Chapter 43
The carriage that had left the Valdeck estate stopped in front of a restaurant that was still quite busy with guests despite the late hour.
“Here…?”
“You haven’t eaten yet, have you? I thought it’d be nice to fill your stomach and have a drink.”
“Ah.”
At Sigmund’s words, Arnulf realized they hadn’t eaten a proper meal all day.
“Please, step down.”
Sigmund was the first to step out of the carriage, extending his hand.
Arnulf stared at that long hand, recalling that a similar scene had once happened before—on the day of the Millionen Club party.
Back then too, he’d thought Sigmund had become remarkably handsome and elegant compared to the past.
Now, with the light behind him, Sigmund seemed even more dazzling.
“…What’s wrong?”
Sigmund looked puzzled as Arnulf just stared blankly at him.
“It’s nothing.”
Arnulf brushed Sigmund’s hand aside and got off the carriage by himself.
Sigmund quietly opened and closed his empty hand before returning to his usual composed expression.
“Welcome! Table for two? Would you prefer a seat in the hall or a private room?”
As they entered, a server wearing a black cap hurried over, speaking cheerfully—if a bit too energetically.
Arnulf frowned slightly. He had sensed it from outside, but inside the restaurant was even noisier than expected.
He wondered if they could even hear each other properly over the chatter.
“A private room.”
The answer came from Sigmund.
“Right this way, please!”
The private room they were led to had a window view of a small stream trickling past outside.
Arnulf sat down by the window, while Sigmund took the seat across from him.
“When you’re ready to order, just pull this cord.”
Smiling brightly, the server exited. Sigmund then slid the menu across the table to Arnulf.
Arnulf glanced over the paper menu, tilting his head at the unfamiliar dish names.
“Since you’ve rarely had a chance to eat your hometown’s food since coming to Hessen, I chose a Pomeranian restaurant.”
“Ah…”
At that, Arnulf looked back at the menu with fresh interest.
Many names were still unfamiliar, but the explanations beside them made ordering easier.
When they pulled the cord, the same cheerful server reappeared. Sigmund relayed both his and Arnulf’s choices.
“What about drinks?”
The server asked, and Sigmund turned his eyes to Arnulf, as if letting him decide.
Arnulf glanced over the drink list, then pointed at the very first item.
“This one.”
“Sherry? Excellent choice! The one we serve has a clean, smooth flavor that pairs well with meals. Please wait a moment!”
With another bright smile, the server left as swiftly as he’d come, leaving behind an oddly still quiet in his wake.
“Sherry, huh. I’ve never tried it myself—rather looking forward to it.”
“Oh, is that so?”
Arnulf hadn’t tried it either, but from Sigmund’s words, he gathered it was a type of wine.
“In Pomerania, where seafood is the main fare, clear wines are quite popular. Osborne Sherry, in particular, is fairly well known even in Hessen.”
“Right.”
Even Arnulf, who wasn’t much of a drinker, had heard the name Osborne before.
Soon the server returned again, quickly placing two glasses of pale ivory liquid before them, along with a small appetizer.
“Cheers.”
Sigmund raised his glass. Arnulf clinked it without hesitation and took a sip.
It was milder than he expected, but the alcohol was strong enough to sting his nose slightly.
Sigmund watched the slight frown on Arnulf’s face and smiled faintly.
As their eyes met, Arnulf suddenly wondered—
Had Sigmund truly carried feelings for Josef all this time?
The thought stirred something uneasy in him.
“Ah.”
Startled by the sudden emotion, Arnulf lowered his gaze.
It felt almost as if he were jealous that Sigmund cared about Josef.
“…What’s the matter?”
Sigmund’s questioning look pushed Arnulf to finally ask the question that had lingered in his chest.
“Did you really… keep me in your heart all this time?”
The moment he said it aloud, the strange heaviness inside him deepened.
It was foolish—and yet, he wanted to hear Sigmund’s answer.
Sigmund looked at him with narrowed eyes, sensing that something in Arnulf’s tone was different from the last time he’d asked.
Back then, the question had been out of doubt. But now…
“…Does it bother you?”
Arnulf retraced his own feelings.
Yes—it bothered him. Of course it did. But why, exactly?
