Chapter 64
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Chapter 64
The song that was being played now was a sweet, slow waltz. It was a dance song performed while half-embracing each other.
‘…Len.’
Zachary gazed down at Iellie, who was held in his arms. Her long eyelashes cast a faint shadow over her white face. Light green eyes like freshly bloomed buds, preoccupied with moving her body to the dance song.
‘…How could I not love you?’
He thought like a sigh. A lovely girl who deserved everyone’s love… He hated the Emperor’s flirting with her, though his feelings were understandable nonetheless.
“You are my husband.”
“What?”
Iellie suddenly opened her mouth. Hearing that, Zachary was bewildered and glanced down at her.
“Forcing someone with a husband to give her handkerchief…”
A brief ripple appeared in the calm light green eyes — an expression close to displeasure. Iellie continued to spat out her words, “What on earth is His Majesty thinking?”
Her expression looked like she was choked up.
…No way. Joy spread across Zachary’s face.
“Len.”
“Yes?”
She lifted her head up at his call. Iellie’s heart pounded as her eyes stared straight at him.
“Are you angry?”
“….”
At that, she averted her gaze and bit her lips coyly. Zachary felt a slight thirst, and his mouth was dry. He wanted her to be angry because of him.
Zachary spoke, struggling to contain his feelings.
“That’s right, His Majesty pressed the princess to hand me her handkerchief.”
“Of course! How can you play such tricks on a man who has a wife?”
Iellie raised her voice without realizing it as she replied. At that moment, his face turned into an extremely happy face, and he smiled.
“Even if it’s not, I’m going to die because I’m worried about Lady Laurent…!”
“…Lady Laurent?”
He asked back while tilting his head.
…Oops. Iellie bit the tip of her tongue. She was so angry that her true intentions popped out. The Princess and Elysee… She hated them for approaching Zachary like that.
“Didn’t you say you weren’t jealous?”
“No, of course. Why am I jealous?”
“But, why is Elysee mentioned here?”
Zachary held back bursting into laughter and pretended not to know. However, Iellie was paying attention to the other side of his question. She wrinkled her forehead between her brows and glared at Zachary.
“Elysee…?”
Her prickly face was lovely. Iellie who was staring at Zachary fiercely asked, “Since when have you been so close to her to call her by name?”
“Well, Elysee is my cousin. Even if I’m not close…”
Skillfully taking his steps, he answered. The next step was to take a couple of steps away and then come back.
“Can’t I call her by name?”
“….”
Iellie stepped back without answering him. After a while, she came back and she was held in his arms.
“Len?”
Still, she stubbornly kept her silence. Zachary was right, and she knew that as well — the fact that Zachary and Elysee were cousins, and that even if they were not close, cousins could call each other by names…
‘However…’
She didn’t like it, though. Iellie gazed up at him and gave strength to her clasped hands before speaking softly.
“…Don’t call her by name.”
A warm affection spread inside Zachary’s gaze upon hearing her words.
She said again.
“Don’t call Lady Laurent’s name so friendly.”
“….”
‘Ah, Len. Why’re you so cute?’ Zachary bit his lip. Otherwise, he thought he would burst out laughing out loud. On the other hand, she must have interpreted his silence differently. Iellie looked sulky.
“Hurry up, promise.”
She urged him. It was rare to see her urging for an answer like this. Zachary laughed.
“Well, I’ll think about it.”
“What?”
Iellie was pretty, even with her serious face. He thought about making fun of her a little more and then stopped.
“Okay, I won’t call her that.”
“…Really?”
“Of course.”
Hearing his answer, she smiled broadly. Zachary looked pleased. After all, he had no record of winning a match with Iellie, so it didn’t matter to him even if he lost a hundred times or a thousand times.
‘Oh, by the way…’
Zachary, who stared at her carefree face, suddenly remembered one thing that he should have received from her.
“By the way, Len.”
“Huh?
Suddenly, the music was coming to an end. Approaching the dance tune, he asked a mischievous question.
“Where is my handkerchief?”
“….”
Iellie was silent. The sudden turning of her head clearly revealed her intention to avoid his gaze.
“What? You promised to give me a handkerchief.”
“That, that…”
At his question, she swallowed a gulp.
The handkerchief that Princess Annerose had made and handed to him shimmered in front of her eyes.
