Chapter 36

On a day when the cold wind was blowing, Julius decided to go to the capital's magic research institute with Vernerly.

"It's been a while since I've been there. We've been exchanging letters, but I really want to talk to everyone in person."

Laila, who was helping Julius change into the winter coat he had tailored recently, nodded.

"Will you be back by night?"

"The magic research institute is on the outskirts of the capital, so this time I'll fly there. I think I can be back by evening... I want to go out to eat in a nearby town today."

"Going out to eat?"

As Laila fastened the waist pouch around Julius's slim waist and looked up, Julius chuckled.

"Yes. Actually, I've already made a reservation. I'll be running around with Vernerly until evening, so I don't want to make him prepare dinner. I think it would be nice for us four to go out to eat once in a while. Is that okay?"

"Of course!"

Thinking about it, Laila had eaten out with her parents and friends before, but she had rarely gone out to eat with Julius except for formal dinners. Even then, it was usually just a quick stop due to work, so this would be the first time going out just for a meal.

(With Vernerly and Helka there, the security will be sufficient... I'm looking forward to it!)

"Hehe, Laila, your eyes are sparkling like a child's."

"That's because I'm really looking forward to it! Just make sure to come back before it gets too late."

"Of course. Laila, try to keep your stomach empty and wait for me."

When Julius said this, Laila finished adjusting his coat. Julius turned around, hugged Laila tightly, and buried his face in her neck.

"Can I kiss you here?"

"Wh-What!? N-Neck!?"

"Yes."

Julius's sudden proposal made her voice waver, but if you think about it, her neck, cheek, and lips were all part of her skin.

In the romance novels that Helka liked, there was a term "leaving a mark," and Laila knew about it, but Julius had never left a mark when he kissed her. She thought he probably didn't know about it.

(If that's the case, maybe it's okay?)

"Sure."

"Thank you."

Julius chuckled against her neck, sending a tingling sensation through her body, and Laila bit her lip to hold back. As she did, Julius slightly adjusted his position and pressed his lips to the left side of Laila's collarbone, giving her a light kiss.

"Laila, you smell so good. I could stay like this forever."

"Master Julius, the magic research institute! Work! The evening plans!"

"Hehe, noted. Well, it's a shame, but I'll be off."

Julius chuckled and stepped away from Laila, then called out to Vernerly, who had been waiting by the wall. Helka was standing next to him, looking at them with narrowed eyes, while Vernerly remained at attention, only his eyes moving to the side.

As Laila watched Julius and Vernerly board the carriage and fly away, she sighed.

"Unsatisfied...?"

"Ah! No, that's not it!"

Helka, who had silently sneaked up behind her, laughed seductively and looked at the carriage disappearing into the hazy winter sky.

"Master Julius is really good at holding back. According to Vernerly, the young Master Julius used to be less patient."

"Really?"

"However, Master Julius is so gentle that he wouldn't suddenly get angry. Rather, he would say what he thought right away and do what he wanted... as long as it didn't inconvenience others, he was quite free and easy."

"Ah... I can see that."

Still, Laila thought,

(Master Julius... is he holding back?)

What is he holding back from?

What does he want to do but is holding back?

As Laila pondered this, Helka chuckled.

"You'll understand someday. Perhaps... after you get married next summer."

"..."

"Come, are you going to continue reading from yesterday? Shall we go to the library?"

"U-Um, sure."

There were many things she wanted to know, but also things she might regret knowing. Laila thought that even worrying about Julius was a form of happiness.

The house, with only Laila and Helka, was quiet, and time seemed to pass slowly.

"Oh... Lady Laila, a letter from Anton Kiluka."

"From Dad?"

While eating lunch, which Helka had warmed up from the dishes Vernerly had prepared, Helka brought a letter on a silver tray. It was about time for the mail to arrive.

Usually, Vernerly would sort through the mountain of letters, but today Helka was doing it for him. She pulled out one envelope and handed it to Laila.

"The mailman said it was entrusted to him by someone from the Kiluka Company when he stopped by a nearby town."

"Is that so? I wonder if something happened to Dad."

She had just been thinking about checking on the marriage status of her classmates from her school days.

When she hurriedly opened the letter, she saw her father's handwriting, asking if it would be okay to visit the house since he was in a nearby town on business.

(Ah, that's why the writing looks rushed.)

Her parents had never been to this house before. Although Julius was out today, it seemed she could entertain her father with Helka.

"My father is in a nearby town and wants to visit."

"Your father?"

Helka, who had been sorting through the letters smoothly, stopped, and her clear brown eyes fixed on Laila, making her heart skip a beat.

"Is this really your father's handwriting?"

"Y-Yes. The way he writes my name is the same."

"..."

Helka took the letter from Laila with a suspicious look and examined it closely.

(Does she think it might not be from my father...?)

While Laila wiped cold sweat and watched nervously, Helka stroked the envelope and poked it with her fingertips. After a small groan, she placed it on the table.

"I don't sense any strange magic. However, I am concerned about Lady Laila leaving the grounds while Master Julius is away. The barrier around the garden is weaker when he is far away, and outside of that..."

Laila swallowed hard at Helka's words.

Laila herself was a weak civilian woman, but she had the title of Julius's fiancée. Helka had told her that there were people who did not like Julius.

(Indeed... that's true.)

"I understand. But the way it's written, it seems he will come here. Is it okay if Helka handles it?"

"Yes, I was going to suggest that. Lady Laila should stay in the house, and I will invite your father once his identity is confirmed."

"Okay, thank you."

Laila responded in a firm voice and stared at the letter.

No matter how many times she looked at it, it was the same handwriting she had seen since she was a child.