HTNSA 40 (Edited)

Chapter 40

---

‘Eila probably just wants to end things peacefully since she used to like Cadin.’

Peony couldn’t blame her for that.

‘But I really don’t like that guy.’

Cadin Laith was known around the academy for being smooth-talking and shameless.

Many noble girls still saw him as a suitable husband, but Peony had a very different opinion.

He was the kind of man who openly courted multiple women even while engaged.

Even at charity events, he would stand around disinterested, admiring his reflection in the window—Peony had seen enough to know his character.

‘He pretends to be a gentleman, but he’s just a narcissistic peacock.’

Thinking that he had once hurt Eila, and might now be trying to stir up scandal again, disgusted her.

‘As if he ever intended to take her seriously…’

Just then, Peony noticed something in Cadin’s hand as he walked away.

The elegant wrapping bore the logo of a well-known boutique.

‘A gift? Is he trying to sway Eila with expensive presents?’

An uneasy thought struck her.

Knowing Eila, she would surely reject the gift.

The real problem would be Cadin’s reaction.

A proud noble being turned down by someone he once looked down on—a commoner—could react badly.

‘Worst case, Eila could get hurt. Maybe I shouldn’t have let them go alone.’

Peony anxiously peered out the library window.

Maybe she should follow them discreetly.

Just then, a familiar figure with silver hair appeared.

The boy seemed to be searching for someone, scanning the area with a clear sense of urgency.

Peony’s face lit up instantly.

‘He’s looking for Eila.’

She figured Felix had headed straight to the library, knowing that Eila spent most of her time there lately.

Perfect timing.

She had just been considering sending someone to find him.

‘Eila said it was fine, but I can’t trust that guy.’

Cadin, despite his polished image, was unpredictable when emotional.

And only Felix would be able to handle things if anything went wrong.

‘Felix already beat Cadin once in a duel. If anything happens, he’ll take care of it.’

Peony hurried to the window and waved.

“Hey!”

“Peony-sunbae.”

“You’re here to see Eila, right?”

“Yes.”

Felix gave a short nod.

“I was just thinking about calling you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, Cadin took Eila just now.”

The smile immediately vanished from Felix’s face.

The air around him turned icy.

Peony was sure of it now—Felix definitely cared about Eila.

If not, he wouldn’t have reacted like that.

“That bastard again…”

Felix’s voice trembled with restrained fury.

Peony couldn’t help but smile, pleased.

If Eila had to end up with someone, she’d prefer Felix over a cad like Cadin.

Felix wasn’t as refined or formal as noble heirs, and sometimes he was too blunt, but he wasn’t arrogant or selfish.

And now, as Duke Azenta’s apprentice, his future looked bright.

‘And the way he looks at Eila—it’s so obvious he likes her.’

He always kept an eye on her.

Making sure she didn’t trip, wasn’t mocked for being a commoner—his watchful gaze never wavered.

You couldn’t fake that kind of concern.

Peony decided to nudge him a bit more.

“He even brought her a fancy gift. Probably trying to win her over.”

At that, Felix looked around urgently.

Unable to find them, he looked back up at Peony.

“Do you know where they went?”

He sounded calm, but his eyes betrayed his anxiety.

He looked like a lost puppy.

Peony barely stopped herself from laughing and pointed toward the rear garden.

“Try the garden behind the library. Eila said she’d only go that far.”

Felix bowed deeply, then rushed off in that direction without a word.

His urgency was clear in every step.

Peony watched him fondly.

‘Now that’s someone who can handle Cadin.’

Her gaze was warm and trusting—so different from how she’d looked at Cadin moments before.

The garden behind the library was calm, with only the occasional passerby.

‘With people around, Cadin won’t try anything reckless like last time.’

Eila kept herself composed and spoke.

“So, what did you want to talk about?”

Despite her cold tone, Cadin only raised an eyebrow.

After a pause, he held out a paper bag.

“I wanted to give you this.”

Eila glanced at it.

Though she couldn’t see what was inside, the elegant packaging suggested something expensive.

‘Is he seriously trying to butter me up with gifts now?’

When she didn’t take it, Cadin continued.

“You returned the necklace I gave you. I thought maybe you didn’t like the design, so I got a new one.”

“…”

“And with exams coming up, I wanted to wish you luck.”

As expected, Cadin hadn’t changed.

Eila forced herself to keep a neutral expression.

Some nearby students had started paying attention, pausing to watch.

Now wasn’t the time to show her true feelings.

‘As usual, I’ll decline politely and keep it civil.’

Eila took a deep breath and spoke gently.

“Cadin, like I said before—the reason I rejected you is—”

“Because you’re worried Rosia would be upset about the gift I gave you?”

Cadin interrupted smoothly, as if he’d rehearsed the line.

Eila looked up, startled.

He looked strangely troubled.

“Don’t worry. I’m not engaged to Rosia.”

“…What?”

Eila stared at him, stunned.

His words were so shocking, anyone would have doubted their ears.

She glanced around.

Sure enough, the crowd had grown, and everyone had clearly heard what Cadin just said.

All eyes were locked on them, waiting to see what happened next.