Chapter 28
“A s-secret rendezvous?”
“You wanted to go, didn’t you? I could see it in your eyes.”
“Honestly! Please don’t read me so easily!”
Amelia pressed her palms to her cheeks, flustered but not truly upset. She looked at him with a slightly embarrassed, almost playful expression.
“Just as clearly as I see your face, I can see what’s on your mind.”
“I don’t think I’m that transparent…”
“That makes it even better. Because I’m the only one you show it to.”
At his words, a wave of embarrassment rose in her chest. Amelia let out a soft cough and quickly changed the subject.
“If that’s the only reason, then it’s okay. I don’t want to interfere with Your Grace’s work. I can visit the night market another time. If not, I could even go with Mami.”
But Eclite gently reached for her hand, his voice firm yet tender.
“I don’t want to miss your first time.”
“…What?”
“Once I confirm the deal, Kamari will take care of the rest.”
Truthfully, Eclite had to handle the smuggling case discreetly. The North and South were not on the best terms. If it became known that an incident in the South was caused by illegal liquor originating from the North, it could spark unnecessary trouble. And now that he was Amelia’s husband, he couldn’t afford to create scandal or draw attention.
That’s why the remaining work would be left to Kamari, who could move in secret. If needed, she could also rely on Sir Isana.
“I’ve already told Tier. He’ll come escort you back when the market is wrapping up.”
“…You really went that far?”
“It’s my desire. Not yours.”
He looked into her eyes with a gaze that ran a little deeper than usual.
“I just… wanted to go out with you. Even just once.”
There was a tremble in his voice—sincerity layered beneath it. Even something this small, he wanted to share with her first. Not Edzov—him.
“Of course… if you’re still uncomfortable…”
His voice suddenly faded, uncertain. But then he steadied himself again.
“…Even so, I’d really like it if you came with me.”
Amelia couldn’t hold back a smile. He genuinely wanted to go with her. And that feeling—wasn’t unpleasant at all.
“If it’s just for a little while. Honestly, I’ve really been wanting to go. It’s my first time too, so I’m a little excited, a little nervous. Thank you… Your Grace.”
At her answer, Eclite’s face lit up. He held the clothes he’d brought for her more tightly, as though he couldn’t wait.
“But you’ll have to change.”
“…These are men’s clothes?”
Amelia examined the outfit in her hands. It looked just like what he was wearing, only smaller in size.
“If your face is recognized, it could cause problems.”
“Even as the new head of the house, I don’t think that many people would recognize me…”
“Still, I’d prefer if you wore a disguise. I just… don’t want anyone else looking at you.”
There was a strange seriousness in his voice. It caught her off guard, but she nodded without questioning it.
Right… we’re not going out for fun. If someone recognizes us, it could create trouble.
Amelia moved into the dressing room and began changing. When she wore a dress, she always needed Mami’s help—but the clothes Eclite brought were light and easy to move in. She finished by tying her long hair up neatly and pressing a beret low over her head.
“Hm… Do I look too strange?”
She glanced at her reflection, unfamiliar in this new look. It was the first time she’d ever worn men’s clothing.
“No, I can’t look awkward. He invited me because he wanted to. I can’t be a burden.”
Just in case, she tucked a silver pistol inside her coat.
When Amelia stepped out, Eclite looked at her—and stared.
His eyes fixed on her so intently that she grew self-conscious. She rubbed the back of her neck, her voice a little sheepish.
“Do I… look weird?”
Eclite’s face darkened slightly. He let out a short sigh.
The sight of it made Amelia’s heart drop.
Wh-What is it? Do I look… that strange?
Eclite stepped closer and carefully adjusted Amelia’s robe, making sure it was securely fastened. His gentle touch made her purse her lips slightly in mock frustration.
“Am I really that strange-looking? So much that you can’t even bear to look at me?”
“…You are strange.”
“Wow. Most people would at least lie and say I look nice. Your Grace, you’re far too honest.”
“You’re strange… because even with all this covered up, you’re still beautiful.”
“…What?”
“That’s what makes it difficult.”
Eclite muttered with a troubled look. His serious tone made Amelia’s face burn red.
“Y-You’re joking, right?!”
“I’m not.”
“Then… you’re just saying that to be nice?”
“No.”
He gently cupped her face in his hands, meeting her eyes, and whispered low and sincere—
“Everything I said… is true.”
His gaze settled wholly on her, so soft and unwavering, it sent a quiet shiver through Amelia.
“Th-Thank you. For saying that…”
She lowered her head in flustered gratitude, stepping back instinctively—but Eclite hesitated for a moment, then reached into his coat and pulled something out.
“And… this too.”
Her eyes widened as she looked at what he held.
“A necklace?”
What he handed her was no ordinary trinket—it shimmered like frozen crystal, as if a piece of ice had been carved into a pendant.
“Wow… it’s beautiful! What is this? What kind of gem is it?”
“It’s not a gem. It’s ice from the North. It’ll never melt.”
Of course. It held his power. As long as his strength remained, this ice would remain forever—unmelting, eternal.
“Really? That’s incredible!”
Amelia couldn’t take her eyes off it. To her, it was more beautiful than any jewel.
“But… why all of a sudden?”
