WDBHV 19

Chapter 19

“Lord Rosoterban, leaving so soon?”

“You’re the star of the banquet!”

“Please tell us how you managed to slay the monster!”

Countless voices called out to Easton as he left the banquet hall.

Easton ignored them all, but those already drunk on wine couldn’t possibly read his mood.

“How can the star of the show leave now?”

One young man approached, giggling.

Finally, Easton answered with an exasperated look.

“I’m not the star.”

Today’s banquet was to celebrate both Rosent’s safe return and Easton’s victory in slaying the monster.

So technically, they weren’t wrong…

But the monster wasn’t even one he had truly killed himself.

It was an uncomfortable place for Easton to be.

Dragging his exhausted body, he hurried toward his tent.

Rustle.

Pulling aside the rough fabric, he dropped into a chair carelessly.

His stiff back screamed in pain, but he ignored it and picked up the documents on his desk.

But in this tired state, there was no way the letters would enter his eyes.

“……”

Easton let out a sigh, letting his thoughts drift.

[“Deputy Captain, please wait here and rest.”]

At that, a soft blend of pale pink and a faint violet washed over him.

As if bewitched, Easton pictured Rosent’s retreating figure.

Her hair fluttering like spring, she had become a small dot as she disappeared into the thicket.

Now, left alone, a sudden emptiness pressed down on him.

Easton let the documents slip from his hands.

[“Then, when I come back, I’ll tell you. It’s a promise.”]

As if waiting for this moment, her whisper echoed in his ear.

Easton found himself answering that voice, as if possessed.

“…You promised.”

A sorrowful voice longing for someone.

In the end, he clenched his teeth and turned his head.

It wasn’t time yet. The moment he had been waiting for would come again.

Easton exhaled softly, trying to soothe his aching heart.

“Rosent.”

I want to see you as you were that day.

But the ache of loneliness was something he couldn’t quite hide.

It was a clear day, warm with gentle sunlight.

A cool breeze under the shade.

Today was a truly perfect day.

What should one do on a day like this?

A picnic? Horseback riding?

Or reading under a tree?

‘No.’

Of course, the answer wasn’t in the choices.

On a day like this, it was obvious…

“Young Lady, I delivered all the invitations as you instructed.”

“Well done, Annie.”

Restarting the tea party we couldn’t hold yesterday!

I clapped my hands with joy at Annie’s proud look.

To be honest, after yesterday’s events, my mind was still a mess…

But time kept moving!

And there was a mountain of things to do!

At this point, I just had to keep going!

If I couldn’t take advantage of the hunting festival, I’d aim for the next day, no matter what.

I would make lemon syrup the talk of high society.

And I would let everyone know how much I adore Noah.

I’d tuck away the chaos of yesterday into a corner of my mind, just for today.

I busily began planning the tea party.

“The desserts should be simple but have a clear highlight.”

The main feature would be the lemon syrup, so it would be troublesome if something else stole the spotlight.

The fresh scent and taste of the lemon syrup would whet their appetites, so…

“How about pound cake?”

“Hmm. That’s too plain, so prepare a few macarons and a bit of mousse as well.”

“I’ll prepare them as you say. Where should I set up the tea party?”

I thought for a moment at Annie’s question.

Since the weather was nice, it would be best to use it to our advantage.

“Let’s use the rose garden at the duke’s estate.”

The visual appeal of the flowers would enhance the freshness of the lemon syrup.

I’d just need to make sure the scent of the flowers didn’t overpower the lemon.

I fanned myself lightly as I continued.

“Let’s set the seating in the shade. It’s too hot.”

“Of course, I’ll prepare it that way.”

With a kind smile, Annie left the room.

Now, I needed to use the remaining time to change my clothes.

Now then, what should I wear on a day like this?

This all started because I wanted to override the reckless things I’d said to Noah before…

Clap.

I clapped my hands as the perfect answer came to mind.

When you’re sick, you go to the doctor; when you need medicine, you go to the pharmacist.

In times like this, the best thing to do was ask the person themselves.

“Bring Noah here.”

A tea party filled with everything Noah liked, wearing the dress Noah chose for me.

Would I look like a sister obsessed with her little brother?

Probably, but that was exactly the image I wanted.

I loosened my pinned-up hair and shook my head. Soft, pale pink hair with a faint violet sheen tumbled down.

How much time passed?

“You called, Sister!”

Noah came in, smiling brightly as he trotted over.

His steps were so light it felt like dandelion seeds were floating around him.

