Chapter 97

After about an hour, Lord Zain woke up and said, "I don't remember the content, but I feel like I had a very good dream. Thank you."

I, too, felt a bit dazed, but it seemed like a good time to rest my heart.

In the end, we decided to get back on the horse and head to a place where the sunset could be seen well.

"Maybe when we have time, we could go to a different place or with a few more people."

"Definitely! A picnic becomes even more fun with more people. And someday, when we have children, it would be nice to come here together—"

I stopped speaking abruptly, realizing what I had almost said.

The latter part of my statement didn't have any specific "who" in mind; it was more of a general idea.

Still, now that Zain and I are lovers who think about the future together, I felt embarrassed for mentioning "children."

"Yes, that's right. It would definitely be fun."

However, Zain nodded without any hesitation or doubt, and my heart swelled.

I couldn't help but pray that the future with him and these peaceful, gentle moments would continue forever.

◇◇◇

After returning home and taking a leisurely bath to wash away the sweat, I put on a dress with Yana's help and tilted my head slightly.

The lavender dress, though simple in design, was elegantly adorned with lace and jewels, and the frills on the hem swayed gracefully with every movement.

"Do I even own a dress like this?"

"It's a birthday gift from the Duke."

Yana answered matter-of-factly, and I blinked in surprise.

Yana then moved me in front of the vanity and quickly styled my hair.

"The earrings are from the Duke, and this hair accessory and necklace are from Mariabel."

A pearl hair accessory adorned my hair, a ribbon edged with jewels in the same fabric as the dress was wrapped around my neck, and yellow diamond earrings sparkled at my ears.

Each of them was so beautiful that I couldn't describe them with my limited vocabulary, and they suited me perfectly. Thinking that the two of them had chosen them together made my heart overflow with gratitude.

"Thank you, Yana. I look so beautiful thanks to you."

"It's thanks to the two of them and your own beauty, my lady."

I was captivated by my reflection in the mirror, but when Evan informed me that it was time for dinner, I hurried out of the room so as not to keep everyone waiting.

"Wow..."

When I walked straight to the dining room, the scene was completely different from the morning. It was beautifully decorated with flowers and ornaments, and the table was filled with a variety of delicious dishes.

It was a truly festive and elegant setting, and my heart leaped with joy.

When I arrived, Zain and Mariabel were already there, and the moment they saw me, they both widened their honey-colored eyes.

"Big sister, you look so beautiful! You look like a princess from a storybook."

"Ah, you really do look beautiful."

"Thank you. The dress and accessories are so lovely, I'll treasure them."

After expressing my gratitude multiple times, Mariabel led me to my seat.

Thanks to Mariabel, everyone I care about, regardless of their status, was seated together, including Evan, Yana, and Al.

"Oh, Al is here too! Thank you."

"It's not for you. It's part of my job."

"Today, I didn't even offer you a reward, but you came when I asked."

"Stop saying unnecessary things! It's because there's good food."

"Hehe, I see."

Al, blushing and trying to deny Mariabel's teasing, was still as unforthcoming as ever, which made him even cuter. He was even dressed in a calm, formal outfit that suited the occasion, and I couldn't help but smile.

After that, we enjoyed a delicious meal while chatting happily.

"This wine is delicious."

"It's made in the Duke's territory. If you like it, I'll give you a few bottles."

Evan and Lord Zain were drinking wine, and I learned that the legal drinking age in this world is sixteen.

However, I had heard that Grace has a bad drinking habit, so I was having juice instead.

Although I'm still too scared to try it, I'm thinking of drinking with Evan or someone else watching over me in a setting where Lord Zain isn't around.

"Everything is so delicious, I might gain weight."

"Miss Grace, you can gain more weight without any problems. You're too thin to begin with."

"Really? If Yana says so, then..."

"Yes. I love you no matter what, so there's no need to worry."

Lord Zain said this unexpectedly, and I almost choked.

Spending time with the people I love was so enjoyable, and I felt like I was smiling the whole time.

"Then, let's give you the gifts from everyone."

After the meal, under Mariabel's direction, we received the gifts that everyone had prepared for me.

Just being able to gather and celebrate like this was enough to make me incredibly happy, and the fact that there were gifts made me even more excited.