Chapter 109
Even so, the two of them, no matter how much they bickered, would naturally stop talking when it was time to eat. When the Butcher Cook brothers appeared—now with intact, human faces instead of gaping holes—to bring out the meal, Segleninde would, as always, pat his knee to signal Cynthia.
Ever since coming to this mansion, Cynthia hadn’t had to feed herself even once, so now she’d become quite skilled at sitting on his knee as if it were her chair. The chefs, as if this were the most natural thing in the world, busily laid out dishes on the table without so much as a glance of surprise.
A luxurious banquet, ranging from steaks to various salads and many other dishes, was spread out across the table. The chefs had prepared the meal using only ingredients suited to human tastes, especially for their master’s human companion.
As usual, Segleninde cut the food into small pieces and personally fed Cynthia bite by bite. And to keep her from being bored while eating, he had even invited a musical ensemble to entertain her ears.
After the meal, Segleninde brought in a new dressmaker, saying he’d have several more dresses made for her. Cynthia thought three or four would be enough, but Segleninde seemed satisfied only after ordering a full twenty dresses at once.
Next, he brought in—also by his invitation—an artist quite literally “without a face,” to paint their portraits. Segleninde, pretending not to be pleased, remarked that the painting would soon hang in the front entrance hall, and Cynthia, pleased herself though she didn’t show it, only said the painting was beautiful.
‘What is this, we really do feel like a married couple now.’
For the first time in a while, they even took a walk together out in the garden, basking in real sunlight.
The garden of the Wincastle Manor was, not more, not less, like something out of a painting. Elegant and refined as a landscape on canvas, yet somehow lacking warmth, as if it were missing a sense of humanity.
Sure enough, even the gardener who bowed his head in greeting as they walked by turned out to be a creature.
“Yes, good work.”
The gardener, with vines growing from his neck instead of a face, watched the pair as they walked away.
Cynthia glanced at him, then at Segleninde. His appearance was quite different from before the ending. Now, instead of a loose shirt that exposed his chest, he wore proper formal clothing, his hair neatly tied back, looking every bit the head of a ducal house.
Perhaps that’s why he felt a bit unfamiliar to her.
“…What are you looking at. Are you planning to eat my face with your eyes or something?”
But since Cynthia was staring at his side profile for so long, he threw out a brusque comment, though both his cheeks were noticeably flushed. Seeing that, Cynthia felt reassured. This was indeed the Segleninde she knew.
Then, about halfway around the garden, Segleninde suddenly asked,
“Is there anything you’re lacking?”
“Lacking?”
“If you want more jewelry or gemstones, just say so. I’ll have more dresses made regardless, but if there’s a particular design or fabric you like, or shoes, or another portrait, or anything else you need… Just tell me. You’ll be staying in my manor from now on, after all…”
Because we’ll be getting married.
He seemed to swallow those words without saying them, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly.
Cynthia felt a surge of new emotion. Ever since waking up in the mansion bedroom after seeing the ending, Segleninde had been going to almost excessive lengths to care for her. Having only ever experienced neglect as a noble lady, she was now being given luxuries she’d never known.
At first he just said, “Figure out what you want and let me know,” but instead, he was simply giving her everything he could. Everything she used was the best, everything she wore was the finest, and everything she ate was nothing but the most luxurious fare.
Perhaps these were things the real ‘Cynthia Obel’ should have enjoyed.
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