I was taken aback by her unexpected admission.

"What?! How is that possible?" I exclaimed, struggling to believe her words. My sense of alertness surged to its highest level. "I don't wear fancy attire, and as a merchant, I am not particularly wealthy. It seems inconceivable that any woman would find me intriguing enough to develop genuine feelings without some underlying purpose."

"It's true that when I started working at the tavern, I didn't know you or any of the other patrons personally," she explained. "My role was to greet guests with a smile and take their orders. And yes, I could sense the interest in their eyes. I recognize that kind of gaze from my previous establishment, and I understood that some of them may have desired more intimate encounters."

She paused, her expression contemplative. "However, I maintain a courteous distance with them while still nurturing their interest in me. It's beneficial for the tavern, after all."

She brought her face extremely close to mine, her voice barely above a whisper. "But when I took your order for the first time, I didn't sense the same kind of gaze from you as I did from other patrons."

Gods! Her face is truly captivating, especially from such a close distance. Her features, illuminated by the flickering tavern light, held a captivating allure. Her eyes staring at me showed that she was eager to share her story.

"I still recall the moment you ordered the beef stew and lemon flavored ale two years ago," Cordelia continued, her voice filled with a mix of nostalgia. "But what struck me was how, when I inquired if you wanted anything else, you simply replied with a curt 'No' and turned your attention back to the parchment you held."

"Wait, I did that?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yes, you did," Cordelia confirmed. Her voice carried dissatisfaction and nostalgia. "I must confess, your response did wound my pride. It seemed as though you had no interest in me whatsoever. It was at that moment that I made a vow to myself, a determination to capture your attention by any means necessary."

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I sat there, stunned by her revelation. Her excessive displays of affection and closeness suddenly made sense. It was all a calculated effort to draw my focus towards her.

"So, that's the reason for your deliberate closeness towards me since then?" I exclaimed, shocked by her reasoning.

Cordelia's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Well, once I started getting to know you better, I couldn't help but notice your own captivating features and figure. It became apparent to me that you were not from this region originally, given your exotic name and the distinctiveness of your appearance."

That's true. My family hails from a distant land, but the specifics of our origins remain a mystery. Even my mother doesn't have precise knowledge, as the information was passed down through generations

"Indeed, it was quite amusing to playfully tease you. The more we interacted, the more I discovered your innocent and serious nature, which I found utterly endearing," she confessed, her voice carrying a warm affection that made it difficult to resist her. I couldn't help but feel my resolve waver as her words washed over me. The barriers I had built to protect myself were slowly crumbling.

"But..." Cordelia's voice trailed off, and she gently withdrew her hands from mine, a sense of sadness evident in her expression. "I am well aware of my tainted past. A woman with my history shouldn't have the privilege to love any man. Moreover, I am approaching the end of my prime as a woman."

I sat in silence, taking in Cordelia's heartfelt confession. I found myself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond to her sincere declaration.

"I don't dare to expect you to return my feelings in the same way. I simply wanted to be honest with you and let you know what I truly feel. And I would be content if we can stay in a good relationship just like usual, Takahiko," she expressed, her words resonating with sincerity.

Of course, I am happy. This was the first time a woman had opened her heart to me so fully, expressing her affection without reservation. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that this pivotal moment in my life would greatly impact our relationship and our future together.

I must give serious thought and consideration, for Cordelia and for my own.