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Chapter 04
This was already the third time Killian had held out his hand.
Even though she did not show it, Yuse carefully kept each small act of his kindness in her heart.
‘This is so nice. Even without letters, it feels like we’re getting closer just by talking like this!’
Yuse hurried her steps, trying not to lose her grip on Killian’s hand as he walked quickly ahead.
“Where are we going?”
She spoke first to fill the slight silence between them as he walked without saying anything.
She hated the feeling of awkwardness between them.
“There’s a place I want to show you.”
Killian turned his head with a playful smile, still holding her hand, and met her eyes to make sure she was following.
At that moment, Yuse felt her face grow hot.
She did not know whether it was because of the fast pace or his gaze.
“The estate is really big! When you described it in your letters, I didn’t imagine it would be this large.”
Yuse admired the hallway as they walked.
“Do you remember, Killian? In your letter, you filled the page describing how beautiful this ducal residence is! Seeing it in person feels so amazing.”
“……”
For a moment, Killian did not answer.
His red eyes were still looking at Yuse, but his thoughts seemed elsewhere.
Then, as if something came back to him, he nodded.
“Yes, I remember. I also introduced the beautiful garden of the Siarekatte estate to you back then.”
“I’m glad… it’s not only me who remembers.”
“Then the mystery of the place I’m taking you to now will disappear, won’t it?”
He spoke as if disappointed.
But Yuse could not respond.
“Yuse?”
It took her a moment to answer when he called her name.
“Ah… it will probably be fine! Like I said, it’s my first time seeing it with my own eyes.”
She shrugged and gently tightened her hold on his hand.
It wasn’t strong enough for him to notice.
“That’s good, then. You may look forward to it.”
Killian laughed heartily, clearly satisfied with her answer.
“Haha….”
Yuse smiled back, but the corners of her lips drooped slightly.
Killian had mistaken the contents of their letters.
In their letters, he had written things like—
[“Yuse, did you know? The ceiling of the ducal hall is made of beautiful mosaics…”]
[“The reception room of the estate always uses the same room scent. When you stay here, you will feel calm…”]
[“I worry that you might feel cold. In preparation for your arrival, I have placed heating magic stones throughout the estate…”]
There had been nothing about the garden.
Perhaps noticing her hesitation, Killian suddenly stopped walking.
He curved his eyes playfully.
“Yuse, perhaps we exchanged too many letters for you to remember?”
“Is… is that so?”
“There is no way I would lie to you.”
His voice was so firm that Yuse found herself nodding without realizing it.
Maybe I just don’t remember.
The doubt lingered, but she also believed Killian would not lie.
She trusted him.
So this time as well, Yuse decided to believe him.
The place he brought her to was a little farther down from the hallway where they had been talking.
From what Yuse could tell, it seemed closer to an annex rather than the main building.
“Wow.”
But she had no time to think about that.
The sight in front of her quickly captured her completely.
“What do you think?”
Killian asked.
His tone carried full confidence that she would love it.
And he was right.
“It’s so, so beautiful, Killian.”
It was a garden filled with the sweet scent of flowers.
Many different flowers in many colors were planted there, yet it did not look messy. Instead, everything was in harmony.
The rich scenery showed how carefully it had been maintained.
There was even a small fountain, making it feel like she had stepped into a fairy tale flower kingdom.
A wooden swing decorated beautifully with climbing roses, and butterflies fluttering around, added even more charm to the garden.
Yuse could only stare at it in wonder.
“I’m glad you like it.”
Killian answered simply.
“Killian.”
Just as he was about to turn his gaze toward the garden, Yuse called him again.
“I’m not very good at expressing myself with words.”
At her words, Killian slowly turned to look at her.
“Sometimes I can’t fully express my feelings. But I’ll try my best when I’m by your side. At least my expressions are always honest. So if you ever want to know how I truly feel, please look at my face.”
In Killian’s view, Yuse was trying to tidy her light brown hair as the soft wind blew it around.
Her green eyes tried to capture every part of the scenery in front of her.
Her face was flushed from walking, and her lips were even redder than her cheeks.
The smile on her face looked happier than anyone else in the world.
Anyone could tell that she loved this moment more than anyone.
“…Killian? Killian?”
If he looked any longer, he felt he might fall into it completely.
Ironically, it was Yuse herself who brought him back to his senses.
“!”
Killian quickly lifted the corners of his stiff lips into a smile.
“You were observing me just now, weren’t you? So? Was my expression honest?”
Yuse stepped a little closer and smiled brightly.
Dimples formed on both cheeks, making her look even more lovely.
“……”
Killian held his breath and composed himself.
“Yes, I’ll remember that.”
He answered quietly.
They stayed there for quite some time, saying nothing, just watching the flower petals scatter in the wind.
‘What should I say…? What did we write to each other in our letters…?’
While watching the drifting petals, Yuse kept thinking.
She loved being here with Killian in such a beautiful place.
That made her want to share more, to tell him more.
Even in letters, feelings could not always be fully expressed.
“Yuse.”
The one who spoke first this time was Killian.
“Y-Yes!”
Yuse was so startled that she quickly answered.
“What is it?”
“You must be tired from standing. There’s a bench over there. Would you like to sit?”
“Ah.”
Only then did she realize she had been standing the whole time.
It was only after he mentioned it that she felt the ache in her legs.
She nodded.
Following his steps, they walked through the thick grass until they reached a wooden bench.
“Please, sit.”
“Yes!”
In this lovely atmosphere, Yuse thought once again that no one suited this place more than the two of them.
Killian knew how to show beautiful things and how to express kindness with words.
She loved that about him.
“Um, Killian—”
“Yuse. There’s something I want to say.”
She had just been about to thank him.
But Killian spoke first.
“Ah, yes. Go ahead, Killian.”
Yuse closed her mouth and nodded lightly.
She waited for his next words.
“Yuse, from now on you will stay at the ducal estate with me and receive education to become the duchess.”
“R-Right.”
She nodded while looking into his red eyes.
“For me, and for a smooth relationship between us, there are a few things I need you to follow.”
Her eyes widened slightly at the unexpected words.
“Yes,” she answered softly.
What was he going to say?
“First, since you are not yet familiar with the Empire, it would be better to hold the engagement ceremony early and have the wedding later. I will prepare everything when the time comes, so you don’t need to worry.”
“Ah….”
Yuse could somewhat agree.
She had rarely left her homeland and was not yet used to this new environment and its people.
Of course she would need time.
But she believed Killian, as her fiancé—or soon her husband—would stay close and guide her.
At least, that was what she believed.
However, Killian’s thoughts seemed different.
“Second, I am often busy with work and go out frequently. I also return late many nights, so I hope you won’t wait for me.”
“……Yes.”
Even though it was only the second condition, the smile had already disappeared from Yuse’s face.
She did not want conditions between them.
But Killian was ready to continue.
“Lastly, the third.”
His red eyes were serious.
“I would like you not to enter my office.”
And as always, her uneasy feeling was right.
Yuse’s heart sank.
