Just like countless other confused young boys and girls, even though she had seen countless romance dramas and read countless love stories, when the troubles of love truly arrived at her doorstep, Viloti found herself lost.
She wasn't sure if what she felt was love or simply a habit, nor whether her feelings for Felyn were dependency or genuine affection.
Viloti had very little interaction with others since she was young.
She was naturally quiet, and after attending that malicious banquet targeted at her, she became even more withdrawn.
She had no friends to share her thoughts with, and it was impossible to talk to her family about these things.
Viloti could only bury her troubles deep within her heart.
She didn’t know why she brought it up with Sophia tonight, Maybe it was because she genuinely didn’t want Felyn to leave her side.
Sophia took a few steps forward and pulled Viloti into a hug.
This beautiful young girl was a head taller than Sophia, and Sophia had originally wanted to bury Viloti’s head in her chest, just like in the movies.
She had thought Viloti was already clear about her feelings for Felyn, and that Felyn’s rejection was simply out of shyness and fear. That was why she had forced them to spend time together, thinking that if they just talked it out, everything would be fine.
But now it seemed the situation was far from optimistic.
It appeared Felyn genuinely no longer liked Viloti, and unfortunately, Viloti was just beginning to develop feelings for him.
Such was the drama of young love.
"Do you think you like Felyn?" Sophia asked.
Viloti didn’t respond.
"Then do you hate Felyn?"
Viloti shook her head.
"You feel empty when Felyn isn’t around, and you feel uncomfortable when you see him with other girls, right?"
Viloti nodded.
Come on, this isn’t just love written backwards!
But Sophia couldn’t outright tell Viloti, "This is love, go chase after Felyn now."
Otherwise, they would just end up in a childish game of cat and mouse, and Viloti might easily lose her way.
She still wouldn’t know if what she felt was truly love or simply an unwillingness to let go of her comfortable past.
Some paths have to be walked alone.
Even if it brings heartache and pain, only by experiencing these emotions can one truly understand what love is.
"Viloti, why don't you try taking the initiative to approach Felyn?" Sophia suggested.
She gently patted Viloti’s head, the silky smoothness so addictive that she didn’t want to stop.
Viloti's body was so light and soft, just having her leaning against her filled Sophia with the sweet feeling of youthful charm.
No wonder witches always liked to cause trouble for princesses.
"Take the initiative?" Viloti’s long lashes fluttered slightly as she looked up in confusion.
"Just like what Felyn used to do for you. You can try to understand his preferences and his personality. By the way, how much do you actually know about Felyn?"
Viloti froze in place.
Unfortunately, the answer was almost nothing.
Felyn remembered her tastes and preferences, could even tell her mood based on what she wore that day.
But she knew nothing about Felyn. Not where he lived, not what he liked, not what troubles he was facing now.
"If you’re feeling confused, then start by getting to know him. If after really understanding Felyn, you still feel you can't live without him, and still want to be with him all the time, then that’s love."
Viloti listened quietly and nodded.
"I understand, Teacher Sophia."
She would try to take the initiative to approach Felyn.
Just like how Felyn used to approach her.
Felyn met her every day, gave her gifts, stayed by her side at all times, and did everything he could whenever she needed something.
So if she just did everything Felyn had done for her, but for him this time, that should be what Sophia meant by "taking the initiative," right?
…
Felyn stood in front of the toy shop, staring at two receipts.
Seriously? These two dumb toys cost 1,200 crowns?
That stupid caterpillar costs 700? And this pig costs 500?
And back when he worked as a mascot for a whole day, he barely earned 200 crowns.
This damn capitalist world.
Felyn walked alone through the streets, feeling a bit tired.
He wasn’t always bursting with energy, constantly trying to read others’ emotions was exhausting.
As for Viloti’s reaction tonight, Felyn didn’t dare think too much about it.
No matter the emotions involved, leave everything to time. The time would smooth it all out.
Until then, all he needed to do was maintain a safe distance from her.
After all, that young lady wasn’t the type to actively seek him out.
"Just stay indifferent, and everything will be fine," Felyn muttered to himself.
Viloti had already left, so the tutoring session naturally ended.
Sophia had also disappeared somewhere. He had planned to hitch a ride home with her, but now he had to pay for transportation again.
Holmholt seemed to be reaching its peak festivities now.
Groups of people gathered everywhere, and Felyn walking alone down the street seemed a little out of place.
He carried the caterpillar plushie that all the rich young ladies had rejected, wandering aimlessly through Holmholt.
Since he was here anyway, he figured he might as well look around.
"Isn’t that... Felyn?"
A familiar voice called out.
Felyn looked up to see Adelina standing before him.
She was wearing a black V-neck sweater, a necklace resting between her breasts, making her look even more seductive.
She had on a black knit cap, a look totally different from her usual elegant and dignified style.
But it suited her perfectly. She now resembled the carefree, excellent older sister at home, and lively side in private.
"Lady Adelina? What a coincidence," Felyn said with a professional smile, complimenting her. "This style suits you really well, completely different from the usual Lady Adelina I know."
"Really?"
Adelina turned her gaze away from Felyn, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"What are you doing here, Felyn?"
Could he be on a date with a girl?
Adelina glanced around but didn’t see any girl nearby.
Her eyes landed on the shopping bag filled with plush toys in Felyn’s hand.
Would he come all the way to Holmholt’s toy store just to buy plushies for himself?
She didn’t think Felyn liked plushies that much.
So, it must be for a girl?
"Adelina, I don't know if you’ll like it," Felyn said, pulling out the blue pig plushie that Bernice had picked but Viloti had rejected. He had been wondering what to do with it.
He didn’t really need it, so he figured he might as well give it to Adelina as a small gift.
"This little pig plushie is apparently only available here in Holmholt’s toy store, so I came over to get one. I was planning to give it to you next time I was on duty."
Adelina’s eyes lit up.
What is this? It’s so cute!
"Thank you, Felyn! I really like it," Adelina said, hugging the light blue pig tightly to her chest, its head burying itself deep between her breasts.
He really loves me so much!!
"Adelina! Sorry to keep you waiting~~"
Felyn immediately recognized that familiar figure with the high blonde ponytail from a distance.
Crap!
It was Linda and she knew him. If she saw him, she’d definitely say, "Hey, isn’t that Viloti’s little lapdog?"
He’d be doomed.
Quickly, Felyn pulled out a mask and slipped it over his face.
"Who’s this...?"
Linda arrived at Adelina’s side and noticed the handsome, well-dressed boy standing next to her.
She knew Adelina didn’t like gossip, so she had never mentioned the whole Viloti-Felyn situation in front of her.
"He’s..." Adelina started to introduce Felyn, but when she saw he had already put on a mask, she stopped mid-sentence.
He must be worried that being seen with me might cause me trouble with my friends, that's why he’s hiding his face!
He really loves me so much!!"
Linda, this is a friend of mine. Since it’s a rare chance, why don’t we all walk around together?" Adelina suggested, thinking it would be a nice return gesture for the little pig plushie.
She leaned closer to Felyn and whispered, "Think of it as overtime pay. How about it?"
(End of Chapter)