Chapter 21

"Finally, it's over. Good job."

After the carriage started moving, Fil smiled and praised me. The oppressive aura from earlier had completely disappeared, and now he looked like the Fil I knew well. His neatly styled silver hair had become messy the moment he closed the carriage door and sat down. Just by looking at his expression, he seemed like the Fil who lounged on the floor of the Laguren household.

However, today's Fil looked exceptionally beautiful. The clothes he wore so casually were probably more expensive than the finest garments that my brother Albes owned. He wore such expensive clothes without any pretense. There was a small decoration at his collar, a pearl that was extremely beautiful and very similar to the earrings I wore. And...

I looked at Fil's ears. They were half-hidden by his beautifully silver hair, but there was an ear cuff with a blue gemstone set in gold. I had just noticed this decoration a moment ago. His silver hair was already dazzling, and his attire was of high quality, so I hadn't noticed it at all. But once I did, I couldn't help but notice how luxurious it was. The gold work probably indicated some kind of emblem.

If it were any other time, I would have just thought it was beautiful. But the face he showed to the Ophels family... that oppressive aura indicated that Fil was not an ordinary noble. The emblem on the ear cuff was probably part of Fil's true identity.

...But.

I looked at Fil. He was smiling and waiting for me to say something, just as he always did. Yet, there was something different about him. There was a faint tension, as if he was trying not to miss my reaction or trying to read my thoughts.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. ...Do I really need to dwell on Fil's true identity? Fil is Albes' friend, a guest who drops by, someone who can lie down on the floor or the ground and enjoy the simple stews I make.

This time, he went beyond the usual and helped me. If I shrink back on my own, something is wrong.

When I opened my eyes, Fil was still looking at me. He was staring at me so intently that Tiana pretended not to notice. I reached out and lightly tapped Fil's nose with my finger.

"Ah!"

"Good job, Fil. You really saved me."

"Ah, yeah, sure."

Fil looked surprised. The forced smile was gone. So, I smiled warmly.

"Fil, do you have anything planned after this?"

"No, nothing today. I definitely won't be working. I was thinking of taking you for a light walk, grabbing a snack, picking up Albes, and dropping him off at the Laguren territory."

"Oh, is that so? I was worried you still had work because of how you spoke to the Earl."

"Sorry for making plans without you. Did you want to attend the banquet?"

"Of course not! I was sure my stomach would hurt, so I'm really relieved you said that!"

I said this sincerely, and suddenly I remembered the faces of the Ophels family. I burst out laughing, and Fil looked at me suspiciously.

"What's so funny?"

"Well... I've never been treated with such care by Earl Ophels. I didn't know he could be so charming! And Lord Gorman could bow so deeply!"

"Right, they are nobles who gather at the royal palace, after all."

"Ah, I feel so relieved! I'm really glad our engagement was broken off! I could never have lived with them!"

I had muttered this to myself many times. I had even let it slip in a moment of carelessness. But saying it out loud made me realize how wonderful it was that I didn't have to marry Lord Gorman.

Tiana gave me an exasperated look, but I didn't care!

Laughing to myself, Fil tilted his head slightly and then looked at Tiana.

"Tiana, can you look outside for a bit?"

"I am here to accompany Lady Lucia."

"Please, just for a moment."

"...Just a moment, then."

Tiana said this and moved to sit near the window, looking outside as if to avoid us.

What's going on? As I was confused, Fil moved to sit next to me.

"Huh?"

"Sorry, Lucia. I won't do anything strange. Can you just stay still for a moment?"

"Stay still... Huh?!"

Suddenly, Fil wrapped his arms around my body. Before I could react, I was enveloped in his arms and pressed against his broad chest. When I tried to move, the arm around my back tightened, pulling me even closer.

My already confused mind was further muddled by Fil's sweet scent.