Chapter 46

This is a story about Wendy's love*°

It was a longing.

His appearance, like the sun, was radiant. His gentle eyes and cheerful smile.

Just watching him from afar was enough to satisfy her, and that feeling was undoubtedly—longing.

She remembers the moment when that longing turned into love, the world was filled with light.

Not long ago, her colleague and best friend Alicia, who worked at the counter next to her, was taken away by the viscount's son. Her former fiancé, that viscount's son, had cruelly betrayed her and ostracized her from society. For such a man to talk to Alicia could only mean something terrible.

While thinking about this, Wendy was doing paperwork inside the counter as requested by her boss.

She was worried about Alicia, but she couldn't leave the counter.

Just as she was sighing with such anxious thoughts, a shadow fell over the counter, and laughter could be heard. When Wendy raised her head from the documents, she was so surprised by the person smiling there that she could only gasp.

"Troubles? You had quite a serious look on your face."

"…Commander Radine. I'm sorry, I must have looked terrible…"

His lustrous golden hair, which fell to his shoulders, swayed with each laugh. There was no mockery in his smile as he covered his mouth with his fist; he just looked genuinely happy.

Sirius Radine, the commander of the knights, was a prodigy who excelled in swordsmanship and leadership, and became the youngest commander in history.

"Is something wrong? Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Ah, well… Commander Radine, it might be too much to ask, but Bloom was called by the Viscount Tostman's son and went to the back square. You see…"

"I understand. I'll go check it out."

Before Wendy could finish, Radine agreed with a smile. He placed the book he was holding on the counter and left the library in a hurry.

Wendy could only watch his reliable back as he left.

Radine returned not long after. Given his skill as a commander, Wendy didn't expect anything to happen to him, but she was relieved to see him unharmed.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"I'm sorry for troubling you, Commander Radine."

"No, it's fine. Security within the palace grounds is part of my job. I'm sure Bloom will be back soon."

"Thank you. Is Alicia alright?"

"I think she's fine. She's a strong girl. Facing her ex-fiancé must have been tough, but she didn't show any signs of fear."

"Hehe, Alicia has that straightforward quality. Isn't she wonderful?"

Feeling pleased to have her best friend praised, Wendy smiled happily. She had finished processing the books while waiting and placed them on the counter. Radine looked at them with wide, surprised eyes. Noticing his unusual reaction, Wendy tilted her head in confusion, but he soon returned to his usual gentle smile. Wendy was curious about what might have been wrong, but she didn't intend to press the matter.

Radine picked up the stack of books and looked at Wendy with his warm brown eyes. She was captivated by his direct gaze and couldn't look away.

"I think your qualities are wonderful too. See you again, Miss Wendy."

He deepened his smile, and Wendy felt as if the world was filled with light, even though it was just a simple gesture.

She couldn't take her eyes off him as he waved and left. His figure seemed to glow, and she wondered if her eyes were playing tricks on her.

Her face was hot.

Her heart was beating fast, and her hands were trembling.

Just thinking about his voice and his smile made her feel like she was about to lose control.

Falling in love is a well-said thing.

It's exactly that. In just a moment, her heart was completely captured.

* * *

"Wendy"

Hearing her name called, Wendy looked up from the book she was reading.

At a corner table in a sunny café, Radine, who had just sat down in front of her, was slightly out of breath, as if he had been running.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"You didn't have to rush. You must be tired."

"I wanted you to hurry. I wanted to see you quickly."

His casual words carried a sweet undertone.

Wendy felt her cheeks heat up as she placed a bookmark in her book and closed it gently.

"That's the original of the opera we saw before, right? Is it interesting?"

The waiter had already taken the order and placed a coffee in front of Radine. As he enjoyed it, Wendy could only give an ambiguous smile.

"I was lost in thought and couldn't really focus on reading."

"That's unusual. What were you thinking about?"

Could he possibly know everything she was thinking about?

Wendy thought so because all she could think about was Radine.

"…About the day we met in the library, Sir Sirius."

"About me? Is there something worth remembering?"

"It's about the day you helped Alicia. Do you remember?"

Wendy put the book in her bag and picked up her teacup. The tea had cooled, and the aroma had faded. A sip revealed the gentle sweetness of honey.

"I remember. It was the day I thought you were cute."

Surprised by his sudden words, Wendy barely managed to suppress a laugh. She made a slight noise when she put the cup back on the saucer, but it was better than choking.

"You seemed to really care about your friend. You were so proud, and that made you even cuter."

Wendy's cheeks flushed as he spoke these endearing words. Reaching out to touch her cheek, Radine gently caressed it with his fingertips.

"That day is unforgettable for me too. How do you remember that day?"

"…It was the day my longing turned into love."

She knew this person wouldn't let her hide her feelings. Wendy decided to be honest, as she didn't mind sharing her feelings. Some things wouldn't be understood unless she said them.

Blinking repeatedly, Radine smiled happily. Wendy wished she was the only one who could see that smile.

"I have to keep working to keep your love. Sometimes I feel jealous, thinking I might be losing to your friend."

"Oh, jealous? You know I admire you, Sir Sirius?"

"Of course. Just laugh at the whims of a man in love."

Laughing low, Sirius took Wendy's hand on the table. Wendy responded by intertwining her fingers with his.

"Shall we talk about the engagement? I feel a bit strange that Einhard got ahead of us, but—"

"I'm happy. Alicia will be happy."

"Maybe I am losing to Bloom."

Wendy laughed at his jokingly shrugged shoulders.

It was a warm day as the snow melted.

Drops from the roof wet the cobblestones. The sky reflected in the puddles was a gentle, endless blue.

The world before her eyes was shining today.

More than when she fell in love. She savored the warmth of the hand she held, feeling the happiness of their union.