CHAPTER 24……………………………………
Arsène read the letter with a grave expression.
He had written to Leonard, saying that it seemed like Ivelina had lost her memories. The reply he received said there was no need for great concern.
Leonard explained that, while very rare, there had been cases of such side effects before.
He also apologized, saying that since the likelihood was extremely low, he hadn’t mentioned it earlier.
Arsène was still uneasy about it, but since he owed Leonard and Ivelina seemed perfectly healthy, he decided to let it go.
Ever since she had fainted, the dining table had been filled with all sorts of rare delicacies — most of them meant to nourish her body.
Ivelina insisted she was fine now and that they didn’t need to worry, but Carina refused to listen.
Not that she was the only one — even Berry, who had never once opposed Ivelina before, didn’t back down this time.
On top of that, Arsène barely left her side, except when she was changing clothes or bathing — perhaps afraid she might collapse again.
“Arsène.”
“Yes?”
“Um… aren’t you getting tired of this?”
Arsène tilted his head, puzzled.
“What do you mean?”
“Being by my side all the time. I’m not really doing anything special, so you must be bored…”
In truth, her days were quite monotonous.
She didn’t attend tea parties or social gatherings like other noble ladies, so she was always at home.
Arsène actually preferred it that way.
If she were to go out alone, he’d be too worried to get anything done.
“I prefer this. I get to spend all day with you, Ivelina.”
He smiled softly.
Hearing the sincerity in his voice, Ivelina let out a quiet sigh of relief.
“Um… but when are you planning to return to the North? Hasn’t quite some time passed?”
“I can return anytime. Just tell me when you wish to go.”
She hesitated briefly, then spoke carefully.
“Arsène, there’s somewhere I want to go.”
“Where is that?”
“I’d like to visit my father. Since going to the North, I haven’t even exchanged letters with him.”
For a split second, Arsène’s expression hardened — then returned to normal.
“I see. Then we should send a letter informing the Duke’s household of our visit.”
“May I write it?”
“Of course.”
He smiled again.
Since they were in the garden, Berry — who stood behind Ivelina — hurried inside to fetch stationery.
As they waited, a gentle breeze blew, scattering petals that landed in Ivelina’s hair.
When Arsène chuckled softly, she tilted her head in confusion.
“What is it?”
“There’s a flower petal in your hair.”
She quickly reached up to brush it off, but her hand kept missing the spot.
So Arsène stood up.
“It’s right here.”
“Oh…”
He plucked the pink petal from her hair.
Their eyes met — his blue eyes shimmered under the sunlight.
She found herself staring, entranced, as he slowly leaned closer — but the sound of small footsteps running toward them broke the moment.
Startled, Ivelina snapped out of it. Arsène was already back in his seat as if nothing had happened.
“Your Grace, I brought the paper and quill!”
“Oh, thank you.”
Ivelina accepted them and began writing after a brief moment of thought.
Whatever she had to say, it filled three entire pages.
When she finished, she folded the letters neatly and handed them to Berry.
“Please take care of this, Berry.”
“Leave it to me!”
Berry grinned and left to send the letters.
“It’s been a while since you’ve seen your father — shouldn’t we buy a gift before visiting?”
“Then… shall we go shopping today?”
“Really? I’d love that.”
Ivelina nodded shyly with a smile.
Though he hated the idea of meeting that detestable Duke, he was satisfied enough just to have another outing with her.
“Shall we meet again in an hour, then?”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
Her smile sparkled under the sunlight.
“Oh, Your Grace — do you remember the flower petals that were in the robe pocket you wore during the Founding Festival?”
“Oh, right! Did you throw them away?”
“No! They were from the parade, right? I kept them safe.”
Berry quickly brought a small jewelry box.
When she opened the lid, a few petals lay inside — still moist and fresh, preserved by magic so they wouldn’t wilt.
“I’ll take them with me to the North, so keep them safe. Don’t let anyone see them.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Berry nodded and put the box away.
