Chapter 116
‘So land wasn’t the answer.’
Izar crossed his arms with a dissatisfied expression. Well… having lived as a shepherdess for so long, perhaps the importance of land was less apparent to her than to those born noble.
‘Then what exactly does Freesia like?’
He had never asked about her likes and dislikes. Was there even anyone in this household who truly knew?
Since he had declared that there was no need to treat Freesia as the lady of the house, there were few who paid her any significant attention.
The only thing that came to mind was…
‘…Wild strawberries?’
Although it was out of season, if Izar commanded it, it wouldn’t be impossible to find some even if it meant overturning the entire capital.
But there was one reason why he hesitated to give such an order.
‘Albireo Deneb was the one who gave them.’
It was meant to cheer her up, so why should he make that damned bastard happy? Especially since it was Albireo who had found her collapsed and came to him first…
“Maia Street?”
“Pardon?”
Freesia blinked a couple of times, waiting for Izar to dismiss her.
It was always difficult to understand his intentions, but today, it was especially hard to follow his thoughts.
“I’m asking if you still want to visit Maia Street.”
“Oh…”
“Isn’t that the place you came to ask me to take you to?”
“……”
“If you want, we can go together.”
Freesia inhaled slowly, not believing this possibility. Could he be trying to be kind to her?
‘Because of what happened to me at the Antares estate.’
It was the most unbelievable possibility, but it was the only thing that made sense.
The thought made her heart ache dully, like being pressed by the blunt end of a cane.
“…I appreciate the offer, but I’m fine, Your Grace.”
But Freesia forced herself to refuse the temptation.
If someone asked if she still loved Izar, how would she answer?
‘To be honest, I still do.’
She didn’t look up at him for this very reason. Seeing him would bring back memories of when she first fell for him and when she loved him the most.
The Izar who saved her from the lake when she was eighteen, that boy.
The Izar who quietly took care of her when she was struggling with pregnancy at twenty-six.
This is why the one who loves loses more.
Even though there are many more grievances against the other person, they blind themselves to only see the fond memories.
Despite the despair she felt seeing him with Atria, the memories persisted.
‘Even now, just the thought of going to Maia Street together makes my heart race.’
But he was undoubtedly being kind out of guilt. Just like when he took her to Deneb after she was beaten by Electra, or when he helped her after the monster attack.
That was akin to a lord showing mercy to his vassal. And after fulfilling his duty, he would inevitably become cold again for reasons unknown to her.
‘So I need to keep some distance for now…’
If she got hurt further in this state, she wouldn’t be able to think clearly.
Today, she had 230 days left.
She had to start considering that there might be other choices. Even if the goal was to save Riegel Betelgeuse.
Freesia added an explanation with effort.
“After what happened at the Antares estate, Lady Atria might be around that area too… If she has friends there, it might be uncomfortable.”
“…I see.”
Izar stared at Freesia with hardened eyes.
She was making valid points, but she was still cleverly avoiding his gaze.
All she did was avoid looking directly at him. Yet, even that slight evasion made him feel as if a beast was gnawing at his insides.
But Izar spoke calmly.
“What about visiting the Magic Academy then?”
And he added casually,
“Deneb’s second son should be there as well.”
“Ah…!”
Freesia’s eyes widened at that.
‘The knight had suggested checking her powers there.’
Unfortunately, it could only be done at the academy, and she had been wondering how to broach the subject. But if Izar was the one suggesting it…
Freesia felt relieved and smiled softly.
“It would be nice to see him again.”
“…….”
Izar’s hand, holding the invitation to the academy, stiffened.
No matter what he did, she hadn’t smiled at all. But at the mention of that cur’s name, she smiled beautifully.
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