Chapter 85
“Shall we go straight home?”
The coachman asked Lucia her destination through the small window.
Lucia, about to nod, suddenly remembered if she had enough fabric to make handkerchiefs at home.
‘Now that I think about it, I must have used up all the blue thread last time.’
Thinking of other needed items as well, Lucia spoke up.
“No, let’s stop by the market for a bit before heading in.”
The coachman immediately changed direction and headed toward the destination. Soon, they arrived at a street lined with shops, and Lucia got out of the carriage.
“It will take some time to buy various things. Meet me back here in two hours.”
“Yes, I will. Miss.”
As the carriage left, Lucia entered a nearby shop.
“Welcome. Are you looking for something in particular?”
“I’m looking for fabric to make handkerchiefs.”
“Handkerchiefs, right? Please come this way.”
Following the staff’s guidance, Lucia glanced around. It seemed she had found the right store. Various fabrics were displayed everywhere.
As she inspected them carefully, Lucia paused at a familiar fabric.
It was a white silk base with golden embroidery in places, changing color depending on the angle it was viewed from.
Lucia lifted the fabric as if in a trance.
‘…This is the fabric I used for Herwin.’
It was a fabric she often used when making handkerchiefs for Herwin. Since Herwin always shone brightly, she thought this fabric suited him best.
“Customer, you have a good eye. That’s our best-selling fabric,” the clerk said cheerfully. Whether it was flattery to sell more, Lucia didn’t know, but she was able to avoid getting lost in nostalgia.
Lucia shook her head and put the fabric back.
“You don’t like it?”
“I want to see something else.”
“What kind of design are you looking for? Is it a gift for someone?”
“My fiancé is going hunting soon. I want to make a handkerchief for him—can you recommend suitable fabric?”
“A gift for your fiancé! Please wait a moment.”
The clerk disappeared into the store to fetch the perfect fabric. Lucia fiddled with other fabrics while she waited.
It was her first time gifting a handkerchief to someone other than Herwin or her family, so it felt strange.
For some reason, saying Bern was her fiancé felt awkward, like a thorn stuck in her throat.
‘I should’ve gotten used to this by now…’
She worried if she would feel the same even after the engagement ceremony.
“You’ve waited long, right? These are fabrics specially brought in by our store,” the clerk said, showing several high-quality fabrics. Despite the lengthy explanations, Lucia chose a fabric that would suit Bern best—a pale green fabric with a silvery sheen.
“Thank you for visiting!”
Lucia left the shop, holding her purchase, and stood still for a moment, examining it.
‘…Did I buy this unnecessarily?’
Initially, she only intended to buy the fabric for Bern, but she had also picked one for Herwin’s handkerchief without realizing it.
‘…I won’t be able to give it anyway.’
Lucia briefly considered going back to ask for a refund but then moved on.
‘I’ll give it to my parents instead.’
After all, it wasn’t a fabric used exclusively for Herwin. Thinking of her parents gave her a reasonable excuse.
She continued visiting various shops, purchasing multiple items. Only after buying colorful threads did she finally sigh in relief.
‘There’s more than I expected.’
After finishing her shopping, her hands were full. Wondering how to carry everything, she decided to take a short break at a café in the square.
It was full summer. People wore lighter clothes, and children played near the fountain.
The sight alone was refreshing, making her smile unconsciously.
As her drink arrived and she watched people in the square, a man silently appeared behind her.
After checking that no one was watching, he cautiously reached for Lucia’s bag.
Unaware that someone was stealing her belongings, Lucia hummed happily.
In that brief moment, the man took her wallet and everything else of value.
Just as he was about to flee, a massive wall-like figure appeared before him.
“Ah!”
Startled by the scream behind him, Lucia turned around.
A man was being subdued by someone.
“Stealing in broad daylight? Bold move.”
“Ugh, l-let go of me!”
“…Herwin?”
Seeing the familiar black hair, Lucia murmured. Herwin, who was restraining the man, looked up and smiled warmly at her, unlike his usual cold demeanor.
“Hello, Lucia.”
Lucia blushed at his sudden smile.
Before she could fully react, Herwin took a ribbon from among her belongings and tied it around the thief’s wrists, restraining him.
“Prince, Peneus!”
Nearby, men who seemed to be knights ran to Herwin.
“This man was attempting to steal. Please take him to the guard.”
“Yes, sir!”
The knights saluted and led the restrained man away.
Lucia, who had been standing awkwardly, dusted off her hands and looked at Herwin.
“What… is this…”
Herwin approached her and returned the items the man had stolen.
“Oh? My wallet.”
“You didn’t even realize you were being robbed?”
