ᴠɪʟʟᴀɪɴᴇss ɪɴ ʏᴀɴᴅᴇʀᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ sɪᴍ

9 | Argument

"74th Hero, Ra'Ozias... What is the meaning of this?"
 
With a puzzled expression on her face, Graciella picked up the book from the table and studied the unusual name written within.
 
"The book was founded about 250 years ago in a forest. The material used in the book was unlike anything we had ever seen before. Even the language doesn't exist in our world. But fortunately, the old high priest could decipher a few words. This book was the one that revealed other worlds and how they work."
 
Graciella was surprised, as she hadn't expected a result like this. All of this was like an enigma filled with mysteries.
 
It clearly caused her a headache. 
 
"This Ra'Ozias person, the hero, does he explain what kind of world he was from?"
 
"Yes. He came from a world where there are no aristocrats or royalty. But in a world where he came from, there's—"
 
Dylan's eyes widened slightly after seeing what might seem like a figure behind Graciella, which caused her to turn her head in the direction of his gaze and find Julian quietly listening to their conversation.
 
"Y-your highness?!" 
 
Graciella spoke out with a genuine, shocked expression on her face, to the point that she rose from her seat.
 
(Why do I feel like I've just been caught cheating?)
 
She thought to herself and realized that Julian's expression wasn't exactly pleased at the moment. His icy, calculating sapphire eyes were completed off with a frown that appeared the instant he spotted Louis not far behind Graciella.

Dylan was stunned to see Julian a few seconds earlier, but then his lips curled into a playful smile.

"Well, well. I didn't expect your sudden visit, your highness. It took me by surprise."
 
Julian's eyes twitched for a moment, and a vein appeared on his neck.
 
"Honestly, it's expected. As Graciella's fiancé, I should've escorted her here."
 
He answered in return, but Dylan seems he doesn't want to lose to the crown prince and chuckles.
 
"Oh dear, don't you mean your soon-to-be fiancee? And yes, you're right, I should've expected it. But forgive me, for I haven't prepared anything for a guest that just suddenly shows up."
 
Graciella sweatdropped after hearing Dylan's words.
 
(Did he just gently refer to Julian as an uninvited guest?!)
 
As if it wasn't enough, Dylan continues, his smile unwavering. He must be enjoying that conversation.
 
"I was having a really nice chat with your soon-to-be fiancee, would you like to join? I mean, this is not the first time she and I share a meeting."
 
Graciella sensed that Julian was fuming with rage. Dylan was confronted by the vicious gaze from the bitter sapphire eyes. Graciella would have been at Dylan's funeral by now if eye had the ability to kill.
 
(Hit the brake, Dylan! Don't drag me into getting executed!)
 
Noticing how the atmosphere tensed, Graciella spoke up to avoid further wrath and to save her own neck.
 
"Julian! It's a pleasant surprise to see you here! Were you searching for me?"
 
Still, both sides were too busy glaring at one another to pay attention to Graciella's words.
 
"Not the first time, you say? Is that true, Grace?"
 
(Grace?! Nice nickname, but not the time!)
 
"Yes, yes. I was interested in otherworldly things because it was interesting and quite entertaining!"
 
Graciella responds rather quickly to clear up any misunderstandings. Even though they aren't engaged yet, she still doesn't want her reputation to go awry once again. 
 
"Is that so? Then I should express my gratitude for keeping my fiancee entertained."
 
(This isn't getting better.)
 
"Hahaha, I'm just happy that while keeping your soon-to-be fiancee entertained, we grow intimate over our meetings."
 
Graciella and Louis almost choked on air hearing that. Then she was confused about why she was suddenly beside Louis.

Suddenly, Graciella could feel the temperature drop to zero.
 
Julian narrowed his eyes and felt a burning feeling in his chest. He balled his hands into a fist, and Graciella was scared he would end up punching the three of them there without leaving a witness.
 
"It seems that I wasn't clear enough. I'm currently in a relationship with Graciella, so if you spread such words, then I—"
 
"Okay!"
 