Since the sunlight was strong today, she also handed Ivelina a parasol.
“Have a safe trip!”
“I will.”
Ivelina waved lightly before heading out.
She had hurried to be ready first, but Arsène was already waiting outside for her.
“Arsène!”
“Take your time, or you might trip.”
The moment he said that, her shoe caught on a small stone.
“Ah!”
Ivelina instinctively squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for pain — but instead of hitting the ground, she felt herself in a firm, warm embrace.
She opened her eyes wide — only to see his broad chest right in front of her.
“Ah, I—I’m so sorry!”
“It’s fine. You’re not hurt, are you?”
“Thanks to you catching me, no.”
She replied with an embarrassed laugh, ashamed of nearly falling like a child.
“Have you thought about what kind of gift to buy?”
“No… It’s embarrassing, but I actually don’t know what my father likes.”
It was a little shameful, not knowing what one’s own father enjoyed.
But Arsène didn’t seem to mind at all.
“I still don’t know what my mother likes most either. Let’s take our time choosing together.”
“Okay. Thank you, Arsène. If not for you, I wouldn’t have even thought of getting a gift.”
He smiled gently.
The carriage rattled forward and soon arrived at the shopping district.
Ivelina suddenly regretted not bringing a hat — among the crowd, she was the only one with uncovered, shining silver hair.
‘Well… they’ll recognize me anyway, won’t they?’
Within the Empire, silver hair that shone like light was unique to the House of Lotzfeldt.
Regardless of the Duchess’s hair color, all their children were born with silver hair.
When the carriage stopped, Arsène got out first and offered his hand.
Ivelina took a deep breath, then placed her hand in his and stepped down.
People who had been sneaking glances at the grand carriage now stared openly at her.
It was common knowledge that a “cursed daughter” had been born into the Lotzfeldt family.
But those gazes quickly dispersed — Arsène’s cold, sharp stare swept across the crowd, silencing them.
Still, a few lingering looks remained. Arsène seriously considered whether he ought to gouge out their eyes.
“Arsène, you can go back first. I can shop for the gift alone.”
“…Pardon?”
“You’re getting those unpleasant looks just because of me. I can handle them on my own.”
“I cannot allow that.”
He answered firmly.
“But—”
“How could I possibly leave you alone here? That’s unthinkable.”
“Why… why do you care for me so much?”
The question slipped out before she could stop it — and realizing how it might sound, she quickly apologized.
“Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it in a bad way—”
“Because I…”
“…?”
“…love you very much.”
Arsène smiled radiantly and lifted her hand, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of it.
“It’s only natural to cherish the person you love and want to stay by their side.”
The sudden confession left her dazed, her cheeks slowly turning pink — like ink spreading across a white canvas.
“Then, shall we pick out a gift together now?”
“…Yes.”
She didn’t give any clear reply, but Arsène was content just to have confessed his feelings.
He knew it was a bit hasty — but since she didn’t look disgusted or repulsed, that was enough for him.
Love… he said he loves me…?
As they walked through the market, Ivelina stole glances at Arsène.
No one had ever said those words to her before — it felt strange and awkward.
She was used only to hearing “disgusting,” “horrible,” “repulsive.”
Saying or hearing “love” was completely foreign.
Too flustered to keep looking at him, she turned her gaze away. Then his gentle voice reached her ear.
“Ivelina.”
“Yes?”
“If you don’t have anything particular in mind, may I suggest something?”
“Oh, yes, of course.”
She nodded, still looking elsewhere.
“How about a quill? They break easily during paperwork, so it would make a useful gift.”
“That’s a great idea! I’ll buy some ink to go with it.”
“I know a good shop — let’s head there.”
Seeing how pleased she was, Arsène smiled warmly.
The store wasn’t far. When they entered, an elderly man slowly rose from his seat.
“Who’s there?”
“It’s me.”
“Oh, Your Grace?”
“Yes.”
Ivelina blinked in surprise — it was strange for the old man to ask who he was when he was clearly looking right at Arsène.
