Chapter 12

The next day, I was dressed in a beautiful dress by the highly motivated maids, my hair was neatly tied and makeup was applied, and I was adorned with incredibly expensive accessories.

Being treated like this as a guest makes me feel guilty.

"Um, aren't you a bit too enthusiastic...?"

"We heard this is your first date with Mr. Ralph, so it's only natural."

"First date..."

It seems today's outing is indeed a date.

The maids chorused, "You are the most beautiful in the world" and "Mr. Ralph will surely be delighted," and when Ralph finally appeared, he praised me so much that I felt embarrassed.

"You really are beautiful. That color suits you so well."

"Thank you. Did you choose it for me?"

"Yes. I had it made with you in mind."

"Made...?"

If it's a custom-made dress, it couldn't have been ordered and completed just yesterday or today. I wonder how long he has been preparing it.

Although I was curious, I used the skill I had acquired since coming to this mansion: not to think too deeply.

On the other hand, Ralph was wearing a high-quality jacket that suited him perfectly, making him look even more radiant. I was so impressed by how beautiful a person could be.

"Shall we go?"

"Sure."

Taking his outstretched hand, I got into the carriage. I had a feeling it would be a wonderful day.

◇◇◇

"Oh, delicious...!"

"I'm glad. You look cute no matter what, Miss Lissette."

It had been eight years since I last came to the capital, but it had changed more than I expected. The streets were more vibrant than before, and there were many more people and shops.

There were many beautiful stores and delicious foods. Ralph seemed to know my preferences perfectly and took me to places I would enjoy.

Seeing me enjoying the food, Ralph looked even happier than I was.

"Shall we buy all of these?"

"Wait, we really don't need that much."

I was constantly anxious because Ralph tried to buy everything for me. It seemed his sense of money was off.

"I've already earned more than I can spend. Please don't worry about it, Miss Lissette."

"I can't help but worry."

"I'm just buying what I want."

His innocent smile made my heart ache. Do I deserve to be pampered like this by Ralph?

Seeing my expression, Ralph's eyebrows furrowed.

"Did I bother you?"

"No, not at all. I think I've always dreamed of spending a day like a normal girl."

Hearing my honest answer, Ralph took my hand, narrowed his eyes softly, and smiled.

"From now on, let's do many things you like."

"...Things I like?"

"Yes. You've been through a lot, so it's okay to be more selfish. I'll make everything come true for you."

His words made my vision blur. I felt like crying even though I wasn't sad.

"Actually, there's a store nearby that I think you'll like. Shall we go?"

"...Sure, thank you."

It was our first time going out together, yet he knew what kind of store I would like. Despite this, I couldn't help but smile.

Just as we started walking again,

"–Miss Lissette!"

In an instant, Ralph's arm wrapped around my body, pulling me back forcefully.

At the same time, something passed right in front of my nose.

Not understanding what had happened, I froze in his arms. Then I noticed that the place where I had been standing was pierced with countless ice chunks, concentrated around where my face had been. If they had hit me, I would have died instantly.

The happy mood from a moment ago vanished, and my heart was pounding painfully.

"......"

"Miss Lissette, are you alright!?"

Ralph was now holding the same large sword I had seen in the Sacred Forest.

Looking in the direction the ice chunks had come from, I saw a tall man standing there.

"...What do you think you're doing, Melvin?"

"Huh? That's what I was going to ask you."

The man who had just tried to kill me was apparently Ralph's acquaintance. The red-haired man, called Melvin, was creating more ice chunks.

Seeing me tense up, Ralph reassured me, "Don't worry, I'm here with you."

Seeing this, the man frowned.

"So, why is a hero like you with a monster?"

"Wh...?"

Despite trying to kill me on first meeting, calling me a monster was incredibly rude. What is he talking about?

Standing protectively in front of me, Ralph pointed his sword straight at the man. His eyes were as cold as ice.

"If you say any more unnecessary things, I'll kill you, even if you're my friend."

"Ralph, what's wrong with you? Have you gone crazy from living in peace?"

After looking me over from head to toe with a probing gaze, he showed a look of exasperation and spoke again.

"–That woman is a monster, right?"