She turned to him with curious eyes, and Eclite, voice slightly warmer than usual, answered under his breath.
“It’s a wedding gift.”
“A w-wedding gift?”
“I did marry you, after all. Presentation matters too.”
The air felt warmer somehow, and his words came more and more quietly. Amelia swallowed hard, feeling that warmth pass to her. For a moment, she even wondered if this eternal ice might start melting.
“Thank you. I’ll treasure it. Then I should wear it now, right? So it’s seen properly?”
“I’ll help you put it on.”
Eclite stepped behind her and gently fastened the necklace around her neck. It was a simple task, but oddly nerve-wracking. His fingers fumbled with the clasp once, twice… before finally securing it. Amelia looked down at the necklace and smiled brightly.
“It’s so pretty. Thank you. But now I feel bad—I didn’t prepare anything for you…”
Eclite shook his head, unable to take his eyes off her.
“You’ve already given me everything.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“More than enough.”
Everything about her was new to him. A smile that could become his entire world, a heart that beat so fast it scared him—but made him feel alive. A desire was beginning to grow… to keep that smile forever. To cherish it. Always.
“Shall we go, then?”
Eclite took Amelia and slipped quietly out of the Ducal estate. He had brought a horse for them, and as Amelia saw it, her eyes lit up. She had ridden in carriages plenty of times, but never actually ridden a horse herself. While noble young ladies were generally taught equestrian skills, Amelia hadn’t lived a typical noble life.
Eclite, seeing how fascinated she looked, spoke gently.
“I couldn’t prepare a carriage. I’m sorry.”
“No, no—it’s fine. I wouldn’t expect a carriage in a situation like this. Besides… I actually like the horse better. I’ve always wanted to try it. So… do I just get up like this?”
She eagerly grabbed the saddle and tried to climb up, full of determination.
“Ugh! Is this how it’s done? What if I hurt the horse?!”
Watching her struggle and groan, Eclite let out a quiet laugh. Then, in one swift motion, he lifted her into the air.
“Ah!”
Amelia was startled as her feet left the ground, but quickly settled into the saddle, giving him an awkward little smile.
“Haha… th-thank you.”
Eclite climbed up right behind Amelia. She tensed slightly at the warmth that radiated from his body, but the fear that had flickered inside her was quickly replaced by a sense of safety and quiet joy. It was comforting, knowing he was right there behind her, protecting her.
Then, gently, Eclite reached forward and wrapped his hands over hers, guiding them onto the reins.
“Hold on tightly.”
“So I don’t fall?”
“You won’t. And even if you do—I’ll fall with you.”
“…Then I’ll just hold on very tightly.”
Amelia couldn’t brush off his words so lightly. When he said things like that, it felt like he really meant it—he would fall with her, and he would get hurt, more than she ever could. She clutched the reins a bit tighter, and Eclite gave her a quiet smile.
“Let’s go, then.”
“Yes!”
Eclite nudged the horse’s side gently, and it began to move. Amelia flinched for a moment at the unfamiliar sensation, but soon lifted her head, letting herself enjoy the feeling for the very first time.
“Wow…”
It was nothing like riding in a carriage. The elevated view made it feel like they were flying through the air. The breeze brushing against her cheeks was exhilarating. Clutching the reins more firmly, she called out with excitement.
“Your Grace, can we go a little faster?”
Amused by her enthusiasm, Eclite couldn’t help but smile. He loosened the reins slightly, letting the horse pick up speed. As they rode faster, Amelia could no longer take in each detail of the scenery—but it didn’t matter. It felt like the entire night, with its glowing moon and endless stars, was rushing toward her. The sensation was thrilling.
This is amazing!
Amelia had never ridden this fast before. Born with a weak heart, she had always lived cautiously, never experiencing this kind of freedom. It felt like she was seeing the world for the first time—like a baby opening their eyes to the beauty around them. And in that moment, everything was beautiful.
“Are you cold?” Eclite asked softly, concerned.
“No! This is incredible!”
Cold? Not at all. If anything, her body felt warmer with every moment. His hand over hers. His presence behind her. His occasional words at her ear. Everything kept her heart burning with warmth.
In the distance, the glow of the night market began to appear. Amelia, caught between excitement and a growing sense of longing, whispered softly,
“I want to learn how to ride properly someday… Would that be okay, teacher?”
Eclite let out a quiet laugh at her sweet request.
“Anything. Gladly.”
The full moon hung bright in the sky, illuminating a world that had forgotten to sleep. Despite the late hour, the streets buzzed with life. Amelia had never seen so many people in one place. Sure, the conferment ceremony and entrance exam had drawn crowds, but this… this was different. Back then, nerves had clouded her senses. Now, she could take it all in.
“Look at that! How strange… Oh, that looks delicious!”
Amelia was completely captivated by her first experience at the market. Eclite stayed close behind her, his gaze scanning the crowd carefully.
“There are a lot of people. Watch your step, my lady.”
Noticing how closely and tensely he followed, Amelia reached back and took his hand, pulling him to walk beside her. Surprised, Eclite blinked in confusion.
“If Your Grace keeps trailing behind me like that, it looks suspicious. You need to act naturally. Aren’t we supposed to be… friends tonight?”
