The suite was more spacious and elegant than expected, though for some reason, the bedroom held only a single large bed.
Although Lupa's earlier words had stirred a flicker of doubt in Ray's mind, he didn't dwell on it. After placing his luggage in a corner, he headed straight for the large sofa in the living room, sitting down to test it.
Hmm, soft to the touch, with moderate firmness.
Sleeping here tonight shouldn't be too bad.
As for why he was proactively choosing the sofa, the reasons were crystal clear.
First: The Second Young Miss is the boss.
Second: The Second Young Miss paid for the accommodation.
By logic and propriety, that bed belonged to her.
Despite their public facade as a couple, Ray remained acutely aware of the relationship's true nature.
Since it was merely a pretense, he absolutely would not allow himself to overstep any boundaries.
It was a matter of principle.
Of course, if the Second Young Miss herself extended an invitation, then the principle wouldn't be a problem.
But...
That kind of development was unlikely, right?
After all, as a proper Montelli, her family occupied her entire life.
Right now, the young lady probably had no time for romance.
Meanwhile, standing in the suite's bedroom, Carlotta stared at the soft, spacious queen size bed before her, feeling no sense of enjoyment. Instead, she was tangled in a strange dilemma.
'So, the question is: How do I, in a subtle way, make that blockhead Cat's Eye willingly sleep by my side?'
Her original goal had been to close the distance between herself and Ray, to transform their pretend relationship into a real one.
Now, the first step of the plan was accomplished.
What about the second step?
Carlotta rubbed her slightly cool fingertips, her eyes reflecting the room's light like clear gemstones flowing.
Sparse moonlight filtered through the window curtains, casting a hazy outline around her, making her appear even more graceful and serene.
Of course, she couldn't directly ask Ray to share the bed with her.
Whether due to the sense of propriety in her heart, or because such initiative was utterly unlike her usual self.
Words like that were impossible for her to utter.
Besides...
Shouldn't that kind of thing be said by Ray?
"Second Young Miss."
A soft call came from outside the door, followed by a few light knocks.
Carlotta was momentarily startled before turning to approach the door. She placed her hand lightly on the handle, took a deep breath, waited for her emotions to settle slightly, then slowly opened the door.
Ray stood outside, looking down at her. "Second Young Miss, I'll sleep on the living room sofa tonight."
This sudden declaration left the young lady momentarily speechless. She instinctively pressed a hand lightly to her chest, her gaze flickering. The "courage" she had just mustered was ultimately suppressed by "reason."
This wasn't as simple as sharing a meal or walking arm-in-arm.
The former could still be explained as work-related, the latter as necessary performance to maintain appearances.
But sharing a bed... that would change the nature of things completely.
Although, admittedly, that was precisely what she wanted.
Come to think of it, this guy mentioned earlier that when he was with Phoebe in the Riccioli Islands, they stayed together too.
Is it possible... they shared a bed?
And so, to dispel her own doubts, Carlotta feigned a nonchalant tone and asked, "I thought you might want to sleep with me. Seems you still know your place. When you were with Phoebe in the Riccioli Islands, did you sleep on the sofa too?"
Ray shook his head. "No."
Carlotta: "?"
Just as her fingertips tightened imperceptibly, Ray leisurely finished his sentence. "I slept on the floor."
"..."
Carlotta quietly released the corner of her clothing she had unknowingly clenched, letting out a soft sigh.
'Good.
It seems Phoebe isn't that far ahead of me after all.
They probably didn't have any... overly intimate contact, right?
Heh, in that case, I must seize this opportunity.
Though based on today, my plan might not proceed smoothly.
But it's fine. As long as we win that gladiator match, I'll have a full ten days to implement the plan step by step.
Someday, you'll confess your feelings to me yourself!'
As for Ray, he watched Carlotta, who had for some reason become lost in her own little world, with a puzzled expression.
In short, his gut instinct warned him it was better not to inquire.
"Oh, right, Second Young Miss," he changed the subject instead, "why did you suddenly decide to participate in the gladiator match?"
The question made Carlotta pause momentarily, her expression freezing for an instant. But quickly, the young lady gave a light cough and spoke with a serious tone. "Of course, to personally experience the local customs of Septimont. As a family heir, thoroughly investigating regional culture is crucial for future business planning."
'Definitely not because I'm craving your company.'
"...I see." Ray seemed thoughtful. "I'm not sure I understand the connection between those two things. But since it's your idea, Second Young Miss, I'll give it my all too!"
...
...
This was the perfect night for sipping tea.
Though a bit chilly, it was crisp and clear, like the biting wind of Dolores...
In the shadows, a young woman took a small sip, her deep eyes holding chaos and sorrow, as if bearing the world's grief alone.
Even as countless emotions swirled in her gaze, her face remained unchanged, betraying no fragility or pain.
Perhaps because her heart had already fallen completely silent at some point.
"I really don't understand why the Overseer sent you to watch over him. Making you personally witness that person forming bonds with one new face after another... I almost suspect this is some twisted amusement of the Overseer's."
A voice came from behind the young woman.
Phrolova frowned slightly at the sound, a flash of disdain passing through her eyes.
She turned to look at the visitor behind her,
Cristoforo.
Another Overseer of the Fractsidus.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
Cristoforo held a script in his hands, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Seeking inspiration for a new work's conception. Coincidentally, here in Septimont, a character awaits my portrayal."
"Just another vulgar drama." Phrolova turned back, her gaze returning to the two figures in the room. "Chasing those out-of-control processes and broken endings within the pages of a script... haven't you grown tired of it yet?"
Cristoforo gently closed the script, unfazed by her sarcasm, his demeanor still composed. "On that point, you're hardly in a position to criticize me. How does it feel now, Phrolova? Watching someone you once cherished gradually forming ties with other women... I'm quite curious about your current state of mind. What exactly does it feel like?"
The woman was silent for a while, wordlessly gazing at the starry sky. Only when the countless stars seemed to shatter before her eyes did she whisper in a nearly ethereal voice.
"It doesn't matter. I've already grown accustomed to it. And sooner or later, they will too."
"When he chooses to forget all of this again and start a brand new tomorrow."
"They'll grow accustomed to it, just like I have now."
".....They'll grow accustomed to it."