CHAPTER 42: 42. REQUEST

Rin paced nervously outside Leonhardt’s room, she’s walking in rounds, her pink eyes flicking toward the door before darting away.

"Why would he call me here... now?" she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. "Couldn’t he just talk to me during class? Or... somewhere less weird?"

She stopped pacing, her cheeks turning pink as a thought struck her. Her hands flew to her face, covering her warm cheeks. "Wait... maybe it’s really important. Something he can’t say in public!" she whispered, her heart racing faster.

She made a shy giggle. "Could it be... something serious?"

Gathering her courage, she stepped infront to the door. Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and gave the door a soft knock. Then, stepping back, she clasped her hands nervously.

The door opened, and Liana’s eyes met Rin’s anxious pink ones. Rin straightened, her words tumbling out in a rush. "U-um... is Leonhardt here? He... he asked me to come." Her gaze flickered past Liana, as if expecting Leonhardt to appear behind her.

"The Young Master... called you?" Liana repeated slowly.

Before Rin could answer, Leo’s calm voice came from inside. "Let her in, Liana."

The maid hesitated, her gaze lingering on Rin before stepping aside. "Come in," she said simply, though her tone hinted at confusion.

Rin stepped inside, her wide eyes wandered over the neat room before landing on Leo. He stood near the couch, his damp hair slightly messy, his fresh clothes looking almost too cool in her eyes. A faint smile played on his lips, sending a flutter through Rin’s chest.

"Thanks for coming," he said.

Rin’s gaze dropped to the floor as her cheeks flushed. She mumbled, "It’s... it’s no trouble. I wasn’t doing anything important..."

Leo gestured toward the couch. "Take a seat," he said, his voice steady.

As Rin moved to sit down, her posture stiff, Liana approached Leo, her gaze sharp with concern. She leaned in close, lowering her voice. "Young Master Leo, are you feeling alright?"

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

Liana folded her arms. "Why would you call a girl—alone—to your room?" she asked silently.

Leo looked at her, clearly confused. "It’s not a big deal, and visitors are allowed until evening."

Liana’s expression turned a mix of exasperated and embarrassed. She leaned closer, her voice sharp but still a whisper. "But this is moving too fast!"

Leo blinked. "Too fast? What are you talking about?"

Straightening, Liana puffed out her chest slightly, her cheeks reddening. "I know what’s going on!" she whispered, as if uncovering some grand secret.

Leo pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "I’m sure you don’t."

Shaking her head, Liana approached Rin, her voice softening at once. "Miss Rin, would you like some coffee?"

"Yes!" Rin exclaimed, her voice higher than she had meant. She realized this, and her face flushed bright red. "I-I mean... yes, please," she hastily added but in softer tone.

Liana smiled gently. "Okay, I’ll bring some in a minute," she answered cheerfully and went to the kitchen.

Leo saw her disappear, his face a combination of wonder and surprise. "What’s happened to her?" he grumbled to himself before turning around to Rin and taking a seat across from her.

"Thanks for coming," he said genuinely. "There is something I have to talk to you about."

"Oh, um... it’s okay," she stuttered nervously, her voice almost inaudible. "You can... tell me anything.

Leo’s eyes stiffened a bit, his voice falling to an intense one. "This is a secret. No one else can find out about it."

Rin tilted her head, surprised at his adamant tone. "Oh," she said softly hesitantly. "That could be difficult. People always discover things somehow."

"We can keep it secret," he said confidently. "Can you?"

She nodded quickly, her gaze dropping to the floor as her blush deepened. "Of course. I’ll keep it secret," she said earnestly.

He smiled faintly, leaning back. "Good. I need you to arrange a meeting with your father—Elgar Valarune—as soon as possible."

The air in the room grew heavy. Rin froze, her eyes widening. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. Her cheeks burned red like a ripe cherry. Liana walked in holding a tray of coffee. She stopped, her gaze flicking between Leo and Rin, her lips parting slightly in surprise. The silence stretched awkwardly.

Liana finally broke the tension, forcing a smile that didn’t quite hide her confusion. "Young Master Leo... isn’t this a bit... sudden?"

Leo tilted his head, genuinely puzzled. "Sudden? Acting quickly makes things easier."

Liana’s forced smile twitched. She turned to Rin, her tone bright but slightly forced. "Right, Miss Rin?"

Rin glanced at Leo, her mouth opening and closing. "I-I think... maybe it is a bit fast, Leonhardt. But..." Her blush deepened as she fidgeted nervously. "If that’s what you really want, I’ll... make it happen."

Leo nodded calmly. "Good. We can finish the business deal faster with your help."

The room froze again. Both Rin and Liana exchanged wide-eyed glances before turning to Leo in unison. "Business deal?" they asked, their voices in sync.

He blinked. "Yes. Rin’s father’s running some. I want to discuss something with him."

The realization struck both girls like a wave. Liana forced an awkward laugh in an attempt to defuse the situation. "Of course, Young Master. That does make sense. Nothing odd about that," she ventured lightly, still ruffled. She spoke to Rin with a forced smile. "Right, Miss Rin?"

Rin nodded hastily, her own nervous laugh blending with Liana’s. "Y-yes! Nothing odd!" she exclaimed in a rush, her eyes flicking to the coffee tray. She delicately picked up a cup, shivering. "I will set up the meeting with my father," she said quietly.

Leo studied them calmly for a moment, then shrugged. "Thanks," he said simply, sipping his coffee.

Both girls, relieved yet embarrassed by their misunderstanding, shifted the topic to lighter conversation. The earlier tension melted into faint awkwardness.

____

In the student council room, Volkahardt Rathur leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapped lightly on the armrest.

"Liora," he called the secretary.

Council secretary Liora Fercrest approached, her platinum-blonde hair glinting in the warm light. Her icy blue eyes were keen, her stance straight and poised.

"Yes, President?" she replied, her voice is very professional.

Volkahardt’s lips curled into a faint smile. "It’s time for the council meeting," he said thoughtfully. "And to introduce our newest leader to others."

Liora’s brow arched slightly as curiosity flashed across her face, though she quickly composed herself. "Understood," she replied with a nod and left the room.

Volkahardt’s smile deepened as he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands.