Chapter 84
After finishing lunch and stepping outside, Shan was already waiting at the entrance.
“Shan, what about your meal? Don’t tell me you’ve been standing here all this time without eating lunch?”
“I finished my meal while you were dining, my lady. I also received today’s afternoon schedule from the head butler, so I’ll escort you to your room first.”
Shan answered Lucy’s concerned question and naturally guided her.
“I’ll escort her to her room. I happen to be heading that way as well. You must be tired from riding, why don’t you go get some rest?”
Lucas, overhearing the exchange, suddenly interjected and spoke to Shan.
“Yes, Shan. You must be tired too. Go and get some rest.”
“I’ll rest after I’ve escorted my lady to her room.”
“……”
Even after Lucy’s words, Shan refused to back down. Lucas frowned slightly in displeasure at his stubbornness.
“This is Flos Hill. Even in the cold of winter, wildflowers are always in bloom here. The scenery from this hilltop is also wonderful, which is why it’s a popular spot.”
Just as he said, even though it was winter, nameless wildflowers bloomed here and there across the vast field.
“These flowers have remarkable vitality and ability to spread. Even if picked, they bloom again, and even if trampled, they soon lift their heads once more.”
Listening to Lucas’s explanation, Lucy bent down and picked a deep pink flower that resembled a chrysanthemum.
“It’s such a lovely flower. Strong in life, and its fragrance is enchanting as well.”
“I thought it suited you, my lady, so I wanted you to see it.”
Inhaling the scent, Lucy gazed down at the natural scenery where the river wound below the hill.
She had been lost in the beauty of the view for some time when suddenly, dark clouds began to gather above them, and the sky quickly darkened.
“Oh no! Looks like it’s going to rain. Let’s hurry back to the carriage.”
Rumble—
No sooner had Lucas spoken than thunder rolled across the hilltop.
The two of them hurried into the carriage.
Moments later, heavy rain poured down.
“I’m sorry. If I’d known this would happen, I would have just shown you around inside the castle… I’ve only made you suffer needlessly.”
Lucas looked at her apologetically.
“The weather was clear when we left. There was no way to know it would rain. It’s not your fault, Lucas. Thanks to you, I got to see an unbelievably beautiful view today!”
Lucy waved her hand, insisting it wasn’t his fault.
Meanwhile, the raindrops grew heavier, slowing the carriage’s pace. When they reached the small river they had to cross to enter the city, the carriage came to a stop.
The coachman tapped on the window.
“The sudden downpour has flooded the bridge. It looks far too dangerous for the carriage to cross.”
The coachman, his hood pulled low, spoke with a grave expression.
Lucas got down to speak seriously with him, then soon had the carriage turn back.
“I’m sorry, my lady. The only way back to the castle is across that bridge… but with this heavy rain, it’s safer if we wait somewhere nearby.”
Though he had only stepped out briefly, Lucas’s shoulders were already soaked.
“Fortunately, there’s a newly built government residence for officials nearby. We can stay there until the rain lets up.”
“If it’s not too much trouble, I think that would be best.”
The residence was closer than expected. The large, luxurious building was about the size of the townhouse Lucy owned in the capital.
And with staff always stationed there, it seemed comfortable enough.
By the time they arrived, the rain had stopped, and the clouds were beginning to disperse. Drying off with towels brought by servants, Lucas said:
“Thankfully, the rain ended quickly. But the river will still be raging. Let’s rest here until the water level lowers. I’ll send people to check regularly.”
Despite sending word several times, the report never came that the water had subsided. Before long, the sun had set and night drew near.
“My lady, it seems it’s gotten too late. Why don’t we stay here for the night? It will be safer to leave at dawn.”
Lucy didn’t mind where they stayed, so she nodded readily.
“I’m sorry to host you in such a humble place. Though everything is newly furnished, you’re our first guest, so please forgive any shortcomings.”
Lucas glanced at her cautiously.
“How could you call this humble! It’s several times nicer than my townhouse in the capital.”
“Truly? That’s a relief.”
At her words, Lucas finally looked reassured.
He immediately instructed a maid to escort Lucy to a guest room.
“The bedding and clothing are all new, but if you need anything else, please let us know anytime.”
After kindly explaining, the maid left.
Looking around the room, Lucy opened the wardrobe and was startled.
Inside were not only nightclothes but also several dresses, shoes, and other items all prepared.
“Are there many female officials staying here?”
She tilted her head curiously, pulling out a nightgown. Just then, someone knocked at the door.
“Lucy, it’s me. Lucas.”
When she opened the door, Lucas stood there in more casual attire, smiling gently.
“I thought you might be bored just staying in your room. Since the rain cleared, the sky is very clear. It’s a perfect night for stargazing.”
“Stargazing?”
Smiling warmly, Lucas extended his hand.
It was still early to sleep. Curious, Lucy followed him.
He led her to the very top floor of the residence, where the ceiling was a glass dome.
“It’s beautiful!”
Lucy looked up in awe. The sky was crystal clear, countless stars glittering as though the storm had never been.
Lucas quietly watched her as she admired the heavens.
Sensing his gaze, Lucy turned, and their eyes met.
“When you go to the capital, I won’t be able to see you often…”
He looked regretful.
“Not often…”
Lucy wondered if that was the right phrase.
“Wouldn’t it be more accurate to say not at all for a while? The capital is quite far from here… Until I return, we probably won’t meet.”
She swallowed her bitter thoughts and was about to respond when—
“I’ll miss you very much, Lucy.”
It might have been mere politeness, yet her cheeks grew hot.
“M-me too…”
“When you go to the capital, promise me just one thing.”
“A promise?”
Surprised, Lucy raised her head.
“Yes. You said you had something to do there. Please, don’t do anything dangerous.”
At his words, Lucy stared into his eyes silently, her expression complicated.
He already knows… the real reason I’m going to the capital.
Slowly, she nodded.
“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything reckless. I have precious people by my side, and after everything I’ve been through, I’ll make sure to live happily—very, very happily!”
She answered with a radiant smile.
They fell silent, gazing at one another for a while, then lifted their eyes to the sky again.
Lucas continued to watch Lucy’s profile for a long time.
The next morning, they boarded the carriage to return to the castle. Luckily, the river had lowered overnight and was passable again.
Though the sky was still heavy with dark clouds, they urged the coachman onward.
And just as they reached the castle…
