Chapter 14
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Confession
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As soon as she opened the door and stepped inside, intense gazes poured toward her.
It was a situation where anyone timid might shrink away, but Arselia was different.
She was accustomed to the suspicious and jealous stares always directed her way.
In truth, she had rolled into this position like a stray stone, so receiving such looks felt entirely natural.
She had braced herself for it, so the pressure was lighter.
But when Julian called her name, the emotions in those gazes shifted to a variety of others.
Having endured countless stares since childhood, she could immediately sense the change.
There were many emotions, but the strongest among them was curiosity.
And it carried a fair amount of goodwill.
On top of that, when Sion—Julian's ever-present exclusive secretary—extended her hand first for a shake, everyone looked surprised.
Some even began watching with expressions of keen interest.
The man who had brought her here seemed utterly unfazed, as if he had anticipated this all along.
He was simply thrilled to finally escape the hellish workload.
'Why?'
To her, who remembered the cutthroat atmosphere at the merchant guild where sharp eyes always sought weaknesses to devour, this was an unfamiliar vibe.
She sat in her prepared seat, trying to focus on his words, but her mind was a whirlwind.
Still, her body moved on autopilot—analyzing and memorizing the incoming information while her hand busily jotted notes.
"Alright, that wraps up today's meeting."
With a clap of his hands, she snapped back to reality—only to realize the meeting had already ended.
"Looking forward to working with you. Swing by for coffee whenever you're free."
"If there's any new clothes you want, just say the word! We're both women, so we can go bold if you like. Hehe."
"...Pleased to be working with you."
"Heh, heh heh... If you need any perfume, let me know..."
"Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of each other. Best regards."
After exchanging greetings with them and glancing around, only Julian, Sion, and Arselia remained in the conference room.
"Haa... Finally, a moment to breathe..."
Julian tugged at his tie slightly and leaned back in his chair as he spoke.
"You worked hard today, young master. Heading home right away?"
"Mm, thinking of sticking around a bit. Since I'm already out, might as well grab dinner outside."
"Anything in mind?"
"Well, I was thinking of having a leisurely meal with our new executive director..."
"Ah, yes?"
"Anything sound good to you, noona?"
"...Not really sure. Nothing jumping out."
"We've still got time anyway. Sion?"
"Yes, sir. I'll find a suitable place. Around 7 o'clock to pick you up?"
"Perfect, handle it."
He watched Sion bow her head and quietly exit the room first, then rose from his seat and approached, extending his hand.
"Never been to the rooftop, right? I spruced it up real nice."
"Bet you'll be amazed once you see it."
He said, gently taking her hand and leading her along.
"Um..."
She started to say something, but he flashed a reassuring smile and turned his head forward.
Thanks to that, she could focus solely on the sensation of their touching hands.
His grip was firm yet gentle, his warmth comforting.
"Here we go... Behold, our hotel's secret spot. Opening now!"
Stepping through the glass door to the rooftop, a cool breeze swept in.
The wind was stronger than expected, so she closed her eyes for a moment before opening them to a fantastical sight.
The vast rooftop was filled with vibrant flowers of every color.
It wasn't just decorative planting—the garden clearly bore the loving touch of someone who had poured their heart into it.
"This is..."
"What do you think?"
Flower petals scattered by the breeze danced in the twilight sky.
Unthinkingly, she reached for a white petal floating before her.
"Ah...!"
But the petal rode the wind and fluttered far away in an instant.
It melted into the sunset glow and vanished.
She stood frozen, hand outstretched, for a while before turning her head.
"...Did you see that?"
"Of course. It was adorable."
"Eek...!"
Embarrassed at having shown such a childlike side, she covered her face and crouched down.
The crisp evening air cleared her head, though.
She stood, gripped the railing, and let out a deep breath.
"...Did I seem anxious to you lately, young master?"
Julian approached silently as she stared at the streetlights flickering on one by one in the distance, her shoulders slumped.
A warm sensation draped over her shoulders. Turning, she met his eyes—he had given her his jacket.
He shrugged as if to say, It might get cold, and her heart pounded fiercely.
His unspoken care, his feelings, hit her even harder without words.
It gave her the courage to voice the truth she had swallowed time and again.
"Do you remember the banquet?"
"Didn't know you were such a lightweight with alcohol."
Watching him chuckle lightly made her wonder why she hadn't spoken up sooner.
She was certain this man wouldn't tear into her for showing weakness.
"Thanks to you, I slept soundly for the first time in ages. Sion helped too."
"Figured it'd be better coming from another woman. And since you'll be working together, getting friendly seemed nice."
The young man before her, nodding as he listened, was different from the others.
