CHAPTER 28…………………………………………………
Before going outside, Berry quickly handed the thick coat she was holding to Arsen.
Taking it, Arsen naturally helped Ivelina put it on.
“It’s cold outside, so please make sure you’re dressed warmly.”
“It seems like you’re dressed more lightly than I am… aren’t you cold?”
“I’m used to the northern climate now, so I don’t really feel the cold. It’s the same for my mother as well.”
Ivelina widened her eyes slightly and nodded.
“I see… Then maybe I’ll get used to it too someday?”
“You’ll probably adapt, since you’re planning to stay in the north for a while.”
Arsen’s words carried the natural implication that Ivelina would continue living in the north.
After carefully buttoning her coat all the way up, Arsen took her hand.
“If you get cold, tell me. My coat is quite warm—you can wear it over yours if needed.”
“This one’s already thick enough. I don’t think I’ll be cold at all.”
Ivelina chuckled softly as she followed Arsen’s steps.
Once they stepped outside, the white snowstorm was blowing as expected.
Feeling the chill for a moment, Ivelina shivered slightly, and Arsen wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
When they returned to the mansion by the carriage that had been waiting for them, Noel was already there to greet them.
“You’ve returned. Did you enjoy the Founding Festival?”
“Yes. How have you been, Noel?”
“Quite well, thank you. I’m glad you had a pleasant time.”
Noel smiled warmly.
Ivelina fidgeted for a moment before pulling a wrapped pocket watch from her bosom and holding it out.
Looking surprised, Noel accepted it.
“Your Grace, this is…?”
“I told you I’d bring back a gift, didn’t I? I wasn’t sure what to get, but I remembered your pocket watch looked worn out last time. This design is the most popular one in the capital.”
“Oh…”
Noel stared blankly at the pocket watch for a moment.
Since he didn’t react right away, Ivelina worried he might not like it and grew apologetic.
“Do you… not like it?”
“Huh? No, no, not at all! I’m just… really happy to receive a gift. Thank you, Your Grace. I’ll treasure it.”
Noel broke into a broad smile and carefully tucked the pocket watch inside his jacket.
Seeing his genuine delight, Ivelina let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Arsen stepped in between them naturally, gently pulling Ivelina closer by the shoulders.
“You must be tired. Go rest, Ivelina.”
“Ah, yes. You should rest too, Arsen.”
When she entered her room, the warm air enveloped her.
Berry began unpacking their luggage, then approached Ivelina, who was sitting on the bed holding a small box.
“Your Grace, where should I put this?”
“Oh, that one—give it to me.”
“Yes, here you go.”
Ivelina took the box from Berry and opened the lid. Inside were the flower petals she’d received during the parade.
After Berry finished tidying up and left her to rest, Ivelina took a thick book from the shelf, opened it, and pressed the petals carefully between the pages.
She memorized the title so she wouldn’t forget which book they were in.
‘I hope they dry beautifully.’
She planned to turn the pressed flowers into a bookmark and give it to Arsen as a gift.
A soft smile naturally spread across her lips.
Three days later, Ivelina opened the book where she had pressed the petals.
They had dried perfectly, retaining their delicate color.
Being careful not to break them, she began making a bookmark.
It was her first time, so she was clumsy—but she tried her best.
After a while, she lifted her head with a bright smile.
“All done!”
Holding up the bookmark, she examined it from every angle.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was neat and pretty enough to make her proud.
She placed it gently inside a box she had prepared beforehand and tied it with a ribbon.
They were scheduled to have tea together in the greenhouse soon, so that would be the perfect time to give it to him.
“I hope he likes it…”
Her cheeks flushed pink at the thought.
Just then, a knock sounded, and Berry’s voice came from outside.
“Your Grace, are you finished with your work?”
“Oh, yes! Come in.”
Berry entered, tidied the messy desk meticulously, and looked at Ivelina.
“His Grace has already gone ahead to the greenhouse.”
“Oh… really?”
“Yes. If you head there now, you’ll find him waiting.”
“Thank you for letting me know.”
Ivelina carefully picked up the box and left the room.
Normally, Arsen would have come with her wherever she went—so she wondered why he’d gone alone today.
Still, she thought it might be for the best; if he’d come to fetch her, the surprise gift would have been ruined.
Worried he might be waiting too long, Ivelina quickened her steps toward the greenhouse.
