wildflower chapter 20

“Yes, we’ve been friends since childhood. We’re like siblings.” 

Finally, Lilian answered with the warmest smile she could muster. Silence again. Aizen Frederick, seemingly unfazed by the awkward atmosphere, simply gazed at Cairn with a beautiful, smiling face. 

“I…” Ironically, it was Lilian, the wallflower of the Empire, who had to lead the conversation between these two renowned socialites. 

“Miss Frederick, what brings you to Baltan Palace? Were you just passing through?” 

“No, I came all this way to see Lord Headington. He won’t give me the time of day, so I had no choice but to come directly.” 

“Oh, I see.” Lilian felt deeply uncomfortable, as if she’d overheard something she shouldn’t have. Aizen was acting like the confident and outspoken only daughter of the Duke of Frederick, as expected. Lilian envied her confidence and forthrightness. 

“Did Cairn, I mean, Lord Headington, show you around Baltan Palace?” 

Neither of them answered Lilian’s question. She nudged Cairn with her elbow, but he remained silent. “Um… Isn’t the fountain especially beautiful?” 

“No.” 

“Excuse me?” 

“I haven’t even had a chance to look. I was about to be turned away when Miss de Vermore arrived. Your presence alone is a great comfort.” 

“Oh…” 

Dizzy, Lilian finally surrendered. Why? If such a beautiful woman came all the way to the palace, shouldn’t he be happy? Any ordinary man would be wagging his tail, showing off his wealth, and boasting about every corner of the palace. Well, any ordinary man. Men liked beautiful women. “Perhaps he has unusual preferences. Like, he’s asexual?” Victor Regid’s words suddenly came to mind. 

“Since he seems unresponsive, it might be faster to ask Miss de Vermore.” “What?” 

“I’d like to seriously date Cairn Etienne, Lord Headington.” Cairn didn’t react, but Lilian’s jaw dropped in surprise. “I already knew he was a tough nut to crack, but I can’t give up. I’d be very grateful if you could help me, Miss de Vermore.” Lilian felt herself being drawn into Aizen’s crescent-shaped green eyes. Even she, as a woman, found her beautiful. 

“Oh, and please tell him that he’d be hard-pressed to find a better match.” Suddenly turned into a messenger pigeon, Lilian’s cheeks flushed as if she were the one being confessed to. 

“What? Yes… I’ll… I’ll try.” 

“Thank you. I hope we can become good friends, Miss de Vermore. Please come visit me in Pushburn sometime.” 

“Thank you for the invitation.” 

“I’d be happy if you came alone, but it would be even better if you came with Lord Headington.” 

“That won’t happen.” Cairn finally spoke, firmly rejecting the idea, but Aizen’s spear was as strong as his fortress. 

“We’ll see about that.” 

“Miss Frederick, do you enjoy wasting your time?” 

As if the conversation was over, Aizen stood and curtsied slightly. Lilian, momentarily stunned, quickly rose and returned the gesture. After the storm had passed, only the two who had kissed a few days prior remained in the gallery. 

“Cairn, I didn’t know you and Miss Frederick were…” 

“Were what?” 

“Just starting to… date.” 

“Be quiet.” He interrupted her for the first time ever. 

“You’re not affected at all by seeing the lovely Miss Frederick?”

 “What am I supposed to feel?” 

“Like your heart’s racing, you want to hold her hand… Even I, who’s not involved, feel that way about her…” 

“Are you saying you… like women?” 

“I… I don’t think so?” 

Because I enjoyed kissing you, a man. Maybe you’re the one… She swallowed the last part. 

“I’m still upset. I did you a favor in the heat of the moment, but the more I think about it, the more unfair it feels.” 

“Hmm… I suppose it was unpleasant?” 

As Lilian expected, Cairn hadn’t enjoyed their kiss. “I’ve been doing some thinking these past few days.” The blue veins in his hands stood out as he gripped the armrest. Was he going to hit her? Would it hurt a lot if she got hit by those thick hands? Her instincts sensed danger, and she braced herself for the worst. 

“Lilian de Vermore.” It was rare for him to use her full name, and Lilian stared at him with wide eyes. “Take responsibility.” 

“…What?” 

“You took my first kiss. Now take responsibility for me.”