FMLDM 20

Chapter 20

“…No.”

What? You went on and on about coming along even though you’ve never even held a sword before? Then what’s the difference between you and me?

“Shouldn’t we bring Duke Schpen along, even now?”

The moment Duke Schpen’s name came up, Macaron’s expression noticeably stiffened.

“My judgment is far better than Duke Schpen’s.”

Why does he dislike Duke Schpen so much? Is it some kind of inferiority complex? Come to think of it, Duke Schpen had always spoken in a mild tone but subtly dissed Macaron.

“Duke Schpen didn’t say that…”

I murmured quietly, but Macaron’s sharp ears caught it immediately.

“Did he say that?”

Wow, what a surprise.

“…Haha, no.”

He waved his hands to dismiss it, but what was said couldn’t be taken back. Then, just as if we had reached our destination, the coach stopped with the coachman’s voice.

Macaron’s face had turned bright red as he extended his arm.

“Let’s get off.”

Escorted by Macaron, I stepped out and was met with a street I’d never seen before. Although we were in the Craide territory, I had spent most of my time in the mansion, so this was my first time seeing such a crowded throng. True to the Romantic Empire, the people wore flamboyant and unique outfits matched with makeup that suited each personality, striding about confidently.

Feeling awkward, I kept a small distance from Macaron, but the women on the street kept glancing at him before quickly turning away. Today, I was certain more than ever that Macaron was handsome. If he just showed himself like this, the line of women wanting to marry him would stretch endlessly…

Why doesn’t he show himself off?

It seemed Macaron subtly enjoyed the attention directed at him. From the looks of it, he liked being noticed. I thought he had grown disillusioned with political struggles and had given up on everything…

If he’s trying this hard to hide himself and give up the crown prince position, maybe there’s some big trauma I don’t know about.

Anyway, once the crown prince selection is over, Macaron would be able to live peacefully—meeting a woman who loves him. The thought passed through my mind briefly but didn’t weigh heavily. There was still plenty of time, and I already knew everything.

Macaron tightly grabbed my arm as if to not lose me in the bustling crowd. I could feel the firm muscle beneath his arm. Slightly startled, I froze, and Macaron whispered softly.

“The curse has been lifted, so don’t worry.”

Curse? Looking at the arm he touched, I recalled when I first met Macaron. He said he was cursed and wouldn’t shake hands. This time, no thanks from me.

But as if reading my thoughts, Macaron whispered again near my ear.

“If you let go, I’ll be hurt.”

Was he gaining confidence because of the crowd? Macaron didn’t seem like himself today. Despite the teasing tone, his heart pounded quickly against my arm.

Does coming into town make him this happy?

Ah, Macaron was clearly enjoying the gazes coming his way because of his severe crown prince syndrome. Still, maybe because he was holding my arm, the attention from others was noticeably less.

“Here, people link arms to show they’re partners.”

I listened closely to this new fact.

“Until just now, there were many scoundrels casting glances at Lady Calypso.”

Macaron’s choice of the word “scoundrels” made me smirk, and a playful impulse rose inside me.

“I like that kind of thing, you know?”

“What kind of thing? What are you talking about?”

His gaze was unusually stern, but I ignored it. That couldn’t be right—must be my imagination.

“In a year, we’ll be living new lives, right? I have to make the most of chances when I can.”

“What do you mean by ‘make the most of’?”

Macaron’s face hardened fiercely, but since his eyes stayed fixed ahead, I couldn’t see it clearly.

“A new husband.”

Honestly, I hadn’t yet thought about finding a new husband. That would be a third husband… Though divorce and remarriage are common in the empire, so it wouldn’t be a big deal, I hadn’t gotten to worrying about that yet. But I wouldn’t refuse if the opportunity came.

Why did the atmosphere suddenly feel so tense?

Macaron’s steps stopped abruptly. When I turned to look, I saw his stiff, rigid expression.

“…!”

Our eyes met, but he couldn’t keep his expression under control.

“I’m joking.”

Calypso said with a serious look as usual, teasing Macaron.

That look about finding a new husband was definitely sincere… Could he be thinking of Duke Schpen?

I felt so stupid that I couldn’t say a word. Macaron had once called Calypso not his wife but a “contract partner,” had engraved that in his mind, and whenever something happened, he suspected her. That was Macaron of the past. If only he could go back, he’d want to slap himself repeatedly.

Macaron walked silently with a heavy heart. Not yet forgiven, he couldn’t muster the nerve to say something shameless like “Stay by my side longer.”