Graciella yelled out, surprising everyone in the process.
 
"Okay, okay. Time to set things straight guys— I mean gentlemen. First of all, Julian, I was never intimate with Dylan, so don't misunderstand."
 
Julian shrugged as if he didn't care, but the anger dissipated at Graciella's explanation, and he seemed relaxed.
 
"I'm not."
 
Graciella sighed in relief and continued,
 
"Second, Dylan, I'm not in a serious relationship with Julian. Don't misunderstand."
 
Dylan also shrugged with his arms crossed.
 
"Somehow I already know."
 
Julian stepped in with a serious face.
 
"She's just shy to admit."
 
Graciella was triggered when he said that as she bit her bottom lips, and her amethyst eyes were shaking in anger.
 
(This fuc—) 
 
***
 
After clearing, or not actually clearing the misunderstanding and preventing a bigger argument, Graciella felt like her age was cut in half.

Louis was the only person who could keep her sane and ask her if she'd be alright.
 
Currently waiting for Julian, Graciella pinches her nose to calm herself down.
 
"It would be good if we went home after this."
 
Graciella nodded with a smile at Louis' comforting voice.
 
"It's a great idea."
 
However, just then a screen popped in front of her.
 
(A new task?!)
 
[Ask Louis Grandet to go first. Return to the Clarence mansion only with Julian Lionel.]
 
Graciella's mood, which was getting better, was suddenly crushed to the ground. Honestly, it was getting really exhausting.
 
(Ugh.)
 
However, to survive until the epilogue and return to her own world is her priority. She'll have to do it nonetheless.
 
And at the worst moment, Julian's carriage and her own carriage finally arrived.
 
Julian was looking at Louis through the window with a dissatisfied gaze, and Graciella noticed that.
 
(Talk about the right timing...)
 
She thought to herself ironically, feeling the urge to roll her eyes and to apologize to Louis.
 
"Louis, is it alright if you go first? I would like to go with Julian's carriage."
 
It was a bit hard to say those words. Louis' eyes widened in disappointment, and Graciella already felt bad about it.
 
Moreover, Louis felt a lot worse hearing Graciella call the crown prince with such familiarity.
 
However, she was his master. He was supposed to obey her every word.
 
"Of course, milady."
 
Louis forced a smile, and Graciella returned it, nodding her head before going inside Julian's carriage.
 
"Oh? I thought you were going with your own carriage."
 
Julian raised his brow in confusion as Graciella sat across from him and smiled lightly in response.
 
"I changed my mind."
 
Julian was surprised, but then he chuckled, enough to make her flabbergasted because she had never seen him act like that.
 
Julian finally confirmed to himself that Graciella is just shy, and it made his heart throb. He won't mind letting his guard down in front of her.
 
"Then sit beside me."
 
"Pardon?"
 
Julian patted the seat beside him after regaining his composure, and Graciella internally sighed, but she finally moved as he told.
 
"You're really just holding yourself back."
 
Julian teased, and Graciella looked at him with a more forced smile to the point that even he noticed.
 
"I'm not."
 
Yet to him, Graciella merely appears adorable. He only shrugged as if he won, and it annoyed Graciella.

(Because of this guy, I didn't even hear the rest of the explanation Dylan was telling me.)
 
A few minutes had passed, and Graciella's eyes were somehow heavier.
 
(Why am I sleepy? Is it because of the chair?)
 
While trying not to yawn, another screen appears in front of Graciella, almost making her jump.
 
She's just glad that she didn't actually jump because that would be so embarrassing.
 
However, her thoughts were soon emptied because of the words in front of her.
 
[Sleep on Julian Lionel's shoulder.]
 
(You've got to be kidding me!)
 
***

• Unnamed Brother
Status :
Biological Brother of □□□□
Medical Student
Hair : Brown
Eyes : Brown
Description :
Both talented and charming, maybe a little awkward, he is somewhat apathetic and would rather observe things as they unfold. Despite seeming flawless, he can at times appear rather quirky.