Chapter 16
I sat in the reception room, wearing a dark beige cloak over a bright cobalt blue dress, nervously checking the clock.
I’d gotten ready too early. With time to spare, I considered grabbing a quick bite, but knowing I’d be having lunch with Havel, I suppressed my rising appetite.
“Miss, would you like a scarf?”
“Oh, no, no, I’m fine.”
“Still, it’s chilly today. Once you’re outside the imperial capital, it gets colder in the open fields.”
My cloak had a high collar, so I didn’t need a scarf. But Hilda seemed to think I was dressed too lightly and kept trying to make me wear something more.
“It’s okay. If I get really cold, I’ll just call Iggy. Iggy is a million times warmer than a scarf.”
“You’re right. I forgot for a moment that you have that special ability, miss. Hoho.”
Hilda absolutely loved it whenever I revealed I was a spirit user. It was like a mother’s proud gaze, wanting to show off her well-raised child.
In a mansion where everyone already knew I was a spirit user, Hilda deliberately spoke in a loud voice as she placed the tea set on the table.
“Hmm… Hilda, are there no cookies?”
“Are you hungry?”
“Yeah, a little.”
No, actually, a lot. I wanted to sink my teeth into some meat, not just cookies.
As if reading my honest thoughts, Hilda told me to wait a moment and walked to the kitchen. I still had about 30 minutes until my appointment, so I’d just have some cookies.
By the way, going outside the imperial capital alone with Havel… If someone had told me a week ago that this would happen soon, I would’ve screamed, “You’re crazy!” and run away.
But now, it was about to become my reality.
Why was I so nervous? To distract myself from the persistent anxiety, I fiddled a strand of my curly hair.
Hmm, should I summon Ig?
“Miss, the Grand Duke’s carriage has arrived.”
“What? Already?”
Hilda hadn’t brought the cookies yet! No, that’s not the point.
I quickly got up and walked to the lobby. The Grand Duke’s carriage, which had entered through the main gate, stopped in front of the mansion, and slowly, the door opened.
Havel, in a dark brown long coat and a gray muffler around his neck, stepped out of the carriage and strode towards me.
“I greet Your Highness, the Grand Duke.”
“Stand up, Serira.”
Before I could fully bend my knees, Havel reached out his hand to me. I awkwardly placed my hand on his and stood up.
“You’ve arrived earlier than scheduled.”
“It’s not a knight’s courtesy to make a lady wait.”
He delivered those cheesy lines so perfectly.
I saw the maids’ eyes sparkle as he spoke with a slight smile.
Hmm, this is going to be tough from the start.
“Ahem, I’m all ready. Shall we go straight away?”
“Then, let’s depart immediately.”
He gently grasped my hand and stared at me intently.
Why was he doing that…? Just as I started to feel flustered by his gaze, Havel whispered in a low voice.
“You look beautiful today, Serira.”
Startled, I looked around, wondering if anyone had heard, but no one seemed surprised.
It was a faint whisper, heard only by me. Realizing that, I felt a strange sensation, as if we had shared a secret in front of everyone.
He immediately turned and escorted me.
It was a relief. He hadn’t seen my cheeks, which had suddenly flushed with heat.
* * *
“We’ve arrived.”
The carriage, which had been running for quite a while, finally stopped.
I secretly sighed in relief when Havel looked away. Being alone with Havel in such a confined space was much more nerve-wracking than I’d expected.
We seemed to have talked a lot, but I couldn’t quite remember what we discussed.
The carriage door opened, and Havel, who had stepped out first, offered me his hand. Not used to this kind of escorting, I awkwardly took his hand and stepped out of the carriage.
Looking up, I saw a small villa. I tilted my head, admiring the charming and pretty villa nestled in the middle of the forest.
“Where is this?”
“It’s a villa where I sometimes come to rest. Entry is strictly restricted without my permission, so you don’t have to worry about being seen by others.”
“Ah… yes.”
“This isn’t the place I want to show you. Where are the things I prepared?”
Havel spoke to a servant who appeared to be in charge of the villa. The servant bowed deeply and replied.
“They were taken to the lake earlier.”
“I see. Serira, do you know how to ride a horse?”
“Ah, umm… no.”
In this world, horseback riding was practically a basic skill. But despite my intentions to learn, I hadn’t found the time. I’d only ever envied people riding horses in the field.
The horse the servant led over was a sturdy-looking black horse. Its mane glistened, indicating it wasn’t just any horse.
“This is my favorite horse, named Nox. He’s a gentle fellow.”
When Havel extended his hand, Nox nudged his face against it, letting out a soft snort as if enjoying the touch.
He’s so cool. I want to pet him too.
As I gazed at Nox in awe, Havel spoke to me.
“Let’s ride together. You don’t have to be scared. He’s well-trained.”
“Oh, I’m not scared. More importantly, can I pet him just once?”
Please, just let me touch him once. When I looked at Havel with pleading eyes, he slowly nodded.
“You must really like horses.”
Was my gaze too desperate? I thought I saw a hint of surprise flash across his face, but it must have been my imagination. Havel took the reins and gestured for me to approach.
Careful not to upset Nox, I softened my footsteps and approached. Nox snorted again and came towards me.
I flinched for a moment but cautiously extended my hand. Then, Nox’s glossy fur touched me.
“So soft…”
“You seem to like him.”
“Yes, he’s a wonderful horse.”
“Nox seems to like you too. He’s wagging his tail.”
