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chapter 33
‘I just can’t get used to that face…’
Across the table, Ananta sat under the name of Duke Belzert, lifting his utensils with an air of familiarity.
His tied-back hair gently fell onto his shoulders.
Despite his kind smile, his eyes were quietly observing Rinka, as if trying to read something.
Rinka first took a seat and picked up a fork.
Was it out of consideration for her? The meat on her plate was neatly cut into bite-sized pieces.
“What… what kind of meat is this?”
She carefully prodded one of the small pieces on her plate and asked.
“Lamb tenderloin. They don’t raise many sheep in Kader, so I thought this might be your first time trying it.”
“You pay attention to every little thing…”
“You were curious, weren’t you?”
“Hmm… it’s a bit salty.”
“Lamb usually uses strong spices. Think of it as a taste fit for nobility.”
Ananta replied with a playful glance.
Even after revealing that he was a noble, and despite addressing her as “Miss,” he remained the same as ever.
Rinka felt both pleased and uneasy by this, so she closed her mouth and put down her fork.
The new food was delicious, and the bath had been warm.
Time spent talking with Ananta had been enjoyable too, but wasn’t it already stated in the contract they signed at the start?
After stopping in Lavanto and then dropping her off on the continent, their contract was considered fulfilled.
Ananta would act as Duke Belzert, doing what he was meant to do, and Rinka should leave.
Yet strangely, every time she thought about leaving, her throat felt tight.
“…How long am I supposed to stay here?”
Words didn’t come easily, and after hesitating for a long moment, Rinka asked.
Though everything was foreign—the place, the food—Ananta naturally picked up another piece of meat and placed it in his mouth, elegantly wiping his lips with a napkin.
“I don’t think I can send you off right away.”
“Is there a reason?”
“Apparently, quite a few people saw me return.”
“People saw you return?”
The carriage bore a crest, but she didn’t recall seeing anyone along the way.
Lost in thought, Rinka listened as he continued, sipping his wine.
“Word spreads that Duke Belzert returned to the capital after several years, bringing along a beautiful young lady. And there’s even talk that an engagement announcement might be coming soon.”
Rinka froze, her spoon halted mid-air.
Beautiful young lady? Engagement announcement?
Could that… possibly mean me?
Fortunately, Pearl was asleep and didn’t hear this. If she had, the commotion would have been immense!
“…Th-That’s the rumor?”
“Funny, isn’t it? Nobles are always looking for amusement.”
He lowered his gaze, observing Rinka’s expression—whether she would be angry, flustered, or try to escape.
But Rinka could only stare silently at her plate. She couldn’t read his thoughts.
Ananta added,
“But from my perspective, that rumor is useful. Every time I come back, invitations pour in. You know? I prefer living as a ghost ship captain and have no interest in those gatherings.”
True…
If she hadn’t come here, Rinka would have never imagined that Ananta was a noble.
“So here’s my proposal. It’s not a formal engagement, but how about you stay as a guest of the ducal house for a while?”
“As a guest?”
“Yes. And for now… I’m concerned because more people know you. While you’re staying as a guest, I’ll find a proper place for you to live.”
“Why do I need a place to stay?”
“You need a home. You earned a bit on the ship, but what can you really do with that?”
He smiled again, and unable to contradict, Rinka silently listened as he added firmly:
“Stay in the capital. If you like it here, you can remain; if not, somewhere else… the port works too. I’ll provide a place wherever you go.”
“But I don’t want to be such a burden.”
“Burden?”
Ananta set his cup down with a soft clink.
The sudden chill in his expression silenced Rinka.
“I think I can do that much for you.”
He wasn’t wrong. He was known for being endlessly kind to his crew, and Rinka had shared some unusually special times with him.
But…
“What if people hear rumors that I’m getting money and a house from the Duke?”
“What kind of rumors?”
“That… we’re… in a special relationship, that kind of thing.”
Ananta shrugged, letting out a short laugh.
“Isn’t that true?”
True…?
Since when?
Rinka exhaled deeply, trying to hide the sudden racing of her heart.
But she couldn’t outright deny it.
“Hmm, I understand your concern. But, Rinka…”
“…Yes?”
“I’ll be returning to the sea soon. Whatever rumors arise will quickly die down, and you’ll be free.”
Though spoken gently, Rinka felt the weight hidden in his words.
He was someone who would leave, someone destined to live on the sea.
Rinka quietly inhaled, watching the candlelight flicker on the table.
She was still trembling.
“…Alright.”
She finally nodded.
Her reason told her to refuse, but why…
He looked so lonely saying he would return to the sea that she didn’t want to leave things as they were.
Yes, she wanted to stay a little longer.
“Just a little, I’ll stay for a while.”
“That’s enough.”
Ananta smiled, as calm and gentle as always. But behind that smile, he was calculating every move to hold someone’s hand.
With a faint, serene smile, he raised his cup again.
At that moment, Rinka realized.
This man always hides something.
And without knowing what it is, she was falling deeper and deeper for him.
The next morning.
Rinka was immediately pulled out in casual clothes—but the “casual clothes” were actually an expensive-looking dress.
And the place they arrived? A shop selling dresses.
“How does it look, Rinka?”
“This… isn’t this too expensive? And why is no one here?”
“I rented the entire morning.”
Wow. As expected of Duke Ananta. He could rent an entire shop that only sold such costly dresses?
“I don’t need more clothes.”
“You do. If my guest wears anything, it would reflect badly on Belzert.”
“Ah…”
Rinka murmured, glancing at the dress draped over her body.
It was deep blue, like Ananta’s eyes in the darkness.
Delicate silver decorations, like seashells, ran along the sleeves.
‘It looks like it was made in the captain’s colors.’
Despite the thin material, the dress hugged her body smoothly—it was clearly not an ordinary outfit.
“And don’t misunderstand. I didn’t choose it because it’s expensive. I was just looking for one that suits you.”
Ananta crossed his arms, scanning Rinka from head to toe.
“Hmm. It even matches your eye color.”
“…The clothes I brought from the ship were enough.”
“Not nearly. You only had three dresses, after all.”
Rinka muttered softly, staring at herself in the mirror.
A strange outfit, a strange place, and a woman in the mirror wearing an unfamiliar expression.
Though she felt the attire didn’t suit her at all, Ananta seemed quite satisfied.
“You’ll need it. You should try everything you want to in the capital.”
“Do I need such clothes for that?”
“Of course. You’ll be riding in my carriage. If your appearance doesn’t hold up…”
Ananta shrugged.
This wasn’t just a shopping trip.
He said nothing more and called the shop assistant, ordering nearly ten more dresses to be sent to the Belzert estate.
He even requested matching accessories, and Rinka tried to stop him—but, as expected, it was useless.
