A Spoonful of Sugar: Don't Beg for Love

There was too much space between them. He needed time to make amends, but looking into her teary eyes, Rickard couldn't provide any affirmation.

"Alright, I really don't understand the two of you. I have my own problems. Grandpa keeps asking me to get married. Do you know what kind of people I've been on blind dates with recently? They asked about the asset distribution after our marriage. They all seem to only be interested in my family yet they expect my loyalty."

Rickard scoffed and returned to his usual calmness. "That's too naive. The love that they talk about isn't as practical as having a piece of the pie."

"Urgh, you..." Zikmund said unhappily. "I'm here acting as your relationship counselor, yet you're ridiculing me. The next time you have relationship problems, you know who not to call."

"I guess I have to call Mr. Gunther Sr. then."

"No, brother, my dead friend." Zikmund chuckled sadly. "I've had enough for today. All I want to do is to find someone who is also being pressured by their relatives and doesn't expect me to fall in love after we get married.... That reminds me, there actually is one. I should reconnect with her."

Rickard frowned disapprovingly.

"We're in different situations because I still have a few years to fool around," Zikmund said. "You have Hesper, so you can bring her home to show to Mr. Duval Sr."

"He does love her," Rickard said. "I wouldn't have agreed to marry her if that weren't the case."

A swishing sound was heard from behind him.

Rickard turned around but didn't see anything. He frowned and walked into the room. Hesper was lying in bed, frowning in her sleep.

However, when Rickard turned around and closed the door, Hesper opened her eyes in the dark.

She had heard everything.

***

Meanwhile, Daybreak's base.

There was a stressful air around the base. Riley and 013 were on their knees while Myriade stood next to a man, coldly looking down at the two of them. Riley silently wrapped his arms around 013, who was curled up on the floor.

"Still being stubborn?"

The man walked down the platform and got down in front of Riley, raising his chin. "Do you remember how your brother died? He was too stubborn because you spoiled him... Now you're doing the same with 013?"

"...Sir." Riley blinked and looked at him with puppy eyes. "We're just trying to eliminate your problems. As long as Hesper is still alive, you'll be in danger. Hesper is just a small sacrifice to keep Daybreak and your legacy safe."

"Don't be smart." The man let Riley go but hesitation lingered in his eyes.

"You were in Halwanest, so you probably don't know this, but Rickard Duval took the doctor away and they healed Hesper's legs. Their relationship has gotten better recently, and they might even get back together at any moment. The surgery will begin soon; you know how good the doctor is."

Myriade scoffed. "It's the same old with you, Riley. You used this trick to threaten Julian before, and now you're doing it with Big T."

"What do you know?" Riley glared at her. "Sir, I remember when you took me and Mackenzie in, you said that we had the same experience and swore that you would make your dream come true. I've followed you for so many years; I don't want to see you fall into the relationship trap."

The man closed his elongated eyes.