Next day, as Deruth and Violan agreed to engage both Cale and Athanasia, since Cale already agreed to it, Cale thought it was about Athanasia being his personal maid.
After the news of their engagement, Athanasia's heart sank. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. "What the hell??" she thought to herself. "I didn't sign up for this. I thought I would just be a personal maid for Cale, but why did I become his fiancée? I didn't know this misunderstanding would come to this."
Faking tears, Athanasia sighed, realizing that the bad feeling she had yesterday was a premonition of this unexpected turn of events. "I wish I trusted my instincts," she thought, feeling her once peaceful life now ruined because of this.
Filled with a mix of emotions, Athanasia rushed to Cale's room and opened the door, only to find Ron serving a tea and Cale already awake. Ron noticed her appearance and congratulated Lady Athanasia for her engagement to Young Master Cale. Athanasia forced a smile and thanked Ron, quickly telling him that she and Cale needed to discuss something important. Ron nodded understandingly and left the room.
Athanasia gazed at Cale, who was calmly sitting and sipping his tea
Her heart was pounding as she tried to find the right words. "Cale... what did you do??" she finally asked, trying to grasp the situation.
Cale looked at Athanasia with a slight smile,
his gaze warm and reassuring. "Well, I guess even though I said that I wanted you to be by my side (as my personal maid), sadly, my family misunderstood this," he explained. "But don't worry, I'm still happy that you'll be with me. Besides, now that we're engaged, it means you'll officially be mine, and I'll make sure to protect you and cherish you."
Athanasia's mind was racing with a whirlwind of emotions. She couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. This wasn't the Cale/Kim Rok Soo she knew – the stoic young man who rarely showed his emotions. Now, he seemed so different, so openly expressive. It made her suspicious, but deep down, she couldn't help but wonder if he was being genuine.
Summoning her courage, she asked, "Are you really Kim Rok Soo?" Her voice was laced with skepticism as she tried to make sense of the situation.
Cale chuckled softly
finding her doubt amusing. "I assure you, I'm still the same person you've known all this time," he replied. "I've just decided to be a bit more honest about my feelings, that's all."
He took a step closer to her, locking eyes with her in a way that made her heart flutter. "So, are you going to give me permission to court you, to make you fall in love with me?" he asked, his tone soft but determined.
Athanasia felt her cheeks heat up as she struggled to process everything. She was torn between her initial skepticism and the newfound vulnerability she saw in Cale's eyes. Maybe, just maybe, he was being sincere.
Finally, she let out a sigh, feeling her resistance waver. "Fine, I give up at this point," she admitted, looking away to hide her embarrassment. "But don't think this means I'm easily won over."
Cale's smile widened, clearly pleased with her response. He reached out and gently took her hand, bringing it to his lips to plant a soft kiss on her knuckles. Athanasia blushed even deeper at the gesture, her heart pounding in her chest.
As they stood there, hand in hand, Athanasia realized that maybe, just maybe, this unexpected engagement wouldn't be so bad after all. Perhaps there was more to Cale than she had initially thought, and maybe, just maybe, she was willing to give this newfound side of him a chance.
She couldn't deny the connection that was forming between them. She found herself looking forward to their conversations, their stolen glances, and the fluttering feeling in her stomach whenever he was near.
At the same time, someone knocked on the door, and Cale started to stand up to answer it. As he opened the door, he was greeted with a smile from Ron,
Cale felt a sudden chill run down his spine when he saw Ron's smile. It was an odd sensation, but he brushed it aside for the moment. Ron addressed him and Lady Athanasia, informing them that Count Deruth and Countess Violan invited them both to join them for breakfast.
Cale nodded in understanding and told Ron that he and Athanasia would join them shortly. Ron bowed and left the room to inform the Counts.
Turning back to Athanasia, who was still seated, Cale relayed the invitation to her. Athanasia simply nodded in response.
Feeling a bit playful, Cale extended his hand to Athanasia, silently inviting her to accompany him. After a moment of hesitation, she accepted his hand, and they walked together towards the room where the Henituse family was already waiting.
Athanasia courteously bowed before taking her seat next to Cale. The family members - Count Deruth, Countess Violan, Basen, and Lily - all smiled at the sight of the two young companions.
In an amiable manner, Count Deruth spoke up, acknowledging that it was the day Cale and Athanasia were set to leave their territory. He commented on Cale's seemingly calm demeanor despite the impending journey.
As Cale ate, his mind wandered to the events of the previous day. According to the novel he had read, it was supposed to be a day of rain, and he should have been brutally beaten by Choi Han the night before.
However, none of that had happened, and he had been safe. He attributed this to the indestructible shield he possessed, which seemed to protect him constantly.
Count Deruth brought up the idea that since Cale and Athanasia were now engaged, it would be beneficial for Athanasia to accompany Cale to the capital. This way, she could become acquainted with the noble circles and establish herself in society.
Cale considered her words for a moment, "I don't have a problem with Athanasia coming with me. But, what bothers me is the futuee capital accidents. Athanasia already knows about it since she mentioned that she knows about future events but can't tell them.
Athanasia, who had been quietly observing the conversation, nodded in agreement. She understood the delicate situation and couldn't reveal her knowledge of future events since she cant
Cale glanced at Athanasia, who appeared to be enjoying her meal. His lips curved into a slight smile, and the Henituse family noticed, mirroring his expression with their own warm smiles.
After breakfast, Cale and Athanasia bid farewell to Basen and Lily, wishing them a safe time while they were apart. Athanasia gently patted Lily's head, leaving the younger girl smiling happily.
After that, Cale and Athanasia were already walking towards the carriage. Cale opened the carriage door and they both climbed inside.
"What is this about?" Cale asked curiously, looking around the carriage's interior.
Athanasia's eyes widened as she saw Hong and On, the precious cats, nestled comfortably on a plush seat. "They're so cute!" she exclaimed, immediately drawn to their adorable presence.
Cale noticed the difference between their seats and the one occupied by the cats. He couldn't help but ask, "Why is it that their seats are better than ours?"
Hans, the loyal servant, spoke up, "Young master, shouldn't our precious cats travel comfortably on this trip? They are so small and delicate."
Hand, the butler, chimed in, "Yes, they deserve the best treatment.
Cale and Athanasia shared a knowing look. They both remembered the cats creating fog and filling it with poison during dangerous situations. It was a secret ability known only to a few.
Ron continued, "Young master and Lady Athanasia, I will be sitting with the driver up top."
Cale nodded in agreement, "Okay, that sounds good."
Athanasia also gave her approval with a nod.
With everyone settled, Athanasia was the first to enter the carriage. But just as Cale was about to step in after her, he heard someone call his name. It was Choi Han.
"Cale nim, wait!" Choi Han said as he approached the carriage.
Cale turned to him, asking, "What's up?"
Choi Han hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Is it okay for me not to be in the same carriage to protect both of you?"
Cale replied, 'Choi, though, is there a reason to do that?'
Choi Han said, 'I see,' and walked away.
Cale saw the vice-captain.
The vice-captain said to Choi Han, 'I don't think this is your spot.'
Cale thought, 'I knew we would have at least one person like this.'
As Cale entered the carriage and sat beside Athanasia, she was busy reading a book.
Suddenly, the vice-captain appeared at the front and said, 'Young master and Lady Athanasia, shall we leave?'
Athanasia didn't respond.
Cale closed the door and said, 'Yes, let's go