Chapter 70

After about an hour in the carriage, we arrived at a large lake called Lake Benark.

It seemed to be a famous date spot, with beautiful water lilies in full bloom on the lake.

"Wow, it's so beautiful! But it's really crowded."

"It's the most beautiful time of the year, after all."

From tourists to couples, the place was bustling with a large crowd.

The boat rental area was so crowded that a line had formed, and it didn't feel like a place where we could enjoy a quiet, intimate time together.

However, I'm not the type who minds waiting in lines, and I had never been on a small boat before, so I was excited and looking forward to enjoying it no matter what the situation.

"We're going this way."

"Huh?"

Lanhart pulled my arm and walked in the opposite direction of where people were lining up, and we arrived at another lake.

It was a beautiful lake with water lilies in full bloom, but it was not crowded. Moreover, the boat prepared for us was not the small, cute boat that people had been using, but a much larger and more luxurious beautiful ship.

"Here, we can be alone and take our time."

"O-oh..."

Faced with Lanhart's perfect date course, I began to feel more fear than excitement.

To be able to do so many things that women would enjoy so easily is terrifying. How many women has he charmed before?

While thinking about this, I boarded the boat and sat facing Lanhart.

"The weather is nice today, and the breeze is pleasant."

The water sparkled, and the beauty of the flowers made the scene very dreamlike.

But more than that, Lanhart's profile as he gazed at the scene was so beautiful that I couldn't help but be captivated.

"Being looked at with such intensity makes me nervous."

I directed a penetrating gaze at him, thinking he wasn't nervous at all.

"I just thought everyone would fall in love."

"That's not true. Clearly, you don't like me."

He leaned on his elbow and said this with a cool expression.

"…Right now, I don't have the luxury to fall in love with anyone."

Lord Zain's situation hasn't been completely resolved, and even after we are united, I still have the event of nearly dying to look forward to. I can't let my guard down yet.

"Besides, if I were to fall in love, I wouldn't want it to be a game."

When I said this, Lanhart continued, "But—"

"If Grace likes me, I have the confidence to cherish her forever."

"……"

"I'm not saying this to everyone."

I couldn't look away from his serious gaze. His expression and demeanor made me realize that his words were genuine.

He seemed like a completely different person from the frivolous Lanhart Gardner I knew, and my heart raced.

"I really like you, you know."

"Why…?"

"Being liked by someone like Grace would make me very happy. I envy the duke who can have you work hard for him."

I couldn't say "Why" or "Stop joking" anymore. His eyes, which were like the jewels in my hair ornament, held a definite heat, the same as the golden eyes he always directed at me.

◇◇◇

After spending time by the beautiful lake with a restless heart, we entered a nearby café.

"This fruit cake is supposed to be delicious. It apparently goes well with this tea."

"You're well-informed."

"I've never actually been here before. I had someone research things that women might like."

I nodded, thinking that's what most people would do.

"Miss Grace, did you know? Your brother actually goes to places himself to try the food he thinks you might like."

"…Can you pretend you didn't hear that?"

I recalled this conversation and felt a quiet pain in my chest.

Thinking that I couldn't keep dwelling on the past and reminiscing, I eventually inserted a fork into the cake that was brought to us.

The expensive cake and tea, which should have been delicious, didn't really taste like anything to me.

By the time we left the café, the sky had already turned a deep crimson, and the sun was setting.

"What do you want to do next? I still want to spend time with you."

While walking towards the carriage, he asked me this, and I hesitated to answer.

Lanhart is a very nice person. He called himself a scoundrel, but I don't think so. Today, being with him was relaxing and very enjoyable.

I don't have romantic feelings for him, but I can't say I won't in the future.

"Why don't you choose me? I'll take good care of you."

If I were to fall in love with him, this pain in my chest would probably disappear. I wouldn't think of Lord Zain at random moments anymore.

"If you really fall in love with me, the kind duke won't be able to be forceful. It's because he genuinely likes you."

"Maybe he would give up. It's said that having someone you like love someone else is the most painful thing."

More than anything, even if Lord Zain and Charlotte got along well, I don't think his feelings for me would suddenly disappear. I would need some other motivation to push me forward.

After much consideration, I nodded, and Lanhart's long-lashed eyes blinked in surprise.

"Really? I asked without much hope. I practically forced you to come today."

He didn't seem to think I would say yes. He smiled happily, took my hand, and we got into the carriage.

Lanhart sat next to me as if it were the most natural thing in the world and leaned in close to look at my face.

"Where do you want to go?"

"I have no idea, so I'll leave it up to you."

Lanhart put his hand on his chin and pretended to think.

"I actually planned to go to a town on the outskirts of the capital where a festival is held today. But suddenly, a large number of monsters appeared in the nearby Lavine Forest, and the festival was canceled."

"–What?"

I was stunned by this unbelievable news.

Because in the novel, this event is supposed to happen much later—several months after Lord Zain and Charlotte are united.