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I blinked at him, but he quickly averted his gaze. If I think over what he just said, the meaning was pretty clear: “I’m glad you’re making friends, but I feel strange and upset, like your attention is being stolen.”
So that’s what it boils down to, right?
“Lucius. So what you’re really saying is… you’re jealous, aren’t you?”
“……”
“Have you ever felt that way toward Lady Verner… oh, or maybe even toward Alexandra?”
“……Yes. A little.”
That hesitant little “a little” he added at the end—why does it sound so adorable? In the end, he’s admitting he’s been jealous all along. My husband’s been getting jealous a lot these days.
Not just of Rael and other men, but now even of Alexandra and Angelica? It made me happy to see this fresh side of him popping up more often than I expected.
When I grinned wider than before, he flinched and abruptly turned his head away.
“Lucius. Lucius, look at me.”
“……”
“Are you sulking? Hmm, I was happy earlier not only because the deal with Lady Verner went well and her problem seems on the way to being solved, but also because of something even more important.”
As I began, I noticed his head tilt ever so slightly, as if already turning toward me. I could see his eyes reflected in the opposite window, already on me, which made me laugh inside as I continued.
“It’s because I was happy to go to the capital’s main street with you. It’s our first time, and it’s been so long since we’ve had a leisurely lunch together, just the two of us. That’s why I was smiling.”
Normally, when he went to work, I had lunch alone at the estate. We could share breakfast and dinner, but not lunch.
Today was special—he had cleared his schedule just to visit the Verner household with me. The thought of spending a relaxing afternoon together had me excited. I hadn’t realized it might come across another way.
“I don’t mind that you’re jealous when it comes to me and other people—it actually makes me happy. But you must know there’s no comparison. The time I spend with you, your very existence… all of it is special to me.”
“…Tiana.”
“So don’t be anxious. I only have you.”
I reached across the table and gently held his hand. Jealousy, I could welcome—it was endearing—but with him, maybe because of the time he couldn’t reach me, I could sense impatience and unease in it, which made me ache for him.
If anything, I should be the one who feels insecure. I really only have Lucius. Without Tiana’s shell, what would be left of me?
It had been some time since I possessed this body, and while I enjoyed the situation more than anyone, I sometimes felt that disconnect as “the possessor.” Even if I tried not to think about it, the thought would surface unconsciously. It was something I couldn’t help but push aside, but every time it happened, it left me unsettled.
He was doing his best to accept me, but when I sensed his insecurity like this, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was because I wasn’t the “real” Tiana, and that in turn made me uneasy.
If only he wouldn’t be anxious. If only he would just see me as I am…
With that feeling, I squeezed his hand gently. Soon, he returned the gesture, clasping mine softly in his.
Meeting my eyes with a serious expression, he said,
“I know, Tiana. I know how much you care for me. I know you’re always trying to show me your heart.”
“Lucius…”
“So don’t you be anxious either. Because right now, I think of you—and love you—more than anyone.”
“……”
“But still… I can’t help but feel a little jealous. Because I want all of your attention.”
With a small smile, he tugged me into his lap and held me securely by the waist, before pressing his lips to mine.
So you noticed my insecurity too, huh?
If anyone would pick up on it, it would be him. Watching him kiss my lips, my nose, my forehead—like he was trying to reassure me—made me laugh. The fact that we both understood each other’s anxieties like this… maybe we really were fated.
When his lips drifted down from my forehead, I met them with my own and whispered,
“Lucius, your attention is all mine too.”
“Of course it is.”
Smiling with satisfaction, he kissed me deeply again.
When we entered the bustling main street, it truly looked different. Come to think of it, this was actually my first time walking through the capital’s commercial district. I’d passed through on the way to the palace, but that was all.
As expected of the empire’s most developed city, the roads were neatly paved, and the buildings were both elegant and pristine. Some were even several stories high. The backdrop seemed reminiscent of early modern Europe at its most advanced.
Carriages filled the roads, and the architecture and atmosphere gave a strong sense of that era. The streets were crowded, but I liked seeing such a variety of people.
