Antico

The spring sunlight was just right.

In the back garden, flowers of every color vied to bloom.

The pavilion stood at the center of the garden.

Marble pillars supported the domed roof, and gauze curtains hung all around, drifting gently in the breeze.

Before he even drew close, Ron saw that familiar figure.

Eve was sitting beside the stone table in a casual long dress, her long black hair falling loosely over her shoulders.

Her posture was graceful, and she held a hardcover book in her hands, like a painting carved with exquisite care.

However, when Ron approached, he noticed one detail—the book was upside down.

Clearly, the black-haired princess had not been reading at all. She had merely been putting on an act.

"You're back."

Eve did not even lift her head, her voice full of distance:

"I calculated that you would return today, so I just happened to be here reading."

"Oh?" Ron sat down across from her. "Is the book good?"

"It's all right."

"Then why are you holding it upside down?"

Eve froze.

She lowered her head to glance at the book in her hands, then quickly snapped it shut, her cheeks flushing.

"...When did you notice?"

"Just now."

"..."

Eve covered half her face with the book, leaving only a pair of purple eyes visible as she glared at him with a touch of annoyance.

"Can't you just pretend you didn't see it?"

"Why would I pretend?" The corners of Ron's mouth lifted slightly.

"When you see someone waiting for you at home, shouldn't you be happy?"

"Who said I was waiting for you?"

Eve set the book aside and raised her chin.

"I just happened to be reading here, and you just happened to come back."

"Mm."

"Really."

"I know."

"...What is that expression