HTNSA 42 (Edited)

Chapter 42

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But Felix’s next words betrayed Cadin’s expectations.

“No connection? And what makes you so sure?”

“What… what did you say?”

“What if I’m more than someone who has the right to interfere in Eila’s life?”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the onlookers.

“F-Felix?”

Eila grabbed his arm, clearly flustered, but he kept his eyes locked on Cadin.

“What? What’s he saying?”

“Wait… are they dating? Didn’t he say they weren’t before?”

Cadin bit his lip.

‘He can interfere? Are they… actually dating?’

He stared at Felix in disbelief.

But Felix’s gaze didn’t waver.

Finally, Cadin turned his eyes to Eila.

She met his questioning gaze, bit her lip nervously… and gave a small nod.

Cadin’s mind went blank.

‘They’re actually… together?’

He could have tolerated Eila spending time with a commoner.

After all, she was one now. She probably didn’t have many to rely on.

But he’d never imagined it would go beyond dependence.

After everything she’d shown him—all the affection and devotion—it couldn’t just vanish, could it?

Or had it all been his delusion?

Cadin swayed slightly.

‘She really chose someone else over me?’

Thunk.

The expensive gift he’d prepared hit the ground, unnoticed.

He didn’t even realize it.

And then, Felix’s calm voice hit him like a slap.

“In case you didn’t know, I recently became the Duke’s apprentice. The House of Azenta has promised me full support.”

“…”

“If I join the Kystar and distinguish myself, I may one day be granted a noble title.”

Every word Felix spoke was another blow.

Cadin glared at him, teeth clenched.

But Felix’s presence now carried a weight Cadin couldn’t ignore.

“So from now on, you don’t need to concern yourself with Eila. I’ll protect her.”

Then, without missing a beat, he gently pulled Eila to his side.

She looked surprised—but after a pause, she stepped closer to him.

At that moment, Cadin felt her wrist slip from his grip.

He wanted to grab her again.

But strangely, his hand wouldn’t move.

“Cadin… We’ll be going now.”

Eila’s voice was steady.

Felix held her close as they walked away together.

They looked like a picture-perfect couple.

Cadin stood frozen, watching them disappear.

Anger bubbled inside him.

‘Why am I so mad?’

Eila had never meant more to him than a passing curiosity.

Their engagement had been political—there was no reason to get this worked up.

He’d always prided himself on being free-spirited, never tying himself down.

‘It must be because that lowborn actually dared take something I wanted.’

He clung to that thought to justify his fury.

The murmurs behind him grew louder.

When he turned, students were still watching.

“What, enjoying the show?”

Cadin’s cold tone made them scatter.

As the last footsteps faded, he slowly turned away.

Still, his mood didn’t improve.

Was he jealous of Felix’s new position?

Or did he actually regret losing Eila?

‘…It’s Felix’s fault.’

That was the answer Cadin settled on.

It had to be.

That way, he wouldn’t have to admit he’d truly lost her.

Once they were far enough away, Felix didn’t slow down.

Still holding Eila’s wrist, he strode through the academy, eventually leading her into a quiet corridor.

But he kept walking, long legs carrying him forward.

Eila struggled to match his pace.

“Felix!”

He didn’t respond.

“Felix, wait!”

Even her anxious tone didn’t reach him.

Finally, she came to a full stop and yelled,

“Stop!”

Felix froze, then let out a breath and turned slowly.

His shoulders were tense. He didn’t meet her eyes.

“Felix.”

Eila calmed herself and spoke gently.

“What were you thinking? Saying we’re dating like that?”

She wasn’t the only one shocked by his words.

‘You’re saying it here? Right now?’

Eila had gone along with it only to avoid making things worse.

She’d planned to reveal it much later.

Preferably after Cadin’s engagement to Rosia.

‘That way, no one could criticize me.’

But Felix had upended everything.

“We agreed to wait. Don’t you remember?”

She knew he’d done it for her—but it was rash.

Especially with Cadin still hanging around.

To fully cut ties with him, they needed to be cautious.

“And you know we’re both commoners. Cadin’s still a noble. You can’t provoke him like that, no matter how angry you are.”

Today, Felix had been far too emotional.

She worried he might face backlash.

Sighing, Eila rubbed her forehead.

“I appreciate you stepping in, but next time, please be more careful.”

She hid her concern behind a calm tone, like she was scolding a child.

But Felix took her words differently.

Each sentence weighed on him.

‘I was wrong?’

His mind replayed the scene.

Eila talking to Cadin like they shared a history Felix couldn’t touch.

She had rushed to stop him from speaking.

It made him realize: she didn’t see him as an equal.

She always treated him like a kid.

‘Am I just a child to her? Less than Cadin?’

Just a year younger—but it felt like a chasm.

The realization burned.

Only moments ago, he had been excited to give her a gift.

Now, frustration welled up so strongly, he could barely contain it.