CHAPTER 42………………………………………….
Evelina slightly drew back the curtain of the carriage.
Compared to the North, the street was packed with people.
And her red eyes would not be received kindly.
Arsen waited patiently until Evelina spoke about getting down.
“It’s fine. I’m used to those disgusted looks. I can endure them.”
Whether she covered her eyes or not, the gazes directed at her would hardly be friendly.
So there was no real need to hide them.
It was strange even to herself how boldly she had changed, considering that just a few months ago, she had been timid and overly conscious of others’ eyes.
Evelina turned her gaze toward Arsen.
Seeing his eyes, still shining a brilliant blue, brought an automatic smile to her face.
“Let’s get down now.”
“Yes, Evelina.”
Arsen swung open the door and stepped out of the carriage.
He extended his hand toward her.
Evelina carefully took his hand and slowly descended the steps.
She felt the warm sunlight gently envelop her.
“Is the sun too harsh?”
“I’m fine.”
If Evelina had said otherwise, Arsen would have rushed to buy a hat from a shop immediately.
Still, he regretted not bringing a parasol just in case her delicate skin was harmed.
Evelina took a deep breath and lifted her head.
As she glanced around, the people who had been sneaking peeks at her quickly averted their gaze and hurried away.
In an instant, the area around her became quiet.
Evelina gave a slightly awkward smile and looked at Arsen.
“Now that it’s quieter, it should be easier to walk around. Shall we go?”
“…Yes.”
Arsen smiled faintly, pretending not to notice.
Evelina didn’t shrink back at his considerate gesture.
The arm she held onto was strong, like a sturdy support.
Together, Evelina and Arsen headed toward the restaurant.
The restaurant was large and spacious.
The line was long, and the closer they got, the more the savory smell wafted toward them.
Thanks to Arsen’s reservation, they could enter immediately without waiting.
Inside, a staff member hurried toward them.
“Are you the Duke of Rockfelt?”
Arsen nodded briefly, and the staff member asked them to wait a moment before running off somewhere.
Shortly after, a man approached quickly.
“Greetings, Your Grace. I am Aron, the manager of Rossina. It is truly an honor that you came all this way.”
Aron bowed excessively, keeping his eyes respectfully averted due to Arsen’s overwhelmingly high status.
He glanced at Evelina beside Arsen and spoke.
“So this is the Duchess. As I’ve heard, she is truly beautiful.”
“Ah… thank you.”
Evelina smiled awkwardly.
Guided by the manager, Arsen and Evelina went up to the second floor.
While the first floor was bustling, the second floor was quiet.
It seemed to be reserved for distinguished guests.
Additionally, each seat had curtains, so there was no need to worry about prying eyes.
Their seat was on the terrace with the best view.
Though such a prime spot came with a surcharge, Arsen paid without hesitation.
He wanted only the best for Evelina.
“If anything is uncomfortable, please let me know at any time. I will come back shortly.”
Arsen gave a brief nod, and the manager bowed deeply before leaving.
Arsen opened the menu and handed it to Evelina.
“Order whatever you like.”
“Hmm… okay.”
Evelina nodded and studied the menu.
As expected from a popular restaurant, there were numerous options.
She flipped to the seafood section, having heard it was famous.
“Arsen, don’t you want anything?”
“I eat anything, so don’t worry about me.”
Evelina recalled the times she had shared meals with him.
Whatever had been served, he had always finished his plate cleanly.
Nodding, she felt slightly more at ease scanning the menu.
After some deliberation, she chose a simple course menu.
For the main course, she opted for the restaurant’s signature lobster dish, just as the manager returned.
“Are you ready to order?”
“The dinner course. Please make the main lobster.”
“Yes, understood. Please wait a moment.”
Evelina’s expression was full of anticipation.
Amused by her excitement, Arsen chuckled softly.
Realizing her clumsiness, she blushed.
Seeming to notice, Arsen spoke gently.
“You’re adorable.”
“…Teasing is really a bad habit.”
“I’m not teasing. You really are cute. I’d like to learn a bit from your cuteness.”
With a serious expression, Evelina felt even more embarrassed.
