Chapter 16.
The Island of Love
Applin’s gaze remained fixed on Lucent Blackcarson’s waist and did not move.
She swallowed dryly, her mind racing as she tried to think of a proper reaction to whatever shocking action he might take.
‘Did he wear a swimsuit under his trousers?’
She was curious about what kind of swimsuit he might be wearing, yet she repeatedly told herself not to behave tackily.
However, instead of taking off his white linen trousers, Lucent Blackcarson tightened the drawstring firmly around his waist.
‘What? Why isn’t he showing the swimsuit?’
If they had decided to swim together, wasn’t it proper etiquette for him to wear one as well?
Even with Applin’s face full of doubt, Lucent Blackcarson did not seem to care much.
“Are you not going to change into a swimsuit, Lucent?”
“I plan to swim just like this.”
“Uh…? Then why did I have to wear a swimsuit…?”
“A lady cannot swim in her undergarments, can she?
But everyday clothes would not be proper etiquette either.”
“Isn’t it against etiquette for you as well, Lucent?”
There was a hint of grievance in Applin’s voice.
At that, Lucent Blackcarson smiled like the blazing sun and cupped her face.
“If you wish, I can take off all these clothes.
If you tell me to swim naked, I will do so.”
His words sounded reasonable somehow, yet she still felt unfairly treated.
However, she could no longer complain under his sun-like smile.
Intoxicated by his voice whispering like rippling waves, Applin blushed.
“You’re beautiful, Applin.”
To be more honest, she was unbelievably petite and adorable.
It was hard to believe this was the same bold Applin von Hafen who had once proposed a deal asking him to save her father.
He stroked the flower-adorned swim cap with his hand and gently brushed her flushed cheek with his finger.
At that moment, Applin unknowingly confessed everything.
“I’ve actually never swum before.
It’s my first time wearing a swimsuit like this.”
She had pretended otherwise out of pride, fearing she might seem unsophisticated.
“Then you can wear it often from now on.”
Lucent Blackcarson replied in a nonchalant tone, as though it were no big matter that she had never worn one before.
There were far more women who had never even seen such clothing than those who had worn daring swimsuits.
Soon, Lucent Blackcarson brought over a large tube that Leon had prepared.
“Our lady only needs to sit on this tube.”
“…?!”
Before Applin could ask further, she was led toward the sea by Lucent Blackcarson’s hand.
He set the tube afloat on the water.
“Sit in the hole and let your legs hang outside.”
Unable to perform even that simple action at once, Applin floundered stiffly.
Lucent Blackcarson lifted her effortlessly onto the tube and helped her slide her slender legs out.
Did humanity fumble this much when they first discovered fire?
Applin felt irritated at her own clumsiness.
Yet as Lucent Blackcarson held the rope attached to the tube and headed toward the middle of the sea, she became delighted like a child experiencing water for the first time.
‘It really is my first time.’
Even without knowing how to swim, riding the rolling waves on a tube was this fun.
Whenever the tube flipped over, she quickly climbed back on and gradually learned how to enjoy the water her own way.
Before long, the smile never left Applin’s face.
Lucent Blackcarson watched her fondly before swimming gracefully like a fish.
Applin stared at him, mouth half-open, as he swam freely in various strokes.
Exclamations escaped her lips, and eventually she laughed brightly and clapped her hands.
“You’re good at swimming.”
Applin praised Lucent Blackcarson.
“Yes, I used to play here often with my father when I was young.”
“That’s wonderful, Lucent.”
“What?”
Was merely cutting through the water so impressive?
Seeing Applin look at him with admiration made him smile unconsciously.
The complicated thoughts that had always filled his head faded away, leaving only this moment with her.
“I’ve never felt such freedom before.”
Though she relied on the tube, Applin swept her arms through the water and tilted her head back.
White clouds drifted slowly across the blue sky, and seagulls flew above the shimmering surface.
As her body and heart moved with the rhythm of the waves, she felt at peace.
Wearing a swimsuit for the first time and enjoying the seawater would surely become an unforgettable memory for Applin.
Experiencing things she had never even dreamed of before brought her immense joy.
It even filled her with pride.
Lucent Blackcarson swam nearby without straying far from her.
‘Is this what freedom feels like?’
Applin felt the water slipping between her fingers as she kicked her legs.
Next time, she wished to swim skillfully like a dolphin herself.
The midday sun sparkled between the waves as she floated gently, taking in the beautiful scenery to her heart’s content.
Then, in the distance, a small island caught her eye.
“Lucent, have you ever been to that island?”
The island, not far from the beach, seemed close enough for a strong swimmer to reach.
“Insula Amoris.”
“The Island of Love, that’s quite a grand name.”
“I went once with my father when I was young.
That island also belongs to our family.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Shall we go?”
Though surprised by his suggestion, Applin saw no reason not to.
The island did not look particularly dangerous, and the weather was beautiful.
When she nodded, Lucent Blackcarson took hold of the tube’s rope and swam toward the island.
With his strength, they moved swiftly as if riding a water sled.
About ten minutes later, they reached a rocky island with no sandy shore.
The island, made of smooth black cliffs, produced white foam whenever waves crashed against it.
Lucent Blackcarson tied the tube’s rope to a rock and offered his hand to Applin.
“Oh, there are stairs on the island.”
Though she had thought it an untouched deserted island, sturdy iron stairs stretched from below up to the summit.
Thus, they did not need to step barefoot on sharp pebbles.
Seeing the island after such a long time stirred many emotions in Lucent Blackcarson.
Despite its romantic name, ‘Island of Love,’ his father had hidden all kinds of smuggled goods inside its caves.
In a way, it had been a secret warehouse floating in the sea.
The iron stairs had been installed for easier concealment of the contraband.
Of course, he had not brought Applin here to reminisce about such memories.
“Applin, do you see that tree at the top?”
“Yes, it’s full of fruit.”
He remembered his father warning him never to touch the fruit.
Even afterward, whenever he observed the island through a telescope, he would first check whether the fruit still hung there.
At that moment, Applin looked at him with sparkling eyes.
“How about we pick some and try it?”
“I’ve never eaten it either.”
“I’ve read many plant encyclopedias, so I’ll know whether it’s dangerous or not.”
Since they had come all the way to this remote island, holding back did not seem like the spirit of adventure.
Lucent Blackcarson was curious about the fruit as well.
Holding Applin’s hand firmly, he climbed the iron stairs.
Soon, remnants of his childhood memories unfolded before him.
His father, Marcus, had never shied away from illegal dealings if they brought money.
He had struggled relentlessly for profit until the day he died.
The father Lucent Blackcarson remembered had lived a life like war and ultimately met a tragic end.
Even if Applin was his wife, he had no intention of telling her the true purpose of this island.
Lost in faded memories and thoughts, he realized slightly late that they had reached the top.
“Lucent.”
Following Applin’s gaze, he turned his head and saw unfamiliar fruit trees lined up before them.
“Do you know what kind of tree it is?”
“I think we need to go closer to take a look.”
The two of them walked toward the mysterious fruit tree.
