IBACM SS 143

Chapter 143 

I deliberately walked back and forth in front of the Duke’s office, hoping to get his attention. Finally, he put down his pen and asked, “…What’s with your outfit?”

I answered quickly, as if I had been waiting for him to ask, “It’s a straw hat.”

He looked me up and down. His expression showed some annoyance, but his voice carried a hint of concern.

“Isn’t that outfit too light for the weather?”

He wasn’t wrong. Compared to my usual clothes, it was much lighter. I wasn’t wearing one of my elegant noble dresses. Instead, I wore a simple dress with a wide-brimmed straw hat, so his reaction wasn’t surprising.

I straightened up, put my hands on my hips, and announced excitedly, “I’m going to the beach!”

“I know.”

Of course, he knew—Dedrick was the one who got the Duke’s permission for the vacation.

“Is the trip today?”

“No, not today.”

“Then why are you dressed like that?”

I gave him a mischievous smile. He seemed suspicious, and his forehead creased in annoyance.

“No, don’t start—”

Before he could finish, I interrupted him quickly.

“I’m going to swim with Didi and play in the water!”

He went silent. He tried to act indifferent, but I knew he wasn’t. So, I kept teasing him:

“It’s going to be fun, right?”

“Are you showing off on purpose?”

“Yes!”

“…”

“I’m sure Didi will smile when he sees the sea, right?”

“He’ll smile because he’s looking at you.”

“Hehe…”

Hearing that from him made me really happy.

He sighed and shook his head as if talking to me was pointless, then he looked back at his papers.

I moved closer and asked, “Don’t you want to come with us, Dad?”

Calling him “Dad” had become natural to me now. Unlike before, he didn’t seem awkward—he even seemed to like it.

“…To the beach?”

“I thought you might want to come.”

“I wouldn’t mind, but Dedrick won’t be happy about it.”

“I can’t deny that.”

A tiny bead of sweat appeared on his forehead. Teasing him was honestly a lot of fun.

But he looked a little disappointed, so I smiled and said,

“Then, after we get back from the beach, let’s go on a family outing.”

There were many nice places to go near the capital. Even if we didn’t leave the palace, a walk in the beautiful garden would be enough.

He hesitated, then acted as if he wasn’t interested and said,

“…I suppose that’s possible.”

The slight smile on his lips told me that he was already looking forward to that day.

“I’ll go to the beach and have lots of fun!”

“…Just don’t be late coming back.”

I smiled and nodded.

***

At the Beach

“This is my first time on a boat.”

In my previous life, I was stuck in a hospital bed. And in this one, I stayed inside learning how to fit into noble society. So, I never had the chance to go out much. This was my first time truly feeling free.

The boat glided smoothly over the waves, carrying me and Dedrick.

“And this is my first time seeing the sea!”

I looked at the wide, blue sea, then at Dedrick. He gave me a gentle smile and patted my head.

“Rosarben’s sea is much more beautiful than this.”

They say Rosarben is a lovely island surrounded by emerald waters, owned by the Blackwood family. Only we and the servants would be there.

“I’m so excited!”

What made me even more thrilled was that I was going alone with Dedrick.

He seemed just as excited—his sharp eyes had softened warmly. I couldn’t help but touch his gentle smile with my fingertips.

He kissed the tip of my finger and asked,

“Do you mind if I cover your eyes before we arrive?”

“Why?”

“I want to show you the sea at the perfect moment—not just randomly as we step off the boat.”

“If that’s the reason, I’ll keep my eyes shut tight!”

I closed my eyes to show him how tightly I’d keep them shut. Suddenly, I felt something soft and warm on my forehead… and then it was gone.

I didn’t need to open my eyes to know it was Dedrick’s lips.

I opened my eyes, and our gazes met. He leaned in quietly, his lips almost touching mine, but then—

“I brought some fruit for you to snack on before you arrive…!”

“Ah.”

