"...Cat's Eye, that jerk."
By the docks of Ragunna, Carlotta wore sunglasses, almost grinding her teeth as she uttered the name.
The misunderstanding sparked by that earlier call was like a tiny thorn stuck in her heart, making her hold a bellyful of anger toward Ray, what was even more infuriating was that the misunderstanding still hadn't been cleared up.
And the reason for the lack of explanation was simple: Ray and Phoebe were having too much fun on the island; he had completely forgotten about explaining.
Besides, in his mind, his relationship with Phoebe was perfectly innocent. Since he had a clear conscience, he naturally didn't feel there was anything particularly needing explanation, so he forgot.
But for Carlotta?
Those sounds from that call were like a curse echoing in her ears, impossible to shake off.
Even without seeing it firsthand, every time she closed her eyes, those blush-inducing scenes would uncontrollably surface in her mind just imagining them was enough to make her grind her teeth in anger.
'I'm the one who's supposed to be his girlfriend!
Even if it's just in name.
But even if it's an act, that Cat's Eye jerk can't openly put a green hat on me, right?!'
Carlotta stared at her terminal screen displaying Ray's year-round attendance, bonus applications, and year-end evaluations.
With just a light swipe of her fingertip, his hard work for the entire year would be for nothing.
"It seems I really need to rein you in!"
Anger surged in Carlotta's heart, malicious intent rising. She was almost about to act but her fingertip hovered mid-air, and she ultimately sighed, withdrawing her hand.
'Forget it. That would be too cruel for him.
Besides, what if there's a misunderstanding?
Cat's Eye probably isn't so repressed that he'd call me while doing... that kind of thing, right?
Right, must be a misunderstanding.'
Carlotta nodded firmly, trying to convince herself.
But... what if...
He really.... did that?
The moment this thought surfaced, the amber-colored eyes of the young lady suddenly dimmed. Her entire body froze as if her soul had been sucked out.
Her fingers trembling slightly, she slowly reached toward the terminal screen once more,
With just this gentle swipe, that Cat's Eye guy...
"Second Young Miss!"
A familiar call pulled Carlotta back from her daze. She looked up and only then noticed Ray had somehow appeared before her, accompanied by the Order girl, Phoebe.
Just as Carlotta was about to speak, she noticed Phoebe's flushed cheeks, her unnatural demeanor and movements, the girl fidgeting as if...
Her eyes widened abruptly. A terrible thought shot into her mind: Could they have... even on the return boat?
"You two—" Carlotta's gaze remained vacant, even her voice carried a lifeless tone.
"I-I really didn't do anything with Mr. Ray!" Phoebe flusteredly cut in. "Oh, right! I need to hurry back to the Order to report! Miss Carlotta, Mr. Ray, g-goodbye!"
Without waiting for their response, Phoebe fled the scene almost as if running away, still clutching her staff.
This "protesting too much" reaction made Carlotta even more convinced, these two absolutely had something going on!
"Strange, what's wrong with Phoebe today? She's been acting mysterious since this morning..."
Ray watched Phoebe's hurried departure, looking puzzled as he turned around, only to meet Carlotta's eyes filled with resentment, a gaze that almost pinned him on the spot, leaving him momentarily speechless.
'What's going on?
Is it my imagination?
Why is the Second Young Miss's resentment thicker than the Dark Tide at the Riccioli Islands...
What have I done to offend her lately?'
He quickly reviewed his recent actions, but after thinking it over, everything had been handled properly. Logically, there shouldn't be any reason to upset her.
"Um, Second Young Miss?" Ray tentatively called out, his tone carrying a note of caution.
Carlotta's mouth curved into a strained, not-quite-smile. "You've had quite a good time these past few days, haven't you?"
That almost tangible resentment pressed down on Ray, making his breath catch. "I-I was just on vacation... and, didn't you agree to it, Second Young Miss?"
"Yes, I agreed to your vacation." Carlotta took a step forward, tilting her face up, her gaze locking onto him. "I didn't demand you work constantly; I'm not a monster. But... vacationing with another girl? What's that about? What about your sense of propriety? Have you forgotten your current status?"
Ray blinked, his mouth opening but no sound coming out.
The Second Young Miss suddenly emphasizing status...
Could it be...
she's jealous?
"Um... if I say being with Phoebe was purely accidental, would you believe me, Second Young Miss?"
"Keep going." Carlotta snorted coldly. "I'm listening."
"...I'm really not making it up." Ray helplessly rubbed the space between his brows. "How about this, Second Young Miss, let's find a place to talk over a meal? I'll tell you everything that happened at the Riccioli Islands in detail, alright?"
"Hmph, you'd better make the story convincing." Carlotta tossed him the car keys, turning to get into the passenger seat. "The usual place. Drive."
...
...
The restaurant had dim lighting, soft music flowing through the air, creating an ambiguous atmosphere.
But for Ray at this moment, the Second Young Miss's icy gaze was almost nailing him to his chair.
'So... is she really jealous?
Even though I'm nominally her boyfriend, that was just a play to throw others off. How could she take it so seriously?
Why is she taking it so seriously?
Could it be... she's genuinely fallen for me?
Ah, being handsome brings so many troubles.'
But then it occurred to him, perhaps things weren't that straightforward.
As the second daughter of the Montelli family, reputation was of utmost importance.
Even though their current relationship was a facade, in the eyes of outsiders, they were a loving couple, they had even met each other's families.
If others were to learn that she had been betrayed, and by someone from the family's sworn enemy, the Order… No matter how good her temper, such humiliation would be hard to bear.
It seemed it would be best to tell the Second Young Miss everything that had happened in the Riccioli Islands honestly.
Carlotta picked up a sugar cube and gently dropped it into her coffee. The silver spoon stirred slowly in the cup until the last grain of sugar completely dissolved into the dark brown liquid.
She lifted the cup and took a small sip.
"Begin your explanation."
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