“What…?”

What on earth are you talking about? As Luna continued to act like she didn’t understand, the ladies, who were trying to gauge whether she was sincere or not, began to burst into laughter.

“You really do act well. I was almost fooled.”

“That’s what I’m saying. I’m really fine. I also have a somewhat romantic partner.”

“I do, too. I’m even engaged. And I don’t even think about being jealous of someone else’s relationship.”

Urged by the ladies to tell the truth, Luna finally realized that she had misunderstood something when everyone else shouted ‘yes’ while she alone shouted ‘no’. And that something was the ring.

“…Can’t you gift a ring casually?”

Not necessarily as a proposal, but just like a simple couple ring. Like the ones thrown into the Han River when breaking up, ones without much meaning.

Hearing this, the ladies, realizing that Luna was taking the ring lightly, replied with a serious face.

“I don’t know about other things, but you can’t think that way about a ring.”

“That’s right. A ring is not something you gift casually.”

“I only received one when I got engaged.”

They even explained that unlike other accessories, rings are not so easily given as gifts.

Commoners might not know this, but nobles were different. Especially not when it’s not just an impulse buy, but something customized with much thought.

‘…So, it means I was right from the beginning.’

Only then did Luna come to the conclusion that what she had initially suspected might be true. She seemed deeply lost in thought.

Recalling Antes’ question about what she’d do if the ring was special and the moonlit market ring that was carefully displayed in his plain room.

Right. It was clear that the ring from the night market wouldn’t be stored that way without a significant reason. She thought maybe Antes was joking or taking it lightly, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

Considering the possibility that he might like her, his strange behaviors started making sense.

For instance, coming to meet her for no reason, just to drink tea and leave in a hurry, or appearing at a party she was attending even though he was obviously tired.

Or, cooking for her himself, and taking time out of his busy schedule to help her, and more other things.

In fact, all these things would be quite bothersome to do for someone in whom you have no interest.

“What if you unknowingly accepted the ring without any intention of getting engaged…”

Seeing Luna lost in thought, one lady gently mumbled, possibly suspecting that Luna misunderstood the ring’s meaning.

Although they had seen the two being close at the party, Luna didn’t seem to feel that way now.

Seeing the situation, Rosemary, who had been watching, stepped in on Luna’s behalf.

“Why would that be? Don’t you know how close my brother and Lady Luna are?”

“Oh! Right.”

The ladies, realizing they may have been a bit rude, hurriedly changed the topic to smooth things over.

“Oh, by the way, when is the jewelry shop’s opening day?”

“I’m curious too. Please let us know.”

“Can we also make personal customization requests from Gwell?”

“Yes, the craftsmanship is so fine, I want to request it.”

Luna, who had been lost in shock and thought, hurriedly answered the ladies’ questions.

“Ah… Yes, it’s not far off.”

She was almost certain, but thinking about Antes now wouldn’t provide any answers. She decided to first address the immediate tasks in front of her.

* * *

“I had fun today. We’ll meet at the opening ceremony next time, right?”

“Don’t forget the invitation!”

“Of course.”

Despite the minor hiccup, the ladies, still interested in Luna’s jewelry shop, reminded her to invite them as they left the mansion.

In the meantime, noticing Rosemary, who seemed worried about the two’s relationship, Luna reassured her with a nod.

“Oh, I’m fine. I just had something to think about.”

“So you really didn’t know the meaning of the ring and accepted it. And now, you’ve just realized what it means.”

Understanding Luna’s unfamiliarity with the customs of the nobility, Rosemary quickly grasped the situation.

But is everything really okay? Even after knowing the meaning, Luna didn’t seem happy. Rosemary felt a pit in her stomach.

She began to worry that Luna, feeling burdened, might break up with Antes.

“I have one thing I’d like to ask.”

Luna cautiously asked Rosemary.

“Oh, yes! Anything?”

At this, Rosemary’s eyes widened in surprise as she nodded, as if to say she would answer any question excellently, so just leave it to her.

Seeing this, Luna hesitated for a moment, then slowly opened her mouth.

“I… might sound weird, but how can I be sure someone likes me? Without directly asking them, I mean.”

“…Excuse me?”

What was she talking about…? Rosemary blinked her shimmering eyes. It was an incomprehensible question.

“Well, um… I think someone might like me, but I don’t know if it’s genuine or not.”

“…What?!”

Knowing that she and Antes were in a relationship, Rosemary found it ridiculous to think they might be faking it all along.

Flustered by the question, and as if she had received a shocking blow, Rosemary didn’t even blink for a moment before carefully opening her mouth.

“Who, who, who, who is it…?”

Who’s the jerk? Bring him here, I’ll slice him. Or just tell me the name. I’ll bury him for sure.

But if there was a name to give, Luna would have already said it.

As Luna shook her head, indicating it was just a guess for now, a bewildered Rosemary asked again:

“So, what will you do once you confirm…?”

“I don’t really know… but I thought it might be good to find out first.”

Why was she being so ambiguous? Did she have feelings too? Frustrated, Rosemary bit her lip.

If there were no feelings at all, there’d be no need to verify. Wanting to verify implied some concern.

So, if that person likes you, would you leave Antes? Is that it?

But she couldn’t ask that. It was clear Antes liked Luna much more passionately.

Oh, what to do? What should she do? What should I do!

In her confusion, Rosemary suddenly had an idea, and she firmly grasped Luna’s hand.

“Try testing their feelings.”

“…Feelings?”

“Yes. If they truly like you, they won’t say no, no matter what you ask.”

Well, no matter how much you like someone, if they act too arrogantly, it can push you away.

Is that so? Luna, unaware of this, felt there was some persuasiveness in Rosemary’s suggestion, even if it wasn’t entirely convincing.

She thought it makes sense to ask outright, just in case.

“…How should I do it?”

Thanks to the trust she had built over time, Luna was easily swayed by Rosemary’s words.

Rosemary then started to list all the annoying things she knew, one by one, to test someone.

“First, make unreasonable demands. If they don’t care, they won’t cater to them.”

That evening, Antes received a letter from Luna.

“Who? Lady Luna sent a letter?”

Why would she send a letter with no specific reason? Maybe it’s about the ring or a kiss on the back of the hand at the end.

But that had been days ago, and she seemed convinced at the time.

So, what could it be?

‘It would be nice if there was nothing about business.’

Not out of fear of what might come, but hoping that Luna felt close enough to send a letter without any reason.

With that thought, Antes opened the letter and, after reading its unexpected content, blinked in surprise. He then burst into quiet laughter and instructed the employee who brought the letter.

“Clear my schedule for tomorrow.”