Chapter 197: Falling for those pink eyes

"He indeed is very dangerous... his sharp tongue alone proves as such"

"So, you think so as well... although he seems like a very delicate young man, he's anything but. One really can't predict the divine's actions" Isabella remarked, her words carrying a weight of contemplation as she continued to sip her tea.

"Do you think the goddess made a mistake, Supreme Pontiff?" Isabella inquired.

The pope was surprised that this devoted child, who had always embraced the teachings of the goddess with unwavering faith, was now venturing into uncharted territory.

For the first time, doubt seemed to flicker in her unseeing eyes.

"No... everything is as the goddess says" the Pope responded with conviction; his gaze fixed on Isabella.

"Although the situation might be a bit different from what was expected, who are we to question such providence? The fact that it happened is the truth, and the goddess's words are to remain as the truth. We can only hope that he is to be the hero we want him to be"

"Do we proceed as planned?"

"You are free to do as you wish"

Isabella smiled upon hearing the pope's words.

Her eyes glowed pink behind her blindfold.

....

Under the warm embrace of the morning sun, the denizens of the holy nation commenced their daily routines, casting a vibrant energy over the streets just a kilometer away from the grand cathedral.

In the bustling capital city, ordinary citizens moved with purpose, each immersed in the tasks that defined their lives.

As the day unfolded, some diligently prepared for a day of labor, others called out to potential customers from the doorways of their shops, and a group of young individuals, identifiable by their white attire and slender jackets, waited patiently in line for the public carriage.

It was evident that they were students of Marcel Academy, a prestigious institution founded by the church itself.

While perhaps not as renowned as Estelle Academy, rumor had it that graduates from Marcel Academy were highly proficient in their respective fields.

Amidst the ceaseless activity, Louise and I strolled along the vibrant street.

The grand cathedral and the palace were already breathtaking in their magnificence, but the ordinary buildings lining the bustling thoroughfare exuded a distinct aesthetic charm.

Perhaps it was the norm for structures in this city to appear extravagant, or maybe my perception was skewed by the opulence of my surroundings.

Louise, on the other hand, seemed unfazed, or more like she didn't care.... she was too busy thinking about something.

But anyways...

'Although I am from another world can't people of this place recognize how extravagant everything was here?'

Now I'm, wondering what the capital of the empire actually looks like, considering they considered the holy nation as a rival it wouldn't surprise me if they tried to be as extra, as this place there were even some water fountains on top of some buildings which weren't exactly necessary.

Despite the delightful atmosphere of our date and the picturesque surroundings of the bustling streets in the holy nation, there was a palpable quietness lingering between Louise and me.

I couldn't help but notice her subdued demeanor, a stark contrast to the liveliness of the city around us.

'Why is she so quiet...?'

The date, while somewhat forced, held a charm of its own.

Yet, I could sense that Louise was intentionally avoiding my gaze. It was unclear whether her reticence stemmed from embarrassment over her earlier actions or nervousness about the entire situation.

The temptation to use my authority to read her thoughts was very tempting.

I recognized that he was genuinely trying to make the best of the date, patiently navigating my nervous demeanor.

The realization that I had been unnecessarily burdening the atmosphere with my anxiety struck me.

In that moment, embarrassment lingered, and I reluctantly nodded in response to his question.

'What am I doing?'

Despite the fact that I was certain he already sensed my true feelings for him, I found myself acting like a young girl on the verge of a confession.

It was perplexing—why was I the one struggling in this situation? If anything, he should be the one facing the greater challenge, considering the unconventional nature of our relationship as best friends.

"Just be yourself" Senior Elena's words reverberated in my mind, a reminder to stay true to who I was.

I needed to dispel the uneasy atmosphere and make the most of this abrupt date.

While I knew my feelings for him were genuine, I also understood the complexities of our friendship.

Senior Elena's earlier words echoed in my mind once more, the weight of her confirmation settling on my shoulders.

As she nonchalantly acknowledged my position as the second wife, I couldn't help but feel a surge of motivation. It wasn't about the title; it was about belonging in Adrian's life.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to seize the moment. His hands were empty, presenting an opportunity I couldn't afford to miss. I grabbed it, a newfound determination coursing through me.

"I-I can do this, right?" I questioned him, a mix of uncertainty and embarrassment evident in my voice. Despite the internal struggle, I sought to convey a sense of confidence.

He looked at me with a smile, and in that moment, a wave of reassurance washed over me. Why was he smiling?

Did it mean everything was okay? His grip on my hands tightened, and my already racing heart seemed to beat even louder.

Ah... I couldn't contain it any longer.

"I love you..." I inadvertently mumbled, the words slipping out of my lips without a filter.

It was an unconventional way to confess, but given the circumstances and the understanding we already shared, perhaps being more direct was the right approach.

After all, Senior Elena had advised me to be myself.

He stopped in his tracks, likely taken aback by the sudden confession.

Before he could formulate a response, I took a bold step forward.

Closing the distance between us, I pressed the side of my chest against his body, a deliberate move to create a more intimate connection.

"Louise...?"

"You like it right?"

I smiled at him, hoping to convey both sincerity and a hint of playfulness.

I knew that despite being a gentleman, Adrian wasn't immune to the allure of such proximity.

The subtle blushes on his cheeks hinted at the effect of my bold move.

In this moment, I resolved to be true to myself, embracing the unexpected turn of events on our date.

As our hands remained tightly intertwined, I was determined to make the most of this opportunity.

I will make him truly fall for me before this day ends.