Chapter 110
Want to read it all in one go? Check out IYBHH, WTC! here:
Ruby stood in front of the full-length mirror, wearing an unfamiliar dress.
“When did he even have this tailored?”
She muttered to herself as she looked at her reflection, clad in a light, airy dress with an intriguing blend of pale pink and blue hues.
“But this one doesn’t fit either.”
The chest area felt a bit tight, but thankfully, the high neckline made it less uncomfortable. She lightly tied her hair back and stepped out of the dressing room.
Waiting in the private parlor was Ivan, dressed more neatly than usual.
Clad entirely in black from head to toe, the only color on him was the gleam of his silver eyes.
When he saw Ruby’s figure, he smiled with clear satisfaction.
“Good thing I had it tailored in advance.”
“When did you have this prepared?”
“Hmm, it’s a secret.”
Ivan couldn’t bring himself to admit that he simply wanted to see Ruby in something other than her maid’s uniform. Instead, he approached her and offered his arm.
“My lady, would you grant me the honor of escorting you?”
“…That’s a little too cheesy.”
“I’d rather not hear that from someone who eats an entire cake by herself.”
“Cake isn’t cheesy, Your Grace.”
Though she grumbled, Ruby gently placed her hand on his arm. She hadn’t mastered court etiquette, but she knew the basics.
“A cake with that much whipped cream isn’t cheesy?”
“It’s rich and creamy.”
“Then what flavor do you eat cheesecake for?”
“For its sweet and tangy taste, of course.”
“I see.”
The two of them chatted idly as they made their way to the dining hall. When Ivan and Ruby entered, the guests who had arrived earlier all stood up at once.
Ivan pulled out the chair to the right of the head seat for Ruby and waited for her to sit before taking his own seat.
Isabelle, watching him with a surprised expression, quickly shifted her gaze to Ruby.
“So you’re the one everyone’s been talking about.”
At that moment, Count Morado was the first to speak. Ivan raised his wine glass and asked,
“Have the rumors spread that much?”
“Well, your guest is from a rather unfamiliar clan, so I suppose it’s only natural.”
“True. In the Wolf Tribe’s territory, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen clans other than our own.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“But in the capital, you’ll find a gathering of many different clans. Instead of staying in the territory all the time, why not take your family on a trip to the capital?”
“Yes, I’ll do that, Alpha.”
After speaking, Ivan raised his wine glass high. Following his lead, the others also lifted their glasses.
Ruby, watching the others, hesitantly lifted the glass in front of her as well.
“To getting through another winter safely.”
With that short toast, Ivan took a sip of his wine first, and the others followed suit. Ruby, a beat late, brought the wine to her lips.
It was actually her first time drinking alcohol. She had only ever watched her grandmother and mother drink before, and she’d always assumed it would taste awful. But now that she was trying it herself, it was surprisingly delicious.
“…If it was this good, I should’ve stolen a sip before.”
Her mother had always said it was bitter and unpleasant, definitely not something to drink, but now…
“I’ve been tricked.”
“Ruby, what’s been tricking you?”
“Duke, is wine expensive?”
“Hmm, the price ranges quite a bit.”
Ivan found himself wondering what sort of strange thing this little rabbit would say next. Without even meaning to, he smirked a little in anticipation, already amused before hearing her answer.
After finishing the last drop of wine, Ruby peered into her empty glass and muttered softly.
“My mom must’ve tricked me so she could drink it all by herself.”
“Didn’t you say your clan lived in a remote region? Did you make wine there too?”
“We mostly lived off what we had, but we’d go to the nearby village now and then to buy essentials. I think she probably got the wine from there.”
“I see. If you like it, why not have some more?”
“Can I really?”
Ivan smiled softly, gazing into her eyes which were redder than the wine in her glass.
“I won’t mind even if you drink a whole bottle.”
“Well then…”
Ruby glanced at Liam and held out her glass. He quickly stepped forward and refilled it for her.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.