Chapter 37 – A Relationship That Bothers Me (12)
From what I had seen, Eclipse was a man with very low self-esteem—
the complete opposite of me, who had survived with nothing but sheer grit.
“One hour walks, three times a week…”
“Yes. That should be just right. What do you think, Your Grace?”
“…Not bad.”
Yes! I clasped my hands together and smiled brightly.
“Then let’s make it official—whenever you have time, you’ll take a one-hour walk.”
“…Very well.”
Eclipse gave a short answer and cleared his throat.
He straightened his appearance, and before I knew it, he had even put on his coat, standing tall as he looked at me.
“You’ll need a coat too. The morning air is chilly.”
“…Sorry?”
He then called Penny and told her to bring my outerwear.
Wait—was he… saying we should go right now? Together?
“Um… am I coming with you?”
He looked at me like I had just asked something ridiculous.
“Of course. You were the one who suggested the walk.”
Then he turned his head away, almost shyly.
“We’ll go together.”
“…Y-Yes, sir…”
I had suggested he take walks, yes.
But I hadn’t meant the two of us strolling alone together…
Still, if this gets Eclipse outside, it’s worth it.
So I nodded.
“Alright, let’s go, Your Grace.”
And just like that, Eclipse and I set out on an impromptu walk.
When Penny returned with my coat, she practically squealed.
“Oh my goodness! If I’d known this would happen, I’d have dressed you up more prettily! Wait, I can still fix you up a little—”
Even Silbern, who followed to guard Eclipse, reacted the same way.
“His Grace is going on a walk?”
“Yes, I encouraged him.”
“And he actually agreed? For an hour, three times a week?”
“…Is it really that shocking?”
“Utterly remarkable.”
They were behaving as though they’d just discovered an endangered species in the wild.
Just what kind of life has he been living up until now…?
All this fuss over going on a walk.
It was like parents cheering for a baby’s very first crawl.
“Wow, the weather’s so nice.”
Soon, we reached the garden.
I walked a little behind Eclipse.
After all, as just a hired tutor, it didn’t feel right to walk side by side with an Archduke.
Following his broad back, I couldn’t help but think:
He really is huge.
His broad shoulders, his sturdy build… and on top of that, a handsome face.
The complete package.
No wonder he’s a main character. He’s on another level entirely.
Not that I was plain myself—I was cute, even pretty by some standards.
Honestly, I’m on the cute side.
But compared to Eclipse, I looked like someone who didn’t bother much with appearances.
At least I have more mana than most people. I’ll take that as my consolation.
In a way, the gods had been fair—balancing my lack with mana.
Just as I was mulling this over—
“Ah!”
I collided into something solid and fell flat on my back.
“Ow, ow, ow…”
My poor tailbone.
Did I just break it?
Not that I could file an insurance claim in this world…
Of course not. This was inside a novel.
Clutching my back, I grimaced—only to see Eclipse rushing over, looking alarmed.
“Bloomhire, are you alright?”
That massive wall I had bumped into… was him.
“I was distracted looking around and… I’m sorry.”
Eclipse actually apologized, looking flustered.
I’ve never seen him so shaken before.
Forgetting my pain, I just stared at him.
He fidgeted awkwardly, then noticed my gaze.
“…Bloomhire?”
Oops—was I staring too much?
I quickly smiled sheepishly.
“Ah, no! I’m fine. I was just… lost in thought.”
Well, technically, I was—I was thinking about his face.
I hid the truth behind my grin.
At that moment, Eclipse held out his hand.
“Come, let me help you up.”
I stared at his large hand, hesitating.
Is it okay to take his hand? I’m just a tutor… he’s the Archduke.
But the doubt lasted only a second.
It’s just to help me up. Nothing more.
And there weren’t too many eyes around anyway.
So I accepted his hand and stood.
Once I was on my feet, he asked with concern,
“Are you hurt anywhere? Any pain?”
“Well, my backside’s a little sore… but nothing serious. I can bear it.”
It really wasn’t a big deal.
Just a fall—the pain would fade soon enough.
But Eclipse didn’t seem convinced.
“Silbern, fetch the physician. At once.”
“Yes, Your Grace!”
What—? The physician? For this?
There were three doctors who lived in the Ledaire estate.
And he’d just called their personal physician, the best of the best.
“Miss Bloomhire, are you okay? Oh dear, does it hurt a lot?”
Penny rushed over in a panic.
I shook my head with a little laugh.
“No, no, it’s not that bad. I’ll be fine after resting.”
“If you say so… but hold still a moment, miss. Your skirt is all dirty. I’ll clean it off.”
Penny fussed over me, brushing dirt from my clothes.
I let her, then glanced at Eclipse.
The moment our eyes met, he coughed and turned away.
He’s been doing that a lot lately… avoiding my gaze.
I tilted my head but didn’t push it.
Soon, the physician arrived and examined me.
“Thankfully, there’s no serious injury. Just take it easy for a while.”
Once the doctor left, Eclipse muttered under his breath,
“…A place nearby to rest…”
Then he started walking off.
Naturally, I hurried after him.
We soon arrived at a beautiful gazebo near the central fountain.
Wow… it’s gorgeous.
White marble pillars entwined with vines, a tall glass roof shielding us from the bright sun, and beneath it, a dainty tea table.
I hesitated awkwardly.
Can I really sit here?
In novels, nobles usually sat in places like this to enjoy tea and pastries while chatting.
Imagine piling this table with Walnut Tarts… That would be heaven.
As I indulged in my little fantasy, Eclipse spoke.
“Sit for a while.”
“Yes, sir!”
I plopped down immediately, without hesitation.
Seated, I looked around at the garden.
Neatly trimmed hedges, colorful flowers lining the paths, swaying gently in the breeze—
“Beautiful…”
Just then, I spotted a group of maids pushing a trolley toward us.
On top were trays stacked with what looked like desserts.
Could it be…?
My heart pounded. I swallowed hard.
And sure enough—
“We’ve prepared tea and desserts.”
It’s real! And—oh my gosh—is that…
WALNUT TARTS?!
The very desserts I loved most in this world. And there was a mountain of them.
Am I dreaming? Is all of that really walnut tarts?
I pinched my cheek.
“Ow.”
Nope. This was real.
Barely holding back a squeal, I licked my lips.
I want to eat them so badly.
But of course, I couldn’t make the first move.
I waited for Eclipse to take the first bite.
But instead—
“…”
He was absorbed in reading a small slip of paper.
And his expression… was hard to read.
Not smiling, not frowning, not angry either—just an unreadable mix of emotions.
What on earth did that note say to make him look like that?
