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Chapter 48
“Because I know how painful it is when the woman you love is in danger.”
“….”
With that, Tiago brushed his hands off as if to end the conversation.
“Lie down and relax. I’ll remove the curse completely. When you wake up, everything will be back to normal.”
Frederic lay down on the bed, looking dazed.
Could Charlier really have sunk so low? If she had… what would he do? A thousand thoughts crowded his mind.
I thought I knew her… I thought Charlier would always have a place in my heart… No. There’s no way. How can I believe this man’s words?
But somewhere deep down, a small part of him wondered if Tiago might be right.
“Then, I’ll begin. Just relax.”
Tiago began chanting softly.
His low voice seemed to come from far away, and soon all of Frederic’s thoughts faded. He drifted into a deep sleep.
I changed into comfortable clothes—pants, the only pair I owned. I never used to have any pants at all, but I’d once specially ordered a pair from the tailor.
The head designer’s face was priceless when I asked for them.
She probably had never made women’s trousers before.
Still, I’m glad I had them made. I wear them for morning training all the time.
I pulled on the pants, warm shoes, and stepped out of my room.
Tiago’s leaving soon…
As soon as he finished helping Frederic, he’d started preparing to leave. He said he’d only meant to drop by for a short visit, but had spent too much time here treating Frederic.
He has to go to the imperial palace, right? Said he needs to be there by tonight.
I went downstairs to the first-floor lobby to say goodbye.
Tiago was wearing a navy coat—long enough to cover his hips. It wasn’t casual; it gave off the neat, crisp air of a naval uniform.
In fact, all his clothes had that uniform-like style—sharp-creased trousers, polished shoes, a white shirt, and that navy coat. If he’d worn a hat, he could’ve passed for a navy officer.
Huh. I didn’t have time to notice earlier, but he really does look like a sailor.
His arms, though, were slightly spread from his sides—the jacket looked tight across his biceps.
That’s funny. His arms don’t hang straight because of the muscle.
When he caught my gaze, he smiled.
“I have to meet the Crown Prince at the palace, so I dressed up a little.”
Does this man read my mind or something?
I just nodded and walked toward him. Tiago opened the front door and gestured for me to go first.
“After you, Delphine.”
“Oh, thank you.”
The sun was already high in the sky. The weather had been milder lately, so it wasn’t too cold once the sun was up. Still, a chill wind made me pull my coat tighter.
“Cold?”
He started taking off his coat before I could answer. Even though I said no, he was already draping it over my shoulders.
“It’s huge.”
He smiled at the sight of me in it.
It really was big—three of me could’ve fit inside. It was heavy too, so I had to hold it with both hands.
Still… it’s warm.
I smiled to myself and walked ahead. I didn’t like showing him how I felt.
Is this just stubborn pride?
Then Tiago whistled sharply.
A horse came running from a distance.
“W–wow!”
Even I, who knew nothing about horses, could tell it was impressive—its dark brown coat shone, and its muscles were strong and defined.
Its coat is the exact color of Tiago’s eyes… actually, they even look alike in a way.
“Janet!”
At his call, the horse stopped in front of him.
“Have you been resting well?”
He petted Janet’s neck, his voice gentle and soothing.
“This is Janet—my traveling companion. Do you know how to ride?”
I shook my head.
“Want to try?”
“…Yes!”
I’d always wanted to. As a kid, I’d envied the girls who rode horses—it just looked so cool, like something out of a historical drama.
“Then let’s do it now.”
“Now?”
He rolled his sleeves to his forearms, revealing well-developed muscles.
I shook my head.
“Tiago, you’re in a hurry.”
“I’m never too busy for you, Delphine.”
He looked me up and down, then held out his hand.
“May I take my coat back? You’ll get warm while riding, and something that bulky could be dangerous.”
“Ah…”
I’m not ready for this!
Still, I took off the coat and handed it over. Somehow, I felt that nothing dangerous would happen with him there.
“Here.”
He slung the coat over one arm.
“Janet’s gentle. I’ll guide her.”
He turned to the horse.
“Janet, this young lady will be riding you now. Is that okay?”
Janet blinked once, almost like an answer.
“All right.”
Then he knelt on one knee in the grass.
“Huh?”
“Step on my knee to get up.”
I glanced at his clothes—clearly expensive, custom-made from fine material. Yet here he was, kneeling on the grass.
When I hesitated, he smiled and held out his hand.
“It’s fine. Clothes can be washed.”
Seriously, can he hear my thoughts?
Reluctantly, I took off one shoe. He reached for it immediately.
“No need for that…”
“It’s fine. Up you go.”
“Then excuse me.”
His thigh under my foot was firm and steady—completely unmoving.
Like a high-end memory foam mattress…
I was impressed by his stability as I climbed up onto Janet. Once I was seated, he put my shoe back on.
Then he stood, took the reins, and said,
“Let’s take a slow lap. Go, Janet.”
With a light tug, Janet began walking.
—Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
The sound of hooves on the grass was pleasant.
“Don’t be too tense. Just move with her rhythm. Keep your back straight, shoulders open.”
I straightened my shoulders, but couldn’t quite relax.
Still scary…
Then Tiago took my hands on the reins.
“You scare more easily than I thought. It’s fine, Delphine.”
His hands were large, rough, and warm—nearly twice the size of mine—but careful not to grip too hard.
“You’re doing well.”
When our hands touched, strangely, my body relaxed. My head felt light, my movements more natural.
“You’re good at this for a first timer.”
He led Janet toward the fields.
It was early spring—the flowers were budding, the grass fresh and green. From horseback, the fields looked even more beautiful.
Janet seemed happy, keeping an easy rhythm.
“She likes you.”
Tiago looked up at me with a bright smile—clear and refreshing.
How can someone so rugged look so fresh-faced?
Embarrassed, I turned my head.
“I like you too, Delphine,” he said.
“….”
My face burned. I turned away slightly and muttered,
“Flirt.”
“Pardon?”
He feigned surprise, looking at me playfully.
Hiding my pounding heart, I said evenly,
“A flirt. How many times have you said that to women?”
He scratched his chin.
“Hmm… not the first time, but the only one I’ll remember is saying it to you.”
“See? That’s exactly why you’re a flirt.”
He laughed.
His bright, clear laugh carried over the green fields under the blue spring sky. In his white shirt and navy coat draped over one arm, he looked dazzling.
For a moment, my heart dropped like a stone.
My grip on the reins tightened, and Janet stopped. Tiago smiled knowingly.
“I startled you.”
“I think I’ll get down now—you’re in a hurry, and Janet has a long trip ahead.”
“Then shall we walk together?”
“But…”
There was one problem.
“How do I get down?”
Horses were taller than I’d expected.
Tiago stood beside Janet with his arms open.
“Swing your other leg over and slide down like a slide. I’ll catch you.”
“….”
Doing that meant I’d basically end up in his arms. But there was no other way.
Carefully, I swung my leg over and slid down.
“…!”
He caught me—one hand on my thighs, the other on my back. My arms went instinctively around his neck.
His body was solid—firm everywhere, with a certain spring-like strength.
That scent…
An exotic, tropical floral fragrance—intense yet soft, intoxicating. With my face against his neck, I breathed it in deeply.
