owen had already paid for everything without Lilia noticing.
When Lilia thanked him, he said, “This is the least I could do.”

The master and Sienna saw them off, telling them, “Come again.”
The rain, which had started falling heavily, darkened the city as the streetlights reflected off the wet pavement.

“I’ll walk you home.”
“No, that’s not necessary.”
“It’s getting dark. If something happens to you, I’ll regret not walking you home for the rest of my life.”
“…It’s about an hour’s walk to the Griez house. It’s far.”
“That’s nothing. Shall we take the shared carriage? It’s already late.”
“I actually wanted to walk…”
“How coincidental. I also wanted to talk to you a bit longer.”

In the rain-prone royal capital, most shops sell umbrellas. Owen gave Sienna money and bought a black umbrella. The rain had become unexpectedly heavy, and Sienna told him that all the other umbrellas had sold out, leaving this one as the last.

After exiting the shop, Owen tried to hand the umbrella to Lilia.

“Please, use it, Owen-sama.”
“Then, let’s share it, Lilia. Come here.”
“…Yes, thank you.”

Following Owen’s words, Lilia stepped closer to him. They were so close that their bodies almost touched. They were simply under the same umbrella, trying to stay dry.
She told herself that, yet her heart pounded loudly in her chest.

It was just like her mother. Even though she was married, her mother had fallen in love with another man and ran away from home.
Lilia had never thought she would end up like that.
She wasn’t in love with Owen. It was just that his kindness seemed to fill the empty space in her heart.
She couldn’t help it… His consideration and kindness stirred her emotions.

“Lilia’s house is in the noble district, right?”
“Yes. Lord Elad wants to spend time in the capital. Since our marriage, I haven’t been back to our territory even once.”
“Nowadays, most cities have government offices. The officials usually take care of the management of the city. The lord just owns the land. As long as they collect taxes from it, they can live. There’s no need to be on the land itself.”
“Yes, that’s true. To avoid the trouble of making a living that way, my father chose to become a merchant.”
“I think that was a wise decision. Eventually, both the nobility and the king might disappear. Nothing lasts forever. Just like the fall of the ancient world, the Kingdom of Rafal will eventually fade too.”

Owen said this nonchalantly, as if it were no big deal.
Lilia was taken aback by his opinion, which could be interpreted as anti-monarchy.
Even though he had royal bl00d in him.
Before Lilia could say anything, Owen quickly denied his words in a slightly flustered manner.

“Oh, that’s not it. I’m not against the monarchy. I just don’t see it as that important. The conversation got off track. I rent a house near the fountain square. I’ve been living alone for six years. So, when I go home, I’m always by myself, but I was wondering about you.”
“The servants go home by evening. It would be wasteful to have them work late just for me.”
“What about Elad?”
“Well…”

Lilia stopped walking for a moment. On the way to the noble district, there was the Royal Theatre.
It was a white, temple-like building, and from the large staircase leading to the entrance, she could see a man and woman walking down, their bodies close to each other, holding hands.

The man who seemed to be their attendant was holding an umbrella for them. Several carriages were parked on the street, waiting for them.
The man descending the stairs was Elad, and the woman clinging to him was probably Louise.
She had luxurious golden waves in her hair, a red dress that accentuated her body, a full chest, and a narrow waist.
She wore a fur coat over her shoulders, and the high heels she was walking in made a clicking sound as she carefully descended the stairs.

“That’s…”
“Owen-sama, let’s go.”
“No, but…”

Elad carefully escorted Louise to the carriage.
Louise’s white hand wrapped around Elad’s neck, and she leaned in close to him, smiling sweetly. He kissed her, smiling happily.
It was like a scene from a play.

As Elad looked up, his eyes met Lilia’s as she stood beside Owen.
His eyes widened in surprise. Just as he was about to step forward, Louise in the carriage pulled on his sleeve.

Elad quickly looked away from Lilia and got into the carriage.