Unlike those who saw only the "Rosenheim" name, he looked into Arselia's eyes.
"I went straight to work that morning."
That was why Arselia could boldly face her own heart.
The merchant's armor she always wore around it.
"Meeting you made me happy. I could truly relax for once, and thanks to that, work went great."
She brushed her wind-tossed hair behind her ear.
Memories of the past few months with Julian flashed through her mind like paintings.
Their tense first meeting,
The moment he said he was investing in her, not the family guild,
The stolen moments laughing together in secret.
The time she nearly tripped rushing from the carriage and fell into his arms,
Nights they stayed late, toasting over drinks when she arrived tardy,
When he carried her drunk, sleeping self to her room.
"Father summoned me to his room. Said he had something to tell me."
"What'd he say?"
"Maybe it's time to wrap up loose ends and step back from guild affairs."
"..."
"I kind of saw it coming."
"I thought you had an older brother."
"Right. Eldest son inherits by default, and he's still alive, so I was never in line for succession."
"..."
"Then he mentioned he knows I've been meeting the Everglow family youngest lately. Told me to give it a shot."
The setting sun's glare made her eyes sting in the lengthening shadows.
She couldn't see Julian's expression as he watched her.
So these must just be tears from the light.
"It's been five years since I first set foot on this path. Not starting from absolute zero like you, young master... but I thought I'd accomplished quite a bit."
She understood it rationally.
Primogeniture spilled the least blood, so her brother taking over was natural.
Merit-based inheritance would draw ambitious relatives, turning it into a muddy brawl.
No matter her efforts or contributions, they wouldn't sway Father's choice.
"I knew. I knew, but..."
Feeling tears well up, Arselia sniffled and wiped her eyes.
"But at least... I wanted to marry someone I love, who loves me back...!"
Once the tears started, they wouldn't stop.
"I like you."
Her mind overflowed with things she wanted to say, but raw emotions spilled out in a jumble.
All she could think was that if she didn't confess now, there might never be another chance.
"I like you so much. No, damn it, that's not how I meant it...!"
This wasn't the poised confession she had wanted.
Not in prettier clothes,
In a more romantic spot,
Delivering prepared words confidently, asking him to be hers.
She had wanted to bare her sincere heart perfectly, without a single flaw.
"Arselia."
Feeling the warmth of his arms as he drew near and embraced her gently, Arselia burst into sobs.
"Why... why are you so good to me?! You keep making me hope! Making me think I'm the only one with feelings here!"
At his careful hand patting her back, she finally wept openly in his arms. Julian spoke.
"You worked hard."
"Hic... You're younger than me, so why are you so calm? How can you be like this... I'm the older one, so why...!"
Feeling his body heat as he hugged her tightly without a word, Arselia poured out her emotions.
Sniffling as she calmed somewhat, she entrusted her tear-streaked cheeks to his gentle touch and opened her eyes to his face.
Closer than she'd ever seen it before. She gasped "Hic!" involuntarily, tried to pull back—but his firm arms held her fast.
"L-Let go..."
Her face burned with belated shame as she turned her head away.
"What if I do?"
His low voice rumbled in her ear as reason flickered back.
A shiver ran down her spine like electricity; her fingertips tingled.
"Th-That stuff I said, well, um..."
'Why does even your voice have to be this good...!'
"You confess that passionately and think I'll let you leave without hearing my answer?"
"Huh?"
Startled by his unexpected words, she whipped her head around—and their lips met.
"Mmph...!"
The seemingly endless kiss finally broke, a silver thread snapping between them.
Heart pounding thunderously in her ears, Arselia's vision spun.
"After a confession like that, you think I'd let you go?"
"Th-Then..."
"Young master? No answer when I call... What's going on... Oh."
"...Young master."
"No, Sion. Whatever you're thinking, it's a misunderstanding first off."
"Even if the executive director is your type, I don't think forcing her is right."
"That's not it...!"
"Ah, if it's consensual between you two, then. Should I come back later?"
The steamy heat from moments ago dissipated thanks to Sion, who had come looking when they didn't show at the appointed time despite her calls.
The suave image he had shown her was gone; now he was just a flustered young man caught in a private moment by his secretary.
"Pfft, what's this?"
Arselia rubbed her eyes and let out a small laugh.
The heavy pressure on her chest had lifted, leaving her feeling light.
"Fine. I'll take that kiss as your answer."
"You okay with that?"
"The man who stole my first kiss wouldn't say anything else, right?"
"Ha, do I look like that kind of guy?"
Julian said, brushing back his hair.
"From now on, even if you beg me to let go, I won't. Prepare yourself, Arselia."
A chill ran through her at her name on his lips. Arselia replied.
"Bring it on, Julian."