Despite Being an Extra, I'm the Villain's Childhood Friend - Chapter 63.1
Chapter 63.1
“So, why did you stay behind?”
“What’s it to you?”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“And you’re perpetually a condescending old man. Nothing but age.”
“….”
A blue vein throbbed at Oren’s temple.
Seeing the tightening grip on his knife, Gerald silently recited a spell in his mind. It was a volatile moment, a clash between two masters on the verge of eruption.
“Oh!”
Clatter. Clink.
A maid, setting a plate before the late-arriving Robert, startled at his touch and dropped the dish. Thankfully, it landed on the table, sparing the food, but Robert was offended by the maid’s clumsy reaction as if she’d been burned.
A chilling silence descended, sharp as ice water.
Frozen mid-motion, only Robert, napkin in hand, managed to maintain a semblance of composure, unfolding the linen onto his lap as if nothing had happened.
“I-I, I’m… so, so sorry.”
The maid stammered, her head bowed low. Her reaction only deepened Robert’s displeasure.
‘Does she think she’ll catch Krug? Gerald has spent years explaining it’s not contagious…’
“Fine. Leave.”
Even though he curtly dismissed her, the maid fidgeted, unable to move. Her cheeks flushed crimson, tears welled in her eyes, and her hands clutched the spot where she’d brushed against Robert. Observing this, the expressions of the other four at the table turned curious.
Placing his knife down gently, Oren broke the tension.
“My, my, how you’ve grown. A man now, indeed.”
While Robert glared at him as if to say, ‘What nonsense is this?’ Oren flashed a knowing smile, undeterred
Now Robert noticed Gerald’s disbelieving chuckle and Michael muttering.
“I was trying to keep it to myself…”
“Did everyone eat something strange?”
Robert shot a suspicious glance at his steak, then looked around at the four of them with a bewildered expression.
Izeline, her face full of unspoken words, nodded slowly at him. Then, turning to the still-flustered maid, she spoke kindly.
“He’s obtuse, but not a bad person.”
“Y-yes, miss.”
Somewhat reassured, the maid bowed deeply and withdrew. Robert turned to Izeline, a questioning look on his face. Annoyingly, she wore a smirk similar to Oren’s.
“What is it with all of you?”
‘Why is everyone so smug today?’
He frowned, but as Izeline reached out and gently stroked his hair, he became docile as a lamb, his face flushing.
“She likes you.”
“….?”
Startled, he lifted his head, his eyes wide with surprise.
“She was flustered because she touched the young lord she admires.”
“Don’t be absurd. The maids have loathed me for years.”
‘And that’s old news.’
He was oblivious to the fact that the wounded little boy, who once cowered under the disdainful gazes of others because of his Krug, still resided deep within him.
With a knowing smile, Izeline left much unsaid.
“You’re handsome, you know.”
“….”
“I’ve always said so.”
“…Whatever.”
Not entirely displeased by the compliment on his appearance, Robert averted his gaze, feigning indifference.
A gentle warmth blossomed between them.
“The capital is full of handsome men, Izel.”
But the pleasant atmosphere didn’t last. Michael’s smooth voice cut through the air. After a period of quiet, he was at it again with his talk of the capital.
Robert’s eyes narrowed, but Michael, unfazed, flashed a bright smile at Izeline.
★ support nana on ko-fi!
≪ Discord ≫
≪ Novel Updates ≫
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
