IMMSFL Chapter 09

Chapter 09

 

 

See You Again
“I greet the great Lord Magnus.”

Lucia greeted first, filling in for Ebony, who was standing there dazed. She quickly introduced herself, catching up on the situation.

“I greet the small sun of Evgenia. It’s my first time meeting you. I’m Ebony Dominique, currently staying at Lord Leonhardt’s estate.”

The formal response that should have followed—perhaps a bow or a kiss on the hand—was oddly delayed. Ebony’s hands, still holding the hem of her dress, fidgeted awkwardly in the air.

The man responsible for the silence, Diego, didn’t respond. Instead, he stared at Ebony for an unnervingly long time. Finally, the smallest change appeared on his otherwise dry expression.

‘…Did I say something wrong?’

As Ebony noticed Diego’s dark brows furrowing slightly, an unexplainable fear crept in.

Perhaps it would’ve been better to just greet him quickly and step aside. Was she blocking his way? Should she apologize?

As she wrestled with her thoughts, Diego murmured something, so faint she almost didn’t catch it. It sounded like he said “first.”

Suddenly, Diego stepped closer, closing the already small gap between them. Before she knew it, he took her hand, brought it to his lips, and gave her a brief kiss.

“This is our first meeting. Diego Magnus.”

His voice, already deep and stern, sounded even more intimidating as he emphasized the word “first.”

As Ebony tried to figure out how to respond, the tightly shut parlor door opened, revealing Leon.

“Ebony? I thought you’d be with Helene in the garden. What brings you here?”

“Oh… I was just wandering around the estate for a bit.”

“Is that so? My appointment is over now. Would you like to have tea and chat for a while?”

“If you’re not too busy.”

“I can make time for this. Diego, you’re leaving now, right?”

Leon glanced at Diego, and Ebony followed suit. Diego, however, didn’t turn away from Ebony and said, “No. I’ll stay a little longer.”

Leon raised an eyebrow, surprised that his famously busy friend was lingering. “Then how about tea for three?”

Knowing Diego’s aversion to casual social gatherings, Leon had only asked out of politeness.

“Sure,” Diego answered without hesitation.

Now Leon was the one caught off guard.

The three of them sat together in the parlor, but despite the purpose of their gathering, only Leon was keeping the conversation going. Ebony nodded occasionally, offering light responses, but Diego didn’t even pretend to engage.

Instead, Diego’s attention was fixed entirely on Ebony. His gaze, unrelenting and almost predatory, made her deeply uncomfortable. Even when their eyes met, he didn’t bother looking away.

Feeling trapped under his piercing stare, Ebony managed a nervous smile, which only made him turn his head abruptly, as though annoyed.

“Oh dear, I forgot there’s paperwork I need to finish. I’ll handle it quickly and be right back,” Leon suddenly announced, standing up.

“What?!” Ebony stammered.

“It won’t take long. I’ve also prepared your favorite cookies, so help yourself!”

As the door shut behind Leon, Ebony stared at it, unsure whether to feel relieved or abandoned.

The silence was suffocating, and Diego’s gaze didn’t help. But she couldn’t let her fear waste this rare opportunity.

Clearing her throat, she tried to speak confidently. “I don’t think I introduced myself properly earlier.”

His stern expression seemed to soften slightly.

“I’m Ebony Dominique. As I mentioned, I’m staying at Lord Leonhardt’s estate for a few days. It’s truly an honor to meet you.”

“Enough.”

“…Oh, alright!”

His blunt reply left her flustered, and she began fiddling with her fingers awkwardly.

“So, you know who I am,” Diego said.

“Of course! You’re a famous and extraordinary man.”

Hoping to earn favor, she showered him with praise. But Diego, who was used to such compliments, remained utterly indifferent.

Shifting tactics, Ebony mentioned Leon. “I hear you’re on good terms with my brother.”

“No bad rumors, then?”

“Of course not! My brother always speaks of you warmly, calling you kind-hearted.”

“Leon said that? He must be careful with his words in front of his dear sister.”

“…He’s always honest. By the way, do you visit my brother’s estate often?”

“Your brother is the only one who drags me here so frequently.”

Though Diego’s tone was dry, he answered every question, giving Ebony some hope that he didn’t entirely dislike her.

“Winter must be especially busy for you,” she ventured.

“In the North, winter is relentless—natural disasters, monsters—it’s all a hassle.”

“Then… will I have the chance to meet you again?”

Overwhelmed by newfound confidence, Ebony blurted the question without thinking. Realizing her mistake, she quickly tried to backtrack.

But Diego replied faster. “Who knows?”

She expected a cold rejection but instead got a response that, while vague, left room for possibility. Considering who Diego Magnus was, even that felt like a small victory.

“I…” he began, but before he could continue, the door opened, and Leon returned, humming.

“Both of you doing okay?”

Diego abruptly stopped mid-sentence, pressed his lips tightly together, grabbed his coat, and stood up.

“Where are you going?” Leon asked.

“Home.”

“…You just got here.”

“Better for siblings to talk among themselves. Enjoy your time.”

Before leaving, Diego turned to Ebony and said, “Then, see you again.”

His final words, unlike his earlier vague answers, felt strangely clear.

“Why leave in such a hurry?”

“Only now realizing I’m a busy man?”

“You seemed like you were staying longer. What changed?”

“My business is done.”

“What business?”

“You don’t need to know.”

Leon frowned, confused. Diego had barely done anything yet claimed his “business” was finished.

Still, the experience taught Leon not to press for answers. Diego would just remain silent.

As the coachman loaded gifts onto the carriage, Leon gave a reluctant farewell.

“Will you be even busier once you’re back?”

“Far busier.”

“Then I suppose our next meeting will be after winter?”

“Likely.”

It was the usual response, one Leon had heard countless times.

But this time, Diego hesitated before answering. Standing still, he rubbed his chin—a telltale sign he was deep in thought.

“No. We’ll meet soon.”

“What?”

“I’ll be back in eight days.”

Leon blinked in disbelief at the sudden declaration.

“Why?”
Diego ignored the question, as usual.

“Come on, you’re busy, and so am I. If it’s not urgent—”

“It is. I’ll have something to ask by then.”

“Have something to ask? What does that even mean?”

“You’re full of questions.”

“That’s because you’re being cryptic—”

“Just stay home. And keep your sister there, too.”

With an oddly annoyed tone, Diego emphasized the word “sister” before climbing into the carriage.

Watching him leave, Leon muttered, “…Is he insane?”