It definitely feels different from Cynadelli.
When I passed by on the way to the palace, I hadn’t noticed, but just watching the people now made the “capital’s main street” vibe hit home.
While I was enjoying the sights, our carriage pulled up in front of a building. With Lucius’s escort, I stepped down and looked up at a graceful three-story structure painted a striking shade of purple.
“Lucius, where is this?”
“It’s a famous restaurant in the capital. I was thinking about where to take you, and this place came to mind. I think you’ll like it.”
“Really? Now I’m curious.”
For a restaurant, the building was quite large. Its unusual violet color and elegant designs—swans and irises—were striking. Could the entire three floors be the restaurant? Fascinating.
When we approached the entrance, Lucius gave a subtle look to the doorman, who immediately bowed deeply and opened the door. Inside, a glittering chandelier hung from the ceiling of the first-floor lobby. Even here, swan motifs appeared.
The employee who had rushed over to greet us suddenly froze. He turned to a man descending the stairs and hurriedly called,
“Manager!”
At his call, the man on the stairs glanced our way.
“…!”
His eyes widened, and in an instant, he strode down to us, bowing low.
“Welcome, Your Grace, Your Ladyship. It is the greatest honor to have you at our establishment.”
“My wife and I would like to dine. Do you have a private room?”
“Of course. Please, allow me to guide you to the VIP suite.”
He quickly composed himself and led us upstairs with polished courtesy. His long tied-back gray hair swayed as he walked, oddly catching my attention.
On the third floor, he opened the central and most prominent room. Inside, staff were laying out a tablecloth and jumped in surprise at our sudden arrival.
“Ahem.”
“……!”
At the manager’s signal, the staff quickly finished arranging the table, bowed respectfully, and hurried out. Other employees followed us in and pulled out chairs for us.
When I sat down beside Lucius, the manager handed him a menu.
“Today’s courses are A and B. Each has different appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. You may also mix and match.”
Adjusting the monocle that had slipped down his nose, he explained. A man with long gray hair tied back, wearing a monocle, and striking violet eyes. He certainly stood out. As I studied him, Lucius leaned toward me.
“Tiana? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. The menu just looks so delicious, I don’t know what to pick. What’s good here?”
“The meat dishes are excellent—light yet flavorful. And the desserts are more varied and renowned than most.”
“Really? Hmm, then I think I’d prefer a sirloin dish over chicken.”
“Shall we both go with course A then?”
He asked with a smile, as if ready to choose the same. I was about to nod when the manager spoke politely,
“As it happens, the A course includes a seasonal, limited-time dessert. It is our pride and joy—I highly recommend it.”
“Oh? Now I’m really excited.”
When I answered with a smile, he gave a faint, almost startled twitch, then bowed courteously.
“……Thank you for your order. We will prepare today’s A course menu. Please wait just a moment.”
After collecting the menus, he left with the staff. As the door closed softly behind them, I turned to Lucius.
“Lucius, can I ask you something?”
“…If it’s about another man, I won’t answer.”
I blinked in surprise, but his expression told me he was teasing. I laughed.
“It’s not about another man. It’s about the manager.”
“So my joke didn’t work this time. What a pity.”
Chuckling softly, he asked,
“What do you want to know?”
“That manager just now. Doesn’t he seem awfully young for the position? For someone that young to be running such a prestigious restaurant… It feels unusual.”
He couldn’t have been more than his late twenties. For a place this famous in the capital, wasn’t that unheard of? No matter how talented, you usually didn’t see managers that young.
And his appearance wasn’t ordinary either—there had to be some story behind it. Did such a character appear in the original novel?
Since Lucius seemed familiar with him, maybe he knew. I gave him a curious look, and after a pause, he finally said,
“He does have… a rather unusual background.”
“Could you tell me what kind of background?”
“Well, he’s…”
Maybe it was a sensitive matter—he hesitated, clearly torn about whether to say more. Just then, a loud voice echoed from outside.
“Who’s in there?! Who are you keeping me from seeing?!”