“…”

I quickly pushed Dedrick away, and the servant immediately changed his words:

“Then I’ll go check the villa!”

He ran off like the ground was chasing him, as if Dedrick’s glare was burning a hole in his back.

I gently patted Dedrick’s cheek, trying to hold in my laughter.

“Didi, calm down.”

“…”

He looked upset, so I tiptoed closer and whispered,

“Come on, now’s your chance!”

“Huh…”

“Won’t you do it?”

“I will… since you’re giving me the chance.”

He cupped my face in his hands and kissed me sweetly, just like always. Thankfully, no one interrupted us this time.

***

At the Island

We arrived at the island. My eyes were still covered, and I was holding tightly onto Dedrick’s hand. I wasn’t sure if I was excited or nervous, but I couldn’t stop smiling.

Above me, I heard his soft laughter.

“What is it?”

“You’re just so cute… I’ll carry you.”

“Why? I want to walk while holding your hand.”

I clung to his arm tightly. I felt completely safe just depending on him. The salty sea breeze, the warmth of the sun—everything felt calm and perfect because I was with Dedrick.

“I’ll carry you now. We need to get in the carriage.”

“Okay.”

He gently picked me up. His body shifted a little as he stepped into the carriage. Once inside, he removed the blindfold from my eyes.

I sat on his lap like it was normal, and he didn’t seem bothered by it at all.

“My little chewing gum.”

“Chewing gum? What do you mean?”

“It means you stick to me and won’t let go.”

“Then I’m your gum!”

I laughed heartily at how casually he said that.

The carriage was spacious and had curtains. We chatted lightly and happily until we arrived at the villa.

“Do I need to wear the blindfold again?”

“No. The sea view room is on the third floor. You won’t see the ocean from here.”

“So I can enjoy the place?”

“Of course. But don’t run or trip. Hold my hand.”

I held his hand and got off the carriage. A soft breeze blew through my hair.

I looked up and saw a beautiful green garden surrounded by forest. The trees and wildflowers swayed gently like waves.

There was a wide lake in the middle, with a small boat and a gazebo decorated with hanging red flowers.

As I admired the scene, the villa manager and servants approached and bowed politely.

“Welcome, Sir and Madam. We’re honored to have you at Rosarben. I’m Matt Reed, the manager here.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Marilyn Alia.”

“I’ve heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”

Matt smiled and asked,

“Shall I show you to your room, or would you like to eat first?”

Dedrick asked me, “What do you think?”

I hesitated, then looked at the lake.

“Can we go see it first?”

He smiled and nodded, then told Matt,

“Bring the food to the gazebo.”

“Yes, sir. It would be best to take the small carriage for a quick and comfortable ride.”

Dedrick looked at me as if asking what I wanted. I shook my head.

“I want to walk, while holding your hand.”

Since I had always been confined before, I loved the idea of walking freely, especially with his hand in mine.

***

I wanted to hold his hand and talk as we walked slowly.

He gladly took my hand.

“When will we go see the sea?”

“We’re going to relax today. It’s not as magnificent as Mirair, but it’s at its most lovely tomorrow at noon.”

He gave me a meaningful look, calling me beautiful without effort. I returned a sly glance that wasn’t exactly shy.

We walked hand-in-hand, swinging our arms lightly, until we reached the lakeside. The sunlit surface sparkled like stars.

I stepped closer, but Dedrick gently wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me back.

“The water is deep. Don’t get too close. If you really want to see it, we can take a boat.”

“No, the food will be here soon. Let’s just stay here.”

Once we sat in the gazebo, the servants arrived with a cart full of food.

As I played with Dedrick’s big hand, I looked at him closely and bit it gently.

“…Mary.”

He said my name like he was in pain, so I smiled slyly and intertwined my fingers with his.

“Are you going to keep doing that?”

He looked at me with a mix of scolding and fondness. I just smiled and said nothing.