Chapter 44

"Rufus, thank you for coming today."

"Ah."

"I'm sorry for making you come out on your precious day off."

"No, it's fine."

Three days later, I was sitting across from Rufus in a swaying carriage. After I wrote a quick reply to the letter, I told him that I was available anytime, and it turned out to be his day off today.

If we were seen together, it would undoubtedly attract attention. That's why Rufus chose a small town just outside the capital, where we wouldn't run into anyone we knew. We were going to spend the day there, relaxing together.

By the way, Tim was following us on horseback from behind. When I suggested he could ride in the carriage with us, he replied, "I don't want to get kicked by a horse." I wonder what he meant by that.

"I was really looking forward to today. I was so excited that I hardly slept last night."

"…Really?"

"Yeah."

Since the incident where I was attacked by the man who had taken over Norman's body in the city, this was the first time we were going out together.

To be honest, I was a bit anxious, but the moment I saw Rufus, all those feelings vanished. I feel at ease with him.

"Besides, going out with Rufus is something the Archbishop—"

"……"

I casually mentioned the last time we went out together, but I quickly clammed up, remembering that night. My face grew hot.

I muttered, "I'm sorry," and Rufus, whose face was also red, murmured, "I'm sorry too." An awkward silence fell between us, and I desperately tried to think of another topic.

"Hey, Rufus, you look good in anything. You're so handsome."

Today, we both dressed down to avoid drawing attention. I was dressed like a wealthy commoner's daughter, and Harla made sure I looked simple yet very cute.

As for Rufus, even in simple clothes, he exuded nobility and didn't look like a commoner at all. But since I usually see him in formal attire or knight's armor, today's Rufus felt less stiff and more like we were really going out to have fun.

"…You do too, you're—"

"Am I?"

"Y-You like rivers, I think."

"Um, I haven't been to many, so I guess it's normal. So, Rufus likes rivers?"

"……Yes."

I glanced out the window and saw a stream of questionable water flowing. It seems Rufus likes rivers.

I realized how little I knew about him and hoped to learn more today.

"Thank you for today."

"Ah."

And so, our day began.

◇◇◇

Eventually, we arrived at our destination and, guided by Rufus, we decided to leisurely stroll through the town.

In the small, old shops lining the street, everyone greeted us warmly, which made me happy. This was a scene that would never happen in the capital, where rumors often spread.

Everything felt fresh, and I couldn't help but get excited. Rufus looked at me with a curious expression.

"Is walking this enjoyable for you?"

"Yeah, it really is."

"…I see."

He looked down, appearing very sad, and I felt guilty for making him worry. He must feel sorry for me, thinking I'm happy with such a simple life.

"Is there anything you want?"

"Something I want… Can we look at that shop?"

"Ah."

We stepped into a curiosity shop that caught my attention. As soon as we entered, a pleasant, mysterious scent tickled my nose.

The shop was small, but it was packed with unique items that made my heart race. As I admired a cute doll next to Rufus, I was suddenly addressed from behind.

"Oh, are you on a date? You two look so good together."

"Wh-What?"

I turned to see an old lady who seemed to be the shopkeeper. I felt embarrassed, realizing that others saw us as a couple.

Rufus didn't deny it, so I just smiled and went along with it.

"Are you looking for something?"

"Something to commemorate our visit to this town?"

"Commemorate? Well, young couples often go for these."

The old lady pointed to a pair of necklaces with different colored stones, which were very pretty and sparkled in the sunlight coming through the window. As I gazed at them, Rufus asked, "Do you want them?"

"They're beautiful."

"Got it."

He picked up both necklaces without hesitation, paid for them, and handed one to me.

"Thank you…!"

"Ah."

"Are you going to wear yours too?"

"Do you mind?"

"No, I'd be happy. Thank you so much."

Tim had told me that if Rufus bought something, I should just say "thank you" and accept it without offering to pay.

"…I'm really happy."

I clutched the necklace with the red stone tightly. I was genuinely, inexplicably happy. My heart felt warm.

"They say that if two people wear these, they will be bound together."

As we left the shop, an indescribable atmosphere lingered between us.