WDBHV 23

Chapter 23

As soon as morning arrived, time came rushing at me like it had been waiting for the moment.

And the reason was simple:

[I’ll take magic lessons.]

It meant I had to revise the budget allocated to Noah.

In particular, the mage named Kenneth had already explained to me the training Noah would receive.

Rather than learning spells right away, he needed to first gain the ability to control the mana inside his body.

On average, four sessions per week—at minimum, three.

He would be taking classes at the Magic Tower.

Kenneth had given me a detailed breakdown of the future budget needed for Noah’s education.

Well, thanks to that, things had gotten a bit easier…

‘But to cancel swordsmanship classes…’

Locus, who was supposed to be a magic swordsman, no longer learning swordsmanship?

The swordsmanship lessons with Easton were canceled.

The training hall that used to exist had lost its purpose and was changed to a regular practice ground.

And the sword I bought for him was now treated like nothing more than a decorative piece.

Just like that, Noah deviated from the original plot and began a completely different life.

‘Is this really okay?’

The fact that Locus, who was supposed to be a magic swordsman, no longer wielded a sword… It made me uneasy.

What if he ends up enrolling in the magic department at the academy?

“What if this is the wrong choice?”

It was strange.

If he chose to live differently from the original story, I should be happy.

So why was I so anxious?

I ended up slamming my head against the desk, groaning in frustration.

At that moment—

“Young Lady, it’s Annie.”

A flustered voice called from outside the door.

“What is it?”

“Well…”

Annie opened the door with a troubled expression.

“Young Master Rosoterban is here to visit. It seems he doesn’t know the class was canceled…”

“What? But I definitely sent a letter this morning.”

I quickly checked the table, wondering if the letter got mixed in with the documents—but no, it wasn’t there.

Annie bit her lip and answered hesitantly.

“I double-checked too… Maybe it got lost in delivery?”

“Sigh.”

I let out a small sigh and brushed my bangs aside.

Things always seemed to get tangled when I was busy.

“Well, it can’t be helped. I’ll greet him. And please prepare some cold lemon tea.”

“Yes, Young Lady.”

Annie left the room with a relieved look.

I slowly got up and brushed my tangled hair with a comb.

Actually, this worked out well.

I had to go out today anyway. Might as well handle everything at once.

But first, just need to sign this revised budget…

“Eh!”

I grabbed the hesitant quill pen tightly and slashed my signature across the page.

Fine.

Since things turned out this way, I’ll do whatever Noah wants.

That was my original resolve and goal, wasn’t it?

Whether this choice is right or wrong…

Whether the end of the path is full of thorns or flowers…

That’s all up to Noah now.

But if there’s one thing I know for sure—

I won’t let things play out according to the original story anymore.

“Welcome, Young Master.”

I quickly made my way to the parlor.

When I arrived, Easton turned toward me with a graceful motion at my greeting.

“It’s been a while, Lady.”

He softly crinkled his eyes and his bluish-gray gaze sparkled.

His smile made my cheeks grow warm.

What the heck. Is he trying to give my heart a workout this early in the morning?

‘Calm down.’

Let’s get to the point so this wraps up quickly.

“I’m sorry. My maid must have made a mistake and didn’t deliver the letter… I feel bad that you came all the way here for nothing.”

I sat naturally across from Easton.

The maids placed the refreshments I had ordered earlier on the table.

Easton lifted his teacup with a gentle touch and replied,

“It’s all right. If anything, I’m just a bit sad that the lessons have ended.”

“I still feel bad… Let me at least offer you a bottle of lemon syrup as an apology. Please accept it.”

Easton gave a faint smile.

“Thank you. By the way, my sister wanted me to thank you for the syrup. She said it’s perfect after horseback riding.”

“Oh really?”

I beamed at the mention of Carly for the first time in a while.

She liked it that much? I already appreciated her helping me with tea time.

How should I repay her?

Maybe I should get her a horse, since she seems to enjoy riding.

Wait… would I need to visit a horse market?

“…”

I unconsciously pursed my lips while thinking.

Easton noticed and put down his teacup.

“Is something troubling you?”

“Huh?”

He caught that so fast.

Even the Duke hasn’t noticed that’s my habit.

Flustered, I stammered out something.

“It’s just… I was wondering what kind of horse would be good. I’d like to give Countess Edren a gift since she’s done so much for me.”

“Horses are best chosen by bonding with them in person. Would you like my help?”

He offered kindly.

Help…?

Wait, is this… a date?

It’s been three years since I came to Rosent…

Could this be my first date with someone?

Thump.

Thump-thump.

My heart started pounding from excitement.

These sudden ambushes—why are they always so hard to dodge?

The increasing heartbeat made my chest feel tight.

But unfortunately, my answer was—

“I’m sorry. I have errands to run today.”

The answer had already been decided.

Ugh. So this is how my first date slips away…

Easton let out a sigh, seemingly disappointed.

“Then… may I at least ask what errands they are?”

“I need to buy something in advance for tomorrow.”

He tilted his head curiously.

“For tomorrow? Is something special happening?”

“Hmm…”

How should I put this?

“It’s not special, exactly. But it’s an important day.”

“Then all the more reason—please let me help.”

Huh?

I blinked in surprise at the unexpected suggestion.

Easton wants to help?

Why? He doesn’t even know what I’m going to buy.

Just offering like that?

“I happen to have free time today…”

As my thoughts lingered in his gaze, Easton glanced away and started explaining himself.

“If you don’t want me to, feel free to say no. I just thought I’d offer since I had some time.”

He must’ve been really flustered.

He kept repeating and emphasizing his words.

It was the first time I saw Easton act like this in front of me.

He seemed like a puppy begging for a walk…

Or rather, like someone who simply wanted to stay by my side.

If he’s going that far, how could I say no?

Honestly, think about it.

Who in their right mind would turn down a request from such a handsome man?

Especially after I messed up!

“O-Okay.”

In the end, I said yes.

At that moment, his bluish-gray eyes widened and met mine.

Was it just my imagination?

Even though they were slightly shaken… they were filled with joy.

Warm, gentle eyes.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Hehe.”

How cute.

Why is something so small making him this happy?

I set down my teacup and stood up.

“Well? Let’s go already.”

Rosent’s first date in her entire life had officially begun!