‘To be honest, the Princess’ handkerchief… It was much prettier than my handkerchief.’
On the handkerchief, which had a bright yellow color, was embroidered with exquisite workmanship. No… Zachary had already seen the Princess’ handkerchief. She couldn’t possibly give it to him because it would be embarrassing.
She asked, poking her lips.
“Well… Do I have to give you a handkerchief?”
“What’re you talking about?”
Zachary’s tone was very serious. Because of that, she closed her eyes tightly. She’d rather ask the seamstress to help her with the embroidery rather than just the design. To carrying that handkerchief on his wrist…
Iellie was stuttering her words.
“My handkerchief… Uhh, honestly, I’m too clumsy…”
“What does that have to do with it?”
“…Though the Princess’ handkerchief was so pretty.”
Her mouth was parched. Perhaps, Zachary wouldn’t really care if the handkerchief she gave him was ragged, but it was a matter of her pride.
Iellie tried to convince Zachary somehow.
“Anyway, you’re going to win even if you don’t have a handkerchief, so it doesn’t really matter…”
“It doesn’t matter? Don’t say nonsense.”
He answered firmly. It was the kind of face that would somehow get her to give him her handkerchief no matter what.
“…Do I have to give it?”
“Of course.”
Hearing his answer, she took a deep breath. From experience, Iellie knew that she would never be able to convince Zachary when he had a face like that. Just when the music ended, he looked sullen.
“…So, won’t you give me a handkerchief?”
Eager eyes. If he didn’t receive the handkerchief, it looks like the world would collapse.
Iellie cried.
“Then, you shouldn’t make fun of me.”
“When did I ever make fun of you for that?”
Indeed, that was true. After hesitating, she finally looked for the handkerchief. Iellie took out the handkerchief from the bag and held it out. Zachary looked down at the handkerchief in her hand with a delighted face.
“I’m really happy.”
A white handkerchief embroidered with the crest of Hessenweitz with clumsy workmanship. Silver dragon and Asha flower… The Duke’s symbol, which he had never liked, became the most precious thing in the world when she touched it.
“If I tell you I’m going to die of happiness, will you believe me?”
“….”
“Of course, you won’t believe it.”
Zachary smiled faintly. He raised the white handkerchief in his hand and kissed it briefly.
“I’m serious.”
It was a pious gesture as if treating a tribute to a goddess. The image remained in Iellie’s eyes like an afterimage.
‘Maybe, I…’
Maybe, she was thinking of Zachary as a man now…
Iellie thought blankly so. Recalling the kiss they shared at the previous coming-of-age ceremony. As soon as she recalled the sweet sensations, her spine tingled.
‘Because… I am still conscious of Zachary.’
She was immersed in her quiet daily life and pretending not to know her own feelings. The young boy suddenly became a young man. She was reminded of the endless love that permeated like a drizzle, a feeling she had never felt.
“…Len.”
“….”
“Len?”
At that moment, Zachary’s voice calling out to her made her come to her senses. Iellie laughed awkwardly.
“Oh, sorry. What did you say?”
Suddenly, Zachary carefully folded the handkerchief and put it in his arms. He shrugged his shoulders and spoke again.
“I said, let’s go back.”
“Already…?”
“Yes. Anyway, since I met the Emperor, we did the least. Oh…”
Dark blue eyes gazed at Iellie. Zachary, who gently narrowed his brow, carefully opened his mouth, “If you want to enjoy the banquet more…”
“No, I want to go back.”
She shook her head. At this point, she had kept her manners toward the imperial family. And, to be honest…
‘Because it’s much better to be alone with him.’
With that thought, she blushed and smiled at him.
Zachary escorted her politely.
With the starry night, the two returned to the Duke’s townhouse. Before heading back to their respective bedrooms, the two said goodbye to each other. Meanwhile, Iellie suddenly gazed at his back.
‘…Come to think of it, we still haven’t used the bedroom together.’
All of a sudden, something like that caught her eye. Zachary, who had just turned around, caught her gaze.
He asked, “Len? Why do you look like that?”
“Oh, nothing.”
Iellie hastily shook her head. Seeing that, his eyes narrowed, and he hurriedly approached her.
“Do you have anything to say?”
