Chapter 81
“…What is it? I feel like something’s missing.”
What could it be? Just as Haven absentmindedly scratched his forehead in thought, Roze, feeling slightly embarrassed under his gaze, tugged lightly at the hem of her dress and turned toward him to speak.
“Um, excuse me, but how much does this dress cost…?”
At that moment, Haven’s eyes landed on her shoes. Thanks to Roze lifting the hem of her dress, her shoes were now visible.
Plain, jet-black shoes. Completely mismatched with the bright pink dress.
“Ah…”
Finally, Haven seemed to find his answer and let out a single sound. He cut Roze off and spoke first.
“The shoes…”
Both Roze and her master had intended to discuss the dress price, but their gazes immediately turned toward Haven as he pointed at Roze’s shoes.
“Make sure the shoes match the dress as well.”
“I, I—”
“And the hat, the necklace, and all those accessories too.”
Before Roze could respond, Haven added, and at the same time, her master broke into a broad smile.
“Hoho! Of course. Don’t worry. I can already think of the perfect items for you. Ah, but we don’t have necklaces here.”
“No necklaces?”
“We carry various accessories, but for necklaces or rings, you’ll need to visit a jeweler. There’s a good one nearby; would you like me to introduce you?”
Haven nodded at the master’s suggestion. Roze, anxious, stared at him and then widened her eyes in surprise.
“Your Highness, this is too much. Just the dress and shoes are already more than enough…”
As soon as they left the jewelry shop, Roze continued fretting over him, holding a small bag containing the necklace, bracelet, and ring Haven had just purchased.
“Your Highness.”
“…”
Haven, who had been walking ahead, suddenly stopped. Roze, following closely behind, had no choice but to stop abruptly and accidentally bump into his back.
“Ah! I’m sorry!”
She bumped her forehead against him, stumbled, but quickly apologized. Haven clicked his tongue and extended his hand toward her.
“You need to be more careful. You almost fell.”
“Ah… y-yes, Your Highness.”
Blushing, Roze discreetly withdrew her hand from his. Her fingertips tingled, and she flexed her fingers a couple of times, feeling awkward.
“Are you hurt anywhere? Did you twist your ankle or anything?”
“No, I’m fine.”
Haven’s tongue-click wasn’t in annoyance—it wasn’t blaming her for bumping into him. He was genuinely concerned, checking if she might have injured her ankle in the collision.
That tenderness made something stir deep within her chest. Actually, her heart had been fluttering for some time now.
She wasn’t sure when it began. Perhaps from the moment the shop owner mistook them for a married couple, or when she stood in front of him in that beautiful dress, or maybe when he had complimented her on her beauty.
Her heart responded before her mind could even register. Her eyes reacted to Haven’s gaze, her ears to his voice, and her heart…
It raced wildly, as if time had rewound, foolishly beating in her chest just from being near him.
“So, you’re limping slightly?”
Haven frowned, examining Roze’s leg, then glanced around. He noticed a fountain nearby, usually used as a resting spot. Since it was chilly, not many people were around.
“I need to check your leg over there.”
“H-hey? No, I’m fine… Ah! Your Highness!”
Before Roze could protest, Haven suddenly scooped her up.
“Y-your Highness! Put me down! I’m really okay!”
Roze flailed in his arms, her mind blank. Haven ignored her struggles and headed toward the fountain.
“Your Highness!”
“You’re calling out so much, Roze? At this rate, even those who didn’t recognize me before will notice.”
Haven’s lips curved in a playful smirk. Roze, taking him seriously, froze, her mouth shut tight.
Though he was joking, his words weren’t wrong. Who else could be addressed as ‘Your Highness’ besides Haven?
Roze had no choice but to remain flustered. Haven glanced down at the crown of her head and chuckled quietly. Somehow, it struck him as cute.
“Hmm.”
Feeling slightly embarrassed by his own thoughts, he cleared his throat and approached a bench near the fountain. Gently, he seated Roze on it. She instinctively tried to stand.
Haven had her sit again, then knelt on one knee in front of her.
“Sit still. I need to check your leg.”
“I-I’m really fine… Ah!”
Roze panicked at the sight of him kneeling before her, trying to stand again. But Haven acted first, removing her new shoes.
“You say you’re fine…”
He clicked his tongue at her ankles, reddened from the stiff leather rubbing against her skin. He removed the other shoe as well and wrapped her ankles in his hands. Her delicate legs seemed like they could break with the slightest pressure.
‘You’ve managed to keep up with me on legs like these.’
He recalled how she had struggled, saying the gifts were too extravagant, and shook his head in disbelief.
From above, Roze whimpered softly.
“I-I’d like you to let go…”
“Hm?”
“My ankles… You’re holding them, Your Highness.”
Her voice was barely audible. Haven furrowed his brow, blinked, and looked down to see his hands still holding her ankles.
“Oh!”
He quickly released her ankles, realizing it was improper to hold a woman’s legs without permission. He stood and bowed politely.
“My apologies. Truly, I’m sorry.”
“…No, it’s fine.”
“Fine? You wouldn’t say it’s fine if another man held your ankles, would you?”
Haven’s tone turned slightly stern, and Roze looked up at him with a peculiar expression: half-smile, half-tearful.
‘…She looks like she might cry?’
Before he could be sure, Roze shook her head and laughed lightly.
“Of course not. If that ever happens, give him a good slap.”
“Your ankles are so beautiful. I could kiss them all day without complaint.”
“Ugh… That sounded pretty perverted, you know?”
“Haha! Then I’ll be perverted. I can always be a pervert in front of you.”
“Ah! Don’t say that, Haven!”
“Promise me, Roze. If some pervert targets your ankles, you’ll slap them as hard as you can.”
“Hm, except you?”
“Of course not. You wouldn’t hit me, would you? Hmm, fine. One slap on the cheek, one kiss on the ankle. How about that?”
It was a happy memory. Haven’s mischievous playfulness always led to deep kisses and deeper bonds. Roze glanced down at her ankles, remembering his touch.
The kiss he had placed there was now only a memory. The man before her was a stranger who had merely apologized for touching her ankles.
A bittersweet smile crossed her lips. Haven chuckled softly.
“That’s a very pleasant thing to hear.”
“Eh?”
“Exactly that. Of course, it’s better if nothing like that happens, but if it does, go ahead and hit him. I’ll take responsibility.”
“….”
Roze remained silent, staring at him blankly. Haven frowned slightly at her gaze but quickly changed the subject.
“Wait here. I’ll get some medicine and bandages.”
“Oh, no! There’s no need for that…”
Roze froze, then shouted in surprise. But Haven had already strode off. She watched his retreating figure and smiled to herself.
…He’s just a stranger.
“Why do I keep seeing him?”
‘The Haven I knew, the Haven in my memories… why do you keep appearing…?’
In front of the Grand Duke’s residence, a royal carriage came to a stop. Hearing the news, the butler and head maid rushed outside. Just as they finished preparing to greet the visitor, the carriage door opened.
“We pay our respects to Her Majesty, the Former Queen.”
It was Isabella, visiting the Grand Duke’s residence after a long time. She cast an arrogant gaze at the bowing butler and head maid, frowning.
“Where is Haven?”
“The Grand Duke is out on business.”
The butler answered, bowing repeatedly. Isabella’s mouth twisted, displeased by the response, but she quickly composed herself and spoke as if nothing had happened.
“Then we’ll wait until he returns.”
Isabella strode ahead, as if she were the mistress of the house. The butler and head maid exchanged helpless glances, anticipating that their master would be displeased upon seeing her.
But what could they do? Who could stop the Former Queen? They sighed in unison and followed her.
