A Summer With Bitter Rivals - Chapter 54

Chapter 54: The Core

“Pardon? What do you mean…”

Emeline, sensing Zenon’s deliberate intent to interrupt their date, stammered in confusion.

But Zenon merely glanced at Emeline with a mischievous smile before warmly addressing Mathis.

“To be honest, I’ve always thought there’s much to learn from you, Count Renier. Oh, and speaking of which, I heard you invested in the relief project initiated by Baron Fort’s family. As a fellow investor, I find it truly delightful.”

Zenon’s comment drew a reaction from Mathis.

“You invested in that project? Most people avoid relief efforts out of suspicion, so that’s unexpected.”

Though Mathis had initially looked at him with unease, his eyes widened slightly in surprise.

Zenon replied without hesitation, “There’s no better way to build goodwill, is there? My reputation is so poor that I couldn’t help but be mindful. Besides, Baron Fort’s precedent of dedicating himself to charity after losing his daughter ensures there’s no room for deceit.”

Mathis narrowed his eyes, appearing slightly uncomfortable with Zenon’s blunt way of speaking, and then asked a question.

“Speaking of which, I heard you conducted business while studying abroad in Lunalini. There’s little information available, but are you still involved?”

“Yes, though I can’t go into detail, I am.”

Despite not being invited to join them, Zenon had seamlessly blended into their company and was now walking alongside them. He had cleverly brought up topics that aligned with Mathis’s recent interests and business endeavors.

Mathis likely wasn’t fond of Zenon’s frivolous reputation, yet he seemed genuinely intrigued by his conversation.

Emeline couldn’t deny it—Zenon had a gift for persuasion.

If she let her guard down, she might get swept up in his words, much like she had in the past.

His voice, brimming with confidence and composure, had that effect on people.

‘Mathis Renier shows no sign of sending that man away…’

He must know I’m uncomfortable with Zenon Trancium. Yet he does nothing.

Emeline trailed behind them, glaring at Zenon. He was a madman. Not only did he continually harass her despite having a fiancée, but now he was also intruding on her date with Mathis.

What’s more, he had skillfully inserted himself between Mathis and Emeline, taking center stage in their walk and steering the conversation with compelling topics that Mathis couldn’t ignore.

‘He’s acting as if he has no business with me, leaving me unable to interrupt or drive him away…’

Just then, Zenon smoothly introduced a new topic.

“By the way, did you receive the gift I sent?”

At those words, Emeline’s ears perked up despite herself.

…A gift?

She glanced at the two men. Zenon’s gaze was unmistakably fixed on Mathis.

A sharp realization flashed through Emeline’s mind.

Could it be… the book from the bookstore?

Mathis, who had been tilting his head in mild confusion, seemed to recall something and responded, “A gift… Are you the one who sent the book to me anonymously, Lord Trancium?”

“It seems you received it well. I sent it as a gesture of goodwill, hoping to establish a connection with you. Did you enjoy reading it?”

Emeline watched the exchange with bewildered eyes.

What kind of book was it? Why had Zenon given such a gift? As these questions swirled in her mind, she suddenly flinched.

While she was lost in thought, Zenon’s hand had brushed against hers. Her heart sank.

She shot him a wary glance, but Zenon, still focused on Mathis, acted as if the contact had been entirely coincidental.

“Well, I’m not particularly fond of books written by women. They’re not to my taste.”

“…Is that so? It seems I made a poor choice of gift. Could you tell me why you didn’t like it?” Zenon replied leisurely, his tone unbothered.

At that moment, Zenon’s hand brushed against Emeline’s again. This time, the contact was more deliberate, his palm resting lightly on the back of her hand before quickly retreating.

Startled, Emeline looked at him, but Zenon pulled away as if it had been an accident.

‘What is this…’

Feeling uneasy, Emeline rubbed the back of her hand. She was sure it had been intentional. Yet Zenon didn’t even glance her way and seemed indifferent to her withdrawal.

The warmth from the fleeting touch lingered, oddly stimulating. Her heartbeat quickened. Her hand felt hot.

As she exhaled a shaky breath, their hands brushed once more. Even though she had deliberately created distance, Zenon had closed the gap again.

His hand rested so close to hers that their knuckles touched. Then, with a faint, teasing motion, he entwined one finger with hers.

The subtle yet intimate contact made it hard for her to breathe. With Mathis nearby, she couldn’t even express her frustration.

When Emeline tried to move her hand away in panic, Zenon lightly tapped the back of her hand with his finger, as if urging her to focus.

That’s when Mathis’s cold, indifferent voice broke the tension.

“I find women who meddle in matters that aren’t their own difficult to understand. They don’t seem particularly helpful, so I don’t favor that type.”

Emeline’s expression hardened at her fiancé’s words.

Hearing such sentiments from the man she was supposed to share her future with left a bitter taste in her mouth.

“I see… That’s unfortunate.”

“Unfortunate? What do you mean by that?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I was just reminded of someone, that’s all.”

