Cedric looked at him and said,
“Weren’t you working as a lawyer in the capital?”
“That’s true, but… the competition was so tough there that I came back to my hometown.”
Cedric looked at Felix quite coldly, as if something was making him angry. His bright blue eyes were deep and fixed, almost stubborn.
At that moment, Selena came out with a bright face, looking at Felix and then at me. She said,
“Now that I think about it, you seem to suit Revril well.”
I wasn’t surprised by her words. Mrs. Fern had been saying that for a long time, so it was almost stuck in my ears. Felix probably knew too, even if only subconsciously, how ridiculous that was.
“Thank you. I’ve heard that kind of thing often before.”
I looked at Felix with surprise. When I kept staring with wide eyes, Felix just smiled and met my gaze. I couldn’t understand it at all and stared blankly at him.
“If you hear that often, shouldn’t you rethink your relationship with your client? If it’s like that, the trial probably won’t go well.”
Cedric said with a slight sneer. His bright blue eyes looked cold enough to throw Felix out at any moment. Felix seemed to think for a moment, then spoke.
“Still, it’s better to keep a good relationship with the client to some extent. I want to do my best too.”
Cedric’s face hardened strangely. I was tired of thinking about everything, so I just held my fork and ate the food in front of me. I didn’t expect Felix to say that. I thought he would feel burdened, but instead, he seemed thankful.
For some reason, I also felt uncomfortable being with Felix. And Cedric kept staring at me like something was bothering him. When I looked up, he spoke as if he had been waiting for the moment.
“Do you also think a lawyer and client should have too close a relationship?”
Not wanting to think deeply, I spoke the thought passing through my mind.
“It’s better than having a bad relationship, I guess.”
Cedric snorted and drank his wine. Selena stared at me intently and said,
“Revril, since it’s come to this, you should get along well with Felix.”
She said it so openly that my face turned bright red. Felix also seemed embarrassed and started coughing.
Cedric frowned as if displeased and said,
“Selena, that sounds harsh.”
Selena blinked in surprise and quickly tried to explain,
“What’s harsh about it? I just said it because the two of you look good together. Someday, when we have our engagement ceremony, it would be nice if you two also do well.”
Selena smiled brightly, as if imagining something happy. I felt uncomfortable with that smile and lowered my head.
An engagement ceremony?
I looked at Cedric’s hand. Luckily, there was no ring on it. When I glanced up, Cedric was staring at Felix sharply. His cold gaze showed clear dislike.
Then Selena said,
“Revril, just take it lightly. We would be happy if things go well between you two.”
We would? I was about to open my mouth in disbelief, but then,
“Felix, I don’t think you need to help Revril in this trial.”
Cedric’s words made Felix blink in surprise.
“What do you mean all of a sudden…?”
“Since I decided to help Revril, you don’t have to work so hard.”
“Oh, I’m fine. I find this work interesting…”
“Felix.”
Cedric suddenly lowered his voice and looked at Felix. His gaze seemed indifferent but had a strange barrier that was hard to cross. Felix closed his mouth, a little startled.
“I will finish this trial well, so you can go back to your hometown right away.”
His tone was quite firm. Selena looked at Cedric, surprised. The mood immediately sank. No one spoke for a while.
“But I have helped Revril a lot until now, and if you suddenly say this…”
“Now, I can help enough.”
There was no room to argue. Cedric looked coldly at Felix without smiling, and Felix said no more. I felt sorry for Felix and kept looking at him.
When I kept looking with a serious face, Cedric said,
“Revril, it would be better for you if I take charge of this trial anyway.”
When I turned my head, Cedric was staring at me sharply. His deep blue eyes looked like they could devour me with desire.
I hesitated to answer, and Cedric continued,
“There is a two million Crocks debt with a one-year repayment period. Would you refuse it if someone offers it without any conditions?”
Cedric seemed quite arrogant, as if this was the only way. My heart felt heavy, but I said without choice,
“No.”
Cedric slightly raised the corner of his mouth and drank his wine. Only Selena’s expression was stiff, looking between Cedric and me. She stared at me as if wanting to kill me. I was tired of that look and put down my fork.
Then Felix stood up and said,
“I should go now.”
Cedric just nodded and said carefully, “Take care.” I quickly followed and stood up. Cedric’s calm eyes turned sharp.
“I’ll get up too.”
I left the dining room with Felix. I thought I needed to talk with him because of the sudden situation. Felix seemed to understand this, because as soon as we left the dining room, he said,
“Revril, don’t worry about me. I’ve found working with you so far quite rewarding and enjoyable.”
I sighed without meaning to. Even walking down the hall with Felix, I couldn’t tell if it was right to let him go like this.
“You came all this way and worked so hard because of me.”
“No, I’m just doing the work I have to do.”
Felix smiled as if nothing was wrong. I knew he worked hard because I was his first client, but I didn’t expect him to quit so suddenly. He must have prepared well for the next trial.
“Felix, are you really okay?”
“Since this trial is related to Duke Jedburgh, maybe it’s better this way. Especially for you, Revril.”
I looked at him sadly but couldn’t answer right away. He was right. After all, this trial would decide whether I would repay the two million Croc debt depending on what Cedric does.
We soon reached the mansion’s door. Felix stood there and looked back at me.
“Revril, I say it again, don’t worry about me. Although it’s a little sudden, this will be a good trial for you.”
I had little to say to that.
“Thank you for everything.”
Even those short words made Felix smile brightly as if thankful.
“I’m the one who should thank you for trusting me until now.”
Felix always said that, and I didn’t know what to say. I just stared silently, and Felix smiled.
“Then, I’ll go now. If you have time, please visit my office sometime.”
I nodded. I wasn’t sure if I could go, though. Honestly, I felt the weight of my tiring poverty and thought it would be difficult for a while.
Felix said goodbye and went out the door. I went into the mansion and watched from a nearby window as Felix rode his carriage away. As I watched the dust scatter, a cold voice called out.
“Revril.”
It was unusually low. When I turned around, Cedric was staring at me persistently. When I stayed still, he stepped closer. Before I knew it, Cedric was standing in front of me. I spoke the frustrated thoughts I had from earlier.
“I don’t know what you were thinking, but sending Felix away so suddenly was too much.”
Cedric raised the corner of his mouth as if he thought it was ridiculous.
“You don’t seem to know much about Felix.”
“What do you mean?”
“Felix is not your first client. He worked as a lawyer in the capital but lost in the competition and came back to his hometown.”
“Then I must be his first client here.”
Cedric’s eyes grew fierce. He stepped closer to me. I stepped back without thinking and hit the windowsill behind me. Cedric kept staring and said,
“Who do you think helped you clear that huge debt by luck?”
