Chapter 34

Phantom?

Did I worry so much that I got sick?!

"Kevin has grown. Did you play games again?"

It seems to be reality. It feels even more like a lie because he’s not angry.

"You drank too, didn’t you? Really. You’re such a tomboy."

"......I don’t think I’m a tomboy."

"Then, a wild horse?"

Lord Joshua chuckled.

I’m not a wild horse. I just have a high tolerance for alcohol.

"Didn’t I tell you not to drink too much?"

His gentle voice tickled. I couldn’t look at him properly and lowered my head.

"Welcome back, Lord Carving."

"......Yes, I’m back."

The sound of Lord Joshua’s footsteps approached, and he sat on the bench where I was sitting.

"......Why are you here?"

I thought you would be back at the castle. You should be busy with the preparations for the spring festival.

"I heard you were here, so I came to fetch you. I told Kevin not to let you drink, but I thought he probably would. As expected."

He chuckled again.

"I’m fine, though. I feel bad about Kevin."

"I know you can handle your alcohol, but there are always risks. A lady shouldn’t drink in such a rough tavern. I’ve told you that before."

Yes, I heard that lecture last time too.

But it was fun.

Besides, there’s no other restaurant around here.

"At least, when you’re with me, Arie."

He leaned in and said that, but I couldn’t make a promise and just stared back.

"The song you just sang."

Lord Joshua’s expression suddenly changed.

Ah, he heard it.

"You played it in front of Lord Heider, too. Do you like it?"

"......Yes."

Lord Joshua’s voice is so captivating.

It’s been three months since the capital, and I can’t help but focus on his lips.

Maybe the alcohol is starting to kick in. My rationality is wavering.

"The lyrics. Of course, I like the melody, but I wondered if men think like that."

I plucked the strings again, as if playing with them.

"......Is there someone in the capital you’re thinking about?"

When he asked that, I was surprised and looked up, but Lord Joshua didn’t look away; he was still looking at me.

"No, there isn’t anyone like that for me."

Why the capital?

He looked away, saying, "I see."

His profile illuminated by the moon. His high nose bridge, the sharp silhouette from his eyes to his nose.

He’s so beautiful, it’s mesmerizing.

"You sang so sadly, I thought you were thinking of someone. I like that song too."

I saw it with Lady Alicia.

I only know this from rumors.

Cecilia told me.

"Thank you."

When I said that, Lord Joshua looked surprised. I decided to play a little prank to surprise him.

"I wrote it."

"Eh?!" Lord Joshua’s eyes widened. It was a huge success.

"To be precise, a friend wrote the song, but I composed the in-movie music for the play where this is the main theme."

"You composed the music for a play?!"

Yes.

I didn’t really want to say it, but it’s an important source of income for me.

I’m glad you enjoyed it.

"I was just on my way here. I composed it in the carriage, imagining you."

"Me?!"

Surprised, right?

I chuckled.

"I thought you might feel this way when you were separated from Lady Alicia."

Lord Joshua drew a breath and tightened his lips.

Oh, he might be angry.

That’s the look.

I’m sorry.

I got carried away. You don’t like being speculated about, do you?

"I’m sorry. I just imagined it."

No, Lord Joshua murmured, but he’s still angry, his voice is stiff.

I messed up.

But I don’t regret it.

It’s been bothering me for a long time.

I wanted to tell you that I used you as a model.

If I had found a better time to say it, you might have been happy.

After you married Lady Alicia, for example.

By then, it would be too late to tell you.

Once you two are married, I won’t show myself.

I want to run away to a place where I won’t hear any more rumors.

"......Arie."

When he called my name, I looked up, and he gazed into my eyes.

Lord Joshua, what is it? What do you want to say?

He looked at me as if searching inside me.

"Lord Joshua and she are not like that."

Huh?

Eh?

"Excuse me?"

Eh?

Did you just make me your lover in my imagination? No, that’s what the rumors say.

But if you say so.

My face must be on fire.

Lord Joshua chuckled, unable to hold back his laughter.

"Arie, you’re so red."

"......I’m sorry!"

Oh no! Oh no!

I shouldn’t have said it!

I regret it!! Take it back!!

I’m sorry!!

Lord Joshua finally burst out laughing.

Because! It became such a rumor, and the talk of me marrying Carving was off the table.

Everyone in the castle says the same thing!

That’s right, the people in the townhouse and the castle staff all think the same.

Lord Joshua patted my bowed head.

My cowlick must be red. I can feel the heat in my head.

"Bringing the shrine maiden to Carving was a long-held wish here."

When I gently raised my face, Lord Joshua was looking at me kindly.

"But now, the people here understand that a wonderful songstress like you is enough. Whether you’re a shrine maiden or not doesn’t matter. As you said, the temple brings music to encourage the people, not just a shrine maiden."

The idea of the temple I talked about at the recent evening party.

It’s a complicated topic, and I thought people might think it’s not something a young girl should say.

I often have such discussions with the high priest, but I’ve never heard other songstresses talk like this.

I know I don’t come across as cute, so I didn’t really want to say it.

I’m surprised and happy that Lord Joshua understood.

"......If possible, I want you to stay here forever. Become the goddess of Carving and continue to inspire the people."

As a priest. That’s what I heard between the lines.

I smiled ambiguously and looked away.

I can’t be the goddess of Carving.

You know that. What a mean person.

But, ah.

I’m frustrated, but I like this person.

He hasn’t told me everything. Yet, he’s trying to get everything.

How unfair and dishonest.

I fell in love with such a dishonest person.

I’m frustrated with myself for falling in love with such a person.