ITMFYWCLBU 19

To the Summer Retreat 4

After finishing lunch and changing her clothes, Clarisse headed down to the entrance.

Alexis was already waiting outside. He, too, had changed out of his knight’s uniform and was dressed casually in a shirt and trousers. Only his boots remained practical—riding boots, likely in case of mud.

He carried a small basket in one hand, probably filled with drinks and light refreshments.

“Shall we?”

Naturally, they joined hands and began walking toward the west side of the villa.

A short distance westward, a small stream ran through the woods.

The trees shaded the path from the sun, making the mountain air pleasantly cool.

“Watch your step—the fallen leaves can be slippery. If it gets hard to walk or you get tired, I really can carry you, you know?”

“I’ll be fine!”

“There’s no need to be shy. We’re in the mountains—no one will see.”

Even if no one saw, it would still be embarrassing. If he carried her, she would feel his warmth so clearly, and they would be so close. If his face were right in front of hers, her heart would pound unbearably.

If I fall any deeper in love, I’m in trouble!

Both in the future and now, Alexis had always spoiled her shamelessly.

“Just tell me if you get tired, all right?”

“It’s not even that far…”

They could already hear the soft murmur of the stream. It was less than a ten-minute walk from the villa.

“But you’re small.”

“My height has nothing to do with it! And I’m still growing—I’ll get taller!”

She said it boldly, though she knew perfectly well that even two years later, she hadn’t grown much at all.

I may be a little short, but only a little! It’s just that Alexis is tall!

He was indeed tall—when they stood side by side, the difference was probably close to thirty centimeters. But that didn’t mean she was excessively small. Absolutely not.

“Height and stamina aren’t proportional!”

“That’s true. You can dance three songs in a row, after all.”

“Not three. I can manage five.”

“Really? Shall we test that sometime?”

“I don’t mind.”

Only after saying it did Clarisse freeze.

Dancing meant attending a party. And parties were held during the social season—mostly in autumn. Summer gatherings were typically relaxed garden parties without dancing.

Oh no… saying that is practically promising to dance with him this coming season…

The social season in Roberius began around mid-autumn—the very time she was supposed to resign as a lady-in-waiting. This year, because of Gracian’s wedding, the season would begin slightly earlier, but still in autumn.

If I’m still with him by then, breaking things off will be impossible…

Once she resigned, wedding preparations would begin in earnest. After invitations were sent and deposits paid to secure the cathedral, there would be no turning back. The marriage would be formally reported to the King. After that, it would be irreversible.

While Clarisse panicked inwardly, Alexis looked amused.

“I’ve got your word.”

He was absolutely smiling on purpose. He had deliberately steered the conversation toward dancing.

Unfair, unfair, unfair!

It felt as though she had been quietly surrounded, every escape route blocked.

What do I do…?

If she tried to take back her promise now, would he be angry?

He would, wouldn’t he…

For the past two months, Alexis hadn’t shown that frightening expression again. But perhaps, at some trigger, that dark atmosphere could return. She was still just a little afraid. She didn’t have the courage to say something that would surely anger him while they were alone.

“Ah, there’s the river.”

They followed the narrow, winding path until the stream came into view.

They stepped down onto a small gravel bar beside the clear water and peered in.

Fist-sized stones lay scattered along the riverbed, and the shallow water rippled gently over them. It hadn’t rained lately, so the water was low, brushing softly over the stones. Sunlight shimmered across the surface, dazzling and beautiful.

As Clarisse bent to look for fish, Alexis began removing his boots.

“Ah, it was hot.”

He stepped into the stream with a splash. The water barely reached his ankles.

“Come on in. It’s cool and refreshing.”

“But…”

“It’s fine. The current’s slow, and it’s shallow.”

I’m not worried about being swept away… I’m embarrassed about showing my legs…

To step into the water, she would have to lift the hem of her dress.

They had been married in the future—so why did it still feel embarrassing? In this era, as an unmarried woman, showing her legs before a man felt mortifying.

And Alexis doesn’t seem to care at all!

Did he truly not mind seeing her legs?

It annoyed her slightly—yet watching him enjoy the water alone was even more frustrating.

Fine! It’s only Alexis here anyway!

There was no point agonizing when he clearly didn’t mind.

She removed her shoes, gathered the hem of her dress lightly, and stepped cautiously into the stream.

Alexis immediately moved closer, taking her hand so she wouldn’t slip.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?”

“…Yes.”

Reluctantly, she had to admit it felt wonderfully cool.

Perhaps to steady her, Alexis slid an arm naturally around her waist.

She startled at the closeness, but if she reacted, he would surely tease her. He always looked delighted when she grew flustered.

“This will be our last time coming to the royal villa together, won’t it?”

“…Yes.”

Whether they married or not, this would likely be the last time they stood here like this.

If they broke off the engagement and she remained a lady-in-waiting, they might both come again next year—but their relationship would be different.

As she lowered her gaze, Alexis seemed to sense something and gently pulled her into an embrace.

“Clarisse… would you allow a kiss on the cheek?”

“W-What suddenly—”

Startled, she looked up.

His blue eyes were more serious than she expected, and her face flushed bright red.

Since the Flower Appreciation Gathering, Alexis had not kissed her lips. He must have been restraining himself, worried about frightening her. They had held hands and embraced, but for two months, no kisses.

He brushed his fingers softly against her cheek.

“I’ll settle for your cheek. All right?”

“B-But…”

“Of course, I wouldn’t mind your lips either. Which shall it be?”

“A… ah…”

She darted her gaze around helplessly, but he didn’t let her escape.

“Cheek or lips. Choose.”

Why was this a two-option question? It was ridiculous. Completely ridiculous.

“If you don’t answer, I’ll take your lips. Three, two—”

“Cheek!”

She cried it out in a panic, and Alexis grinned triumphantly.

He pressed a quick kiss to her puffed cheek—no more than a second—then pulled away.