Chapter 6
“Why would you come to that conclusion?”
Adel spoke with a face that seemed both exasperated and amused at the same time.
“As long as Anastasia can smile, I don’t care how many times I have to take the blame for this.”
Suddenly, a sharp, tingling sensation hit a corner of my chest. It felt like a butterfly had dropped into my mind with a soft thud. I blinked rapidly to shake it off.
Adel had no resistance to my little jokes, and sometimes his fresh, sincere words felt like a strong stimulus to me.
“You think if you say that, I’ll be moved and give up? Not at all.”
I coughed lightly. Hopefully, he didn’t notice my face turning red.
Adel responded with a gentle smile.
“Yes. I’ll be counting on you from now on.”
Since we were already in the kitchen, we finished the walnut pie. The chef brought more tea, juice, chocolate, pudding, and cookies, and soon the table was overflowing with treats.
Adel watched me eat pudding for a while before speaking.
“I heard that tonight and tomorrow night, they’re releasing sky lanterns on the Marlo River. Are you interested?”
Oh my gosh, amazing! I knew about it, but I had given up because I thought Adel wouldn’t allow it.
“I definitely want to go!”
I shouted without thinking. Adel smiled and added a condition.
“You must come with me. I’m acting as your guardian, after all.”
“Yes! That’s fine!”
Adel’s eyes widened slightly, as if surprised by my quick acceptance.
It seemed like the real Anastasia had been quite harsh with Adel. No wonder he was so cautious about just accompanying me.
I smiled brightly to reassure him, and he spoke gently.
“Then I’ll prepare. I’ll come to pick you up this evening.”
“Adel is the best!”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
Seeing his obvious joy, I decided I’d compliment Adel more often from now on.
After our simple tea time, Adel returned to the duke’s mansion to prepare for the outing. I chatted with Illina while choosing the dress I’d wear in the evening.
I picked a modest brown dress, and Illina gave it an 85 out of 100.
Illina insisted I wear a hat to avoid shocking anyone with my face. She treated my appearance almost like a weapon.
As she braided my transparent silver hair, Illina said it suited any dress perfectly. I agreed.
Even in simple clothes, Anastasia exuded a mystical, enchanting, and sweet aura.
Her large, moon-like eyes scattered silvery light, and her hair shone. Her pale face lacked vitality but showcased unparalleled beauty.
It was heartbreaking to think that this beauty would fade if her illness worsened.
Expecting to snack later, I ate a light dinner. As the sun began to set, Adel came to fetch me in casual attire.
He looked like a prince on a secret mission. I pressed my hat firmly and followed him.
We rode in a carriage. Despite the cold night breeze, the area near the Marlo River was bustling with people. I was amazed; I hadn’t imagined so many would gather.
Merchants sold skewered chicken, roasted corn, fruit candies, and cotton candy directly on the streets. Children’s laughter filled the square.
Tens of thousands of lanterns floated overhead, filling the sky with yellow and orange starlight. I looked around in awe.
“Wow, it’s so beautiful. Everything’s sparkling.”
“You’ll see it even better from the boat.”
We bought two lanterns and rented a small boat. The lanterns reflected in the water like self-illuminating fish—a night view more beautiful than money could buy.
As Adel skillfully rowed, he said to me, who kept admiring everything,
“Anastasia, you’re shining too.”
I felt the glances of other people in boats toward Adel as well.
I slowly took in his striking golden hair and masterful features, a masterpiece of a man. Surrounded by clear light like a noble white birch, Adel’s presence alone was enough to draw attention.
I rested my chin on my hand and whispered lazily,
“Thanks for bringing me here.”
“I’m the one who’s happy you allowed me to accompany you.”
Adel smiled as he replied.
“If we release the lantern now, it will rise much higher. We could use a slight shortcut, but it’s more fun without magic.”
I fiddled with the lantern.
“Do we have to release it? I just want to keep it.”
Even though it was just a whiny remark, Adel took it seriously.
“Then we’ll release your lantern and take mine. Who knows—when it reaches the sky, your wish might come true.”
“But what about your wish?”
“My wish is for your wish to come true.”
He said it as if it were the most natural thing.
