That Lady’s Stalker - Chapter 31

I forced my eyes away from her, desperately trying not to look, and exited the banquet hall, walking aimlessly. If I didn’t, I knew I’d end up heading back toward that light to see her again. Foolishly, not even realizing I’d burn myself out in the process.

I chose a somewhat secluded spot and sat down. The faint glow of light and occasional laughter seemed to be telling me that this place wasn’t where I belonged.

As I sat there, wasting time, I suddenly heard footsteps. Contrary to what I expected, the steps grew louder, coming closer instead of moving away.

Was it someone in need of a break? I dismissed the thought. After all, it was obvious they would see me and run away, so I didn’t bother to look up and check who it was.

“Ah…”

A soft, almost painful sound made my body react instinctively. My head turned on its own.

Could it be the person I thought it was? The doubt I had in my mind was gone as soon as I saw her looking straight at me. My heart dropped with a thud. Her wide eyes, and slightly parted lips, were maddeningly adorable.

Olivia Flonari.

The name nearly escaped my lips, and I clenched my teeth to stop it.

It felt like a dream. The day I would face her alone had come. It was as if I had gone back to that childhood moment when we first met.

Back then, too, you had approached me when I was hiding away alone. Do you remember? That day? That me?

A thousand thoughts began to swirl in my mind. Even in my dazed state, my eyes couldn’t look away from her. She looked so beautiful, dressed up so exquisitely. My face felt hot.

“The glory of the Empire… huh?”

Her hand moved in an elegant, butterfly-like gesture as she attempted to greet me. I couldn’t breathe. Something hot surged up inside me. I couldn’t hear what she was saying.

Damn it, I needed to hear more of her voice, but I couldn’t focus enough to make sense of anything. Unable to do anything, something soft brushed against my face. A cloth? I saw her startled expression only then.

“You’re bleeding…”

Bleeding? I jumped up, startled. I had felt my face was unusually warm, but I hadn’t expected a nosebleed. How embarrassing.

I had to run away before I showed her any more shameful behavior. But before I did, I stole one last look at her.

Her blue eyes still weren’t looking at my black hair. There was no disgust in them. They were still as clear as ever.

Swallowing my disappointment, I turned and walked away. I couldn’t be greedy anymore. Just being able to meet her like this, occasionally, was enough.

It felt as though she was constantly tugging at my ankle, pulling me back toward her. I ran, fearing that if I let my guard down, I would find myself back at her side. I ran and ran, determined to escape this place.

But why, then, had I returned here? The once-bustling bench was as quiet as it had been when I first came here.

997th Year of the Empire April 22nd

Some time had passed since then, but I still couldn’t bring myself to part with the white handkerchief. She kept coming back to my thoughts. When she drew near, it seemed like I could faintly smell the flowers she wore, as if they were lingering in the air.

“Ha…”

Olivia…

997th Year of the Empire April 25th

In the end, I sent a letter to Duke Flonari, planning only to return the handkerchief. That was all—I would give it back and leave without any regret.

“……”

When I was told that Olivia was waiting in the sitting room, I nearly lost my mind. My heart was pounding so fiercely it felt as if it might burst from my chest. I asked the butler for a moment alone.

I needed time to gather myself. I stepped outside the mansion, searching for a place where I could be alone. I needed to calm my frantic heart.

As I wandered, looking for a place to escape, I caught sight of her. She was waiting for me in the sitting room. Her long hair shimmered like garnets, catching the light.

At that moment, everything else slipped from my mind.

I forgot the pounding of my heart, the handkerchief neatly folded in my pocket, even the fact that I was making her wait. I stood there, staring at her endlessly.

I was happy to gaze at her greedily, but also unbearably sad that I couldn’t approach her.

997th Year of the Empire May 4th

“Where have you been wandering off to lately? Are you really in love with someone?”

“……”

I turned away from my brother, but he was persistent.

“Who is it? I have a few young ladies in mind, is one of them the one?”

“……”

“If you’re happy, then I’m all for it.”

He had grown more talkative with age.

“Next time, bring her with you.”

Was he really that excited? Silly brother. Both mother and he loved me because they had a soft spot for family, but could anyone else truly love me?

No. I quietly denied it to myself. It would never happen.

997th Year of the Empire May 9th

Today, as I had done so many times, I looked up at her neat face, framed by the white flowers. I had promised myself that I would return the handkerchief today, but once again, I failed to do so. I left without giving it back, only able to gaze at her face, lost in the moment.

When I was alone, I scolded myself for my foolish actions, but when I saw her face again, I couldn’t help but lose my reason and stare at her endlessly.