NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 170.1
‘Should I have said it was too good?’
We are on a date after all.
“Thank you, Cedric.”
I said softly.
“I truly enjoyed today. I was touched by all the preparations.”
“Really?”
Cedric’s face lit up instantly. Sometimes he reminds me of a puppy.
After eating enough, we lay side by side, gazing at the moon. The vast moon poured down from above, and countless stars twinkled. It felt as if we were in space.
I feel strange.
I wish time could stop just like this. This feeling is a first in my life.
“Cedric, what are you thinking about?”
Our eyes met, and I asked.
“I’m wondering if it’s only beautiful at night, or was it also beautiful during the day?”
“Are you flirting with me right now?”
“Yes, I am. Truly, passionately.”
“Are you always like this?”
“Don’t you know? I’ve always liked you. Continuously.”
I felt my cheeks burning.
“Not that! Do you always flirt with girls like this?”
“Well, it seems like you’re not completely unaffected, seeing how you’re reacting.”
Cedric smiled with his eyes. Seriously.
Should I kick him in the shin?
“Why would I flirt with other women when I have one I like?”
“You act like a playboy.”
“I don’t cheat, nor do I let myself be tempted.”
“Do you like me?”
I looked at Cedric intently.
This time, Cedric’s ears turned red.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
I truly don’t know. Somehow, Cedric naturally came close and has always been by my side.
What does he see in me?
Given Cedric, he could easily pick anyone, right?
I expected an answer like, ‘I just naturally grew fond of you.’
There was no specific reason. If I liked Cedric, it just felt right at some point.
Maybe we bonded while solving cases together. I expected him to say something like that. But Cedric said something unexpected.
“Well, I don’t really know either. But…”
“…?”
“If I had to say, it’s because I had to like you. I thought I had no choice. But, I had a choice. And in any situation, I would’ve chosen Leticia.”
Huh? What kind of riddle is this? It’s a baffling answer.
“Do you understand?”
“No. I don’t get it at all,” I said candidly.
“Would people be interesting if everything was understood? It has to be intriguing, so you’ll think of me tonight, and tomorrow night.”
“…”
“Just as I always do.”
“You’re really trying hard to woo me, Cedric.”
It works. Once again, my thoughts are filled with Cedric.
“Have nothing to say?”
“Uh… About today’s date course?”
“Yes.”
I tilted my head.
“So, the werewolf rumors are just superstitions?”
Cedric furrowed his brows.
“Yes?”
“Well, the underground waterways are dark at night without lights, so one can’t distinguish human figures.”
“So?”
“Back then, the smell wasn’t as terrible as now, so many kids lived hiding in the sewers where the wastewater flowed. How could the kids know whether those moving figures in the darkness were werewolves or vampires?”
“…”
“The situation at the riverside dock was the same. Back then, there was a popular drink among sailors that induced hallucinations. Until it was banned.”
“So they hallucinated werewolves?”
“Yes.”
“And this abandoned mansion?”
“I guess we’d have to interview the people who lived here then. But from what I’ve heard, a widow lived here alone?”
“Ah, you saw the research I brought?”
“Yes. If she lived in such a house, she must have been a wealthy widow… Typically, rich women living alone become targets of malicious rumors. Hence, rumors about money.”
Why is Cedric acting like this? I felt he was both amazed and slightly disappointed. What’s he expecting?
“So the conclusion is?”
“You wouldn’t have seriously investigated such a case. Just… um… because of the wolf… maybe?”
“Why the wolf?”
“Wolves are known to love only one female their entire life. If she dies, the wolf lives alone. So… you unconsciously picked a case involving a wolf to appeal to me. If I had to deduce, maybe that’s it?”
I know. I seriously suck at this.
‘Wow, if I were on a date with a guy other than Cedric right now, I’d have been dumped on the spot.’
I discovered my unexpected talent as a mood breaker and shivered inside.
“Can you please answer? I feel embarrassed after saying all that.”
Cedric just stared at me.
“Right. That’s also true. They say a wolf’s love is like an imprint.”
“You wanted to tell me… you like me?”
As I spoke, my voice trembled, and even my ears grew hot.
“Yes.”
Cedric looked at me with surprise, then smiled.
A smile that seemed a bit sad.
My heart flutters.
“That’s correct. My win rate is 100% this time too.”
“Was it a question I wasn’t supposed to get right?”
“No, you did well.”
“So, this is the gift for the confession?”
I pointed at the scattered red rose petals on the ground. I didn’t actually expect a gift, I just said it to lighten the awkward mood.
“Do you want a confession gift?”
“It’s not like that.”
Suddenly, I remembered that Kien had prepared a jewel. Since Cedric had already given me a knight’s badge.
Is that the confession gift?
“Just curious if you’re not giving anything.”
I joked. My hands slightly trembled. I had to reject Cedric.
So…
“Well, as for the confession gift… my life?”
“That’s really a burdensome gift.”
Cedric smiled with his eyes. He leaned in toward me.
‘Is he… going to kiss me?’
I thought it might be coming.