When we arrived at the building called Spicy Concept, Macaron pushed the heavy dome-shaped door with a troubled look. The owner, who had been instructed in advance, immediately recognized him.

“You must be the one Lord Einth mentioned, right?”

The shop was filled with dazzling swords. Calypso had already slipped from Macaron’s arm like a butterfly. Macaron stared blankly after her, then turned his gaze reluctantly to the shop owner.

“I prepared a sword suitable for a noble guest.”

“Where is the sword?”

“You said it’s for a 10-year-old child…”

The owner looked at Macaron with a puzzled expression.

“There’s a separate owner for this sword.”

“I see. Please wait a moment.”

The owner nodded and brought out a large box, tightly wrapped. Macaron removed the cloth and roughly examined the sword inside. A sword with embedded jewels, made exactly to Kai’s height and light in weight—quite serviceable.

As Macaron turned, Calypso, who had spotted the sword, approached. Her gaze was fixed solely on the sword. She took it from his hands and inspected it from every angle. Then suddenly, she strapped it to her side, drew it briefly from its sheath, and put it back. Her expression was more cautious than usual. Knowing it might shatter after just one match or battle, she treated it like a precious infant.

Haha, anyone seeing this would think she’s the swordsmith herself.

Macaron found her amusing yet couldn’t look away. He took in every detail of Calypso—the pale, long fingers handling the sword stirred his heart strangely.

Was Lady Calypso always this beautiful?

Her silver hair swept aside, revealing a pure white neckline, long eyelids, and amethyst-colored eyes hidden within. Those eyes slowly lifted and looked at Macaron, but all she said was about the sword.

“It’s so pretty and looks great! The length fits Kai perfectly. How did you choose such a sword? It’s not even on display.”

Macaron’s eyes curved into a crescent smile at the childish Calypso.

“I told you I have excellent taste.”

Was it really a big deal to be this pleased when it wasn’t even her sword? As Calypso looked up, Macaron’s expression hardened solemnly as if nothing had happened.

While leaving, Macaron stiffened all over, and suddenly Calypso turned to him sharply.

“Aren’t you going to hold my arm on the way back?”

The pleasant scent from Calypso close to him made Macaron feel dizzy.

On the coach ride back, Calypso clutched the sword tightly and dozed off.

She can rest comfortably with the sword, but that stubbornness…

Macaron smiled again watching Calypso hold the sword stubbornly. Carefully, he took off his coat and draped it over her.

Soon after, the coach arrived at the mansion, but Calypso was too tired to wake. Instead of waking her, Macaron told the coachman to circle the outskirts several times. He watched over her without moving until she woke.

After several rounds, Calypso suddenly opened her eyes and met Macaron’s gaze. Instinctively, he turned his head sharply away.

That’s never happened before…

Though others had said Macaron intimidated people, he had never looked away first. Calypso didn’t notice his feelings and stared at the mansion, seemingly unaware of time passing.

When she got off the coach, Calypso took something from her pocket and held it out.

“It’s a Bad Boy Version Changer.”

“…?”

Haha, is she telling me to at least put on makeup so I don’t look so bad? But oddly, Macaron didn’t mind the attention.

“I thought you might like it.”

Just as much as Macaron thought of Calypso, she seemed to think of him too. The longer this went on, the more Macaron believed there was hope for forgiveness.

Macaron carefully brushed the jewel-encrusted changer, admiring its beauty as much as Calypso admired the sword.

“When do you even make these things?”

“Just… whenever I have time.”

Calypso’s casual tone hit Macaron’s heart hard. Still, he wanted to give this changer great meaning.

Until sunset, as they circled the place several times, he muttered the words he wanted to say.

“Thank you.”

Calypso smiled lightly again as if it was nothing.

On this beautiful sunset day, Macaron felt he would never forget Calypso’s radiant smile.

Because the swordsmanship competition was approaching, the atmosphere at the training ground had noticeably changed. Duke Schpen seemed so focused on Kai’s training that he didn’t even notice I had come. The Spartan-like training intensified, and Kai was struggling but doing his best. Under the warm sunlight, the sword gleamed brightly in Kai’s hand. Even from a distance, the sword was perfectly sized for Kai, and he wielded it comfortably, which pleased me. Still, watching Duke Schpen’s back made me uneasy. Macaron said he had spoken well to him… but since then, Duke Schpen’s attitude had been cold.

Maybe I should have spoken to him myself.

Lost in thought, I paid more attention to the dessert and headed toward the training ground. Suddenly, a faint scream echoed through the space.

“…Ugh!”