Chapter 5
Luirene lifted her weary, drooping eyes. His excitement had faded, and he’d regained his composure. In him, she saw a ghost of the past, the one she’d often seen during the season of new green. When their eyes met, he curved his lips in a cool, easy grin.
“You’ve gotten prettier.”
“I think the young master’s body has gotten bigger.”
“Still making irrelevant comments when you’re embarrassed.”
“But it’s true…”
Chuckling, he poked her cheek, flushed with red.
“Is this the first time we’re seeing each other in four years?”
“The young master never returned after that first break.”
“I wanted to graduate as fast as possible. If I’d come back every break, graduation would have been delayed by at least a year.”
Luirene lifted her head, which she’d been hanging low.
“Does this mean you’re back for good?”
“Yes. Now that I have the Academy diploma Mother so desperately wanted.”
‘Finally.’
She buried her face in his chest and whispered.
“I’m glad…”
“Why not say something that cute while showing your face?”
She hid her face further, pretending not to hear. He laughed heartily and gently tousled her hair. Feeling his tender touch, she asked quietly.
“I heard the graduation exam was extremely difficult. Did you pass on the first try?”
“I’d like to say yes, but I actually failed once. Fortunately, an opportunity came up, so I could retake it without much delay.”
“If you had failed, would we have only seen each other after a year?”
“If it had come to that, I probably would have come back at least once because I couldn’t stand it. I was already anxious enough just leaving you behind.”
“I was fine waiting for the young master.”
“Is that so? You ate well? Slept well?”
“Yes. I’m probably healthier than before.”
“You don’t look it. Your eyes are all hazy after just one time.”
“That’s… because the young master is so…”
“Okay, okay. Don’t stick your lip out.”
“I’m normal. It’s the young master who’s too healthy.”
“Really? What can I say. My stamina only improved while I was there.”
“…….”
“Haha. Look at that face. Cute. Do you still read a lot?”
“Of course. There are so many books I want to introduce to the old lady.”
They sat close enough to feel each other’s warmth, carrying on about trivial things. Books she’d read recently, the former Marchioness’s health, the flowers that had bloomed in the garden a month ago, even the crescent moon that had risen so beautifully tonight.
They were topics of little value from a noble’s perspective, but Hitaon acted as if every shared detail of daily life was precious.
As she answered, and asked him questions in return, Luirene felt the vitality of being alive. She’d thought she hadn’t felt particularly lonely during the four years he’d been away in a foreign land, but it seemed she’d misjudged.
His arms, holding her wide, were as solid as a cradle, and in her heart, warm bubbles gently rose. It reminded her of the spring before he left, secretly meeting under the window ledge, sweetly exchanging insignificant stories.
Knock.
The sound that interrupted their time was a knock that resonated through the old wall. Luirene, absorbed in his pleasant voice, flinched and tried to get up.
“Don’t be startled. It’s my knight.”
“But…”
“He knows about us.”
Surprise spread across Luirene’s face.
“You told someone?”
“I need my own people I can trust. Linjo and Mikale know. From the quiet waiting outside, it’s probably the level-headed Mikale who came.”
“You never know. If the Marchioness were to give special orders to your knights…”
“I personally selected and raised both of them. They’re reliable. They won’t stab me in the back, so don’t worry. I’ll introduce you when the chance comes.”
She still couldn’t suppress her unease, but if he insisted that much. Luirene reluctantly nodded. Hitaon pulled her closer and slipped a hand under her skirt, stroking her thigh. The touch was possessive, like someone tormented by unfulfilled desire.
“Damn. Why is an hour so short? When I’m with you, it feels like the concept of time disappears entirely.”
“I feel the same.”
“Luirene.”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry I always have to meet you in a shabby place like this.”
Sincerity filled his short, simple apology. It made her heart ache. No one knew better than Luirene how precious she was to him. It was simply the difference in their situations and positions that made things so difficult for them.
“I want to have you in my bedroom soon.”
“…….”
“I want to hold you, roll around with you, and wake up to a leisurely, comfortable morning.”
Hitaon, whispering in a deep tone like an eternal vow, slowly lifted his head. In his ink-black eyes, a firm resolve had pooled.
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