Was it the idea that Sigmund had once cared for Josef?
Or… was it something else?
Why was he only realizing this now?
Even if Sigmund’s heart had once belonged elsewhere, he—the past Arnulf—wouldn’t have cared.
So why did it matter now?
“…Hah.”
Arnulf let out a faint, exasperated sigh. He had finally realized why—and it made him feel absurd.
“Why? Are you wondering whether my feelings are for the you of now or the you of the past?”
Sigmund’s words hit him like a thought read aloud. Arnulf looked up sharply.
Sigmund’s eyes softened into a crescent shape as he smiled.
Why is he smiling like that?
Before Arnulf could ask, Sigmund spoke again.
“Don’t worry. The one I care for is the you of now.”
“Then what did you mean by ‘for a long time’?”
He hadn’t wanted to press the question—but his mouth wouldn’t stay shut.
Arnulf almost wanted to bite his tongue, annoyed by his own persistence.
And yet, he wanted to know what Sigmund would say.
“Well… let’s talk about that another time.”
Sigmund evaded with a gentle smile, lips curling playfully.
That teasing look somehow eased Arnulf’s mood a little.
“Excuse me.”
At that moment, the door opened again—the server returned with a larger tray this time.
His quick, precise hands cleared the empty dishes and set down the next course with practiced ease.
“Please enjoy your meal. If you need anything, just pull the cord.”
The server left with a cheerful bow.
The sight and smell of the fresh dishes stirred Arnulf’s appetite.
Without realizing it, his eyes drifted to Sigmund again.
“Let’s eat.”
Sigmund’s soft smile and words, spoken as if he’d been waiting, made Arnulf rub the back of his neck awkwardly.
He didn’t notice the warm gaze Sigmund sent him in return.
Their conversation over dinner was light—mostly about swordsmanship and martial techniques, topics they both enjoyed.
Arnulf found himself talking more than usual, and before they knew it, the night had deepened. It was nearly midnight when they finally stood to leave.
“I must have kept you too long.”
Outside the restaurant, Arnulf rubbed his slightly flushed cheek.
It wasn’t just the meal—after a few glasses of wine, he was pleasantly tipsy, and maybe a little giddy.
“It’s fine. I enjoyed spending the time with you.”
Sigmund’s smile was gentle.
In truth, he wished the night didn’t have to end.
He was tempted to suggest going somewhere else—to a hotel, perhaps—but knowing how upright Arnulf was, he could already imagine the reaction: confusion, embarrassment, maybe even an awkward retreat.
No, he’d save that test for another day. Tonight, he’d behave.
“Then, go on ahead.”
Sigmund turned his gaze toward the street. His eyes lingered on something for a moment before returning to Arnulf.
“I’ll watch until you leave.”
But Arnulf shook his head.
Though his own lodging was nearby, Sigmund’s home was much farther away.
A carriage Sigmund had called for was already waiting by the entrance.
Josef’s mansion was only ten minutes away on foot, but Sigmund’s place was a fair distance out.
“All right. Then, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes. Get home safely.”
Arnulf returned the smile, and Sigmund bowed his head slightly before turning and stepping into the carriage.
Arnulf stood quietly as the door shut and the carriage rolled off into the distance.
“…Haa.”
The alcohol was stronger than he’d expected.
He’d only had a few more glasses, but his face felt warmer now.
Or maybe it was because he’d been so aware of Sigmund the entire evening.
The atmosphere had been pleasant, the conversation enjoyable—so why did his heart feel so restless?
‘The one I care for is the you of now.’
Sigmund’s words echoed again, and Arnulf’s heart thumped oddly.
It’s the alcohol, he told himself. Just the alcohol.
If he stayed out any longer, he might start feeling something strange—so he quickly set off toward home.
It was indeed late; most of the shops and restaurants were already dark, and the streets were quiet.
As he walked leisurely along, Arnulf suddenly slipped between two buildings.
Several men followed close behind.
He had been waiting for them.
Moonlight filtered down between the rooftops, illuminating their faces.
“It seems we’ve met before, haven’t we?”
Arnulf tilted his head slightly.
The men blocking his path were not unfamiliar.
