The air inside the De Offren Art Museum-a renowned national art museum housing various masterpieces of painting and major sculptures by Artiazen-was heavy with the scent of old polish, wealth, and quiet reverence. To anyone else, the grand exhibition space built by the Grayan family during their expansion was a marvel of architectural brilliance.
To Serena, standing a few paces away with a cold, masked expression, it was a stage for theater.
I swear, he's ridiculous! Serena thought, her gaze narrowing as she looked at Eiser.
Yet on the train earlier, he was staring at me intensely and cornering me relentlessly. But look at him now! He's acting like he's the most gentlemanly man in the world!
Standing right beside him, smiling radiantly, was Anessa. The blonde woman gestured gracefully toward the towering pillars and massive structural works around them.
"Seeing gigantic works like this immediately reminds me of De Laurent's new gallery building," Anessa remarked, her voice carrying smoothly across the hall. "I've been there twice, and the new building really does house a great many large-scale artworks like these. That's the exhibition space built by the Grayan family during their expansion, isn't it?"
"Yes," Eiser replied calmly, his deep voice carrying that effortless, composed demeanor that he only seemed to weaponize when he wanted to keep people at a distance. "That gallery was specifically designed to exhibit large-scale artworks."
"No wonder..." Anessa sighed happily, looking around with wide, admiring eyes. "Even the entrance is already incredibly impressive. It feels so grand and striking. I remember spending quite a long time walking around there."
She turned her gaze up toward Eiser, her expression softening into one of deep reverence. "His achievements are truly extraordinary. It's hard not to admire him."
From her vantage point, Serena let out a silent, bitter sigh.
That woman... Serena thought, clenching her jaw. She keeps bringing up everything Eiser absolutely hates. From Grayan and De Laurent to matters concerning his father... it seems she still doesn't know about the complicated intrigues behind it all.
Here is the novel expansion from Serena's perspective, continuing the sequence:
That woman... Serena thought, clenching her teeth as she watched Anessa drone on. She keeps bringing up everything Eiser absolutely hates. From Grayan and De Laurent to matters concerning his father... it seems she still doesn't know about the complicated intrigue behind it all.
Eiser, maintaining his rigid posture, merely glanced toward the adjacent section. "The artwork over there also seems worth taking a look at."
Eiser must be absolutely disgusted, Serena mused inwardly, watching him closely. Yet he can respond so calmly.
A quiet wave of relief washed over her chest next. But thankfully, that woman didn't mention Victor's name.
Nearby, another companion chimed in cheerfully, turning her attention toward Serena. "I heard you're an art lover and collector. So, are you enjoying the exhibition? You looked so absorbed and focused!"
Serena blinked, snapped out of her turbulent thoughts, and offered a polite, distant smile. "Huh? Ah, yes. The museum is very interesting."
"Thank goodness!" her companion laughed. "Actually, this museum is difficult to explore in a single day, so today we'll focus only on the main works..."
As the voice faded into background noise, Serena let out another internal sigh, her eyes drifting away from the displays.
I'm sorry, but I don't even remember which artworks I just looked at.
She crossed her arms slightly, her expression turning flat and unamused.
This is the first time I've ever found an art museum this boring... Tch...
"Huh? Ah, yes... that's right!" Serena forced a bright, agreeable tone into the telephone receiver, keeping up the facade.
On the other end of the line, Anessa's voice chattered on cheerfully about the warm, sunny weather and the upcoming three-day, two-night cruise around Topinaja Island. Serena clutched the heavy retro phone tighter, her dark hair pinned back as she sat on the edge of the hotel bed in her light robe.
"That's good," Anessa said, completely unaware of the heavy exhaustion weighing down Serena's shoulders. "Since the two of you are traveling together, make the most of this wonderful time with him."
Spend some quality time with him... my ass...! Serena thought, a dark vein of frustration throbbing as she offered a few more parting words before hanging up.
Plak!
The moment the call disconnected, she tossed her phone straight onto the plush white pillows with an unceremonious thud.
If that were really true, I'd be over the moon already! She crossed her arms, pacing slightly near the bed as a heavy scowl settled on her face. Ah, seriously... so frustrating! I was really looking forward to this because it's my first time going on a cruise with Eiser! How did things end up like this?!
Standing alone in the cabin, her chibi-like frustration boiled over into a full pout.
I want to spend some sweet time with him too! she muttered bitterly to the empty room.
Bruk.
Serena collapsed back against the soft, yielding mattress, letting out a heavy, frustrated sigh. Since we arrived here and went through the whole schedule of events, I haven't had a chance to talk to him again.
She closed her eyes, the vivid memory of the previous days flashing behind her eyelids. They were so busy chatting that we didn't even get a chance to see each other face-to-face.
Recalling the royal palace's banquet hall, her jaw tightened. That woman named Anessa stuck to Eiser like glue all day, constantly flashing her smile. Even when she stepped away for a moment, other women immediately took turns crowding around him.
She could still picture the scene clearly: Eiser standing tall in his sharp tuxedo, completely boxed in by admirers while she stood just a few steps away. I didn't have any chance to interrupt or send them away. Besides, with our relationship still undefined like this, I have no right to do that.
Tak.
The memory of her heels clicking against the floor felt like a bitter echo. I thought that by attending the same events, we'd be able to spend some time alone together. Without even realizing it... now, keeping our distance seems to have become the most natural thing between us.