“It’s not like that. Just…”
Zachary’s eyes, who were staring at her, fell deeply. He suddenly asked a question, “Do you want to visit the Blanchett estate?”
“Yes…?”
…No, she never thought of that. With a puzzled face, she stared at Zachary as he continued.
“The Blanchett estate is not far from here. You will want to see your parents, too.”
“But, I saw them once at your coming-of-age ceremony. Is it okay?”
She was really fine. She had met her parents enough last time, and above all, she was already married to him. Her family was Zachary. Ielllie didn’t quite understand why Zachary thought that way.
“If you’re saying that because you care about me…”
“It’s not like that.”
Even though she shook her head, Zachary was already watching her eyes.
“Still, there have been only unpleasant things since you came to the capital.”
“Of course it is, but… that isn’t your fault, isn’t it?”
“…That.”
Zachary, who spoke up to that point, lost his words. The words he couldn’t resist spun round and round in his mouth.
‘If she hadn’t married me, she wouldn’t have gone through such unpleasant things…’
He couldn’t even get the words out… If Iellie agreed to that, he would be so sad.
‘…What if she misses her hometown, I worry about that.’
Thinking that, he bit his lip. Then, she sighed deeply as she stared at him, “I don’t know what kind of useless thoughts you’re thinking…”
Taking one step closer to him, she stretched out her hand before pinching his cheek.
“You’re my first family.”
“….”
“Because I like you, I’m all right with everything.”
Light green eyes were straight and unshaken. Zachary groaned and felt something rising from the inside of his chest.
“So, don’t think about it for nothing and go to bed early.”
“…Len.”
“If you had decided to go to the jousting contest…”
Iellie wrinkled the tip of her nose mischievously and smiled. Her hand rubbed his cheek as she spoke to him.
“Make me the owner of the asha branch, understand?”
“Of course.”
Zachary smiled brightly with a choked feeling. He nodded his head hard.
On the day of the jousting contest, the sky was clear and transparent like blue glass. The newly refurbished arena for the jousting event looked fresh as the transparent sunlight overflowed like water.
Iellie took a deep breath.
“There are a lot of people.”
“I know.”
Rather, it seemed that Zachary was less nervous than her. At that, Iellie glared at him and asked, “Aren’t you nervous?”
“What? Is there anything to be nervous about?”
“But, you have to go to the jousting contest soon.”
She swallowed and opened her mouth. Light green eyes gazed up at him worriedly.
“What if you get hurt?”
“Hey, you promised me not to worry about that.”
__
Thank you so much for always supporting the novels I work on, even if you don’t buy me a coffee, I really do appreciate it a lot. ❤︎
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Chapter 64
The song that was being played now was a sweet, slow waltz. It was a dance song performed while half-embracing each other.
‘…Len.’
Zachary gazed down at Iellie, who was held in his arms. Her long eyelashes cast a faint shadow over her white face. Light green eyes like freshly bloomed buds, preoccupied with moving her body to the dance song.
‘…How could I not love you?’
He thought like a sigh. A lovely girl who deserved everyone’s love… He hated the Emperor’s flirting with her, though his feelings were understandable nonetheless.
“You are my husband.”
“What?”
Iellie suddenly opened her mouth. Hearing that, Zachary was bewildered and glanced down at her.
“Forcing someone with a husband to give her handkerchief…”
A brief ripple appeared in the calm light green eyes — an expression close to displeasure. Iellie continued to spat out her words, “What on earth is His Majesty thinking?”
Her expression looked like she was choked up.
…No way. Joy spread across Zachary’s face.
“Len.”
“Yes?”
She lifted her head up at his call. Iellie’s heart pounded as her eyes stared straight at him.
“Are you angry?”
“….”
At that, she averted her gaze and bit her lips coyly. Zachary felt a slight thirst, and his mouth was dry. He wanted her to be angry because of him.
Zachary spoke, struggling to contain his feelings.
“That’s right, His Majesty pressed the princess to hand me her handkerchief.”
“Of course! How can you play such tricks on a man who has a wife?”
Iellie raised her voice without realizing it as she replied. At that moment, his face turned into an extremely happy face, and he smiled.
“Even if it’s not, I’m going to die because I’m worried about Lady Laurent…!”
“…Lady Laurent?”
He asked back while tilting his head.
