Chapter 10

As the sun began to set and the sky turned orange, the carriage we were in finally came to a stop.

The guard knight opened the carriage door and informed me, "Miss, we will be camping out here tonight."

"Yes, I understand."

When I say camping, I will be sleeping inside the carriage, so it won't be that uncomfortable.

After the guard knight closed the door, Theodore, who had been sleeping soundly, woke up.

Theodore, still a bit dazed from just waking up, looked adorable!

"…Miss Cynthia? Have I been sleeping this whole time…?"

When I asked the surprised Theodore how he felt, he replied, "I feel great."

I'm glad. It seems the dark circles under his eyes have also lightened a bit.

Lack of sleep is tough, after all.

Theodore looked outside the carriage. The forest stretched out beyond the window.

"Where are we?"

"I don't know the exact location, but I think we're quite far from the capital. We're going to camp out here tonight."

"Camping out…"

"Ah, Theodore, you should sleep in the carriage with me."

"No, I don't think I should go that far."

Huh? Is Theodore planning to sleep outside?

Camping for a beginner can be quite harsh, you know?

While I was wondering how to persuade Theodore, there was another knock on the carriage door.

"Miss, the fish is ready! Please come to the campfire!"

"Yes, I'm coming."

Putting the persuasion aside for now, I got out of the carriage with Theodore.

The temperature in the forest had dropped as the sun set, making it feel chilly.

Around the campfire, several guard knights were busy. They usually say crude things, but they are really reliable in situations like this.

Theodore and I sat side by side on a log placed by the campfire.

"It's warm…"

Theodore's face, illuminated by the campfire, was flushed red.

"Is this your first time by a campfire?"

"Yes."

"Then, is this also your first time eating fish cooked over a campfire?"

When I asked hesitantly, Theodore nodded.

Several skewered river fish were roasting around the campfire.

The aroma of the roasting fish was mouthwatering, but I was worried if Theodore, who wasn't feeling well, could handle such a wild meal.

Without any concern, the guard knight handed us a slightly charred fish, saying, "Here, it's ready!"

The skewer part of the fish I received was slightly warm.

Theodore stared intently at the roasted fish.

"I hope it suits your taste, Theodore…"

As I watched nervously, Theodore took a bite.

For a moment, Theodore froze with wide eyes, then continued eating silently.

When the fish was almost gone, I heard him murmur, "It's delicious."

I sighed in relief upon hearing those words.

"I'm glad!"

Relieved, I took a bite of the fish I was holding. The skin was crispy, and the white flesh was tender and very delicious.

The amount of salt sprinkled on the fish was perfect!

Encouraged by the guard knight, Theodore started on his second fish.

"You like fish, Theodore?"

At my words, Theodore seemed a bit puzzled.

"No, that's not it… I never thought the food in the capital was delicious, but now it tastes very good."

"But the food in the capital is luxurious, right?"

"Yes."

"Maybe you prefer country cooking?"

"Perhaps."

Despite his words, Theodore continued to eat the roasted fish enthusiastically.

"Back in the capital, eating was just a task of stuffing my stomach. I never found it delicious."

"So, being out of the capital has brought back your appetite!"

"Maybe, but more importantly, it's because I can do what I want."

Theodore nodded seriously.

"As I said before, I want to repay you, Cynthia. Please give me any command."

"Command…?"

I tugged on Theodore's sleeve.

"Since the guard knights are here, can you pretend to be my fiancé?"

If they find out we're not really engaged, they might stop us from sharing the carriage, and I'm worried about Theodore's health.

Theodore nodded with a very serious face, saying, "Understood. I will handle it."

Suddenly, Theodore smiled.

"Cynthia, you're lucky," he said, tracing my lips with his finger.

"!? !? !?"

It seems I had some food stuck on my mouth. Theodore removed it and then licked his finger.

"!? !? !?"

"You're so cute, Cynthia."

"!? !? !?"

What's gotten into you, Theodore!? Did you hit your head or something!?

His face is way too close!

The guard knights were grinning at us.

I pulled Theodore's arm and hurried away from the campfire.

"Miss Cynthia, what's wrong?"

Theodore had returned to his usual self.

"What's wrong with you, Theodore!?"

"I was trying to pretend to be your fiancé, but did I do it wrong?"

Ah, I see! You did a good job, didn't you?

"But you changed too much! You don't have to go that far!"

Theodore visibly looked disappointed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know what a normal fiancé should be like, so I used my brother Kurt as a reference, but it seems there was a problem."

No, you shouldn't use him as a reference!

A silver-haired guy who tries to steal his brother's fiancée should be punished!

"Um, don't imitate Kurt. I, I don't like that type… I mean, I'm not used to it."

I know it sounds strange to comment on the brother of someone I've only met once, but it's just not something I can handle.

"I prefer the usual Theodore."

"The usual me?"

"Yes. I don't like Kurt's flirty attitude."

Ah, I said I don't like it. Well, it's fine.

"I prefer serious people like you, Theodore!"

"More than Kurt…?"

"Yes!"

When I nodded vigorously, Theodore covered his face with his right hand and turned away.

"Th-Theodore?"

He moved away from me as if trying to escape and said, "I'll go reflect a bit," before heading into the forest.

"Hey, don't go too far from the campfire!"

One of the guard knights, noticing my voice, followed Theodore, probably to guard him.

This is reassuring.

Still, Theodore is really serious and wonderful for going to reflect.

Back in the carriage alone, I suddenly remembered the Kurt version of Theodore and blushed.

"I told Theodore that, but maybe I could handle a bit of flirtatiousness from him…"

—You're so cute, Cynthia

"Hehe."

I think I'll have a good dream tonight.