At Zenon’s peculiar response, Emeline realized something and her heart sank.

In that fleeting moment, Zenon glanced at Emeline. When their eyes met, he smirked, as if to say, ‘I’m the only one who truly sees you.’

Reading the admonishment in his gaze, Emeline furrowed her brows. Even though she knew she shouldn’t let herself get swayed by him, her pride was deeply wounded.

‘So what am I supposed to do? Choose you again after you abandoned me? Can you even promise you wouldn’t abandon me again?’

With a cold expression, she clasped her hands together tightly, making it impossible for Zenon to try anything else. Glaring at him, Emeline silently wished he would leave.

But, as if mocking her wishes, Zenon smiled subtly and continued to speak.

“Now that I think about it, Lady Delzeier, I heard something interesting. At one point, I was supposedly your ideal type?”

Zenon’s audacious provocation left Emeline momentarily speechless. It was as if he was challenging her.

Clenching her teeth, Emeline smiled defiantly, refusing to back down.

“Me? That’s quite an odd rumor. My ideal type has never changed since childhood. It’s someone dignified, courteous, who refrains from reckless behavior, and is beneficial to me.”

After pausing briefly, she added with a sardonic smile, “Oh, and someone my father would approve of. That’s part of my ideal as well.”

Her words implicitly criticized Zenon, suggesting he lacked dignity, courtesy, and restraint. But Emeline didn’t care. After all, he was the one who had started this game of provocation.

Hearing her remarks, Zenon’s brow twitched. Although his lips maintained a smile, his displeasure was evident.

“Ah… Is that so? Well, it seems Count Renier perfectly fits your ideal type. How wonderful for you.”

“Of course. We’re very compatible, aren’t we, Count Renier?”

Speaking to Mathis, Emeline clasped his arm as if to push Zenon aside.

Zenon, who had shamelessly stood between them, was now forced to step back.

“Indeed,” Mathis said, finally stepping into his role. “Lord Trancium, it seems you’ve brought an amusing rumor with you, but perhaps it’s best to refrain from discussing such things here.”

Until that moment, Mathis had been enthralled by Zenon’s skillful conversation, neglecting his fiancée. Only after hearing their exchange did he seem to remember Emeline’s presence.

Emeline leaned into Mathis and flashed a radiant smile, bright and beautiful enough to catch the attention of passersby.

Zenon, who had been watching her, gradually lost his smile. For a moment, he seemed to be at a loss, as if unsure how to react. It was a stark contrast to his earlier confidence.

Soon, he spoke again, his voice noticeably lower and devoid of its usual playfulness.

“…Count Renier, did you know? My father also runs a bank.”

“Of course, I’m aware.”

The Marquis of Trancium was known for his extensive business ventures. Though his bank ranked fourth in market share, behind Mathis’s second-ranked institution, it was still a formidable entity.

Zenon, as if reading Mathis’s thoughts, added with a sly grin, “Soon, the bank will be mine. You’d best be prepared. My father may lack business acumen, but I don’t.”

Mathis’s expression turned complicated. Zenon’s dismissal of his father’s skills and his bold ambition were both unexpected.

“I was under the impression the Marquis intended to pass the bank to his eldest son, who is also the heir. May I ask why you believe otherwise?”

“The core issue isn’t the eldest son, but the heir.”

The man, whose expression had been grim just moments ago, now sported a confident smile, as if conveying some grand ambition.

Zenon’s gaze shifted toward Emeline. Though their eye contact lasted only a fleeting moment, it felt as though time had slowed.

“At the very least, it seems one must be useful to be acknowledged.”

He let out a laugh that felt more like a sneer.

Mathis, who had been listening intently, suddenly narrowed his eyes. Before long, his attention shifted to Emeline, who was glaring at Zenon with evident displeasure.

“…I believe this conversation has gone on long enough,” Mathis said firmly. “Lady Delzeier seems uncomfortable with your presence, Lord Trancium. Perhaps it’s time you took your leave.”

“Ah, it seems I’ve unintentionally disrupted your date. My apologies. I’ll take my leave now, but I look forward to our next meeting, Count Renier. Today’s conversation was truly delightful.”

Zenon, unabashed, bid farewell with a smile. Then, turning to Emeline, he added, “We’ll meet again soon, Lady Delzeier.”

With a final smile, he walked away.

Emeline watched his retreating figure with a mix of unease and irritation. She hadn’t expected him to engage Mathis so casually.

“Shall we leave, Miss Emeline?”

“…Yes.”

Mathis led her away, and she finally tore her gaze from where Zenon had stood.

By then, the evening was approaching, and it was time for her and Mathis to part ways as well.

On the way back, Mathis suddenly remarked, “Lord Trancium doesn’t seem to know the meaning of decorum.”

“I think so too. He’s truly an insolent man.”

Emeline lowered her head, as if unwilling to dwell on the topic further. Mathis narrowed his eyes slightly, studying her reaction.

Then, as if dismissing some amusing thought, he chuckled softly.

“I completely agree.”