“He… he just took it?”
“…You really didn’t know.”
Herwin laughed lightly and casually brushed his hand against hers.
Lucia, feeling his firm hand reaching up her wrist, quickly pulled back.
“Th-thank you. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have even realized I was robbed.”
“Are you only going to thank me with words?”
“Huh?”
“I feel like I deserve some sort of reward.”
Normally, Herwin would just caution her gently, but now he was playful. It made Lucia feel flustered, like she was seeing Brian again.
“Do you want something?”
“Um… I’m not sure.”
Herwin pondered carefully. Lucia lowered her gaze slowly, noticing his attire was different than usual. He normally wore a shirt and comfortable pants for wielding a sword, but today he was in full uniform.
Perhaps due to the heat, sweat ran down his forehead and neck.
‘…Kind of… sexy.’
Before she realized it, their eyes met, startling her so much she screamed.
“You’re wearing armor?!”
“…Yes. I had a little business to attend to.”
Herwin smiled slightly and sat across from her.
“Why are you in full armor?”
“The royal family requested it. Apparently, a monster was spotted near the capital recently.”
“Monster?”
Lucia’s face stiffened as she realized the seriousness of the situation.
“Is that dangerous?”
“It’s serious if you consider it serious. But after investigating, it seems there’s no need to worry too much. The habitat hasn’t been found, and no civilians have been harmed. Still, we’ll need to stay on guard for a while.”
“Are you… okay?”
Herwin, speaking casually, paused at her worried voice. Seeing Lucia care only for him stirred his heart. It was an embarrassing yet pleasant feeling. A gentle curve appeared on his lips.
“You’re worried about me?”
Herwin’s affectionate gaze made him more dangerous than ever. Lucia looked away, fumbling for words.
“Of course I’m worried! Even if you’re a sword expert, it’s natural to worry!”
“Really? That makes me happy.”
“Happy? What’s there to be happy about…”
Lucia muttered and chugged her cold drink, but her body heat didn’t subside.
“I’ve been patrolling the outskirts of the capital for days because of the monster. Sorry, I wanted to see you in person.”
“You came to see me?”
“Yes. I didn’t want you to misunderstand my feelings, so I planned to visit as soon as I recovered. Something came up suddenly, so I couldn’t. Did you receive the gift I sent?”
“Uh… yes…”
Knowing he sent gifts and letters to turn her heart, hearing it directly made her feel strange.
“My mother and Jerome said you came to our house. Is that true?”
Lucia remembered the kiss with Herwin and tried to suppress the rising heat.
“Y-yes. I went briefly because you were sick.”
Herwin, asleep at the time, likely didn’t remember their kiss. Lucia kept her composure.
Herwin crossed his arms and looked at her meaningfully.
“Really? I didn’t even know you came.”
“You were asleep, so…”
“…Then nothing happened between us?”
Lucia’s heart sank at his knowing tone. She tried to act unaware.
“Wh-what do you mean? Did something happen?”
Feigning ignorance, she pulled away slightly, confusing Herwin.
“I don’t think it was a dream…”
“Huh?”
Lucia tilted her head at his mumbling. Herwin’s eyes gleamed predatorily, like a hunter spotting prey.
He placed his hand over hers on the table.
Lucia flinched, trying to pull away, but he didn’t let go.
“H-Herwin, your hand….”
“Nothing happened, really?”
“I don’t understand what you mean. Let go of this first…”
She wanted to bite his cheek like a ripe peach. Her thirst was intense, dreamlike.
“I had a dream.”
“…A dream?”
“Yes, but it felt so real, it couldn’t have been a dream.”
Did he remember the kiss? Lucia swallowed nervously.
“What kind of dream?”
Herwin smiled and intertwined his fingers with hers, leaning in close.
“A dream where I kissed you.”
Her heartbeat pounded audibly. Startled, Lucia missed her chance to react.
Was he testing her? Herwin smiled meaningfully.
“So it wasn’t a dream after all?”
If it were only his dream, she would have blushed or shouted. Instead, she froze like a child whose secret was exposed.
Her eyes met his red gaze, feeling exposed. She jumped up and pulled away.
“W-what are you saying! I couldn’t possibly do that with you.”
Lucia avoided his gaze, trying to gather her things and leave.
But with so many purchases, she couldn’t leave quickly.
Herwin approached and helped gather her items.
“Give it here.”
“I’m fine. I can carry some. Do you have the carriage?”
Herwin remained calm. Seeing him composed while she flustered made her even more frustrated.
“I said I’m fine! Give it quickly!”
Lucia grabbed the items from his hands. The box fell, spilling its contents—fabric for handkerchiefs.
