I, too, was momentarily speechless in front of such a blunt person.
"...Do you know the expression falls in love easily?"
"You want me to buy gold? How much does it cost?"
“No, that’s not it.”
Whenever I say something, they try to do anything for me.
Is he really acting like this because he fell in love with me at first sight? Or does he have some ulterior motive?
The problem is, after talking to Carcel, I felt that he didn't seem like a con artist.
'I feel like I shouldn't have gotten involved in the first place, but thanks to that, I was able to sign the contract today.'
Having lost my faith in humanity while dealing with all kinds of nuisances, I could roughly judge a person just by looking at them.
Whether that person is a bad person or not.
But I don't know about Carcel, in particular.
When I talked to him, he seemed like a decent person, just as he said- someone who simply doesn't know how to treat women and causes misunderstandings.
But if you look at his appearance...!
My judgment was being clouded by that appearance, which happened to look like a gang leader.
Because his mere presence makes this place feel like a secluded workshop in the woods set up for illegal activities, rather than an ordinary restaurant.
I awkwardly bit my lip.
'Does that mean he genuinely likes me?'
If he had simply had a crush on me, I would have proposed a deal, but this time it is different.
Why!
I didn't dare bring myself to open up about a contract marriage to a man who might have feelings for me.
...Of course, I am also slightly concerned that if I really mess with the wrong person, I might end up buried in a pit in the middle of the night.
Carcel spoke calmly to me as I was at a loss for words.
"Ah. Of course, I certainly don't mean that I genuinely love Asha right now."
"I-Is that so?"
However, it was too early to be relieved.
He smiled and gave a clear answer.
"I just fell in love at first sight."
Either that or that!
I let out a small groan and stammered my question.
"Because of what I confessed in the past?"
"When I received the confession, I apologize for saying this, but I wasn't particularly moved."
"Then when on earth did you fall in love at first sight? There was absolutely no reason for you to fall for me."
He was a man with unusual tastes.
Then Carcel laughed.
"I fell in love when I saw you again."
So why did you fall for me?
I blinked at his taste, the reason for which I could not understand at all.
Carcel answered dutifully, perhaps sensing my gaze that seemed to be asking "why."
"I don't know the reason. I just realized in that moment what the dictionary definition of love at first sight is."
"Oh, I see."
"More specifically, I would say that the bright vitality in Asha's eyes, the thoughtfulness embedded in your words and actions, and your deer-like smile were beautiful."
What kind of deer? A spotted deer?
Even in the midst of this, Carcel lowered his gaze as if recalling the time he first fell in love, and suddenly smiled.
I was instantly captivated by that smile that flowed out unconsciously.
"...No?"
Carcel tilted his head, noticing that I was staring at him intently for a moment.
"You look like you want to run away because you feel so overwhelmed."
I was caught off guard.
For a moment, I considered getting up from the chair, saying "Goodbye," and walking backward out.
I nodded obediently to him.
“A little bit.”
"I tried to restrain myself because I like Asha, but it seems it was obvious. I'm sorry."
He apologized to me, looking embarrassed.
I felt confident about this for a moment.
Even if that man isn't a con artist, it's obvious he's at least a playboy pretending to be a lifelong single. He did say he wasn't used to dealing with women and that it was his first date, but honestly, he was skilled at everything he'd done so far.
It got to the point where I even suspected he was a scammer targeting women!
"If my feelings are somewhat burdensome, I will approach you more slowly."
It still is.
A man like that speaks to me in such a soft, low voice.
How could I possibly think he’s someone who has never met other women!
Carcel met my eyes and smiled faintly.
"I guess I need to make an effort to make Asha feel comfortable with me and trust me."
Carcel's low voice, as he slowly uttered those words, was particularly meaningful.
His red eyes sitting opposite me rippled like blood for a moment.
I felt wary of the strange attitude permeating my whole body, yet at the same time, I was drawn to it.
To think that a man who looks incredibly dangerous shows such an endlessly affectionate attitude in front of me.
My heart fluttered.
“Hey, Carcel..."
Just as I was about to open my mouth to say something out of awkwardness, a waiter approached and placed the food on the table.
"Here is the one whole roasted chicken and two soups of the day you ordered! Enjoy your meal!"
At that moment, a delicious aroma wafted from the food placed in front of us.
Even though I had just eaten thanks to Carcel, the smell was delicious enough to make my mouth water.
"Thank you for this food."
"Yes."
The awkward atmosphere from just moments ago was somewhat smoothed over by Carcel, who did not pry into the details of what was to be said.
He tended to be taciturn during meals.
However, if there was one unique point, it was that Carcel was really good with a knife.
'How can you debone a chicken so well?'
With nothing but a fork and a knife, the bones and flesh of a chicken were separated in an instant.
Then, he carefully gathered only the chicken leg meat onto a small plate and placed it in front of me.
"I thought it might be difficult for you to eat it with your hands, so I deboned it."
Having witnessed the spectacular chicken butchering show firsthand, I gaped and asked.
"Wow, how did you debone the chicken so well? It looks so skinny!"
Carcel answered nonchalantly to me, who was fascinated.
"It’s not that difficult. If Asha wants, I’ll peel anything for you, so just ask me."
"...You’re talking about chickens, right?"
Put the knife down and talk about that.
It sounds like it means something different.
"I have never done this to a person before, so you don't need to worry."
Carcel smiled with his eyes after saying that.
Instead of digging deeper, I started eating the chicken leg meat.
Carcel, having finished butchering the chicken, also took a spoonful of soup.
And his eyes, which had looked completely unprepared for the food until just moments ago, widened in surprise.
I found his reaction funny, so I shouted brightly.
"How is it? Honestly, it's delicious, right?"
"Just as Asha said, it tastes like a hangover cure. It's light yet full of umami..."
He nodded and started eating the rest of the soup.
I also focused on my meal again.
Except for a brief trip to the restroom, Carcel finished his meal after chewing vigorously for about 20 minutes.
At the same time, he greeted me first.
"I enjoyed the meal. Thanks to Asha, I think I've discovered a great restaurant."
"I'm glad it seems to suit your taste."
Just as I was about to stand up, Carcel spoke.
"By the way, Asha, I have something to ask you before you go."
"What is it?"
As I tilted my head, he asked me.
"Do you not need my help?
"Yes?"
"About that land. Isn't there something special about it?"
At those words, I gasped.
'No, of course, I did expect it to seem odd to others, buying land that makes you wonder why you would buy something like that, and even saying I would share the profits.'
I never imagined you would notice that there was something on that land so quickly!
“Oh. No?”
"As you know, I am financially well-off. I have no greed for whatever is in Asha's land."
I broke out in a cold sweat again and subtly avoided eye contact.
Carcel continued speaking to me step by step.
"And I think it is only natural that Asha doesn't trust me. But at the same time, thinking about it this way. How about it?"
“What do I need?”
"Asha develops the land to obtain something profitable, and I provide you with the help you need, whether it be connections or information."
I just blinked my eyes for a long time.
"...Why?"
"I have something I want from Asha, don't I?"
Carcel leaned his upper body forward and cast his gaze toward me.
Then, with a smile on his face, he said to me
"Asha's Time."
"My time is a bit expensive, so..."
I intended to consider whether to propose a contract marriage only after I had confirmed Carcel's true identity.
So I answered to change the subject, but he went a step further.
"I had a feeling that might happen anyway... so I paid for today's meal in advance."
"Yes?!"
"Since you said you'd treat me to a more expensive meal next time. I was thinking maybe I should get treated by Asha then."
Carcel continued mischievously.
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