She tried to look away and act as if she didn’t notice, but the waiter arrived.
“Cream of mushroom soup.”
The savory aroma teased her nose.
Taking a spoonful, she tasted the rich yet smooth flavor.
Though not as exquisite as the chefs at the Duke’s household, it was still delicious.
“This is delicious! How about you, Arsen?”
“It is indeed. It’s clear why this place is famous.”
Arsen nodded slowly.
The following dishes were equally delightful.
Especially the main lobster dish, which was the tastiest.
After finishing the dessert sherbet, Evelina finally set down her spoon.
She glanced at Arsen, feeling she might have eaten too greedily, only to see him watching her with a pleased expression.
Seeing Evelina enjoy her meal, Arsen felt a sense of satisfaction that didn’t require him to eat at all.
After a brief rest, they stood up.
Evelina felt a twinge of regret about returning to the North so soon.
As always, Arsen seemed to notice her feelings and spoke first.
This time was no exception.
He glanced at her and suggested softly,
“Evelina, do you like opera?”
“Opera?”
“Yes. I checked earlier, and there’s a performance tonight. I even booked tickets just in case…”
Evelina’s face brightened immediately.
“Opera…! I’ve never seen one, so I’m really curious. I don’t dislike it at all! It’s wonderful.”
“Is that so? I’m glad to hear it.”
Arsen and Evelina walked side by side toward the opera house.
As they walked, Evelina spoke.
“It’s amazing.”
“What’s amazing?”
“Honestly… I was a bit reluctant to return to the North so soon. Yet Arsen somehow knew and suggested this. That’s what’s amazing.”
It was natural.
Arsen had not once taken his eyes off her.
He reacted keenly to even the subtlest changes in her expression.
Being skilled at reading expressions and having unlimited attention on her, he could easily understand what she was thinking.
Suddenly, a crowd surged around them.
Arsen quickly wrapped his arm around her, almost pulling her into his embrace.
Evelina’s eyes widened in surprise.
After the crowd passed, Arsen hesitated briefly, then extended his hand.
Evelina looked at it, puzzled, and he smiled.
“With so many people, it’s easy to get lost.”
“Ah…”
“If I hold your hand tightly, that won’t happen.”
Hesitant at first, Evelina carefully took his hand.
Though she had often linked arms with him under the guise of escorting, this was her first time walking purely holding hands.
Somehow, her chest felt tingling.
Arsen held her hand firmly, as if never intending to let go.
Thanks to him, Evelina reached the opera house safely without being swept away by the crowd.
“Wow… it’s huge.”
Evelina slightly opened her mouth.
The opera house was far larger than she had imagined.
Finding her fascination adorable, Arsen wanted to keep watching, but time was short.
“Evelina, the opera is about to start.”
“Oh, yes! Let’s hurry.”
Evelina dashed forward.
Arsen held back a chuckle and gently stopped her.
“This way, not there.”
“Ah…”
Embarrassed, Evelina cleared her throat and turned.
The seats Arsen had booked were the best: not too close, not too far, with the perfect view of the stage.
Evelina carefully looked around and sat down.
“They say this opera is very popular nowadays. I hope it suits your taste.”
“I like everything, so it’s fine. I think it will be very enjoyable.”
Arsen smiled.
Fidgeting with her fingers, Evelina glanced at him.
“Thank you so much.”
“For what…?”
“For letting me experience things I never have. From the restaurant to the opera, even the Founding Festival… and my debut in society.”
Evelina spoke sincerely.
“I don’t know how to repay you for all the favors you’ve done.”
“…We’re family, so there’s no need for repayment. Neither my mother nor I have done this expecting anything in return.”
“But… I’ve received so much. I haven’t given anything in return…”
After a moment of thought, Arsen spoke again.
“In that case, could you do just one thing for me?”
“What is it? I’ll do anything.”
Evelina’s eyes sparkled as she leaned a little closer.
“Just enjoy yourself happily. That’s enough.”
“…Of course.”
She smiled shyly.
Since arriving at the Duke’s residence, there hadn’t been a single unhappy day.
Evelina was about to ask him to say something else, but just then, the lights went out.
