Chapter 81
“What is it?”
“I can’t think of anything better for us to get to know each other.”
“……?”
“It might seem a little secretive, though.”
What? Secretive?
Something in Jerlach’s expression had changed, and without meaning to, I swallowed dryly.
“S-So, what is it that you want to do?”
“Well, just the two of us, somewhere with no one else.”
My eyes involuntarily fell to Jerlach’s lips.
Full, slightly red lips. Every time they parted, that deep, resonant voice seemed to brush right against my skin.
It was strange.
In that moment, I suddenly recalled the day I had fallen into Jerlach’s arms.
That kiss that had begun with languid, entangled gazes.
Gentle yet intense—it had lasted only an instant, cut short by knocking and the sudden rush of people into the room.
Even now, when I thought about it, I still felt the sting of regret.
…As I unconsciously smacked my lips at the memory—short, but unforgettable—
“Why has your face turned red?”
Jerlach’s voice snapped me back.
“It hasn’t!”
“It’s as red as a tomato.”
“What tomato? It’s just makeup.”
“I’m no expert, but… do women also put makeup on their ears?”
“It’s hot, that’s why. Hot! It’s not even midsummer, so why is it so warm—”
Flustered, I fanned myself with my hand. I could feel his lips curve upward again.
“So, tell me plainly. What is it you want to do?”
“Travel.”
“Pardon?”
“It sounds grand, but I simply want to leave the castle.”
Then Jerlach continued,
“Not dragging along an anxious aide bound to a schedule, but leaving Mütton without any purpose at all.”
I looked at his handsome, carefully chiseled features.
It was the first time I had ever heard him speak like this.
I knew he worked excessively, but I always thought he bore it with such calm that stress never really reached him.
Instead of offering sympathy, I only gave him a small smile.
“That sounds… rather romantic.”
He seemed pleased with my answer, returning a smile that mirrored mine.
“Doesn’t matter where we go, or what we do. Is that fine with you?”
“Yes, of course. I like it better that way.”
“To wander aimlessly with someone who makes me laugh now and then—there’s nothing more I could ask.”
“All right. But if you laugh so hard you fall off your horse, don’t blame me.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”
For once, I actually felt like we were speaking the same language.
“So, when should we leave?”
“Hmm, maybe in two or three days—”
“Too late.”
Uh, I think he doesn’t quite realize—unlike Your Grace, I’m the type to carefully prepare whenever I go anywhere.
“Right now.”
“What?”
But Jerlach’s expression showed he didn’t actually need my answer.
“R-right now?”
I knew he could be impulsive, but this impulsive?
Of course, I didn’t mind traveling immediately. The problem was something else.
‘I still need to deliver that letter to Jerlach!’
Yes. Even though Jerlach was right in front of me, I still had to deliver my letter to Jerlach Cygnus—the real one who loved me.
If my letter didn’t reach him, he’d worry.
And I was also supposed to meet Renata tomorrow afternoon!
“Well, right now would be fine, but isn’t it too dark? The sun will set, and night will fall.”
When I said that, Jerlach raised his hand, cutting off the music.
Then he just looked at me, disappointment written all over his face.
“I see. It can’t be helped, then.”
“……”
“Lately, I’ve been so weary in body and spirit that I don’t want to do anything.”
“……”
“I thought if I left the castle for a bit of fresh air, it might ease the stress choking my chest. But… it can’t be helped.”
“……”
“Everyone has their circumstances. I can’t force you.”
“……”
“Still, just the thought of it lightened my heart. Thank you.”
“No, Your Grace—”
Wow. This man is terrifying.
Even if I somehow managed to sneak the letter out, what about my promise with Renata?
I’d have to build a makeshift excuse and ask Ecla for help.
I could say I was called away urgently, leave a letter behind, and promise to write again.
“All right, fine, I’ll go. Let’s go. Right now.”
Jerlach didn’t drop his serious expression immediately.
But I caught the twitch at the corner of his lips.
“But first, I need to stop by Mr. Clem’s bookstore.”
“The bookstore?”
“Yes.”
“May I ask why?”
To send my letter to Jerlach, of course.
I carefully hid my true intention.
“W-well, you see…”
What could I even say?
I couldn’t very well tell him I was going to his own bookstore to send a letter to himself.
That would sound utterly insane!
“There’s a book I’ve been reading, and I just have to know how it ends. Otherwise, I’ll think about it the entire trip.”
“Ah.”
I’d just blurted out a half-baked excuse, but Jerlach surprisingly accepted it without suspicion.
“I hate that feeling as well. I’ll come with you.”
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
To my dearest Duke,
I’m so relieved and happy that you believe everything I say.
When I first received your letter, I felt only surprise, joy, and overwhelming emotion. But with your latest one, I was nervous before even opening it.
Thankfully, my fears were unfounded. You understood my situation and believed in me—what a blessing.
But what I write today may sound rather strange to you.
Because… I met you in front of Clem’s bookstore.
Yes, I am writing to you far away, yet also telling you that I saw you today.
I almost want to number you to avoid confusion, but that wouldn’t be polite. I’ll just explain as clearly as I can.
The Duke of this world is quite different.
We are engaged, yes, but he seems uncomfortable with me.
So I invited him to share a meal, hoping to grow closer.
(This part I’m adding after we ate. I’m at the bookstore now, writing quickly because he’s waiting outside. Please forgive the messy handwriting!)
He prepared a lavish dinner, but he hardly enjoyed it.
Instead, he kept asking why I agreed to this engagement, and kept saying how strange I was.
Do you know how hurt I was?
Why did you do that?
(I’m joking!)
Do you remember the dress you once gave me?
The Duke here seems to have forgotten, but oddly enough, the dress is still hanging in my wardrobe.
Anyway, things are quite awkward between us here.
It’ll take time before we grow closer.
(You always had trouble warming up to people, didn’t you?)
You not being in front of me gives me courage to tease a little, haha!
By the way, have you told Leoni about me yet? I hope she wasn’t too shocked, or imagining strange things.
As for my parents, I think it’s best not to tell them. My mother is very sensitive and worries too much. For her health and peace of mind, I hope you’ll make up a gentle excuse.
Please tell Ecla the truth when the time feels right. She’s clever, and I think she could help me return. Though, of course, I’m trying hard here too.
Duke, do you perhaps know the name Elome Burster?
She’s the maid who serves Lady Grania of Viscount Shurain’s family.
Though a maid, she’s well-known in society—famous for being well-informed and quick with gossip.
She also seems to know astrologers well, so I’ve been keeping an eye on her. She might be useful in solving this mystery.
And though it’s only a guess, could it be that Failly was the one who plotted against me in The Tumultuous Renata?
She once kidnapped me, and since she harbors feelings for you, she certainly has motive.
For now, I’ll focus on tracking down the astrologer who told me so much. I believe finding her will unravel this knot.
Until I write again, may you live in health and happiness.
(I’m about to set off on an aimless journey with the Duke here. Right now. Don’t worry—it’s only with your counterpart. Do you have any idea where he might want to go?)
Yours always,
Liberata Bernadette
