Chapter 49

This is the beginning of the second part.

As I stepped out of the library where I work, the sky was filled with the colors of the sunset. The sky was dyed a dazzling shade of crimson and gold. Perhaps because there had been a passing shower, clouds still lingered, and the edges of these clouds were tinged with a soft pink and blue, creating a beautiful scene.

The sun had not yet set, and the sky hinted at the arrival of summer.

"Good job today."

"Noah, you too. Thank you for waiting for me."

Noah, who had been leaning against the iron fence surrounding the library, raised his hand when he saw me. As I ran over, Noah's fingertips gently brushed the earrings in my ears and then caressed my cheek. I smiled at his tender gesture, and my heart ached with a warm feeling.

"If I drink too much at the Rabbit's Rest, you'll be angry, right?"

"I wouldn't be angry, but it's more fun if I'm with you, isn't it?"

"You're right."

Noah chuckled at my playful remark. I laughed along, and without a word, we started walking hand in hand.

Our shadows stretched out on the cobblestone path, side by side. When I playfully wiggled our intertwined fingers, the shadows moved in the same way, which seemed funny and made me feel happy.

The sun hadn't set yet, and it would take some time for the night to fall. I loved this time when dusk and night blended together.

The thin crescent moon floating in the sky and the stars twinkling brightly filled my heart with joy, a beauty unique to the evening.

"By the way, Wendy came by today."

When I looked up at Noah and mentioned this, he smiled and looked at me. His purple eyes, visible through the thick fringe of his hair, were the same color as the evening stars.

"Is she starting work next week?"

"Yes, she came by today to say hello. Is the captain starting next week too?"

"No, the captain has already started working. They returned from the territory yesterday."

"Returning to work in the capital right away must be busy."

"The captain had a hard time taking three weeks off."

Taking a long break must indeed be difficult, especially for the captain, given his position.

Wendy had taken a month off before and after her wedding.

We were invited to the wedding held in the Ragine territory and happily attended it—

"To see such a beautiful Wendy, the effort was surely worth it."

"Indeed. She looked very happy today."

Wendy looked genuinely happy.

Her cheeks were rosy, and her happiness was evident not just in her expressions and gestures but in her entire demeanor.

Wendy has decided to continue working at the library. She will keep her current position until the captain, who will inherit the title of marquis, retires from the knight's order. However, she mentioned that she would visit the territory during her breaks to learn from the current marchioness, the captain's mother, and she seemed excited about it.

"I'm thinking of taking a two-month break."

"Two months? That's a bit too long and might not be possible, right?"

"The time I can have all to myself with such a beautiful woman is never enough."

"…You're silly. We can be together even without taking a break."

"True."

I could sense the heat in his playful tone, a sign of how comfortable we had become with this distance. We had grown used to it, but my heart still raced.

"But it was such a beautiful wedding. Wendy and the captain were smiling happily, and the flowers made it feel warm and joyful. It was a wonderful wedding."

"Indeed. Our wedding will be just as beautiful."

"You're right. It makes me even more excited. Our wedding is scheduled for winter, so we can't have as many flowers or a garden party like Wendy's, but—"

"We can do things that are unique to winter. If you want a garden party, we can have one in spring, inviting only close friends."

While I was captivated by the brilliance of the summer wedding, Noah's words made me realize that a winter wedding could be just as beautiful. It would be fun to plan it together. We still have time, even though my mother might cry out, "It's not enough at all!"

From the other side of the street, cheerful voices could be heard.

The lively sounds of people enjoying the night made me smile.

The sun had set, but it was still slightly bright. The moon and stars gradually grew brighter.

The curtain of my favorite café, known for its beautiful chocolate cake, was already closed, indicating it was preparing to close.

People were heading home or toward the bustling area. The ladies chatting nearby must have just finished shopping at the bakery; beautifully baked baguettes peeked out of their paper bags.

"What should we have today? A cold ale would be nice, but wine is tempting too."

"We can order both, like we usually do."

"You're silly. It's fun to decide. The first drink always feels special."

"I understand, but I'll have ale. I also want some meat."

"I feel like having meat too. I'm getting hungry."

As we laughed and talked, we were almost at the Rabbit's Rest. The warm sign of the inn cast a glow on the cobblestones.

When I looked up, Noah was looking at me. His lips were curved in a pleasant smile, and I could easily imagine his eyes, hidden behind his glasses and fringe, gently narrowed. My heart skipped a beat.

Embarrassed by his gaze, I looked away, and he chuckled softly, as if he knew exactly how I felt. I shook our hands to cover it up.

At the Rabbit's Rest, Noah opened the door for me.

Drawn by the delicious aroma that filled the air, my stomach growled softly.

Another delicious evening was about to begin.

Starting today, I will continue the serialization.

Thank you very much for your support.