At Havel’s words, I looked back and indeed, Nox’s tail was wagging.
“Nox, have you fallen for my beauty?”
I chuckled to myself as I spoke to Nox. Then, the moment my eyes met Havel’s, my raised lips froze.
Oh dear, habits are truly frightening. My habit of spouting nonsense to Ig came out unconsciously when I saw an animal.
This mouth is always a problem.
Under Havel’s watchful gaze, I awkwardly chuckled and said,
“Haha, that’s, haha… a joke, it was a joke.”
Calling myself beautiful in front of a man said to have god-given looks, what a ridiculous thing.
But Havel looked at me, still awkwardly laughing, and spoke with a serious expression.
“Why is it a joke? It’s not wrong. Nox must be enchanted by your beauty. Just like I am.”
Why are you taking a joke seriously?
“No, Havel, it’s not me, it’s the potion…”
“It will be cold when riding, so wrap this around you.”
Havel cut me off just as I was about to correct him, unwrapping the muffler from his own neck and approaching me.
He came so close that I could feel his breath. With careful hands, he wrapped the muffler around my neck.
He looked handsome from afar, but up close, my heart fluttered even more. I slightly lowered my gaze, staring only at his coat collar.
I heard the rustle of fabric, and the warm muffler, still carrying his warmth, was around my neck.
A cool scent. A refreshing, non-overpowering fragrance lingered at my nose.
“Thank you.”
“Then, shall we depart? Serira, if you’ll excuse me for a moment.”
“Yes? What…”
Before I could finish my question, he placed a hand on my waist and lifted me in one smooth motion. I stared blankly at him after he effortlessly set me on the horse. He looked up at me and moved his plump lips.
“Serira, one leg should go to the other side.”
“Oh, ah! Yes.”
His words brought me back to my senses. I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment and quickly moved one leg to the other side.
Once I was settled, Havel mounted the horse. With smooth, practiced movements, he climbed onto the horse and positioned himself behind me.
As Havel leaned forward to grab the reins, I felt his large frame envelop me, like a wide cloak.
This wasn’t even my first time sharing a horse, so why did it feel so awkward?
When situations arose in the field that required horseback riding, I sometimes shared a horse with other mages or knights. Of course, I should be used to this, but for some reason, Havel’s presence behind me felt particularly noticeable today.
“Are you uncomfortable?”
As I was unknowingly tense, his deep voice whispered in my ear.
“…No. I’m fine.”
“Then, let’s depart.”
Havel’s hand tugged the reins. Nox snorted once and then galloped into the forest.
* * *
Emerging from a tunnel-like path lined with tall trees, a picturesque landscape greeted me.
“Wow… it’s so beautiful…”
Sunlight sparkled off a small pond, and even in winter, a large tree bore tiny flowers like snowflakes on its branches. White petals floated gently on the pond, like drifting snow.
“It’s even more spectacular when it snows.”
Havel whispered softly, stopping Nox, and dismounted first. He then extended both hands to me.
As I leaned forward, he held my waist and carefully lowered me to the ground.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. This way. I’ve prepared some light refreshments.”
Next to a large, ancient tree with long, trailing branches, a small table was set for two people to enjoy tea. A picnic basket rested on the table.
So this is what the servant brought earlier.
“I thought you might like meat, so I had this prepared. I hope it suits your taste.”
He knew I liked meat? Did he see me eating only meat every day during my deployment…?
Feeling a little embarrassed, I sat down. Unaware of my flustered thoughts, Havel, with his usual stoic expression, opened the picnic basket and began taking out the food.
“Wow, it’s truly a meat paradise!”
Meat stew, lasagna layered with meat, beef sandwiches. Looking at the table, where not a single vegetable could be found, I chuckled awkwardly.
It seemed he thought I was beyond just liking meat. He probably thought I was obsessed with it.
“I had the imperial palace chef prepare it, so the taste won’t be bad.”
“Yes, I’ll eat well.”
I reached for a tempting sandwich, but Havel’s hand snatched it first.
I’m hungry right now, what is he…?!
Just as I was about to look displeased at having my food taken, Havel neatly unwrapped the sandwich and placed it on a round plate in front of me.
“This way, it’ll be easier to eat.”
Ah… so he was being considerate.
Seeing the sandwich neatly placed on my plate, I felt ashamed of myself for briefly cursing him, blinded by the sandwich.
I’m used to eating alone, so I wasn’t accustomed to someone touching my food. Yes, I’m not crazy about food… sniff.
I took a bite of the sandwich, repeating those thoughts to myself.
“Wow, it’s really delicious!”
The moment the taste of the sandwich spread in my mouth, my momentarily disheartened feelings completely vanished. The chewy bread, crunchy vegetables, and meat coated in sweet sauce blended in my mouth, creating a fantastic combination.
No lie, it was one of the best beef sandwiches I’d ever eaten.
It’s fantastic, I want to eat it every day. Since it was made by the imperial palace chef, it must be exceptionally good.
With no breakfast, and delicious food in my mouth, my appetite exploded uncontrollably.
I devoured the sandwich in seconds, completely forgetting Havel was in front of me.
After finishing the sandwich and placing the wrapper outside the plate, I finally remembered where I was, who I was sitting with, and who had unwrapped half of the sandwich for me.
Oh, no.
When I looked up, Havel was staring at me, still holding an untouched sandwich.
“…I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Was he really glad? His eyes seemed to waver just now. Was I imagining it…?
