Yes, Luke was pretending to be clueless.

Or rather—feigning dullness.

Romance stories often featured overly kind-hearted protagonists who drew endless flak: *“If it were me, my kid’d already be walking!” “How can he not notice this? So frustrating!” “If he doesn’t make a move now… is the protagonist even functional down there?”*

But in Luke’s view, this tactic had clear benefits. For persistent admirers he didn’t like, pretending ignorance spared him the awkwardness of outright rejection—no hurt feelings, no bruised pride.

Now, using it on Elise—the love-struck maid—worked perfectly.

“This…”

Elise nearly blurted, *Lady Aelia likes you!* but swallowed the words just in time.

Though this was another world, not Earth, some customs remained familiar. In romance, a girl should stay reserved. A woman confessing first seemed undignified… even desperate.

As Aelia’s personal maid—the one closest to the Saintess’s private life—Elise couldn’t speak lightly on such matters.

“Huh? Lady Aelia’s stunningly beautiful. You really have no thoughts about her?”

Thankfully, the red-haired youth (Charles), seeing it didn’t concern him, instantly forgot his earlier “career-first” stance.

Luke hadn’t expected another master of this game—but as someone who specialized in countering them, he pivoted instantly.

“So, Brother Charles… do *you* have feelings for Lady Aelia?”

“Not at all,” Charles replied calmly, shooting Elise a glance. “I see Lady Aelia only as a younger sister and a figure worthy of reverence.”

“Same here,” Luke smiled. “As for Lady Aelia possibly liking *me*… From what I know, she carries the realm’s burdens, worries for her people, and has remained devoted for years. Someone as insignificant as the 250th Hero? She’d hardly spare me a second glance.”

“Nonsense!” Charles said shamelessly. “Your strength rivals the top fifty Heroes. Appearance-wise… well, you’re only *slightly* less handsome than me.”

Elise knew Aelia truly had feelings this time. But if Luke showed none, testing him further was pointless. Even if he later tangled with noble ladies, they’d have no grounds to blame him.

*(But if that happens… Lady Aelia, who secretly adores Lord Luke, would be so pitiful… Should I make him like her? No—forced love brings no happiness. Should Her Highness confess? Unthinkable. With her self-sacrificing nature, she’d surely step aside… Aah, what do I do?!)*

Elise sank into agonizing dilemma.

Luke had no intention of leaving her stranded.

That pink-haired scum never liked him. Her irritation now? Just wounded pride from being spoiled by flattery. Once she realized this *helped* her plans, she’d be thrilled—and that was unacceptable.

Luke wished that scheming pink-haired scum not a single moment of joy. Their goals were diametrically opposed.

So when Charles headed back to training and Elise began to leave, Luke called out:

“Miss Elise, may I ask you something?”

“Please.”

“Does Lady Aelia have someone she likes?”

“Ah? N-no! Lady Aelia has no one… not for now, at least.”

*(Did I slip up? Did he notice Her Highness’s feelings?)* She’d denied too fast, then hastily added the qualifier.

“That’s good to hear,” Luke said with a slight nod.

Elise turned, puzzled. After a few steps—

“Sorry again, Miss Elise. One more question.”

“No trouble at all.”

“Are many suitors pursuing Lady Aelia?”

“Naturally. But she’s rejected every single one.”

“That’s good to hear.” Another gentle nod.

Huh? Something felt… off.

Just as she turned—

“My deepest apologies, Miss Elise.”

“Please ask.”

“Has the King arranged any marriage for Lady Aelia?”

“Past arrangements were dissolved. She has no current engagements.”

“That’s good to hear.” Luke nodded, a genuine smile blooming on his face.

Elise stopped walking.

“I’m sorry for delaying you,” Luke said earnestly. “Truly, no more questions.”

“Lord Luke… why ask these things suddenly?”

“Just curiosity. Did I trouble you?”

“Not at all. Ask me anything about Lady Aelia anytime.”

“You’ve been a great help. Thank you.”

Joy radiated from Luke’s handsome face—pure, childlike, utterly unguarded.

“You’re welcome.”

For Elise, it was enough.

In her favorite romance novel, the male lead—new to love—had asked the heroine’s best friend the *exact* same questions. When pressed, he’d replied with the same naive, clueless innocence Luke just showed.

Aelia was also love-newbie, claiming “mere admiration, no romance.”

Elise’s matchmaker spirit ignited.

*Must bring them together.*

*Must secure their happiness!*

…

*(Wait. Ever consider I might’ve read that novel too?)*

After Elise left, beaming, Luke muttered inwardly.

(He hadn’t. He’d gleaned it via mind-reading. Still—solid acting.)

Now, the image was set in Elise’s mind: Luke, slightly dense in love… but fond of Aelia.

Why bother?

His read confirmed the pink-haired scum disliked Elise constantly matchmaking her.

And anything *she* disliked? Luke would champion it.

*An eye for an eye.* Self-defense.

Plus—same reason he bonded with Charles: isolate her. Turn every trusted ally against her.

Imagining her seething silently later? Luke chuckled aloud.

Coincidentally, Aelia returned from the tea party glowing.

The most notorious noble ladies and madams were now *very* interested in Luke.

After Aelia “buffed” their courage? They’d reached “Luke-talk = flushed cheeks” levels—eyes gleaming, practically ready to pounce on the Hero and devour him whole.

*(Hehehe…)*

Aelia could hardly wait to see that certain someone trapped in the web he’d woven himself.