Episode 52
Well, sure, she could just tell her to stop talking if she didn’t want to hear it—but that felt too much like shutting down someone who was genuinely trying to care, and she didn’t like how that would feel.
‘Maybe I should just suck it up and go out for one day.’
Luisa’s gaze, which had been hovering in the air to avoid Mary’s intense look, returned to her.
She didn’t hate it enough to die over it. It was just annoying. Maybe going out just this once wouldn’t be so bad.
In truth, she hadn’t really enjoyed much in her previous life. She’d been obsessed with resting, but it wasn’t like she hated outings with a passion, so changing her mind wasn’t hard.
“Fine. Let’s go to the festival the day after tomorrow.”
In the end, a helpless smile formed at the corner of her lips. And Mary’s beaming face reflected warmly in her eyes, like a violet blooming in spring.
The day of the festival arrived. The Celestine Festival, meaning “shining sky,” was an annual event, with fireworks as its main attraction. It began in the afternoon.
Thanks to that, Luisa didn’t have to rush from the morning and could take her time getting ready. She didn’t need to dress extravagantly either.
Since they would be walking around among the crowd, it was better to wear something simple and comfortable. She wore a cream-colored blouse with frills cascading down from the collar and a long blue skirt that reached her ankles, cinched at the waist with a belt.
“Clothes don’t matter at all, do they? You’re so beautiful that whatever you wear just looks elegant,”
Mary muttered sincerely as she pinned a small flower-shaped brooch near Luisa’s collar.
“Go get ready already. I can dress myself just fine. Why are you even helping with this?”
Luisa let out a dry laugh and tilted her chin toward the door.
“Of course I should help! But yes, yes, I’ll go get ready now. Haha.”
“This hat is fine, right?”
“Yes!”
“Okay. I’ll wait. Go get dressed.”
Since the servant quarters were on the first floor, Luisa went down with her.
She turned a corner in the hallway and reached the stairs, intending to wait in the sitting room—only to run into the butler coming up.
“Ah! Pardon me, my lady. His Highness the Prince has just arrived.”
“…What? Who?”
“His Highness the First Prince. He said he’ll be departing right away and is waiting outside.”
“If he’s leaving immediately, why come here at all?”
Did he have urgent business?
“Heh heh, why else? Naturally, he came to go with you, my lady.”
The butler smiled knowingly and gestured politely down the stairs, as if urging her to go quickly.
Luisa glanced sideways at Mary, silently asking what on earth was going on.
She had told Raphael before to always give notice the day before if he planned to visit again.
Since she hadn’t heard a word from him since the saint appointment ceremony, she assumed he wouldn’t come today either. So this made no sense.
‘…Is her eye twitching or something?’
Then Mary suddenly started blinking one eye in an odd way, which confused Luisa even more. Had something gotten into her eye? But the look on her face clearly held intent.
It was like she was silently winking, saying “Aren’t I clever?”
Luisa gestured subtly for her to come closer. Mary, with a proud grin, sidled up and whispered very quietly,
“His Highness dropped by yesterday while you were napping.”
“Without telling me?”
“He said he was passing by, and asked me to let you know he’d be coming today.”
“So why didn’t you tell me?”
“Hehe, because I wanted to see you pleasantly surprised.”
“Ah…”
“You’ve grown so close lately, haven’t you? It seems like your sincerity finally reached him. I casually mentioned you might go to the festival today, and he looked really interested—even asked what time you’d be going. And sure enough… ta-da!”
Mary proudly gestured toward the entrance with both hands. It was a small motion, but her eyes sparkled so brightly that it was almost overwhelming.
First it was Damian, now you, Mary?
Luisa’s eyes turned cold.
‘Should I just tell everyone I’m over him?’
Since they were already engaged, even if she said she didn’t like him, people would probably dismiss it as just a whim. That’s why she hadn’t said anything. But now, with everyone trying to push them together so actively, she wondered if she should reverse course.
In the past, Luisa had been isolated because she acted selfishly. She was afraid that if she showed that side again, people would be disappointed and turn cold. That’s why she’d kept quiet…
‘…Well, I guess if things get awkward, it might restrict my actions. And also… also…’
Anyway, it would become uncomfortable in many ways, and she didn’t want that.