Later that evening, beneath the sprawling, star-lit night sky and the bright glow of the moon, the reality of the cruise settled in. Down on the deck's open-air lounge, bathed in soft amber lighting and the faint, distant sounds of music, Eiser sat comfortably on a plush white sofa. And right beside him, holding her glass with an effortless, familiar ease, was Anessa.
Serena stood silently in the shadows, her gaze fixed on the two of them.
...
Swish.
Serena shifted slightly in the shadows, her gaze locked on the pair across the deck.
They're always together. I don't know what they're talking about, but they never seem to run out of things to talk about.
Seeing how close they were made her heart and mind feel so unsettled. Yet, looking back toward the other side, Eiser looked completely calm and didn't seem to care at all about Ednok, who was always by her side.
Is he really planning to treat me like a stranger or something? What a bastard. If you don't care about me at all in the end, then why did you go out of your way to tell me to be careful yesterday, huh?
Aaargh, this is so frustrating! she thought, grabbing a handful of her dark hair as a wave of annoyance washed over her.
Hachi!
Her frustrated train of thought was abruptly interrupted by a sharp sneeze.
Snif...
My love life is so miserable, and the night wind is freezing cold too, uhuk.
"So, you are here, Lady Serena."
A familiar voice cut through the chilly sea breeze. Startled, Serena turned to see Ednok walking up behind her, having just stepped outside for a moment.
Before she could fully reply, a heavy, warm weight settled over her shoulders. She blinked, looking down as a dark cloak was gently draped around her to shield her from the biting chill.
"Please put on this cloak," Ednok said softly, his hands adjusting the fabric securely around her. "The sea breeze at night is very cold."
"Ah, thank you very much," Serena murmured, pulling the fabric closer.
"You're welcome," he replied with a gentle smile.
Standing alone on the deck, Serena pulled the heavy fabric closer around her shoulders, a shiver running down her spine. The weight of the cloak felt completely strange and unfamiliar against her skin-it belonged to another man, not Eiser.
Standing just steps away, Ednok continued talking smoothly, his voice carrying easily over the rushing sea breeze. He spoke passionately about the "Flo Marina" project, discussing plans to integrate the cruise business, connect the hotel area with the coastal region, and eventually acquire, renovate, or even build brand-new vessels from scratch.
How can he casually discuss such a huge project while I'm standing here sniffling like this? Serena thought, a tiny edge of irritation and amusement warring inside her. Ah... it's honestly hilarious to watch him.
Despite the lingering chill and the complex knot in her chest regarding Eiser, she couldn't deny the ambition in Ednok's words.
"What a bold ambition!" Serena finally spoke up, her voice slightly muffled as she tried to keep warm. "Just hearing about it makes my own enthusiasm burn brighter. It seems there will be many things we'll need to discuss seriously in the future."
Ednok turned toward her, a warm, pleased expression softening his features. "As the project moves forward, if there's anything we can help with, we'd be more than happy to work with you."
Hearing those words brought a quiet solace to her overwhelmed mind. "Just hearing you say that," Serena murmured, her gaze dropping slightly as a faint sense of relief washed over her, "is enough to make me feel relieved and at ease."
"I would also appreciate your guidance-Ah!" Serena started, losing her balance for a fraction of a second.
"Oh! Are you all right?" Eiser immediately reacted, stepping closer and steadying her by the arms.
"It seems the waves are pretty strong down below," Eiser noted, his hands lingering briefly before adjusting the cloak around her shoulders. "The wind is getting colder. You should probably go inside."
"Yes... I think we should go inside now," Serena agreed softly, looking away from his penetrating gaze.
Moments later, they sat across from each other in the quiet lounge on the cruise ship. Soft music drifted through the air, and a table filled with delicate pastries, sweets, and glasses of wine sat between them.
Looking out toward the window, Serena let out a quiet internal sigh. In the end, everything has turned out like this... Our itinerary in Artiazen is almost over as well.
She looked around the room, taking in the elegant atmosphere. I've seen so many beautiful places and enjoyed countless new experiences. Everyone I've met has been kind and friendly. I've gained so many precious memories along the way. Truly, it has been a perfect trip without a single flaw.
Yet, even as she raised her glass to take a sip, a quiet heaviness settled in her chest. Even though there's still a lingering sadness and disappointment in my heart that I can't shake...
It's not as though Serena was surprised that things had turned out this way. As she sat alone with her thoughts, a heavy question weighed on her mind: Where is our relationship actually headed?
Though she had anticipated a difficult journey, experiencing it firsthand proved to be far more bitter than she had ever imagined. Glancing sideways across the room, she watched as Anessa and Ednok stood together nearby.
I had really hoped we could spend some time together, Serena thought, a quiet ache settling in her chest as she looked toward Eiser. But the truth is, even though we're so close, I can't simply come to you whenever I want.
Honestly, she wasn't asking for anything unreasonable. Since they had been apart for quite a long time, all she wanted on this trip was to spend some time with him.
With a soft sigh, she lifted her glass and set it down on the table. But before she could dwell on it any longer, a hand suddenly caught hers, halting her movement.
She looked up to find Eiser looking down at her with a resolute expression.
"That's enough drinking," Eiser said firmly, his eyes meeting hers. "Let's go."