…Oops. Iellie bit the tip of her tongue. She was so angry that her true intentions popped out. The Princess and Elysee… She hated them for approaching Zachary like that.
“Didn’t you say you weren’t jealous?”
“No, of course. Why am I jealous?”
“But, why is Elysee mentioned here?”
Zachary held back bursting into laughter and pretended not to know. However, Iellie was paying attention to the other side of his question. She wrinkled her forehead between her brows and glared at Zachary.
“Elysee…?”
Her prickly face was lovely. Iellie who was staring at Zachary fiercely asked, “Since when have you been so close to her to call her by name?”
“Well, Elysee is my cousin. Even if I’m not close…”
Skillfully taking his steps, he answered. The next step was to take a couple of steps away and then come back.
“Can’t I call her by name?”
“….”
Iellie stepped back without answering him. After a while, she came back and she was held in his arms.
“Len?”
Still, she stubbornly kept her silence. Zachary was right, and she knew that as well — the fact that Zachary and Elysee were cousins, and that even if they were not close, cousins could call each other by names…
‘However…’
She didn’t like it, though. Iellie gazed up at him and gave strength to her clasped hands before speaking softly.
“…Don’t call her by name.”
A warm affection spread inside Zachary’s gaze upon hearing her words.
She said again.
“Don’t call Lady Laurent’s name so friendly.”
“….”
‘Ah, Len. Why’re you so cute?’ Zachary bit his lip. Otherwise, he thought he would burst out laughing out loud. On the other hand, she must have interpreted his silence differently. Iellie looked sulky.
“Hurry up, promise.”
She urged him. It was rare to see her urging for an answer like this. Zachary laughed.
“Well, I’ll think about it.”
“What?”
Iellie was pretty, even with her serious face. He thought about making fun of her a little more and then stopped.
“Okay, I won’t call her that.”
“…Really?”
“Of course.”
Hearing his answer, she smiled broadly. Zachary looked pleased. After all, he had no record of winning a match with Iellie, so it didn’t matter to him even if he lost a hundred times or a thousand times.
‘Oh, by the way…’
Zachary, who stared at her carefree face, suddenly remembered one thing that he should have received from her.
“By the way, Len.”
“Huh?
Suddenly, the music was coming to an end. Approaching the dance tune, he asked a mischievous question.
“Where is my handkerchief?”
“….”
Iellie was silent. The sudden turning of her head clearly revealed her intention to avoid his gaze.
“What? You promised to give me a handkerchief.”
“That, that…”
At his question, she swallowed a gulp.
The handkerchief that Princess Annerose had made and handed to him shimmered in front of her eyes.
‘To be honest, the Princess’ handkerchief… It was much prettier than my handkerchief.’
On the handkerchief, which had a bright yellow color, was embroidered with exquisite workmanship. No… Zachary had already seen the Princess’ handkerchief. She couldn’t possibly give it to him because it would be embarrassing.
She asked, poking her lips.
“Well… Do I have to give you a handkerchief?”
“What’re you talking about?”
Zachary’s tone was very serious. Because of that, she closed her eyes tightly. She’d rather ask the seamstress to help her with the embroidery rather than just the design. To carrying that handkerchief on his wrist…
Iellie was stuttering her words.
“My handkerchief… Uhh, honestly, I’m too clumsy…”
“What does that have to do with it?”
“…Though the Princess’ handkerchief was so pretty.”
Her mouth was parched. Perhaps, Zachary wouldn’t really care if the handkerchief she gave him was ragged, but it was a matter of her pride.
Iellie tried to convince Zachary somehow.
“Anyway, you’re going to win even if you don’t have a handkerchief, so it doesn’t really matter…”
“It doesn’t matter? Don’t say nonsense.”
He answered firmly. It was the kind of face that would somehow get her to give him her handkerchief no matter what.
“…Do I have to give it?”
“Of course.”
Hearing his answer, she took a deep breath. From experience, Iellie knew that she would never be able to convince Zachary when he had a face like that. Just when the music ended, he looked sullen.
“…So, won’t you give me a handkerchief?”
Eager eyes. If he didn’t receive the handkerchief, it looks like the world would collapse.
Iellie cried.
“Then, you shouldn’t make fun of me.”
“When did I ever make fun of you for that?”