“Welcome, Noah.”

I greeted him openly, approaching him.

“Today, Noah, I need your help.”

“Hmm?”

Noah tilted his head in confusion.

Ah. So cute.

His cuteness was enough to soothe the turmoil in my heart.

Just as my frozen heart was beginning to melt,

Knock, knock.

With a knock, several maids entered the room.

Red, yellow, white—

The room quickly filled with vibrant colors.

“……”

Noah’s expression stiffened as he stared at the dresses.

Ah, right.

In the original story, Locus… no, Noah didn’t like these dress-up sessions.

Which event was it again?

Was it when Honey was preparing for her debutante ball and asked Locus for a hairpin recommendation?

“Locus, hurry up and choose. Anything you pick will be perfect for me.”

And after that cute line from Honey, what was it again?

Right…

“My head feels dizzy.”

Ah.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory.

Yes, that’s what he said.

“Hehe.”

My sudden laughter should have seemed odd, but…

Thankfully, Noah was too busy being appalled to notice.

“Now, Noah.”

I placed my hands on his shoulders.

“Pick one for me.”

“……”

“I’m going to wear the dress you choose to today’s tea party.”

Today’s tea party was incredibly important.

I had carefully selected the guests who were likely to give a good reaction.

The key was promotion.

I needed people who were active in society, especially those who were good at spreading rumors.

But since Rosent hadn’t officially debuted in society yet, my options were limited.

Even the ones who accepted my invitation were carefully gathered, using every connection I could find.

So I couldn’t afford to fail.

They absolutely needed to praise the lemon syrup today and spread the word to other nobles for me!

“I’m counting on you.”

I patted Noah’s shoulders twice, sincerely.

Noah hesitantly stepped toward the dresses.

And then—

“Master, please pick me! This is the same color as the lemons you love so much! Isn’t it cute?”

“How about this vibrant pink? It will surely look beautiful on the young lady.”

“Oh no, nothing beats pure white for our young lady!”

The maids’ fervent recommendations closed in around Noah.

One even fluttered a yellow dress like a butterfly.

“Ugh…”

Noah’s eyes started to glaze over as he stiffened further.

It was a pitiful sight, but…

If he was going to enter society, this was nothing.

Far more overwhelming things would happen, so he couldn’t get intimidated by this.

Besides, this would help him develop a sense of style.

Though honestly, I didn’t believe Noah would be able to make a choice.

After all… during Honey’s hairpin event, he ended up running away.

If he could even pick out a single earring, it would be a miracle.

I watched him with a small smile.

And then—

“This one.”

Noah held out a finger and declared confidently.

“This looks like it would suit you, Sister!”

At the tip of his finger was…

“Hoho! Of course, our young lady looks best in sky blue!”

Annie’s nose was practically pointed to the sky as she held out the dress.

It was just below knee-length, with frills trimming the sleeve ends.

White stripes were delicately added to avoid plainness.

It was a dress perfect for a picnic, exuding a lovely atmosphere.

“Oh?”

I tilted my head in surprise at this unexpected choice.

But Noah didn’t stop there.

“This one too, and this!”

Noah’s eyes sparkled as he picked up items from another maid’s hands.

Two blue ribbons.

Each knot was adorned with a small pearl, adding a charming detail.

Hairpins?

“They’d look cute pinned on both sides.”

Helen smiled brightly, praising Noah’s choice.

In the original novel, he acted like he had no sense, but he chose well this time.

Not bad!

And to think I received an event even Honey didn’t get.

“Pin the ribbons in my hair, Noah.”

My voice brightened with my mood.

It might have seemed childish, but Noah obediently reached out his hands.

“Come here.”

At his request, I bent down.

His small hands fumbled gently above my head.

Click.

With the sound of the pins clicking into place, perfection was achieved.

Noah looked at me with a wide, beaming smile.

“Pretty.”

It was a sight like the freshness of summer blooming in Noah’s smile.

After the brief chaos, Noah slumped down onto the sofa.

Rosent left the room, excited, and the maids followed her out.

The room was now left entirely to Noah.

“So tiring…”

It felt like he had seen every possible color that could exist in a lifetime.

Even when picking out Honey’s hairpin, it hadn’t been this overwhelming.

Just for a tea party, the dresses had been that extravagant.

As expected of the wealthiest family in the Manong Empire.

Still, he was glad he could choose something that suited Rosent… that was enough for him.

Noah stretched, squeezing his eyes shut.

And in that moment—