That evening, I didn't get a chance to change my clothes—not that I intentionally skipped it, I simply forgot because I got caught up talking to Xyra. She always had something to say whenever I fell silent or zoned out while we walked through the corridor.
She told me about how her older brother, Xyrone, worked tirelessly just to support her education. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she recounted his sacrifices.
"Do you love my brother?" she asked suddenly.
I stopped walking, uncomfortable under her gaze. I do love Xyrone—but only as a friend.
"You do love him! Hahaha!" she teased, giggling.
"I do love him... but like an older brother—he's three months older than me."
"Well, never mind. Oh, by the way, thanks again for earlier," she said.
It was already the fifth time she'd thanked me. I just sighed in response, knowing if I said "It's nothing" or "You're welcome," she'd just thank me again.
"Also, about earlier... can we, um..." she leaned closer, her arm brushing against mine, "...not tell my brother about it?"
I gave her a small smile and nodded without hesitation. She really does know her brother well. That man is overly dramatic—he'd go to great lengths to avenge his little sister. She brought it up again and again, and I simply kept nodding until she finally dropped it.
I decided to bring Xyra along to the palace restaurant. I also informed her that I was meeting a painter who had invited me for a meal.
"He invited you, so why are you bringing me?" she asked, puzzled.
I laughed at her innocent face—she really was adorable.
"I don't think Sebastian would mind. He seems like a kind man," I said.
"Sebastian?"
"You know him?"
"N-No."
As we walked toward the restaurant, a woman came into view. Her black hair was tied up high, and she was tall with sun-kissed skin. I moved to the left to let her pass, but she moved to her right at the same time, blocking our way.
"What the—why won't you let us through?!" she snapped, clearly annoyed.
Xyra grabbed my arm and pulled me closer to her as the rude woman walked away with her nose in the air. Once she was gone, I noticed Xyra's lips were pale. Why did she look so frightened? What could that arrogant woman possibly do?
"Rowela... that woman was—"
Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. When I turned, I was greeted by Sebastian's gentle face. He wasn't wearing glasses, making the chestnut color of his eyes stand out more. He smiled, showing off his white teeth in delight.
"Apologies—I think I'm a bit late."
He looked at me, then at Xyra, then glanced down at my clothes. He probably noticed I hadn't changed.
"It's fine—we just arrived too. Oh, this is Xyra, the sister of a friend."
"Good evening, sir," she greeted politely.
Sebastian smiled and invited us inside. The moment we entered, I was captivated by the opulent surroundings. The baroque-style walls were painted white and gold. The gray marble floors gleamed under a grand chandelier. Every curtain was exquisitely detailed, and numerous tables and chairs were already set for dining.
I immediately regretted not changing clothes. The women here were dressed so beautifully. I hadn't expected this place to be so extravagant. Xyra's eyes were filled with concern as she looked at me—she must've noticed my discomfort.
We sat at a lavish table and chairs, set apart from the other diners. Sebastian had chosen a balcony table. Once we were seated, I noticed that the utensils were made of crystal, a stark contrast to the simpler tableware on the other tables.
"VIP!" Xyra exclaimed in awe, making Sebastian laugh at her reaction.
"Do you like it?" he asked, as he draped a napkin around his neck.
"Very much!"
A waitress came by shortly after to take our orders.
"Special set for the special ladies," Sebastian said. The waitress seemed to understand instantly and hurried off to the kitchen.
I wondered what kind of food was included in this "special set."
"I'm really glad you came," he said.
"Thank you so much for inviting me, Sir Sebastian," I replied softly.
"It's a pleasure to dine with you, my lady."
"But... may I ask why you invited me even though you don't really know me?" I asked, genuinely curious.
Was it because I was new?
"It's rare for me to meet someone who loves books. The library is my second home here at the palace, so it's refreshing to meet a lady who enjoys reading as much as I do."
"You're right. I love books—that's why the library was the first place I visited."
"May I know your name?" he asked.
I froze, realizing I had been tapping my fork on the table unconsciously.
Why did he want to know? Could he be trying to investigate me?
I took a deep breath before telling him my real name.
"I'm Rowela Escobar. And this is..."
"Xyra Lee De Vera," Xyra quickly added, her face lit up with excitement.
She was staring at Sebastian—probably charmed by his blonde hair styled in a perfect quiff, a far cry from the artist I had seen earlier in the library. It was clear he was a painter, with his brown pecan-colored beret matching the tuxedo he wore.
"Are you Myra Escobar's sister?" he asked.
I nodded and averted my gaze. His voice had suddenly become gruffer.
"I can't believe it—you look nothing alike, but you're both so refined."
That's because we have different mothers.
"But you're brave. I heard you defended a woman from being assaulted by an old duke."
"A d-duke?"
"Yes. A duke from another palace. Commander Jared even witnessed the entire thing."
"Commander Jared?"
My face turned red. I didn't know he had seen what happened earlier.
"But because of what you did, the duke's palace might consider our kingdom an enemy. You embarrassed their duke in front of everyone during our competition. You could still be punished."
"P-Punished?"
The waitress returned, accompanied by waiters carrying trays. They set before us extravagant dishes—Saffron Juice, White Alba Truffle Soup, Kobe Beef, Black Densuke Watermelon Dessert, and more.
It was clear these were made with expensive ingredients not available in the market—or at least not affordable for the average citizen of Zenon.
"Let's eat first before we continue," he said.
My fingers trembled as I ate. His words echoed in my mind: I could still be punished.
Would it be death? A fine? Or worse—disqualification?
I was already full but continued eating slowly, while Sebastian and Xyra dined calmly and gracefully. I looked down at the other guests—they too ate with elegance. I grabbed a thin napkin and wiped a stain from my mouth, suddenly remembering this wasn't just any place and I had forgotten proper dining etiquette.
Thankfully, neither of them seemed to notice, so I continued eating my black densuke. Once we were done, we walked Xyra to her room before resuming our conversation.
He brought me to a park near a grand fountain. It was night, and the lights around the area glowed softly. We sat on a luxurious bench.
"You must still be worried about what I said earlier," Sebastian said.
"I didn't know I had argued with a duke," I replied.
"The woman you defended... that was Xyra, wasn't it?" he asked, grinning.
"Yes, it was her."
He looked up at the full moon, and I noticed his Adam's apple move as he swallowed.
"I can help you with your problem, Rowela. But like any deal, I want something in return."
"W-What do you mean?"
The smile faded from his lips as he adjusted his black tie.
"I'll help you—if you help me."
I stared at him, unease growing in my chest. Something felt off.
"You could be expelled from the competition. Wouldn't that shame your stepmother, Rowela?"
"What exactly do you want me to do?"
"You must have an idea who Rosa is—the woman working in Billy Fuentero's brothel. You used to be friends, and your friend trusts you deeply. So it's likely you know who she is."
I frowned and stared into his eyes. How did he know? Was he also hired by my former client to find me?
"All I want is for you to investigate your stepmother. See if she suspects anything about Rosa's identity. If she doesn't, then find Rosa for me."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then the duke will decide your fate. He could imprison you... violate you... or even kill you."
My hands trembled on my skirt. Who was this man, really? He had tricked me—manipulated me to bend to his will.
"Like you, Rowela, I also had dreams. But my father destroyed them. He wants me to marry Minerva after turning down her proposal once. Now he insists on finding Rosa and marrying her—despite the fact she deceived him."
He bowed his head and stared at his shoes before continuing.
"I have to find Rosa before Mira does. If she finds her first, I'll be forced to marry Minerva—just as my father and your stepmother agreed."