Chapter 21

The strong wind made the window in my room shake.

Raising my head at the sound, I bookmarked the book I was reading and stood up.

Approaching the window and opening the curtains, all I saw was a vast expanse of white. The fierce wind was scattering and swirling the falling snow, stirring up a winter storm. I couldn’t see the garden, and only the dim light illuminating the gate asserted its presence in the blizzard.

The weather had been bad all day.

Even though it was a rare day off, I couldn’t go anywhere and ended up staying in.

During the day, I had helped shovel snow, but at this rate, it seemed I would have to do it again tomorrow morning, which made me sigh. We couldn’t clear all the snow from the rather large property, so we focused on the path from the gate to the house. Unfortunately, my mother and I were told we weren’t strong enough to help. The employees from the merchant guild who came to help with the snow shoveling said it felt like we were being toyed with by the weight of the snow.

Tomorrow is an opening day, so I hope this blizzard will calm down. My boss had already sent a message today saying, "If the snow is bad, don’t force yourself to come to work," but I want to go if possible.

Sighing didn’t change the strength of the wind or the falling snow. Feeling cold from standing by the window, I returned to the sofa and draped the blanket I had placed beside it over my shoulders. The tea I had prepared on the coffee table had completely cooled. I had been so engrossed in reading that I had forgotten to drink it.

The cup I picked up was cold, but I drank the tea anyway. It seemed to have a stronger astringency. Frowning, I finished it and picked up the book I had just bookmarked.

The cover of the book depicted a crescent moon glowing blue. A tree cast a blue shadow on the snowfield, using the moon as its light source.

The large title read "Labyrinth" – a book that Lord Einhardt had also said he liked. I love the author’s mystery novels and have collected all the books they have published.

I have read it many times, and I know the culprit and the tricks, but it still has a charm that makes me want to read it again and again.

I opened the book, relying on the bookmark I had just placed. I put the bookmark I had made from pressed flowers on the table.

I started reading from a little earlier and immersed myself in the world of the book.

Having read it many times, I reached the last page in no time. The feeling after reading was different from the first time. A comfortable aftertaste made me let out a small sigh.

"Hmm... I might be able to read one more book."

My mutter echoed loudly in the quiet room.

Maybe it was due to the sound of the wind.

Even though I was alone in the room, I felt a bit embarrassed as I walked over to the bookshelf.

I returned the finished "Labyrinth" to its designated spot on the shelf. The neatly arranged bookshelf, organized by author, was a pleasure to look at. But with only a few more spaces left, I might need to get a new bookshelf.

I traced the spines of the books with my fingers, deciding what to read next.

My fingers stopped at a shelf filled with romance novels. The tips of my fingers touching the spines reminded me of the evening star in my memory.

...Lord Einhardt used to caress the spines of books like this.

"Would reading this help me understand women’s hearts?"

"I’ve always been a cowardly man."

Lord Einhardt’s deep, steady, and straightforward voice echoed in my ears.

What was he thinking when he said those words? His expression, which seemed to carry a hint of self-mockery, could be described as – melancholy.

A particularly strong wind blew.

The window shook violently, and my shoulder jerked.

"I was startled... If the wind doesn’t stop, I really shouldn’t go to work tomorrow."

Muttering to myself, I pulled a book from the shelf.

It was a light and refreshing romance novel with a happy ending. This book might be just right to read before bed.

Returning to the sofa, I adjusted the cushions and lay down awkwardly. I rested my head on a cushion and adjusted its height. I covered my cold feet with the blanket... Yes, that’s perfect. I just need to be careful not to fall asleep.

Whether it’s a new book or a familiar one, I always get excited when I open the first page.

Smiling, I fell into the world of the book...

...or so I thought.

When the protagonist realized their love, I couldn’t read any further.

Wanting to be called cute, feeling happy when they meet, and being toyed with by all the loneliness and sadness... That’s...

"I’m just like her right now..."

As soon as I thought that, it was all over.

My heart was beating fast and loudly. I knew what color my face was without looking in a mirror.

When the protagonist in the book realized their feelings, it was like a cloudy sky suddenly clearing, a refreshing feeling.

In my case, it was more about embarrassment and confusion. No, I thought I was aware of my feelings. But when I consciously realized them, I was overwhelmed by a strange, itchy sensation and didn’t know what to do.

"Knowing that I can’t see him makes me this lonely..."

We weren’t in a relationship where we made promises, and if we met by chance, we would just spend time together. That casual and comfortable friendship was supposed to be easy and pleasant.

I’m happy when I see him.

I’m sad when I don’t.

Just those simple feelings were causing such a turmoil in my heart.

"What am I doing? I don’t even know what he looks like, and he’s always vague and ambiguous, but... it’s wrong of him to be there for me."

I closed the book, no longer wanting to read it. Throwing off the blanket, I hurried to the bed and dove in. The room was already dim, and I could sleep like this.

I’ll just go to sleep today.

Sleep, wake up, spend a normal day, and sleep again – a month will surely pass in no time.

The whispered sigh, "I want to see him," dissolved into the sound of the wind. I felt embarrassed even muttering those words, so I pulled the blanket over my head, closed my eyes, and wished for sleep, trying not to think of his gentle smile.