Chapter 31

The next day, my face was a complete mess.

When I went to work, my boss and Wendy looked at me with shock, but I understood their reaction.

The dark circles under my eyes couldn’t be hidden even with makeup.

Wendy told me I looked lifeless, and my boss even worried if I was sick.

The reason for the dark circles was simple—I couldn’t sleep.

I didn’t get a wink of sleep.

It wasn’t because I had an altercation with Lord Felix in front of my house. That was a difficult enough event, but it paled in comparison to what came after.

I couldn’t believe Noah was Lord Einhardt.

But now that I think about it, there were many similarities. Still, I never would have noticed.

And what did he say?

About courting and being prepared… Just thinking about it makes my face heat up. Even the warmth of his gentle hand touching my head comes back to me, and I sigh for what feels like the hundredth time.

The sigh was so loud that I hurriedly checked my surroundings, but I was relieved to find no one around. Of course, I was in the back of the library, a section filled with specialized books that few people visit. I was here to register new books and reinforce them, as ordered by my boss.

I was told that looking so tired at the counter wasn’t good, but I understood my boss’s kindness. He even whispered that it was okay to sleep, and I couldn’t help but notice. I didn’t actually sleep, but I appreciated his consideration.

Snow fell from the cloudy sky, driven by strong winds against the windows. It was a slightly dark winter afternoon.

The sky in the distance was even darker, with unusual patterns. All the lights in the building were on, making the time feel ambiguous.

I was at a table next to the window, placing library stamps on the new books. Then I reinforced the covers and noted which shelves they should go on.

At first, this task felt difficult, but now it’s become my favorite.

The next book I picked up was a mystery novel by an author Lord Einhardt said he liked. I was surprised that a new book had already come out so soon after the last one.

While thinking about this, I heard footsteps in the rarely visited section. The firm, strong sound of shoes was familiar to my ears.

Looking up, I saw the Knight of the Evening Star, Lord Einhardt, approaching.

“Alicia, do you have a moment?”

“Yes, of course.”

I stood and bowed before responding. ...Honestly, it was awkward. It was the day after yesterday, and I didn’t know how to face him.

In contrast to my inner turmoil, Lord Einhardt was calm and composed with a gentle smile. ...Maybe what happened yesterday was a dream.

“This handkerchief I borrowed got stained with red wine. I’m sorry, but please use this one instead.”

It wasn’t a dream.

Taking the paper-wrapped package with both hands, I took a deep breath and spoke.

“You didn’t have to… Can I open it?”

“Yes. I’m not used to giving gifts to women, but I hope you like it.”

With his permission, I carefully opened the package.

The handkerchief inside was a beautiful light purple, with delicate white lace along the edges.

“Is it really okay to give me something so lovely…?”

“I chose it for you. I’d be happy if you used it.”

“…Thank you.”

I wasn’t sure if I could use something so beautiful, but I decided to carry it. Holding the handkerchief in both hands, a warm feeling welled up in my chest.

He said he chose it for me. Of course, that made me happy. I couldn’t suppress my smile.

“Finally, you’re smiling.”

His voice was softer than before.

Yes, just like Noah.

“You have dark circles and look tired. Didn’t you sleep well?”

His low laugh was definitely Noah’s, and even though it felt strange, it also felt natural.

“…A lot happened. Lord Einhardt—”

“Noah is fine.”

The person who interrupted me had his purple eyes gently narrowed.

“You can call me Noah when we’re alone.”

“But…"

“Don’t be so formal. It throws me off.”

I was the one who was thrown off.

But if he insisted, I would comply. If I refused, we’d just repeat the same conversation.

“…Thank you for yesterday. If you hadn’t been there, things would have been more complicated.”

“If I had just asked for a ride as usual, we wouldn’t have met. I’m not sure if I should accept your thanks, but… that man helped me take a step forward, which is complicated.”

“Took a step forward?”

“To show my face. I didn’t mind the lukewarm relationship, but… maybe it was time.”

“I don’t know how to respond.”

I felt the same way.

I didn’t want to ruin that time, but I wanted to know more. I wanted to step in, but I was afraid.

Noah’s lips curved into a smile, and his evening star eyes narrowed.

He must have smiled like this under that thick fringe.

The serious, rigid knight and the slightly lazy, hunched, and often smiling drinking buddy were both Noah.

Feeling this anew, the lingering unease from yesterday slowly dissipated.

“Hey, tomorrow is a day off, right? What are your plans?”

“I have a client in the morning.”

“If you’re free in the afternoon, would you like to go out with me?”

Go out with Noah?

The sweet sound of it made my heart race easily.

“Yes, I’d like that. Where are we going?”

“Maybe for some sweets. The café you mentioned yesterday is fine too.”

“The one where I was confronted with my broken engagement?”

“Why not overwrite those memories with new ones?”

Spending time with Noah would likely make those moments with Lord Felix fade away.

The image of Lord Felix fading in my mind made me shudder.

“That’s a good idea, but the chocolate cake at that place is really delicious. I want you to try it.”

“I’m looking forward to it. I also want to talk more.”

My heart raced at the sound of his deepening voice.

Noah reached out and gently stroked the dark circles under my eyes with his thumb. The warmth was comforting, and my breath felt tinged with love.

“I’ll come to pick you up. Okay?”

“Okay, but… isn’t that a hassle? We could meet at the café.”

“I want to do it this way.”

“…Then, please. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too. See you tomorrow.”

Noah smiled happily at my words, stroked my cheek, and slowly stepped back. He waved lightly and walked away.

Watching him leave, I looked down at the handkerchief I was still holding.

Ah, this is the color of the evening.

I pressed the handkerchief to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart.