Chapter 34

The café we arrived at was pleasantly busy.

It was lively enough for conversations to flourish, yet not so crowded that every table was filled.

In such a setting, we chose a seat at the end of the room, with our backs to the wall. Most other customers opted for the sunny window seats, so we were one of the few who chose the corner.

After placing our order and taking a breath, I noticed Noah looking at me. Even with his bangs covering his eyes, I could tell he was looking at me. Being the recipient of such a direct gaze was, frankly, embarrassing. When I tilted my head, wondering if there was something strange about me, he said:

"You look cute today."

The words were so shocking that my shoulders jumped.

I couldn't help but laugh, a mix of happiness and embarrassment, and I could feel my face turning red.

"What's with the sudden comment?"

"Your hairstyle is cute, and I noticed your makeup is different from usual."

"...You really paid attention."

My hair was down as usual, but I had gathered the hair around my left ear into a neat bun. I wore a gold floral earring on my exposed left ear. My makeup was a bit more meticulous than usual, especially the shade of red I applied to my lips. I didn't want to overdo it, so I only put in a little extra effort. But it seems this person noticed.

I was happy to be called cute, but I was also pleased that he noticed.

"You can go ahead and think I did it to look cute for you, right?"

"...Look, the cake is here."

I didn't want to deny it, but nodding would be a bit embarrassing. I think Noah understood, though, from the way his lips curved.

The server placed a chocolate cake decorated with sugar roses and a coffee in front of Noah, and a pistachio roll cake and tea in front of me, then left.

I immediately picked up my fork and cut a bite-sized piece of the thick roll cake. The fluffy texture and the vibrant green of the pistachio cream. At the center was a ganache cream. When I took a bite, the rich yet refreshing flavor of pistachio spread in my mouth. It might have been mixed with another cream, adding to its depth.

"Delicious. Is there pistachio in the cake itself? The texture has a nice accent."

"The chocolate cake is the recommended one."

"I can't decide. I think I'll have the chocolate cake for my second."

"It's good to see your appetite returning."

Noah laughed softly as he broke apart the sugar roses. The candies sprinkled on the glossy chocolate looked like stars, beautiful every time I saw them. Despite the large bites, he ate elegantly. I felt relieved when he nodded in satisfaction, looking content.

"By the way, you introduced yourself to my family earlier. So Noah isn't a fake name, then?"

"Most people don't know I have a middle name. I hardly use it."

"I didn't know either. I know your name, but I didn't know that."

I took a bite of the peach that came with the roll cake. It was slightly sweet, having been soaked in syrup, and delicious. I ate half of it quickly and put down my fork. When I picked up my teacup, the floral aroma tickled my nose.

"Can I tell you a little about myself?"

"Sure."

After taking a sip of coffee, Noah began to speak. I put my cup back on the saucer and looked at him, ready to listen.

"I'm the second son in a family of three brothers. The eldest will inherit the earldom, so I won't be involved in estate management. My brother is capable, and my younger brother is studying abroad to support him. While I have duties as a noble, I identify more as a knight."

"...I see. I think I heard that Count Einhardt is from an earldom. I had forgotten."

"You really weren't interested in me, huh?"

Noah laughed, but it wasn't that I wasn't interested. I shrugged and continued eating the cake. The pistachio flavor went well with the ganache cream. The sweetness was just right, making it very easy to eat. It was a shame it was a limited-time offering.

"It's not that I wasn't interested, but you were out of my league."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Noah laughed at my words and took another sip of coffee. The aroma spread to me, and I decided to try the coffee next.

"Getting back to the topic, I'm a knight, even though I have a noble title. I attend social events only when necessary for the knight's order. I leave everything to my brothers, and I feel bad about that."

"Okay... but why are you telling me this?"

"Because I'm not really a noble, so you can marry me without worry."

"Huh?"

What is this man saying?

He did say he would take me in if I had no place to go, but that was just a joke... or was it?

"I told you to be prepared, remember?"

'To be prepared to be mine.'

I remembered the words Noah spoke that night, along with the warmth of his hand on my head, the surprise, and the fluttering in my heart.

"But... to suddenly talk about marriage?"

"Ultimately, that's where we're headed. It's better to address each concern one by one. First, the fact that I'm a noble. You might have some reservations about nobles, but I want you to know that I consider myself more of a knight."

"Practical, or lacking in romance..."

"An unexpected miracle has come my way. I thought about taking my time, but I don't want to risk losing you to someone else."

His words were straightforward and sincere. Perhaps that's why they moved my heart so much. My heart was pounding, and I let out a shallow breath.

"Your face is red."

"Shut up."

Noah laughed softly and turned his gaze to his coffee, enjoying it. I took a sip of my now-cooler tea, trying to calm my heart.

If only I could tell him I like him too.

Why can't I be honest?

"I'll solve all your worries. So don't worry."

So, I am worried.

Noah understands that. Can I lean on his kindness?

I couldn't ignore the rising emotion and swallowed it along with my tea.

The day I can be honest is near.

Because I like this person.