Chapter 17

"So? The ex-fiancé came to the house, and anything else?"

The warmth that was leaving my head made me think I might already be drunk.

Shaking off such thoughts, I nodded while putting a piece of meat into my mouth.

"He came to the library."

"Huh?"

"The ex-fiancé came to the library."

"When?"

"The day before yesterday."

Even though I couldn't see his face, I could tell he was stunned by the atmosphere. It was so funny to see Noah, who is usually so nonchalant, giving off such a vibe that I couldn't help but laugh.

"I haven't heard anything about that."

"I didn't tell you. It's been a while since we met, right?"

"Oh, yeah, that's true..."

"Strange Noah."

"It was just too unexpected."

Noah shrugged and quickly drained his glass of red wine, emptying it. When I asked Emma for a refill, the glass was soon filled again. The smooth, velvety red wine rippled in the glass.

"Do you want some bread, Alicia?"

"Please."

Emma smiled and placed a basket of rolls in front of us. The bread, freshly warmed, was still hot. When I split one in half, steam rose and dissipated. Even the steam looked delicious, and my cheeks relaxed.

"Ah... What was it? The ex-fiancé came to the library...?"

"Yes, he asked for a reconciliation, and I refused. It was the same old story with letters and all, but this time, he said he had broken up with the young lady he was engaged to."

"To get back with you?"

"That's what he said, but in the end, he just ended up hurting her. Besides, the Viscount's family should have told him to stay away from us. My grandfather's family has also complained to the Viscount's family."

"You can't get through to a fool no matter what you say."

"I've realized that too."

I tore a piece of bread into bite-sized pieces, dipped it in the wine sauce, and put it in my mouth. The rich sauce, full of the flavors of chicken and vegetables, soaked into the soft bread easily. It was so delicious that I finished one roll in no time.

"That looks delicious."

"It's really good."

I reached for another piece of bread, tore it, and dipped it in the sauce. Before I could put it in my mouth, Noah grabbed my wrist. Before I could ask what he was doing, he pulled my wrist, and the sauce-covered bread disappeared into his mouth.

"That's mine!"

"Yeah, it's good."

"Get your own."

"Just one bite is enough. So, did the ex-fiancé leave right away?"

I shook my head while putting another piece of bread dipped in sauce into my mouth.

I told myself that the heat in my wrist and fingertips was just my imagination.

"The Captain of the Knights helped me. The Knights are all so kind."

At my words, Noah pressed his temples with his fingers and sighed deeply.

"Noah?"

"Nothing."

Come to think of it... We seem to be closer than usual? Yes, there's usually a chair between us, but today it's different.

Well, we kept our distance before because I had a fiancé. There are no other customers today, so maybe it's fine.

"So, guess who came yesterday?"

"...From the way you're talking, it must be the baron's daughter you were having an affair with."

"Right! You're so perceptive."

"Your misfortunes make me feel sorry for you."

After finishing the bread, I looked at the basket, which was still steaming. It was delicious, and I wanted more, but I felt it might be dangerous to eat more. I consciously pulled back my hand, but I allowed myself to send a lingering glance.

"I feel the same. She said she approached my ex-fiancé for his looks and money. I was so surprised."

"Ah... Your ex-fiancé is good-looking, but he's not wealthy, right?"

"You know a lot. He was living comfortably thanks to aid from the Bloom Trading Company, but that was cut off with the end of our engagement. Then, she said she would recognize him as a lover if he continued to provide support."

"Stupid girl."

"You're being mean."

Noah cursed and laughed lowly, tilting his glass.

I picked up my knife and fork and cut another piece of meat. When I put the meat, which easily separated from the bone, into my mouth, a sigh of pleasure escaped me.

"I asked my grandfather to take care of the baron's family. I hope this will be the end..."

"He's not the type to back down that easily."

"Don't say such scary things."

"Haha. Why don't you find someone else?"

"Don't say that so easily. I'm a woman who has had her engagement broken, so it's not easy."

"Then how about me?"

Even though I knew it was just a joke, his voice sounded unusually gentle.

I couldn't help but stare at Noah's face, but his thick bangs still hid his expression. I couldn't read his feelings, which frustrated me, so I shrugged to cover it up.

"Show your face if you're going to flirt."

"It's the same."

Noah's lips curved into a smile.

Good, I wasn't wrong. It was fine to joke around like this.

To wash away the confusion in my chest, I quickly drank the remaining wine.

I decided to drink more today. I wanted to forget this confusion and the ache in my chest.

"Emma, can I have a refill?"

"Sure. The same thing?"

"Hmm... How about hot wine this time? White this time."

"Ah, then I'll have the same."

"Understood."

Emma smiled and turned to the kitchen. The master, who nodded, was already pouring wine into a small pot. Honey, and then lemon and orange, I suppose. The master skillfully added the sliced fruits while Emma prepared two round-bottomed glasses.

"Oh, right. Noah, the alcohol you asked for will be in the day after tomorrow."

"Great. I'll come by then. Please prepare some good side dishes."

Noah's voice brightened at Emma's words from the counter.

"You asked for something?"

"Yeah, there's something I want to try. You should come too. I'll treat you."

"Really? Then I won't hold back."

The next day.

Making a plan for the next time was a first, and just that made my heart leap.

I didn't want to think about how long I could pretend not to notice.

The hot wine placed on the counter smelled of cinnamon.

It was a very gentle, sweet scent.

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