Chapter 17
Lilien felt as if all the worries of the world had melted away—a hazy sensation.
As his tongue finally retreated from her mouth, she pressed forward with her own. That seemed to be the signal: the hand that had been resting at her waist slipped lower, lightly cupping her hips.
“Mmph…”
The sensation was strange—so strange that Lilien instinctively pulled Cairn closer by his waist.
That’s when she felt something thick pressing into her belly. It could have been the brooch he’d won as a prize, or maybe his usual pocket watch… No, it was far too large for that. It was probably a long, thick dagger.
She fumbled down, trying to push the object away, her fingers grazing over its firm, solid shape. Just then, Cairn abruptly pushed her away.
Lilien, whose tongue had just managed to slip into his mouth, looked at him in confusion.
“Why… why did you stop?”
She had just started to enjoy the strange, tingling feeling—her hair prickling, her lower belly fluttering. She wanted to keep kissing him a bit longer, but he averted his face, firmly ending the moment.
Cairn swallowed hard and let out a deep sigh. Maybe it was the spring heat, but he shrugged off his jacket and spoke in a low voice.
“Now that you’ve tried it, don’t go on about wanting to do it with someone else.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
Lilien sensed that if she pressed him for just a little more, he might actually get angry, so she gave in quietly.
Just this much was more than enough inspiration for her—she wanted to rush home and grab her pen right away. But she had promised Victor Regid a dance, so she couldn’t.
“Shall we head to the ballroom?”
He wiped a hand over his face, looking a bit troubled.
“Hang on…”
“Are you feeling okay?”
When she started walking toward him, he waved her off, as if telling her not to come any closer.
“I’m fine. Just… go on ahead without me.”
“…Alright.”
She didn’t know the reason, but this time, she decided to do as he asked.
Lilien wandered through the garden alone, making her way toward the ballroom. The sun was setting in the west, casting a red glow on the neatly trimmed tops of the boxwood hedges, and a small bird flitted between the trees, chirping softly.
“How pretty…”
The maze walls on either side made the place feel safe and cozy, and at the end, a rose vine welcomed her with pink blooms.
This truly was the perfect spot for a lovers’ secret meeting—a perfect place for a first kiss.
“I’m sorry, Cairn.”
She whispered quietly, standing alone in the garden. Even in such beautiful surroundings, her heart felt a little heavy.
She’d liked kissing him—but Cairn’s face had shown nothing but discomfort.
It must have been a terrible experience for Cairn to kiss her.
* * *
Lilien couldn’t focus on the waltz. Her mind was completely occupied with the kiss she’d just shared.
Lost in her thoughts, she ended up stepping on Victor Regid’s foot.
“Miss de Bermore?”
“I’m so sorry…”
Victor guided her skillfully through the steps, but even with an excellent partner, Lilien’s movements were clumsy.
“Are you alright?”
“It’s not that, it’s just…”
She hesitated, then admitted.
“It’s embarrassing having everyone look at me…”
Victor kindly slowed down the tempo for her.
“What do you like to do to relax?”
“I enjoy reading. What about you, sir?”
“Well… uh…”
“Do you…”
Lilien whispered shyly.
“Do you meet women in your free time?”
For someone so reserved, Lilien never failed to say exactly what she was thinking. Victor found it so cute and endearing that he forgot any awkwardness and ended up laughing.
“Miss de Bermore, earlier I didn’t get a chance to say this because someone interrupted, but…”
She looked up from watching her feet.
“Would you like to go boating with me on Lake Boltman? The scenery is beautiful there.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s a quiet place, so you won’t feel uncomfortable. Not that I have any ill intentions—there are a few other visitors there as well…”
Does he want to take her to the lake for fun? Maybe Sir Regid doesn’t have many friends either.
Feeling a bit sorry for him, Lilien nodded readily.
“Yes, that sounds nice. Let’s go have some fun.”
Knowing Victor was in the same friendless boat as she was made her feel much more at ease.
“Sir Regid, you said I could ask you anything I was curious about, right?”
“Of course.”
“…Is it possible for a man to not like kissing?”
He blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question, but answered her thoughtfully and seriously.
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