The orange lights floating in the sky cast enchanting shadows on Adel’s face. My cheeks felt hot.
I hurriedly released my lantern and nudged Adel.
“Shall we get off now?”
“Are you feeling dizzy?”
“A little.”
I used it as an excuse, and Adel immediately turned the boat.
I was startled by his overwhelming energy as he rowed fiercely.
“You don’t have to row so hard…”
We wove through other boats and arrived at the opposite pier. Adel helped me off and looked around.
“There are a lot of people here.”
I pointed at a shop emitting a sweet scent.
“Let’s get cotton candy!”
Determined not to take no for an answer, I pulled Adel along, and he went along without resistance.
I spotted her purely by chance.
Nearby was a girl with long, luscious brown hair, like a peach blossom.
Her bright blue eyes sparkled as she held roasted corn. She was so beautiful that passersby turned their heads, but her dress, decorated with clumsy rabbit embroidery, gave an ominous feeling.
You couldn’t ignore intuition. A striking beauty wearing a ridiculous rabbit-patterned dress was unusual.
As I cautiously approached, the girl said to the lady selling strawberry candies,
“Ma’am, it’s Olga. I came to buy candy.”
What the—she’s the female lead!
“Ah.”
I stopped awkwardly, suddenly remembering something.
“My mind changed. Let’s go that way.”
“There’s nothing over there.”
Adel looked puzzled, but I had already turned around.
“Hurry.”
I didn’t want to lose Adel already.
Olga was destined to meet Adel at my funeral. So until then, she could stay my friend, right?
For now, at least for the next two years, it was fine for her to be by my side.
I thought I had no regrets in this life, but suddenly I felt very frustrated.
I led Adel into a quiet alley. Empty bottles were scattered around.
I didn’t want to return to where Olga was, so I frowned and walked further. The shadows made visibility poor.
Suddenly, I stepped on something and stumbled, and Adel grabbed my arm.
“Anastasia, watch your step.”
I looked down and was shocked.
At least five people were lying there, their faces bruised and faint.
“A fight must have broken out. Though, it looks like they were beaten unilaterally.”
“Ugh, the smell of alcohol…”
The intense smell made me dizzy and nauseous. Adel pulled me close to him.
“Please excuse the rudeness. We’ll be leaving briefly.”
Adel supported me and guided me out of the alley. I held my nose and asked,
“What about them? Shouldn’t we help?”
“You come first.”
His answer was firm. Adel’s thoughtful care and fresh citrus scent gradually calmed me.
I grumbled, wondering why drunk people would choose the street as their bed instead of going home.
I blinked a few times, and fortunately, Olga was gone when we returned.
But there were still many eyes watching me.
“Everyone’s staring.”
I had been clinging to Adel too much while being supported. Feeling embarrassed, Adel let go.
“You should be safe here. I’ll inform the guards of the situation. Of course, I’ll keep watching you, so please avoid any dangerous actions.”
That meant he’d watch over me with magic if necessary.
Adel avoided using magic publicly, but it seemed monitoring me was an exception.
“Alright, take care of that.”
I sat at an empty outdoor table, adjusting my hat to hide my face and fixing my loosely tied hair. I was slightly touched that responsible Adel prioritized me over the injured.
While staring at the direction Adel had gone, I was slow to notice a presence.
“Excuse me, may I sit across from you for a moment? All other tables are full.”
I answered absentmindedly without checking him.
“Sure.”
And immediately regretted it.
When I yawned and lifted my head, I saw him sitting across from me.
A very handsome boy. His striking red hair was the first thing I noticed, followed by freckles and green eyes.
…No, it can’t be, right?
He smiled and asked,
“Has your party stepped away?”
“They’ll be back soon.”
I answered reluctantly. He continued the conversation skillfully.
“Then may we talk until then? I didn’t expect to meet a fellow noble here. You are a noble, right? I can tell even if you try to hide it. I thought this place would appeal more to someone like Olga.”
Ugh! He even came with Olga!
By now, I had to admit it. That red-haired boy was Ash Cloud.
Ash Cloud was Adel’s rival, a clear antagonist, but he had once maintained a friendship with the female lead, Olga.
I’m doomed. It feels like everything’s ruined.
