~Chapter 53~
I was late for work because I was talking with Baldwin. Luckily, there were no meetings in the morning, and I sent someone ahead to let them know I’d be late.
“This is the first time we’re going to work together.”
Baldwin nodded softly. Even though Baldwin’s office and Graham Bank weren’t far from each other, we always left at different times.
“Since I’m already late, can I be even later?”
Baldwin nodded again.
“I want to stop by the bookstore.”
With Baldwin’s agreement, I told the coachman to change our destination. Whenever I was with Baldwin, I always felt happy.
Was it magic in his purple eyes?
I felt like I was caught in a wonderful breeze.
“I want to buy books about Lakecia. There are so many places to visit there! In Estus, most buildings are made of brick, but in Lakecia, they’re made of marble!”
[That’s right. The Imperial Palace is especially worth seeing.]
Talking with Baldwin was always slow, but I liked waiting for him to reply.
“I think I heard about it at the academy. They say it’s a famous building. Will we get to see the palace? Even just seeing it from far away would be amazing.”
I never thought of myself as talkative. But when I think about it, I never had anyone who listened to me, or a friend to really talk to.
I had always kept myself alone.
The only things I ever talked about were work or my unhappy past.
Even a good song gets boring if you hear it too much. No one wanted to listen to those stories forever.
And I didn’t want to lie or pretend, either.
That’s why Ella, who had gone through hard times with me, was my only real friend.
But after marrying Baldwin, my life started to have new stories. Marrying him was a turning point.
These days, I spent time with Ella talking about what happened on our honeymoon.
Now, I had something new to talk about.
[I forgot to tell you. We’ll be staying in the Imperial Palace. We’re going because the Emperor of Lakecia invited us. Last time, I stayed at a villa there with Emperor Castro, so we’ll probably stay there again. It has a beautiful garden.]
“Wow…”
I could feel my eyes shining. I always forget Baldwin is really one of the most powerful people!
Of course, we’re going because we were invited by the Emperor.
“I didn’t even think of that!”
My heart was pounding.
“I need to pick out a really good gift! Should I bring something for the baby? Or maybe for the Empress?”
I felt excited about my first real job as Grand Duchess.
“I’ve never picked out gifts for noble ladies before.”
Most of the gifts I prepared for work were for men.
[Don’t worry. I heard the Empress of Lakecia is a very generous person.]
“Still, I want to give her something really nice.”
Baldwin’s eyes narrowed as he smiled. There was a rainbow in his eyes again.
It’s hard to believe. Even with his disabilities, how could he not be popular? Just his kindness would attract people.
Even if Baldwin didn’t like parties…
With his face and that smile, I’m sure many girls chased after him.
[And the Emperor of Lakecia loves the Empress very much. A gift for her would be best.]
So I had to find something that would make a good impression.
[The Estus royal family will prepare the jewels and luxury gifts. That’s what they do.]
That meant I should find something more personal.
While I was lost in thought, Baldwin gently tapped my cheek. Our eyes met.
Baldwin kissed me on the lips. I blinked slowly.
That kiss ended my worries. Baldwin smiled lazily—a warm smile perfect for early summer.
Baldwin tapped on the window.
“Oh…!”
We had already arrived. Time never felt slow with Baldwin. Even long rides felt short.
It would be the same on the way to Lakecia, and while we’re there.
“From today, I’ll make a travel plan. A perfect one. I can enjoy myself even if I’m alone.”
[Take Ella with you. And there will be two guards, too.]
“Yes!”
I nodded strongly. I was already looking forward to telling Baldwin everything I saw and did at the end of each day.
Just that thought made me happy.
Baldwin started to open the carriage door, then closed it again.
Tap.
“Baldwin?”
Was something wrong?
Baldwin wrote on white paper. The black ink slowly spread.
[You look happy.]
I nodded. Baldwin glanced at me, then started writing again.
[But please save some time for me too.]
[I need time with you as well.]
“I-I thought you’d be busy, Baldwin. I thought I’d have to be alone… but if you’re okay with it, then anytime.”
I hesitated, then leaned forward and kissed his lips—just like he did earlier.
Baldwin looked surprised, staring at me. I moved my lips slowly so he could read them.
“I want to be with you.”
My voice was shy and shaking.
For once, I was glad Baldwin couldn’t hear my trembling voice.
I started to look away, but Baldwin held my cheek. He kissed me deeply.
Baldwin easily made me melt. The warm sunshine of early summer suddenly felt hot.
We stayed in the carriage for a long time before getting out.
Lutheric waited for Baldwin until 11 o’clock. His boss had come to work late, but seemed strangely relaxed.
Baldwin was usually sharp and cold. Honestly, that was putting it nicely—he was kind of twisted.
Normally, it was hard to get close to him because he never showed any emotion. People who were attracted by his looks would leave as soon as they met his cold violet eyes.
Those eyes looked so empty, it was almost scary.
Lutheric stared back with a strange look and asked,
“…Did something happen?”
Baldwin glanced at Lutheric as he sat down.
Something did happen.
He had actually heard her shy, trembling voice. Baldwin was once again thankful he wasn’t completely deaf.
If he hadn’t heard, he would never have known Anais’s lovely voice.
‘I want to be with you.’
Baldwin always thought being alone was better. Being close to someone meant having to guess their feelings, and that was too much trouble.
But now, being with someone was so exciting.
‘Actually, there’s a place I really want to go with you, Baldwin.’
He found himself hoping for more.
‘There’s a wishing fountain in Lakecia’s capital.’
He really had no idea.
Anais showed him pictures and drawings from the books she bought at the bookstore, shyly pointing them out.
Even as the carriage started moving again, he only heard Anais’s voice.
‘I want to make a wish with you.’
[What do you want to wish for?]
‘Um, that’s a secret. What about you, Baldwin? What would you wish for?’
[You tell me yours first.]
‘…Then I won’t ask.’
Baldwin grabbed Anais’s cheek and kissed her again as she turned away with a pout.
Actually, he could guess what Anais would wish for.
Maybe she’d wish for Graham Bank’s safety.
Or for someone like Egbert, who still bothered her, to disappear.
‘She’s too kind for that.’
What did Anais really want?
[I’ll tell you. I won’t make a wish. I don’t believe in those things.]
If there were really miracles, Baldwin’s life wouldn’t have turned out like this. Wasn’t his life already too sad for someone who had so much?
[But I’ll wish for your wish to come true.]
Anais’s smile, blooming like a flower at those words, stayed in his heart.