‘Ugh, whatever.’
Luisa shook off the thoughts and turned her head sharply before heading down the stairs.
If it were hot or rainy, she could use the weather as an excuse not to go out. But of course, the weather was annoyingly perfect today—fresh breezes flowed in through the open windows.
She passed through the first-floor hallway and opened the front door, where a broad-shouldered figure caught her eye. As if in slow motion, Raphael turned to face her.
“Luisa.”
He called her name naturally and extended a hand.
With a slightly unfamiliar gaze, Luisa took his hand. She was surprised—Raphael, who always wore formal dress uniforms, had come dressed in something completely different.
He wore a white shirt and a black vest—simple, everyday attire for men. But on him, thanks to his striking features, it looked luxurious.
And the top button of his shirt, usually fastened tightly to the neck, was undone. Yet somehow, he still exuded an air of restraint.
Luisa blinked a few times. With the sun behind him, instead of looking shadowed, he oddly seemed to glow.
“This is a first.”
“I think that’s my line. I thought you only wore uniforms…”
“I figured we’d be walking in public, so I tried to dress inconspicuously.”
“Ah…”
A for effort, but the real issue was his face. With that tall, fit frame and eye-catching face, no one was going to just pass him by unnoticed. Wherever they went, he’d attract all the attention.
“…Do you not like it?”
Raphael asked in a subdued voice, perhaps reading into her lukewarm reaction.
“No, it’s just… I dressed like this for the same reason. But with looks like yours, blending in seems unlikely.”
“…I should be the one saying that.”
“Huh?”
Luisa glanced back at him from the carriage steps, having caught his muttered comment.
“It’s nothing. Have you ever been to a festival?”
Apparently it wasn’t important. Changing the subject, he sat across from her in the carriage.
Luisa shook her head slightly.
“Then, is there somewhere you’ve especially wanted to go?”
“No, not really. Have you been to one, Raphael?”
“This is my first as well.”
“Hmm. Would it be better to bring my maid with us? We might get lost since we’re both new to this…”
“That’s why I took the liberty of researching a few places we could visit.”
Huh? Seriously?
Luisa’s eyes widened in surprise. He’d only just heard about this yesterday, and he already looked up places to go? You’d think he was planning a date or something.
Even though Raphael said he was interested in her, Luisa was certain it was just curiosity—nothing romantic. So this whole thing felt bizarre to her.
“Would walking be alright? If it’s too strenuous, perhaps we should find a place to sit until the fireworks.”
“I’ll be fine. If I get tired, I’ll let you know.”
“Understood.”
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by his intense gaze, Luisa casually turned to look out the window.
The breeze brushed her cheek gently, mixing with the chirping of insects, rustling leaves, and the soft rumble of the moving carriage. The scenery changed.
Suddenly, summer felt unfamiliar.
The festival streets were alive. Food stalls, vibrant attractions—everything bustled with energy, and smiles lit up the faces of the crowd.
‘I think I’m glad I came out today…’
Back in her past life, she never had the chance to go out and enjoy herself during college. This felt new and refreshing.
She’d spent every waking moment working part-time and studying to win scholarships. There had been no room for enjoyment. Life was unpredictable, truly.
Well, since I’m here, maybe I should try some food? Eating’s always worth it.
Following her nose, Luisa made her way toward the food stalls.
“Are you hungry? Shall we eat first?”
As they stopped in front of a stall selling grilled chicken skewers, Raphael asked.
Scanning the area as if searching for a proper restaurant, he looked concerned. Luisa gently tugged on his sleeve—just barely grabbing the edge of his shirt—but he instantly turned to her.
“We can eat right here.”
“…Are you sure?”
Raphael glanced at the skewers, his face a little stiff.
“Yeah. Um, is it not to your taste?”
“Not at all. I’ve had to sleep rough on missions before—sometimes even hunting and cooking food myself. But you… haven’t, right?”
Ah, so that’s what this was about. She’d been worried it was a class issue—that he might prefer fancier or cleaner settings. But thankfully, that wasn’t the case.
