LCWD | Chapter 39

~Chapter 39~

As I walked through the scene before me, I tried to find traces from the book. This street, Sethe, was a place the maid of the Lunatia mansion, Shrael, often visited when running errands.

“The item that Her Highness the Grand Duchess is looking for can be bought at the shop on the left. It’s the largest store among the daily necessities shops here,” said Creedman, pointing to a shop.

“Really?” I nodded absently and walked into the shop he pointed to.

Apparently, in this world, there were no ropes like the ones we use. Instead, the shopkeeper brought out thin twine made by twisting straw together. It didn’t look too great, but after tugging on it a bit, it seemed strong enough.

After paying, I left the shop.

“I’ll take you to where the carriage is,” Creedman said.

“No, it’s fine,” I replied.

“Huh?”

“I came out for a rare chance, so can’t we walk around for a bit?” I smiled brightly at Selena and Creedman. My real goal from the start was this.

Still feeling a little reluctant to go back, I craved more fresh air.

“It’s fine, right?”

“It’s fine, right?” Selena asked Creedman while checking the time. Creedman, looking like he had no objections, nodded in agreement.

“Please let me know where you would like to go, and I’ll escort you.”

“I don’t have a specific destination. I just want to look around.”

“…Then I’ll take you to the most popular place on Sethe Street these days.”

“Great!” I answered cheerfully. Selena seemed just as excited about the outing.

Creedman, despite his stiff exterior, turned out to be quick-witted and flexible. Though I still felt a bit embarrassed remembering that drunken night, he didn’t seem to be paying any attention to me, so I was able to relax around him.

He quickly chose places that young women like and led us around. Thanks to his guidance, Selena and I were able to explore Sethe Street comfortably.

We stopped in front of a shop selling delicate jewelry. It seemed to cater to wealthy commoners, as many of the pieces appeared too expensive for ordinary people.

“Creedman, you know Sethe Street well, don’t you?” I asked, admiring a garnet brooch.

“I grew up nearby, so I know a bit more than others,” Creedman replied in his usual monotone voice.

“Huh? That’s not what I meant,” I said, setting the brooch down and looking at him.

“Huh?” Creedman looked at me, confused. I smiled at him.

“I’m just surprised that you seem to know exactly which places to guide us to, without even thinking twice.”

“…”

“You seem to know where girls like to go, huh? It’s like you don’t even have to think before taking us there.”

“…”

“You’ve been on a lot of dates, haven’t you?”

“…!”

Creedman’s eyes widened in shock. It reminded me of Apollyon—his eyes were moving like his.

What’s the big deal about him being surprised?

Seeing his face turn red was amusing. I almost wanted to whistle.

It’s always fun watching someone else’s relationship drama.

Creedman, despite his intimidating appearance, seemed to be more sensitive and shy than I thought. He was like Apollyon—tough on the outside but soft on the inside.

“Isn’t it basic to do these things if you want to get attention from your partner?”

“Your Highness…”

He didn’t deny it, so it seemed he had a partner.

“Wow, I wonder if your partner knows you’re such a delicate guy. I envy them,” I said, feeling a little jealous.

I was really envious. I couldn’t even hold hands with my husband, but here I was, watching someone younger than me (though technically not by much) enjoying a pink-colored romance!

Of course, Creedman didn’t seem “young” in the usual sense, but to me, anyone younger than me was “young.”

Apollyon and Creedman were only three years apart, and at 23, Creedman was in the prime of his romantic life. The world must have seemed like a beautiful garden to him.

As I watched Creedman, my eyes wandered to the shorter knight standing beside him. His name was Dike, and he seemed about four or five years older than Creedman.

“So, you’re…?”

“I have two daughters.”

“….”

Unlike Creedman, whose face turned red and stiffened, Dike gave a warm smile. His drooping eyes made him seem gentle.

“My youngest just turned two.”

“…That must be cute.”

I nodded vaguely and left the store.

I couldn’t think of anything to say after hearing about his two children.

It seemed like the world was full of happy families, and I was the only one who wasn’t part of that picture.

I walked along the street, sighing at the thought. It felt like everyone but me was happily in love.

That’s when I heard a voice—sharp and angry.

“How could you do this to me?!”

It was a girl’s voice, with a lisp, but clear enough that it carried across the street.

Naturally, I turned to find the source.

In front of me stood a boy with his head lowered, apologizing to a girl who looked like she was about to burst into tears.

“Mi, I’m sorry, Ariana…”

The girl was crying as she yelled at him.

“How could you leave me? What about our plans to travel the world and live a hundred years together?!”

“Honestly.”

Selena covered her mouth in surprise. Creedman stood frozen, his mouth half-open, and Dike almost dropped his sword.

“Moving isn’t my choice, you know… but I’ll write to you, I promise…” the boy said.

“No! I won’t let you go! I won’t let you take away my world tour and my hundred-year plan!”

The girl cried out loudly, collapsing to the ground. The boy tried to wipe her tears with a handkerchief, but it didn’t help.

Just then, a woman wearing an apron came out of a nearby bookstore and walked over to the crying girl.

“Oh, stop it. Who cries on the ground like this?”

“Si, Sion! You’re moving, aren’t you?”

“We’re all moving together. Why would Sion stay here?” the woman said, lifting the girl up.

The girl, still crying, was carried back inside the bookstore, while the boy stood in front of the store, lingering before walking back home.

It was a dramatic scene—like a child’s sad romance.

“What did I just… see?”

“Right?”

“These kids… they really are something else…”

I muttered, staring at the bookstore’s sign. From what I saw, that girl was clearly someone destined for greatness in a romance novel.

“Your Highness! Where are you going?” Selena called out to me.

I found myself heading toward the bookstore, drawn by some instinct. I couldn’t pass by—this was a place I definitely had to check out.

“Your Highness, we have to stay together!” Selena, Creedman, and Dike rushed to catch up with me.

I was being pulled toward the bookstore, as though I was being led by an undeniable force.