Indeed, that was true. After hesitating, she finally looked for the handkerchief. Iellie took out the handkerchief from the bag and held it out. Zachary looked down at the handkerchief in her hand with a delighted face.
“I’m really happy.”
A white handkerchief embroidered with the crest of Hessenweitz with clumsy workmanship. Silver dragon and Asha flower… The Duke’s symbol, which he had never liked, became the most precious thing in the world when she touched it.
“If I tell you I’m going to die of happiness, will you believe me?”
“….”
“Of course, you won’t believe it.”
Zachary smiled faintly. He raised the white handkerchief in his hand and kissed it briefly.
“I’m serious.”
It was a pious gesture as if treating a tribute to a goddess. The image remained in Iellie’s eyes like an afterimage.
‘Maybe, I…’
Maybe, she was thinking of Zachary as a man now…
Iellie thought blankly so. Recalling the kiss they shared at the previous coming-of-age ceremony. As soon as she recalled the sweet sensations, her spine tingled.
‘Because… I am still conscious of Zachary.’
She was immersed in her quiet daily life and pretending not to know her own feelings. The young boy suddenly became a young man. She was reminded of the endless love that permeated like a drizzle, a feeling she had never felt.
“…Len.”
“….”
“Len?”
At that moment, Zachary’s voice calling out to her made her come to her senses. Iellie laughed awkwardly.
“Oh, sorry. What did you say?”
Suddenly, Zachary carefully folded the handkerchief and put it in his arms. He shrugged his shoulders and spoke again.
“I said, let’s go back.”
“Already…?”
“Yes. Anyway, since I met the Emperor, we did the least. Oh…”
Dark blue eyes gazed at Iellie. Zachary, who gently narrowed his brow, carefully opened his mouth, “If you want to enjoy the banquet more…”
“No, I want to go back.”
She shook her head. At this point, she had kept her manners toward the imperial family. And, to be honest…
‘Because it’s much better to be alone with him.’
With that thought, she blushed and smiled at him.
Zachary escorted her politely.
With the starry night, the two returned to the Duke’s townhouse. Before heading back to their respective bedrooms, the two said goodbye to each other. Meanwhile, Iellie suddenly gazed at his back.
‘…Come to think of it, we still haven’t used the bedroom together.’
All of a sudden, something like that caught her eye. Zachary, who had just turned around, caught her gaze.
He asked, “Len? Why do you look like that?”
“Oh, nothing.”
Iellie hastily shook her head. Seeing that, his eyes narrowed, and he hurriedly approached her.
“Do you have anything to say?”
“It’s not like that. Just…”
Zachary’s eyes, who were staring at her, fell deeply. He suddenly asked a question, “Do you want to visit the Blanchett estate?”
“Yes…?”
…No, she never thought of that. With a puzzled face, she stared at Zachary as he continued.
“The Blanchett estate is not far from here. You will want to see your parents, too.”
“But, I saw them once at your coming-of-age ceremony. Is it okay?”
She was really fine. She had met her parents enough last time, and above all, she was already married to him. Her family was Zachary. Ielllie didn’t quite understand why Zachary thought that way.
“If you’re saying that because you care about me…”
“It’s not like that.”
Even though she shook her head, Zachary was already watching her eyes.
“Still, there have been only unpleasant things since you came to the capital.”
“Of course it is, but… that isn’t your fault, isn’t it?”
“…That.”
Zachary, who spoke up to that point, lost his words. The words he couldn’t resist spun round and round in his mouth.
‘If she hadn’t married me, she wouldn’t have gone through such unpleasant things…’
He couldn’t even get the words out… If Iellie agreed to that, he would be so sad.
‘…What if she misses her hometown, I worry about that.’
Thinking that, he bit his lip. Then, she sighed deeply as she stared at him, “I don’t know what kind of useless thoughts you’re thinking…”
Taking one step closer to him, she stretched out her hand before pinching his cheek.
“You’re my first family.”
“….”
“Because I like you, I’m all right with everything.”
Light green eyes were straight and unshaken. Zachary groaned and felt something rising from the inside of his chest.
“So, don’t think about it for nothing and go to bed early.”
“…Len.”
“If you had decided to go to the jousting contest…”
Iellie wrinkled the tip of her nose mischievously and smiled. Her hand rubbed his cheek as she spoke to him.
