Mirna opened her mouth as if she was telling a very embarrassing story.
"Theo Gospel, I want to apologize to you."
Her red eyes darted anxiously around the café as she said so.
Which made me wonder, had Mirna ever apologized to someone?
Perhaps, living as a noble lady, she had always been the one receiving apologies rather than offering them.
Therefore, for Mirna, the current situation was very awkward and embarrassing, to the point that she was wishing that there would be a mouse hole she could hide in.
"But, I thought you really did something with Professor Stella…! Anyone who hears such news so suddenly would think so."
Welp, that was not something you should include in an apology. That was basically giving yourself an excuse for committing the thing you were apologizing for.
It made for a bad show of hand.
When I frowned, Mirna quickly opened her lips as if she suddenly realized her mistake.
"Of course, it was all a misunderstanding. It's out of my doubts…. However, if you give me a chance to make it up, I-I can regain your trust."
Mirna was rambling gibberish.
I thought it would be best to end this quickly before she got out of control.
Mirna's gaze was full of unease.
Her two eyes couldn't meet me directly, and instead wandered anxiously around my lips, shoulders, and neck.
Suddenly, I felt the urge to tell Mirna, "We can't maintain a relationship with such a lack of trust. Let's pretend the engagement never happened."
How would Mirna react? Would she erupt in anger and bash my head with that fan?
It was a possibility, for sure…
Of course, I was not stupid enough to say that.
What should I say instead? I put on a serious expression on my face.
"Everyone makes mistakes. I understand."
"However, it is difficult to refill the water that has been spilled. I have broken my trust with Professor Stella to plead innocence to Miss Mirna."
Mirna didn't say anything. I added a few words.
"To me, the relationship with Miss Mirna is more significant than the promise with Professor Stella. And I consider proving my innocence to Miss Mirna more important." ṛÁꞐỗВΕ𝓢
Mirna looked pleased, but it was only for a moment. Her expression quickly darkened at my next words.
"And because of that, I may have to humiliate myself and kiss Professor Stella's shoes."
"I think Mirna-nim knows that mutual trust is the most important thing if we are going to get married someday."
Mirna didn't say anything and instead just bit her lower lip. She was the one at fault, while I held the upper hand.
This one-sided dynamic was becoming intriguing.
So I added one more statement in a resolute voice.
"We should have faith in one another."
In response, Mirna said, "I know, " in a small, trailing feeble voice. As a devout religious follower, she knew the concept of "faith" more than others.
Faith needed to be built on trust.
Believing that it was as the divine ordained. Believing that it would come to pass. Only when such faith got firmly rooted in a solid foundation of trust could true faith be established.
That was why the Gwangyeom Church considered trust as the most fundamental and essential virtue.
If two people were engaged, the trust in one another should be even more paramount.
But Mirna had shattered those foundations of trust, doubting me and pushing me into a corner. Which ultimately led to me being humiliated by Professor Stella. She was probably feeling guilty.
With this in mind, I decided to extend a hand of forgiveness to Mirna.
"Of course, I am also at fault."
"… Theo Gospel, what do you mean you're also at fault?"
As Mirna asked, seemingly unable to understand, I seized the opportunity and spoke the words I had prepared in advance.
"The reason Mirna-nim couldn't trust me is because I haven't shown enough trustworthy behavior in the past. I will be more mindful of my actions from now on."
Was this act of reconciliation enough?
But when I glanced at Mirna, she was flushed red with various emotions on her face. She was still unable to resolve the situation internally.
Should I calm her down more?
"Still, I didn't expect Mirna-nim to take my side."
I said it in a very surprised way, while Mirna bit the bait.
"You defended me in front of Professor Stella."
"That's because Professor Stella is being impudent and rude. She was the first to break into your room and started screaming. This is why Elves are…."
Mirna clicked her tongue. She seemed to have a lot to say about Elves.
I intentionally scratched my nose as if in contemplation.
"But it is true that I broke my promise. And Professor Stella now lost her trust in me. What should I do?"
Mirna sighed at my words, "Huu-."
"This situation arose due to my misunderstanding and shortcomings. It is my duty as a member of the Draco Family to take responsibility. I will assist Professor Stella."
"How? Will Mirna-nim help the Professor with her research?"
"Perhaps. Anyway, this is also a good opportunity to repay debt to Stella Belhawk…."