Zervanie’s Lightning Q&A Time!
When a man tries to avoid a woman upon seeing her, what’s their relationship?
Ex-girlfriend? Debt collector? Someone he dislikes? Client?
Another possibility—maybe Felyn’s just shy around Her Highness the Princess and wants to hide.
But is Felyn really the kind of pure, bashful boy who gets flustered in front of a princess?
Yeah, obviously not.
So among the four options, the most likely answer is… Client?
“Felyn, the princess is your client, isn’t she?”
Felyn didn’t expect Zervanie to hit the nail on the head just like that.
Is this what they call a woman’s intuition?
“No way. My client just happens to know the princess, so meeting her would be a bit of a headache. Come on, help me block her!”
Felyn ducked behind Zervanie, his body practically melting into the couch cushions.
Originally, Felyn had no intention of crossing paths with Princess Dorothy. His plan was to accompany Daiyi and meet her father, that was all.
But why was Dorothy here?
He had considered that Viloti or Adeline, who were also in the capital, might show up under some strange excuse, but Dorothy had never been on his radar.
If she found out he was here…
And if she found out he and Daiyi were still “dating,” that would be a real mess.
At the entrance, Princess Dorothy slowly approached the front desk, flanked by her royal guards.
Her steps were graceful, her body light. Her long hair trailed behind her in accordance with royal etiquette—smooth, undisturbed.
Even if someone didn’t know who she was, just one glance would tell them—she was definitely a princess.
Everything about her screamed storybook royalty.
As she neared, people in the lobby stopped in their tracks, bowing in her presence.
“Zervanie, do we have to kneel or something?” Felyn whispered.
“Kneel? What country’s etiquette is that from? Just stand up and give a respectful nod.”
Zervanie tugged Felyn up to his feet. She didn’t want him thrown into a prison on his first day in the capital for disrespecting royalty.
But if the princess saw him, things might get tricky—he just said he didn’t want her to see him.
Out of the corner of her eye, Zervanie caught sight of Felyn reluctantly rising.
Seeing that pitiful expression, a strange protectiveness welled up in her chest.
Without thinking, she pulled the hat from her own head and plopped it on his, then removed her face veil.
As the thin fabric slipped away, it was like uncovering a long-hidden masterpiece.
Her silver-white hair spilled out like an unsealed treasure.
Her icy blue eyes, finally revealed, sparkled like polished sapphires, slightly upturned at the corners.
A flower hidden away had finally bloomed—and the entire lobby felt a shade brighter.
In Felyn’s eyes, Zervanie seemed to be glowing.
Bro! he thought.
Princess Dorothy made her way to the front desk, smiling softly, raising her hand to gently signal those around her not to bow.
As her amethyst-like eyes swept the room, they landed on a familiar yet unexpected figure in the corner—and she froze.
Zervanie.
The very Zervanie from the poster in her bedroom, standing right here in front of her.
Her eyes fell in panic, fluttering with nervous tension.
A rosy blush crept swiftly from her collar up to her cheeks.
Dorothy really liked Zervanie, the popular songstress. Of course, it was just admiration as a fan! Her preferences were completely normal!
As Zervanie walked toward her, Dorothy instinctively straightened her hair and dress, long fingers smoothing the stray strands across her forehead.
“L-Lady Zervanie…”
She hadn’t even noticed the man beside her wearing a borrowed hat.
Zervanie gave a graceful curtsey, one hand over her chest, the other extended lightly to the side.
“Lady Zervanie, there’s no need for such formality!”
Dorothy’s voice quivered. Her hands, folded nervously at her waist, trembled slightly. Her reddened earlobes betrayed her excitement.
The princess’s voice was sweet. If she hadn’t been royalty, she probably would’ve been a pop idol too—on the same level as Zervanie.
“W-Would you… like to have something to eat with me? I came here for the Ross cake today…”
Dorothy’s voice was soft, her eyes full of anticipation. Her fingers toyed gently with the lace hem of her skirt.
The rules of royal life were strict—she rarely got a chance to leave the palace.
Today, while Daiyi and her father were busy talking, she’d snuck out to this noble café, hoping to enjoy a few extra pieces of Ross cake.
Father always scolded her for eating too many, saying it would rot her teeth.
“Do you have other plans later?” she asked, a little shyly.
“I have a rehearsal later, but it’s fine. I’d love to eat with Your Highness.”
Dorothy gave a small shake of her head, her fluffy pink-purple hair bouncing with the motion.
“No, Lady Zervanie. Your performance is more important. I wouldn’t want to interfere… with your career.”
She offered a polite smile, her eyes filled not with disappointment, but with sincere warmth and understanding.
“I’m really looking forward to your concert. I’ll be there… to cheer you on.” Her voice got softer and softer, as if she still wasn’t used to saying such things aloud.
After a few polite exchanges, Zervanie waved goodbye and walked off.
As her figure faded from sight, Dorothy finally let out a slow breath, the tension draining from her limbs.
Her luck really was getting better lately~
Ross cake, check.
Meeting Zervanie, check!
Now if only she could see that person too…
Inside a private booth, Princess Dorothy sat alone, gently swinging her legs wrapped in white stockings.
She removed her lace gloves and set them neatly beside her.
With each delicate bite of Ross cake, a bit of cream clung to the corner of her lips. Her eyes narrowed in delight.
But as she reached the final piece on the plate, her hand paused.
“…Brother Felyn, if only you were here with me. Then we could eat together, instead of me sitting here all alone.”
She tapped the little cake with her fork, but never brought it to her mouth.
Her voice faded, a whisper meant only for herself.
“My… Brother Felyn… My Felyn, just for me…”
Maybe it was the lighting, but her purple pupils seemed darker now—drawing in all surrounding light.
Her lips curved upward, forming a smile that had nothing to do with royal etiquette.
It was the smile of obsession.
“The next contract service won’t be for a long time… When will I see you again…”
Her slender fingers brushed the magical crystal pendant hanging around her neck.
“When… will it be just the two of us, together forever and ever… without anyone else interrupting…”
Back in the lobby.
“Zervanie, you’re seriously the best bro ever!”
Felyn gave her shoulder a pat, making her heart skip a beat.
Bro? What the hell is that? Never mind… their relationship was getting closer, more natural.
Bro it is, she thought. Someday it’ll go from “bro” to “bride,” heh heh.
Zervanie’s icy blue eyes sparkled with a plan.
She had just done Felyn a huge favor—now was the perfect time to ask for something small. He couldn’t possibly refuse.
“I need to buy a few things this afternoon. Want to come with me? I can show you around the capital too. And… you could help me carry a few bags…”
She blinked innocently, trying to look like she didn’t care even if he said no.
A moment of silence passed.
“Sure, I’ll go with you.”
Victory.
Zervanie’s blue eyes gleamed with delight. Before Felyn could change his mind, she grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the inn lobby.
(End of Chapter)