“Make me the owner of the asha branch, understand?”
“Of course.”
Zachary smiled brightly with a choked feeling. He nodded his head hard.
On the day of the jousting contest, the sky was clear and transparent like blue glass. The newly refurbished arena for the jousting event looked fresh as the transparent sunlight overflowed like water.
Iellie took a deep breath.
“There are a lot of people.”
“I know.”
Rather, it seemed that Zachary was less nervous than her. At that, Iellie glared at him and asked, “Aren’t you nervous?”
“What? Is there anything to be nervous about?”
“But, you have to go to the jousting contest soon.”
She swallowed and opened her mouth. Light green eyes gazed up at him worriedly.
“What if you get hurt?”
“Hey, you promised me not to worry about that.”
__
Thank you so much for always supporting the novels I work on, even if you don’t buy me a coffee, I really do appreciate it a lot. ❤︎
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Chapter 64The song that was being played now was a sweet, slow waltz. It was a dance song performed while half-embracing each other.Len.'Zachary gazed down at Iellie, who was held in his arms. Her long eyelashes cast a faint shadow over her white face. Light green eyes like freshly bloomed buds, preoccupied with moving her body to the dance song.How could I not love you?'He thought like a sigh. A lovely girl who deserved everyone's love He hated the Emperor's flirting with her, though his feelings were understandable nonetheless.You are my husband.What?Iellie suddenly opened her mouth. Hearing that, Zachary was bewildered and glanced down at her.Forcing someone with a husband to give her handkerchiefA brief ripple appeared in the calm light green eyes an expression close to displeasure. Iellie continued to spat out her words, What on earth is His Majesty thinking?Her expression looked like she was choked up.No way. Joy spread across Zachary's face.Len.Yes?She lifted her head up at his call. Iellie's heart pounded as her eyes stared straight at him.Are you angry?.At that, she averted her gaze and bit her lips coyly. Zachary felt a slight thirst, and his mouth was dry. He wanted her to be angry because of him.Zachary spoke, struggling to contain his feelings.That's right, His Majesty pressed the princess to hand me her handkerchief.Of course! How can you play such tricks on a man who has a wife?Iellie raised her voice without realizing it as she replied. At that moment, his face turned into an extremely happy face, and he smiled.Even if it's not, I'm going to die because I'm worried about Lady Laurent!Lady Laurent?He asked back while tilting his head.Oops. Iellie bit the tip of her tongue. She was so angry that her true intentions popped out. The Princess and Elysee She hated them for approaching Zachary like that.Didn't you say you weren't jealous?No, of course. Why am I jealous?But, why is Elysee mentioned here?Zachary held back bursting into laughter and pretended not to know. However, Iellie was paying attention to the other side of his question. She wrinkled her forehead between her brows and glared at Zachary.Elysee?Her prickly face was lovely. Iellie who was staring at Zachary fiercely asked, Since when have you been so close to her to call her by name?Well, Elysee is my cousin. Even if I'm not closeSkillfully taking his steps, he answered. The next step was to take a couple of steps away and then come back.Can't I call her by name?.Iellie stepped back without answering him. After a while, she came back and she was held in his arms.Len?Still, she stubbornly kept her silence. Zachary was right, and she knew that as well the fact that Zachary and Elysee were cousins, and that even if they were not close, cousins could call each other by names However'She didn't like it, though. Iellie gazed up at him and gave strength to her clasped hands before speaking softly.Don't call her by name.A warm affection spread inside Zachary's gaze upon hearing her words.She said again.Don't call Lady Laurent's name so friendly..Ah, Len. Why're you so cute?' Zachary bit his lip. Otherwise, he thought he would burst out laughing out loud. On the other hand, she must have interpreted his silence differently. Iellie looked sulky.Hurry up, promise.She urged him. It was rare to see her urging for an answer like this. Zachary laughed.Well, I'll think about it.What?Iellie was pretty, even with her serious face. He thought about making fun of her a little more and then stopped.Okay, I won't call her that.Really?Of course.Hearing his answer, she smiled broadly. Zachary looked pleased. After all, he had no record of winning a match with Iellie, so it didn't matter to him even if he lost a hundred times or a thousand times.Oh, by the way'Zachary, who stared at her carefree