🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 31
Killian asked,
“Yuse, since when did your clothes change?”
His expression had stiffened, much like earlier, and that was a warning sign.
This was not a question that could be answered with a lie.
“Whatever you wear suits you, but I distinctly remember that this isn’t how you usually dress.”
“Ah…”
Killian’s sharp eye truly deserved recognition. It was that precise and intense.
“I just wanted to walk around the city as an ordinary person, not as a noble. So I thought I’d at least change my clothes.”
Yuse confessed honestly.
At that moment, she was being genuine. If she dressed as a prospective duchess, naturally every action would be watched, and all eyes would inevitably follow her.
So dressing simply and comfortably, without the need for formality, felt much better.
“I understand. But please know that there’s also a proper way to wear a robe next time. Or I can get you plenty of other outfits as well.”
“Oh, no. That’s not necessary, Killian.”
“Did Floheta happen to tell you about this? The material of the clothes seems like Madame Ridley’s.”
Once again, Yuse was beyond surprised—she was amazed. Could he really tell who owned a piece of clothing just from seeing it once?
“Uh…”
Yuse hesitated to answer. But since he already knew the source of the clothes, lying would only make things worse. This time, she had to be honest.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Tch, Floheta… that guy, seriously.”
The voice was tiny, but firm. Killian was scolding Floheta.
“So the clothes must be from Madame Ridley’s shop, then.”
“That’s about right.”
“I’ll go find them for you. So for now, even if you wear something else—”
“No, Killian. I like this outfit just fine.”
Yuse hurriedly stopped Killian, but he was steadfast once he made a decision.
“No, Yuse. Sometimes you need to consider who’s around when you dress.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
Killian’s cold tone left no room for other thoughts. She could only try to understand the reason behind his words.
“I am the duke of this country. My face is known to everyone. When you marry me in the future, today’s witnesses will be talked about over and over. So I want you by my side without a single flaw.”
Killian’s words were hard to comprehend. But one thing was clear: if Yuse didn’t change her clothes, Killian would be in trouble.
“Prejudices are a dangerous thing.”
When Yuse didn’t answer easily, Killian added,
Until now—well, even today—Yuse and Killian had clashed many times.
Yuse no longer wanted to fight with Killian over such matters, so this time she decided to obey him quietly.
If it made Killian happy, she was willing to follow.
Still, recently, she couldn’t help but feel some doubts about him.
It was no longer as simple as making her smile.
Eventually, Yuse wore the bright yellow dress with white lace that Killian had chosen, and only then did her schedule for selecting a gift for her father truly begin.
“I recommend this one.”
Killian stopped at a shop after wandering around here and there.
“What is this?”
As Yuse walked a little behind, following Killian’s shadow, she accidentally bumped her head against his back.
“Ouch… Huh, Killian, I’m sorry!”
It was only a few seconds later that he realized what had happened. Yuse quickly apologized and averted her gaze, but there was nothing where he was pointing.
“Killian?”
She asked, and Killian, with a soft voice, straightened her messy hair and said,
“You seemed so uninterested that I decided to play a little prank.”
“Eh? A prank?”
The word didn’t suit Killian at all, so Yuse was naturally surprised.
“Yes. You didn’t seem very happy.”
“Oh, no!”
Feeling as if her thoughts had been read, Yuse hurriedly denied it.
Though it didn’t seem to help.
“Yuse.”
Killian bent his knees slightly to meet her eye level.
“Yuse, whatever you wear suits you, but because of your fair skin, bright-colored dresses suit you. But the clothes you wore earlier were brown. I wanted you to look a little prettier.”
“…Really?”
Yuse asked, shaken by his sweet words.
“Of course. Yuse, have you ever seen me lie about anything concerning you? I am always sincere. Please understand, Yuse.”
His slightly whining tone, and that handsome face, were more than enough to shake Yuse’s heart.
“Next time, let’s go out in the city matching our outfits.”
Killian held out his pinky finger to hers.
“That time, I’ll clear my schedule and spend time just for you. I promise you that here and now.”
“All right, Killian.”
Feeling inexplicably happy, Yuse raised her hand to match his, ready to make the promise.
But in an instant, Killian grabbed her wrist, pulled her close, and planted a small kiss on her cheek.
“This is a more definite token of our promise.”
Yuse barely kept her composure, stabilizing her racing thoughts and catching her breath.
When she was with Killian, the first thing she had to realize was to remain in her right mind.
The next day, the journey to the Duchy of Verchia began early in the morning.
Though there weren’t many notable souvenirs in the city, after picking through shop after shop with Killian, they finally found a gift that could be considered unique.
“The journey is long, so it’s easier to just sleep in the carriage.”
Yuse said, giving advice while looking at Killian sitting opposite her.
Floheta had left earlier, so the carriage held only the two of them. Which, for Yuse, was even better.
“This is fine, Yuse.”
Killian replied.
“Really? Then, shall we have a contest to see who lasts the longest?”
Yuse, playful, was already triggered with competitive spirit.
“If you win, what do you want?” Killian asked.
Yuse paused for a moment, then replied,
“Grant me a wish. How about that?”
“Classic.”
“So, don’t you mind, Killian?”
Yuse’s teasing provocation made Killian chuckle, and he nodded, signaling the start of the contest.
.
.
.
But the outcome of this contest was obvious from the start.
“Ouch.”
Once again, Yuse, half-asleep, nearly hit the carriage wall. Killian caught her hand and moved closer to her side.
It felt strangely familiar.
“A wish, huh.”
Killian murmured softly to himself.
He thought he didn’t really have any wish right now. Even if he did, he wasn’t sure Yuse could fulfill it.
He lacked nothing. And there was nothing he particularly wanted from her.
Yet, he didn’t need to overthink it.
Killian had a question for Yuse that had not yet been answered.
If he could get an answer to it, perhaps he could finally understand the nature of the feelings he held for her.
“Yuse.”
Even though he knew sleep would prevent a reply, Killian stubbornly called her name.
“Why weren’t you by my side when I needed you the most?”
“……”
Yuse had always been a significant part of Killian’s life, occupying a whole piece of it.
But there had been one moment when her presence had vanished from his life.
And, unfortunately, it was precisely the time when Killian was at his weakest, most broken, and needed Yuse the most.
