063. Dream (1)
The incomplete incident was being investigated under the direction of the temple and the royal family.
Although Bella was designated as the final commander of this incident, the temple and the royal family were there to assist her, knowing well that this matter would be resolved successfully.
Knowing this, Owen didn’t pay much attention to it.
He did mention that if Bella needed help at the banquet, she would contact him, but this matter would be resolved well even without his help.
At most, he would just provide some information.
“Owen.”
Lost in thought, Lucia called out to him.
“Are you not concentrating because of me?”
Today, Lucia came to Owen’s study.
It wasn’t planned to meet in the study from the beginning.
Originally, they were supposed to meet in the reception room or the drawing-room, but Lucia expressed her desire to see Owen at work and to tour the study.
“It might not be an exciting sight.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Even though watching someone deal with piled-up documents didn’t seem like a particularly enjoyable experience, Lucia insisted it was fine.
So today, the two found themselves in the study together.
Owen took his usual place at the desk, while Lucia sat on the sofa.
On the table in front of the sofa were tea and snacks brought in by the maid.
“It’s not that big of a deal.”
“Really? That’s a bit disappointing.”
Lucia, distracted herself, was not entirely present, but this time it wasn’t the reason.
Moreover, all Lucia did was sip her tea and occasionally observe Owen.
Though the intense gaze made him slightly self-conscious, it wasn’t bothersome.
So, with a brief chuckle, Lucia playfully remarked, “I was expecting a bit more.”
In response to her teasing tone, Owen let out a small laugh.
“What were you expecting?”
“Well… your awkward side?”
Raising her teacup to her lips and taking a sip, Lucia casually replied, “I’ve always found it intriguing, does my awkwardness appeal to you?”
Wanting to see his awkward side was still a story Owen couldn’t quite grasp from his perspective.
Was it similar to when she wanted to see him flustered?
“Yeah. It’s not something you see easily.”
“For that reason.”
“Well, it’s also a bit cute.”
When asked for the reason, this was the answer he got.
He felt a sudden embarrassment, as there seemed to be no words more mismatched with him than “cute.”
The words that came out of Lucia’s mouth were undoubtedly of that nature.
“It’s that indecisive side of you. The awkwardness and unfamiliarity in your demeanor.”
Even though he made a face that clearly showed he couldn’t understand, she kindly explained.
If not understanding even after the explanation was a flaw, then it was a flaw.
From Noble mtl dot com
“You don’t get it. Well, that’s fine. That’s a cute part of it too.”
Lucia smiled again.
A sense of contentment emerged on her face.
“Can I ask what you were working on?”
Lucia, having tidied her words properly, shifted the topic to something else.
This time, the subject was about the documents Owen had in hand.
“These are related to the new business venture. Interested?”
Lately, Owen had been diligently working on matters related to a new business venture.
From auctions and jewelry stores to boutiques, fruits, and artworks.
The list was filled with business items that Owen wouldn’t have originally shown interest in.
“Sure. Can I take a look?”
“If you wish.”
“Then I will.”
Setting down her teacup, Lucia rose from her seat.
Today, she wore a light dress.
The red color added a touch of flamboyance, but the attire itself looked comfortable.
“Opening a new art gallery?”
The desk was full of various documents related to new business ventures.
Among them, the one Owen was holding was about an art gallery.
“I thought of bringing in art pieces directly.”
“Ah.”
Lucia nodded in response to Owen’s explanation.
Then, she briefly glanced at the next document.
“This one… a boutique business. This is a contract for purchasing a gem mine, there’s also a jewelry business.”
As one document after another changed hands, Lucia’s expression gradually shifted.
Soon, as if realizing something, Lucia let out a short breath.
Turning back towards Owen, locking eyes with him, she finally asked.
“Owen. Unless I’m mistaken, it seems like all of this is somehow related to things I like, right?”
Owen simply nodded in response to her question.
There was no reason to deceive.
“Yes.”
“…This format is new to me though.”
Then Lucia muttered under her breath.
Seeing Owen’s puzzled face, Lucia sighed and added.
“I’ve received gifts of things I like before, but this is the first time in a business context.”
“But… what you like isn’t just a single piece of art or clothing, right?”
Lucia easily grew tired of things.
Always searching for something new, and that included the beautiful things she liked as well.
