Chapter 21

It has been two months since then. The story of "The Knight of Destiny and the Holy Maiden" should have already begun by now.

Although our relationship is completely different from the one in the novel, my relationship with Lord Zain has been going smoothly.

It's less than nine months until Charlotte appears. I need to somehow increase Lord Zain's affection for me.

"It's delicious! Wow, it's so delicious..."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"Yes, it's really delicious!"

"I see."

Today, as usual, I'm on a date with Lord Zain, and he has taken me to a shop known for its exquisite sweets.

Despite his busy schedule, he manages to make time for me about once every ten days, planning dates that cater to my preferences.

I lose all my vocabulary while enjoying the incredibly delicious apple tart, but Lord Zain still nods along with me.

Lord Zain is so kind that it makes me happy, but I can't help worrying if he's overexerting himself.

"Lord Zain, I'm happy to meet you like this, but please don't push yourself."

"I'm not pushing myself; I just want to see you."

"…Is that so?"

Every time we meet, Lord Zain seems to become even more affectionate, and his acting as a lover has improved significantly over these two months.

Even though I'm supposed to be the one to win his heart, I feel like I might fall for him instead. If it weren't for my life-or-death mission, I might have already.

"You mentioned you've been busy recently, too."

"Yes, I've been learning magic from Evan and studying about my future."

"Your future?"

"Yes, I'm planning for my life ahead."

Actually, I've already decided on a location to open a restaurant before the land prices skyrocket, and I've been busy with preparations in a beautiful town called Mirel, which is a bit away from the capital but close to the marquis's territory.

I can use an existing building, and I've been making time to advance the preparations, such as coming up with menus and trying out recipes, which is a lot of fun.

Incidentally, I also visit the duke's mansion once a month, where I enjoy cooking and having tea with Mariabel. She's always so angelic that she's the best source of comfort for me.

I've also been able to eat a little more, which seems to have reassured Lord Zain. I'm very happy about that too.

"What do you plan to do in the future?"

"Well, it's not something worth your attention, Lord Zain..."

When Charlotte and Lord Zain are in love, I'll be living a peaceful life in the countryside. It shouldn't matter to him.

Most importantly, I will eventually have to cruelly reject Lord Zain, insult him, and make him hate me.

Thinking about this, a sharp pain stabs at my heart.

"…You really are—"

"Yes?"

"Never mind. Shall we go?"

I wondered what he was about to say, but I lost the chance to ask.

After leaving the café, he led me to a high-end jewelry store.

"Come, Grace."

"Yes..."

Inside the store, surrounded by many sparkling jewels in the display cases, I felt nervous. Just imagining the prices made me dizzy.

Lord Zain, being a regular customer, was quickly taken to a private room and attended to by multiple staff members.

I sat down on a deep, plush sofa next to him, as suggested.

"Lord Zain, is there something you want to buy?"

"Yes, I thought I'd get you a necklace."

"Really? For me... for me?"

I really want you to wait. The accessories being brought to the table one after another were far more exquisite and dazzling than those in the display cases. Even as a layperson, I could tell they were incredibly expensive.

Receiving just one of these would be more than enough as a thank you for everything. I even started to sweat, wondering if this was a severance gift to end our relationship.

"Why... why are you giving me this? It's not my birthday or anything."

"You seem to disappear whenever I take my eyes off you."

"What? I won't get lost."

"If you're playing dumb, you really are a bad woman."

He laughed softly and gave various instructions, making me try on one piece after another.

I couldn't tell what I liked, but everything looked good on me in the mirror, which was confusing.

Lord Zain seemed determined to buy something, and I was racking my brain when I noticed a piece at the far end.

"…What about that one?"

"That is a yellow diamond."

It was much simpler and smaller than the others, but its golden glow caught my eye.

"Did you like that one?"

"Yes."

"There should be better options."

"It matches the color of your eyes, and I think it's very beautiful. I've always liked it since the first time I saw you."

"……"

"Can I have that one? Is it not okay?"

In this world, everyone has beautiful, colorful eyes, but I've always liked Lord Zain's the most.

If I'm going to receive a gift, I definitely want this one. When I said this honestly, he turned his face away.

"…Let's go with that one."

"As you wish."

I thought he would insist on buying something more expensive due to his status, but he agreed easily.

When I put it on, everyone in the room praised me, saying it suited me well, making me blush.

It should be much cheaper than the others, yet the staff all seemed even happier than before.

◇◇◇

When we got into the carriage, I was told to sit next to him, and I obediently did as I was told.

Our hands, which had touched during the escort, remained clasped.

"Thank you, Lord Zain."

"Yes."

"I'm very happy. I'll treasure it always!"

I felt inexplicably happy and smiled broadly. The next moment, my vision blurred.

"Um, Lord Zain?"

I found myself in Lord Zain's arms, enveloped by his warm body and pleasant scent, my heart beating rapidly.

It had been two and a half months since I saw that terrible list, and this was the first time he had touched me like this.

"…What are you, really? You come closer and then move away, always out of reach."

Lord Zain's sweet, low voice echoed in my ear. As I remained silent, his embrace tightened.

"Doesn't it bother you to be held like this by me?"

When he asked, I hurriedly nodded. I could tell he smiled in relief.

As the carriage stopped, I realized we had arrived at the Marquis Sentbury's mansion. After letting go of me, Lord Zain smiled, looking troubled.

"I'm relieved you didn't cry this time."

"Th-that time..."

"I hope you can get used to it gradually."

"Wh-what?"

Could this happen again in the future?

Since we are supposed to be lovers, it might not be strange, but I couldn't hide my shock.

"I'll contact you soon. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Lord Zain."

After that, I stumbled back to my room, fell onto the bed, and flailed my limbs.

"No, no, I need to calm down... ugh..."

I know that my heart fluttering is meaningless and just a hindrance, but I can't help but feel excited.

It's definitely because I have no experience with men. The rest is due to Lord Zain's good looks and kindness.

"…Lord Zain belongs to Charlotte."

I hugged my pillow tightly, closed my eyes, and tried to sleep and forget. – But I couldn't help wondering if it was all just an act.