Chapter 44
The fever completely went down the next day.
But because of my father’s pressure, I rested in bed for five more days, and spent two weeks in the Brante territory until my ankle healed.
On the day I returned to the capital city of Pellen, the summer was ending, and the cricket’s cry echoed.
My brother Simon prepared to leave for the military academy dormitory the next day.
I also heard that Darius had already gone to the dormitory.
‘Too bad, but it can’t be helped.’
I planned to write a reply during the semester using the letter I received before.
‘My first fan letter. Even if it’s short, it should be strong and stylish.’
I would think carefully about what to write.
Since I returned to the Pellen mansion after almost two months, many tasks were waiting.
The private tutor said my education was behind others my age and gave me mountain-like homework.
Horse riding and social dance lessons also became very strict.
And—
“Snowflake, why did you grow so big?!”
The foal I received from my father on my birthday, the white horse named Snowflake, had grown into a teenage horse.
“You were clearly shorter than me before….”
Now I had to look up at it.
I felt sad that I missed its cute baby days, so I visited the stable every day to feed and bond with it.
By the time I reached my late teens, Snowflake would become my full-grown partner, so I wanted to build a strong connection from now.
There was another interesting incident.
I accidentally saw Milly’s romantic situation!
After giving carrot snacks to Snowflake and brushing its mane, I left the stable.
Outside, I heard Milly talking softly with a young groom named Luke.
Because I had started riding lessons and visited the stable every day, I naturally met the Brante family grooms often.
It seemed that Milly had become closer to Luke.
Milly sat on a pile of firewood and raised her chin while answering calmly.
“I don’t have any plans.”
“C-can you spare half a day?”
“Why?”
“Well… I need to pick a gift for my younger sister who is entering puberty, but I don’t know what to give.”
“Hm. So?”
“…I was wondering if you could help me choose a gift.”
Ah. A typical date invitation.
Milly’s cheeks turned red, and she tried to act cold and proud.
She became more sharp in tone in front of the person she liked.
“Fine… if it’s just that much. You’re buying the meal, right?”
“Of course! Tell me anything you want to eat!”
The honest groom, Luke, looked nervous in front of her.
Luke looked quite good.
His face was soft like tofu, but his body was big and strong. Good, approved.
“Thank you, Milly. Then let’s meet here at one o’clock on Sunday.”
Luke smiled like a man in love, and Milly nodded rudely.
That evening, while helping me bathe and wiping my wet hair, Milly turned bright red when I spoke.
“Luke looks handsome, right?”
“Eh?! Y-You heard what we talked about behind the stable today?”
“Yes. I heard it very clearly.”
“That’s not what you think! Really!”
“Then what is it?”
I grinned wickedly.
“I just returned a favor because he helped me carry something heavy before.”
I understood. They had been flirting for a while.
“It’s fine. Don’t be so embarrassed.”
Milly covered her face with the towel and kicked her feet in shame.
After laughing, I gave a thumbs up.
“Don’t worry. Gentle puppy-like men are usually attracted to sharp cat-like women.”
My random love theory made Milly look up with shining eyes.
“Really? Then even someone like me who acts cold toward Luke—”
“Yes. He looked completely in love.”
“Kyaa!!”
Milly jumped up like a spring.
The next day, after morning classes, I went to Sable Street with Milly.
To avoid being discovered by Luke, I even brought another groom.
The street, which was quiet during summer vacation, was lively again with nobles.
Autumn would bring hunting tournaments and the queen’s birthday banquet.
Choosing Milly’s date outfit was harder than choosing my own clothes.
I avoided noble dresses with heavy lace and jewels and went to shops where wealthy commoners shopped.
Even there, finding the right clothes was difficult.
“Since the relationship hasn’t started yet, we shouldn’t dress too strongly. Natural and neat style is best.”
“Young lady, how do you know so much even though you are younger than me?”
“…I read it in books.”
Actually, that was true. I learned love from novels!
Anyway, I became a picky stylist and carefully selected five outfits.
I paid with my own money, pushing away Milly who tried to pay.
After calming the shocked Milly, we went back to the street.
The sun was already setting.
From somewhere on the main street came the sweet smell of butter and sugar.
Following the smell, I saw the sign of the bakery .
Naturally, my thoughts went to the dessert box birthday gift from Kyle.
‘Kyle, I wonder how you are doing.’
Come to think of it, after returning to Pellen, I hadn’t visited the Diarne duchy mansion even once.
The last time I saw him was during the summer vacation in Brante territory.
It had been more than a month and a half since I saw Kyle.
Because of new classes, mountain-like homework, and taking care of Snowflake, I was very busy.
Days passed as if they were deleted, and I forgot it was time to visit the duchy mansion.
I should go before two months pass.
I didn’t know if Kyle was waiting for me or thinking about me.
‘He must be training hard anyway. Maybe he forgot my existence.’
I shook my head and laughed weakly.
I realized that was a big mistake a few days later, when Kyle visited the Brante estate.
