Treat the Second Male Lead Like a Stone

‘I wonder if Idette is at the Tower Master’s place.’

Fortunately, there was still the favor I’d previously left as a debt with her.

Otherwise, it would have been difficult to suddenly insist on meeting her father without any plausible excuse.

Immersed in thought, I soon reached my destination.

And then I couldn't conceal my surprise.

‘This place is…….’

It was the café I had visited previously with Ricardo but hadn't entered, instead promising to come another time.

“Bianca!”

Just then, I heard Leon’s voice from behind me.

“Oh, Brother.”

“You haven’t waited long, have you?”

“No, I just got here.”

At my response, he sighed in relief.

“That’s good. Shall we go in, then?”

I quietly nodded and followed behind him.

Unlike last time, when it was crowded with people, the café was now very quiet.

It was hard to believe it was the same place.

“I was grateful last time, so I couldn’t just let it slide.”

“Oh, come on. Between us, it's unnecessary.”

“Still, I feel like I've always received help from you, so I wanted to repay you at least once.”

Then he promptly ordered every dessert my eyes landed on.

“I-I can't possibly eat all this!”

“It’s alright. I have a big appetite.”

He reassured me loudly, despite my shock.

Soon after returning to our seats, the ordered desserts filled the table one after another.

Honestly, it was indeed too much for just the two of us. But seeing all the pretty desserts made me feel fantastic.

‘Is this heaven……?’

Moreover, as it was a famous café in the capital, the taste was exceptional.

Enchanted by the desserts, I became so absorbed in eating that I even forgot to talk. Leon chuckled and wiped off the whipped cream from my lips.

“How about we visit the art gallery afterward to digest?”

……Did they mention an exhibition was going on?

I easily recalled what Emily had mentioned in passing.

She had said it was popular as a date spot, recommending going together if there was someone you liked.

“Or perhaps a walk?”

Having spent much time together, Leon already knew my preferences well.

“Anything is fine.”

The suggestions he made were typical date activities couples usually enjoyed.

‘Does this mean Leon and I would also become lovers……?’

It was something I'd never imagined before. Actually, it didn't come easily to mind either.

But when picturing my future with him, I didn't particularly envision myself unhappy.

He was kind, and one of the few people who understood me very well.

Besides, Grandfather and Cedric hoped for it too, didn’t they?

The only thing holding me back now was—

I didn't know what would happen to me.

Because I had to return home.

‘……Then what would happen to Grandfather and Cedric?’

As my chaotic thoughts continued, the whipped cream, which had tasted sweet moments ago, now felt strangely uncomfortable in my mouth.

I awkwardly laughed and scratched my cheek.

“Come to think of it, I have somewhere to go today. Can we visit the art gallery another time? And the walk too!”

“You’re always welcome.”

Gentle Leon. His thoughtfulness to ensure I wouldn't feel pressured had always been consistent.

‘Right, it wouldn't be right to approach Leon with these feelings.’

Besides, I had somewhere to return to.

“Um, Brother……”

“Yes?”

I mustered the courage to speak, but it was still difficult to say words that might hurt someone. I ended up gulping down some water instead.

“Mind if I join you?”

At that moment, a familiar voice was heard as someone sat down beside me.

“Cough!”

Ricardo calmly handed me a handkerchief.

“Oh, my. It seems my unexpected appearance startled you quite a bit.”

But I was choking so badly that I couldn't even respond.

With a sour expression, Ricardo abruptly pinched my cheek. As his gaze momentarily landed on my lips, Ricardo smiled fiercely.

“And your face has turned red, which confirms it.”

He clearly intended to brazenly smooth over the situation.

Leon let out a short, sarcastic laugh at Ricardo's sudden appearance.

“Your life must be quite leisurely if you're intruding upon someone else’s appointment.”

There was a faint murderous edge hidden beneath Leon’s even tone.

Startled, I stepped lightly on his foot, prompting Leon to reassure me with a subtle lift of his lips.

“We’re in the middle of a date, so if you have something to say, perhaps next time.”

“Oh, a date?”

Ricardo tilted his head cynically.

“Here I was thinking it was a kind of torture by food deprivation.”

“…….”

“It seems rather harsh for such a delicate young lady. Has the definition of a date changed while I wasn’t looking?”

Finally managing to stop coughing, I opened my mouth.

“Wh-what brings you here?”

As soon as I spoke, Ricardo’s eyes filled with mischief.

“I never imagined you'd use the date spot I recommended this way. I've been quietly waiting, you know.”

“Bianca came with me. Treating a café anyone can visit as your private property is a bit troublesome.”

“Indeed it would be troublesome—since this café is mine.”

“……?”

At Ricardo’s words, confusion colored both my and Leon’s faces.

“You seem unhappy with me visiting a café I've acquired.”

“Wh-what? Since when……?”

He didn’t mention anything about this when we last met!

“I intended to tell you. But since you weren’t giving me any chance, I had to wait.”

Leon ground his teeth and stood abruptly.

“Oh, forgive my rudeness, Duke. We'll be leaving now. Bianca, let's go.”

As I awkwardly rose from my seat, Ricardo folded his arms.

“You greedily ordered all these dishes, and now you intend to leave?”

“…….”

“You know, customers like you always make me feel uneasy. Our pâtissier wouldn’t want the desserts they painstakingly made to end up in the trash.”

Ricardo gestured with his chin towards the desserts on the table.

“Why are you standing still? Planning to eat standing up?”

“T-takeout……”

“My, our café doesn't allow takeout.”

Ricardo smirked mischievously.

“By the way, you won’t be leaving until you've finished everything.”

“Where’s that kind of rule?”

“Right here.”

This was absurd.

As I stood speechless, Ricardo placed his left hand on his chest and gave a slight bow.

“Since I'm the owner, feel free to speak up if you have something to say.”

Where in the world was there a café owner like this?

Oh dear, my head.

As I grabbed my forehead, Ricardo generously offered his assistance.

“Or perhaps I could help you?”

“……With what?”

He tilted his head slightly as if to say, 'You already know the answer.'

“If I join you, you'll be able to leave quickly, won’t you?”

Speechless, my mouth just hung open. Leon roughly ran his hand over his face.

“What absurd nonsense……”

“You look extremely upset—perhaps you should wash your face?”

At that, Leon’s clenched fists trembled slightly.

“How considerate of you.”

“You flatter me.”

Ricardo shrugged his shoulders.

Leon and Ricardo were both clearly smiling, yet the subtle hostility made the atmosphere uncomfortable enough to cause indigestion.

Feeling parched, I repeatedly sipped my water. Ricardo glared at Leon.

“Is this really a date? I wouldn’t even do this to an enemy.”

“With you sitting here, Duke, it certainly has become food torture.”

“Bianca had this look on her face long before I came, though.”

“……Did I?”

No, that’s not true. I was actually very happy until just a moment ago.

Ricardo tilted his head curiously.

“You smiled a lot when you were with me.”

“……?”

“Much more than this.”

Looking at me as if I were pitiful, he couldn’t hide his concern.

“To see such a face now, after seeing how happy you used to be—I can't help but worry.”

It's because of you right now……!