Chapter 15 - Chapter 15

Aria's POV
I'm so tired. It's been a week since I started training with Hayden and Eli. The two of them look really close—not that I'm jealous or anything! But I do feel kind of irritated… kind of! I have to try harder!

After running for I don't know how long, Hayden handed me a glass of water. It was so refreshing that I drank it all in one gulp. "Thanks," I said while looking at Hayden with a smile. As usual, her expression was cold and expressionless; she just nodded and handed me a face towel.

While I was wiping my face, Eli called out to Hayden. I didn't want to eavesdrop on their conversation, so I pretended to focus on drying off. It turned out they were going to spar, so I decided to watch quietly from the side.

Their fight looked intense, but it was clear that Hayden had the upper hand; she was just holding back. Looking at Hayden's serious profile made me admire her high nose bridge, her sharp eyes, her perfectly shaped eyebrows... What am I doing, Aria?!

I slapped my cheeks to snap out of it. Seriously! Why am I being so weird lately? Can someone explain? I sighed and continued to watch. As they fought, Eli smiled and said, "Master Hayden, if I manage to defeat you, will you go for a stroll with me later?" For some reason, I hoped Hayden would refuse... I mean, she would refuse, right?

To my relief, Hayden was silent at first, but then she nodded. When she did, that uncomfortable feeling returned, stronger than before.

I hate this feeling. Could it be that I'm sick? I've never felt like this toward anyone before. I know I'm being possessive… kind of. But is it really because Hayden is my personal butler?

As I kept watching them fight, I fell deeper into my thoughts. The match ended with Hayden as the victor. I felt relieved, and the uncomfortable feeling began to fade.

In a good mood, I approached them with a smile and noticed that Hayden patted Eli's head. Hmm... I want Hayden to pat my head too. Hey, Aria, what the heck are you thinking? Ugh! "You two did well; it was a good fight," I said. Eli puffed out her chest proudly, "Hehe~," while Hayden nodded, thanking me.

After training, I took a bath and changed my clothes. While reading my book, I remembered that today was the day my favorite author's new book was released!

I really wanted to go buy it, but I recalled a past incident, so I decided to call Hayden to go with me. Inside the carriage, she sat beside me. My heart raced; I had sat next to Hayden before, but I felt nervous this time, so I looked out the window.

As I tried to calm myself, I noticed Hayden looking at me, which made me even more nervous. I managed to look calm and said, "Hm?" She shook her head and replied, "Nothing. I just thought Aria-sama looked even more beautiful today. Please forgive me if I offended you."

My cheeks flushed, and my heartbeat quickened. I was so embarrassed that I shook my head and looked outside. "It's okay; I don't feel offended at all," I said, still feeling embarrassed but happy in my heart.

When we reached the bookstore, I immediately started looking around. "What kind of book are you looking for, Aria-sama? Maybe I can help you find it," Hayden offered. I shook my head. "I can look for it myself... It's a bit embarrassing." Well, it was a love story about a princess who fell in love with the son of a duke. Not embarrassing, really, but I didn't want Hayden to know I was reading that kind of book!

While searching the shelves, I spotted a guy arranging new books. "Maybe that's it!" I exclaimed, hurrying over. But suddenly, I felt a hand on my wrist. Before I could react, I found myself in Hayden's embrace, knocking a bunch of books to the floor. She had protected me.

While being hugged by Hayden, I could smell her scent. I didn't know what kind of perfume she used, but it was calming and relaxing, making me want to keep inhaling it.

"Are you okay, Aria-sama?" Hayden looked down at me. My face burned, and I shook my head, gently pushing her away. I averted my gaze. "I'm okay... There's no need for you to worry about me..." I glanced at Hayden and remembered all the books she had just shielded for me. She must have gotten hurt. "How about you, Hayden? Are you okay? Let's go to a doctor."

Hayden shook her head. "There's no need for you to worry about me, Aria-sama. What's important to me is that you are safe and not hurt—"

Hearing her say that made me angry, and my vision began to blur. This idiot! She should worry more about herself!

"You fool! Care about yourself more!" I shouted, really mad and worried for this idiot. I appreciated that she cared for me, but still!

Hayden gently patted my head and offered a comforting smile. "Yes, I am indeed a fool. Please forgive me for being one. I promise to take care of myself more." I didn't know why, but I felt very embarrassed, and her smile looked cute too. Her gentle pat was comforting... I turned away. "W-well, if you understand, then I forgive you." I wanted to leave to hide my blush.

"W-well, if you understood, then I forgive you." I was about to leave the shop when she asked, "What about the book you were looking for?"

I stopped in my tracks, suddenly realizing I had completely forgotten about it! How embarrassing! "Just forget about that, dummy!" I ran away so that Hayden wouldn't see my face right now.

As I dashed away, my heart raced. I didn't feel uncomfortable; it was quite the opposite. If only that hug had lasted longer... While pondering this, I suddenly realized something. Do I like Hayden?! No, no, I must be wrong, right? Looking at my reflection in a nearby mirror, I saw my face was still blushing.