She carefully opened the door and stepped inside. There, she saw Arsen sitting on a chair, his back turned to her.
It seemed he hadn’t noticed her arrival.
Ivelina was about to call out to him but decided to play a little prank instead.
Not wanting to startle him too much, she gently placed her hand on his shoulder.
“Arsen.”
At the sound of his name, Arsen flinched slightly and turned around quickly.
When Ivelina giggled, he smiled in return.
“When did you get here?”
“Just now. You didn’t notice me coming in?”
“No, not at all.”
Looking a bit guilty, Ivelina sat down across from him.
“I just wanted to play a small prank. I’m sorry if I scared you.”
“I was startled, but not too much. It’s fine.”
Arsen looked at her with affectionate eyes that seemed to say she’s too cute to bear.
In truth, he had felt her presence the moment she entered the greenhouse—he had simply pretended not to notice, guessing she was trying to surprise him.
He faked his reaction, and seeing her happy expression made it worthwhile.
Everything for tea was already prepared; all that was left was to pour it.
When Ivelina reached for the teapot, Arsen’s hand moved faster.
“Today’s tea is black tea. There’s milk, too, if you’d like to make milk tea.”
“Oh… thank you, Arsen.”
The red tea gradually filled the cup.
After pouring his own, Arsen watched as Ivelina took a sip, then added milk and took another.
Her calm, content expression made him smile softly.
After a few quiet moments, Ivelina set down her cup and looked at him.
“Um… Arsen.”
“Yes?”
“There’s something I want to give you.”
Arsen’s eyes widened slightly at her words.
Ivelina hesitated, then took the small box from her bosom and placed it on the table.
Now that the moment had come, embarrassment welled up inside her—her gift felt so insignificant. But she couldn’t take it back now.
With trembling hands, she pushed the box toward him.
“It’s nothing special… but I really wanted to give it to you.”
“…”
“Will you accept it?”
Her voice trembled at the end.
Nervous, she clenched her fists tightly.
What if he’s disappointed? she thought.
Then came regret—Why did I give something so trivial?
She couldn’t even look at him directly, only stealing glances as he untied the ribbon and opened the box.
Inside lay the handmade bookmark.
Arsen stared at it silently, expression unreadable.
He must be disappointed… I shouldn’t have given it to him.
Why did she always end up regretting things afterward?
Even if he scolded her for offering such a poor excuse for a gift, she couldn’t have protested.
He stayed quiet for so long that Ivelina opened her mouth to apologize—
—but Arsen spoke first.
“Did you… make this yourself, Ivelina?”
“Y-yes…”
Her voice grew smaller.
The bookmark in his hand looked tiny and plain.
But instead of frowning, Arsen’s face lit up with a warm smile.
“You mean… you’re giving me something this precious?”
“Huh?”
“I’m overjoyed. Truly… this is a gift worthy of being kept as a lifelong treasure.”
His expression was completely sincere.
Ivelina stammered.
“I-it’s just an ordinary bookmark…”
“Ordinary? From the moment you made it, it became extraordinary.”
He shook his head firmly, closed the box, and placed it gently against his chest.
“Thank you so much. I’ll treasure it for the rest of my life.”
“I’ll give you something better next time.”
“I’ll look forward to it, Ivelina.”
Arsen wanted to brag about it to Karina immediately.
But before that, he also had something to give her.
He had been thinking ever since the Founding Festival about how to give her the ring and propose.
He didn’t know everything about her, but from what he’d seen, he knew she didn’t like anything too flashy—it would only make her uncomfortable.
So, he decided to make his proposal simple and sincere.
And that day—was today.
Though his expression was calm, inside he was tense.
“Ivelina.”
“Yes?”
When he called her name, she tilted her head slightly, her bright red eyes sparkling.
They were so lovely that a faint smile formed on Arsen’s lips.
“I have something to give you as well.”
“To me?”
“Yes.”
He stood and stepped closer to her.
Startled, Ivelina moved as if to rise, but Arsen shook his head slightly.
She turned her body toward him in confusion.
“Arsen? What’s wrong?”
Without answering, he knelt on one knee before her.
Ivelina stared at him, wide-eyed, her heart beginning to pound.
Looking into her eyes, Arsen took a small box from his pocket.
“I should’ve done this sooner… I’m sorry for being late.”
“…”
“Please… marry me, Ivelina.”
He opened the box.
Inside, a radiant ring glittered brilliantly before her eyes.