She might be able to gift her beautiful artworks, clothes, and jewelry.
Although Owen had also given her those items as gifts, what Lucia truly liked ultimately wasn’t just that.
“You want to discover new beautiful things.”
“…That’s right.”
What Lucia needed were art galleries to buy new beautiful pieces, boutiques to create high-quality clothes every season, and jewelers to intricately craft special and beautiful gemstones.
Not just one painting, one dress, or one set of jewelry.
“The more beauty you have, the better. Finding new things always brings joy.”
Owen knew this all too well.
He even had the wealth and ability to start all those businesses himself.
Feeling it would be a waste not to make use of them, Owen was gradually sorting out his existing businesses and looking into related ventures.
Although the orchard and fruit-selling business was started after hearing that Lucia liked strawberries.
“But fruit… just because of strawberries?”
Among the list of glamorous businesses, the fruit business stood out.
Lucia added another question.
“Because it seems like you like other fruits besides strawberries.”
Owen immediately answered her question.
Having shared multiple meals and tea times with her, he knew well.
Lucia really liked fruits.
While others preferred baked goods, Lucia seemed to prefer fruits more.
“That’s true. But how did you know that?”
“Because we’ve had meals together so many times.”
“…Did it show?”
“Rather than that, I’ve been quite interested in you, Lucia.”
Owen lightly chuckled in response.
Then Lucia couldn’t help but burst into laughter without saying a word.
“When did you start watching me so closely?”
“Well… I’m not sure. I’ve been watching you even before realizing it.”
At his reply, Lucia smiled and reached out her hand.
Not a glamorous smile, but a light and joyful one, like sunshine, graced her face.
In a way, yes.
Lucia seemed happy.
“I’m glad you’ve been watching me for so long.”
Lucia’s hand touched Owen’s cheek.
Leaning into the touch, Owen gently held her hand.
Then Lucia closed her eyes softly, revealing a smile brighter and more beautiful than ever before.
“Owen. I like it when you speak and act like this.”
As usual, Lucia spoke honestly.
She expressed her likes without a hint of falsehood.
“I like it when you look at me, act, and speak in a way that makes me feel your love.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. Selfish, am I not? Trying to capture your emotions without saying anything.”
At Owen’s quiet affirmation, he gently turned his head.
His lips met the white hand that was caressing his cheek.
Owen lightly kissed the hand that touched his lips.
“Do as you please.”
Owen clenched his fingertips and pulled Lucía’s hand up again.
He bowed his head and planted a kiss on the back of her hand.
“If my love for you means something to you, I’m fine with being selfish.”
“…”
“You can act selfishly. It’s okay. Being selfish isn’t always bad.”
Having been completely sincere, Owen easily whispered his words.
Lucía, with her lips sealed, simply sent silent glances.
Owen continued to smile at her.
Then, he embraced her and sat her on the desk.
A few papers that were on the desk fluttered down to the floor.
“…You, you easily ruin the world I knew.”
Lucía spoke belatedly.
Her budding red lips emitted a muted sound.
“In the world I knew, there was no one who spoke like that.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Only those who said being selfish is bad. I even thought all humans were bad.”
Lucía probably thought that way.
Having already guessed it, Owen calmly listened to her words.
“In fact, I still think that way. Humans aren’t all good, and all humans are selfish. That’s true, but…”
As he listened to her quietly continuing story, Lucía suddenly pulled his collar.
In the midst of his surprised gaze, their lips briefly touched before parting.
“Owen, you’re an exception.”
Even though it was a brief touch, the warmth that lingered was vivid.
Still not fully composed, Lucía continued speaking.
“So, I hope you keep being affectionate and kind. It feels good when you treat me like that.”
His heart beat louder and rougher than ever.
The sound seemed to grow louder.
It was because of a certain premonition.
“And I realized belatedly… the emotion you mentioned seeing in my eyes, it seems like jealousy.”
Or maybe it’s anticipation.
It might be an unnecessary desire, but it can’t be helped.
“I didn’t like it, for some reason. People who clearly have a crush on Owen looking at you. And you looking at them even more.”
How could one not think such thoughts while hearing those words?
“I wish you were an exception to me, just like how I’m the only exception in your world.”
She might also have thoughts like loving me.