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Chapter 15
Edward’s face turned bright red and showed no sign of calming down.
He stared straight at Castus.
His eyes were practically cursing him.
Diana, who found the whole situation absurd, suddenly became quiet.
Only Castus seemed amused, quietly laughing to himself.
Edward hurriedly left the party with Diana.
Until they got into the carriage—
and even after it started moving—
and even until they arrived at the Kailum residence—
Neither of them said a word.
“…We should get down.”
“Ah!”
Edward quickly got off first and reached out his hand.
Diana took it and stepped down slowly.
Only then did Edward finally speak.
“Th-this was His Highness’s trick! I never meant to raise my hand!”
“I know. I can tell just by looking at your face.”
Edward’s face turned even redder.
Diana looked at him—
And suddenly burst into laughter.
“You look like an idiot.”
She laughed softly.
Edward froze.
He had wanted to make Diana laugh—
though not like this.
Still…
Seeing her laugh made his heart shake.
Her crescent-shaped eyes, curved so beautifully, shone brighter than the moon.
For that brightness… he felt he could become a fool thousands of times.
Diana stopped laughing and walked ahead.
But—
Butler Fides, who came to greet them, doubted his own eyes.
Diana de Kailum—
Was smiling.
“…My Lady?”
“Diana, it’s really a misunderstanding! That man suddenly blew into my ear!”
“Yes, I’m sure he did.”
“It’s unfair. Please believe me!”
That smile—
Was not something Edward could see.
Fides watched them go up the stairs, a small smile forming on his lips.
Not long after, Dietrich came down dressed for an outing.
“Fides, I’m going out.”
It was late, but Fides nodded calmly.
“Have a pleasant time.”
“I’ll have an excellent time.”
At his master’s playful tone, the butler bowed silently.
Dietrich didn’t feel like going to a party or salon today.
The weather was nice.
He didn’t want to stay indoors.
So he chose—
A boat ride.
Lake Ross, located in a quiet part of the capital Wita, was perfect for boating.
At the dock, noble families’ boats were tied.
When Dietrich greeted the caretaker, he noticed a woman.
“…Hello?”
She bowed slightly and stepped onto a boat.
She looked used to being alone.
“Who is she?”
“I cannot say. She asked to keep it a secret.”
It wasn’t uncommon for nobles to hide their identity.
Still, Dietrich didn’t recognize her.
He got into a boat and slowly rowed toward the center of the lake.
There, the woman floated quietly.
As he approached, he stopped rowing.
He moved close—
Without touching her boat.
Her pure white hair reminded him of his brother-in-law.
But—
It was different.
His brother-in-law’s hair was silver.
Hers was completely white.
Soft. Beautiful.
“Boating alone has its charm… but wouldn’t it be more enjoyable together?”
“I prefer being alone.”
Dietrich was slightly shocked.
He had thought of himself as a handsome man—
So he hadn’t expected such a direct rejection.
Still, he smiled.
“Then… may I at least be your conversation partner?”
“…If you get rid of that playboy aura, I’ll consider it.”
Playboy…?
Dietrich was speechless.
He might have lived freely, but he always kept his dignity.
Still—
This was a new kind of shock.
He leaned back against the boat.
The woman watched him, then dipped her hand into the water and lightly splashed him.
“…Ah!”
“It was a joke, gentleman. You don’t have a playboy aura at all.”
“…Really?”
“Of course. Anyone can see you’re a noble young man.”
“Then… will you spend time with me?”
“Yes. I was bored anyway.”
A playful smile appeared on her elegant face.
Dietrich stared at her—
Then smiled.
“I’m Dietrich.”
“I know.”
Her eyes curved beautifully.
He realized—
She already knew who he was.
“May I ask your name?”
“It’s a secret.”
“You don’t give easy answers.”
“Because that would be boring.”
Dietrich dipped his hand into the cold lake water.
It was freezing.
Even though it was spring, the night was cold.
“Unio.”
It meant “bulb” in an ancient language.
Dietrich repeated it softly.
“Unio…”
“I never said you could call my name.”
He looked confused.
She burst into laughter.
“I was joking.”
“That kind of joke is hard to understand.”
“Then leave.”
He laughed.
He was enjoying this.
“Since we came boating, shouldn’t we have some snacks?”
Dietrich took out a small pouch.
Golden light shone from inside.
“Wow.”
Unio’s eyes lit up.
From the pouch came—
Roll cake, bacon rolls, strawberry juice, a teapot, teacups.
“A magic pouch?”
“A spirit pouch.”
The golden light faded.
“It disappeared.”
“It means the spirit’s power is gone. I’m not a spirit user.”
“Your sister’s power?”
“As you already know.”
“Juice or tea?”
“Tea.”
Unio held the cup gracefully and drank.
Her manners were perfect.
Dietrich tried to guess her identity—
Then gave up.
It didn’t matter.
“The flavor is excellent.”
“My family is skilled.”
Even servants were considered “family.”
Unio smiled.
“May I eat one?”
She asked—
But had already reached for a bacon roll.
She took a bite and sighed happily.
“Ah… I was really hungry.”
“It’s good, right?”
“Yes, very good.”
Dietrich sipped strawberry juice.
“You like juice?”
“I have a childish taste.”
“It suits you.”
“With the image of a noble?”
“With the image of a carefree troublemaker.”
“Hahaha!”
Dietrich laughed sincerely.
More than games—
more than conversations—
He was enjoying this more.
Unio calmly finished one roll and took another.
Dietrich reached out—
His hand appeared near her lips.
He gently wiped them.
“You’re messy. ‘Childish’ suits you too, Unio.”
“Did I ever say it didn’t?”
“No.”
She nodded and took another bite.
Dietrich looked at her and said softly,
“I’ve met many people… but someone like you is a first.”
“They were all busy pleasing you.”
“Honestly… yes.”
His background made that inevitable.
“Or they laughed at you.”
Dietrich nodded slowly.
“Smiling and ignoring it isn’t right.”
“Then what should I do?”
“Stand in front of them and say—
‘Say that again in front of me!’”
“And if they don’t stop?”
“Report them to someone powerful.”
“…My sister?”
“Yes.”
Dietrich laughed.
“That doesn’t look good.”
“It’s more elegant than punching them.”
“…Still… I don’t want to burden my sister.”
“Then tell someone else.”
“My father?”
“Not the Grand Duke.”
She smiled playfully.
“Your reliable wife.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t even have a fiancée.”
“Then go find one.”
“How do I ‘properly’ find a reliable wife?”
“Someone like you.”