face, suddenly remembered one thing that he should have received from her.By the way, Len.Huh?Suddenly, the music was coming to an end. Approaching the dance tune, he asked a mischievous question.Where is my handkerchief?.Iellie was silent. The sudden turning of her head clearly revealed her intention to avoid his gaze.What? You promised to give me a handkerchief.That, thatAt his question, she swallowed a gulp.The handkerchief that Princess Annerose had made and handed to him shimmered in front of her eyes.To be honest, the Princess' handkerchief It was much prettier than my handkerchief.'On the handkerchief, which had a bright yellow color, was embroidered with exquisite workmanship. No Zachary had already seen the Princess' handkerchief. She couldn't possibly give it to him because it would be embarrassing.She asked, poking her lips.Well Do I have to give you a handkerchief?What're you talking about?Zachary's tone was very serious. Because of that, she closed her eyes tightly. She'd rather ask the seamstress to help her with the embroidery rather than just the design. To carrying that handkerchief on his wristIellie was stuttering her words.My handkerchief Uhh, honestly, I'm too clumsyWhat does that have to do with it?Though the Princess' handkerchief was so pretty.Her mouth was parched. Perhaps, Zachary wouldn't really care if the handkerchief she gave him was ragged, but it was a matter of her pride.Iellie tried to convince Zachary somehow.Anyway, you're going to win even if you don't have a handkerchief, so it doesn't really matterIt doesn't matter? Don't say nonsense.He answered firmly. It was the kind of face that would somehow get her to give him her handkerchief no matter what.Do I have to give it?Of course.Hearing his answer, she took a deep breath. From experience, Iellie knew that she would never be able to convince Zachary when he had a face like that. Just when the music ended, he looked sullen.So, won't you give me a handkerchief?Eager eyes. If he didn't receive the handkerchief, it looks like the world would collapse.Iellie cried.Then, you shouldn't make fun of me.When did I ever make fun of you for that?Indeed, that was true. After hesitating, she finally looked for the handkerchief. Iellie took out the handkerchief from the bag and held it out. Zachary looked down at the handkerchief in her hand with a delighted face.I'm really happy.A white handkerchief embroidered with the crest of Hessenweitz with clumsy workmanship. Silver dragon and Asha flower The Duke's symbol, which he had never liked, became the most precious thing in the world when she touched it.If I tell you I'm going to die of happiness, will you believe me?.Of course, you won't believe it.Zachary smiled faintly. He raised the white handkerchief in his hand and kissed it briefly.I'm serious.It was a pious gesture as if treating a tribute to a goddess. The image remained in Iellie's eyes like an afterimage.Maybe, I'Maybe, she was thinking of Zachary as a man nowIellie thought blankly so. Recalling the kiss they shared at the previous coming-of-age ceremony. As soon as she recalled the sweet sensations, her spine tingled.Because I am still conscious of Zachary.'She was immersed in her quiet daily life and pretending not to know her own feelings. The young boy suddenly became a young man. She was reminded of the endless love that permeated like a drizzle, a feeling she had never felt.Len..Len?At that moment, Zachary's voice calling out to her made her come to her senses. Iellie laughed awkwardly.Oh, sorry. What did you say?Suddenly, Zachary carefully folded the handkerchief and put it in his arms. He shrugged his shoulders and spoke again.I said, let's go back.Already?Yes. Anyway, since I met the Emperor, we did the least. OhDark blue eyes gazed at Iellie. Zachary, who gently narrowed his brow, carefully opened his mouth, If you want to enjoy the banquet moreNo, I want to go back.She shook her head. At this point, she had kept her manners toward the imperial family. And, to be honestBecause it's much better to be alone with him.'With that thought, she blushed and smiled at him.Zachary escorted her politely.With the starry night, the two returned to the Duke's townhouse. Before heading back to their respective bedrooms, the two said goodbye to each other. Meanwhile, Iellie suddenly gazed at his back.Come to think of it, we still haven't used the bedroom together.'All of a sudden, something like that caught her eye. Zachary, who had just turned around, caught her gaze.He asked, Len? Why do you look like that?Oh, nothing.Iellie hastily shook her head. Seeing that, his eyes narrowed, and he hurriedly approached her.Do you have anything to say?It's not like that. JustZachary's eyes, who were staring at her, fell deeply. He suddenly asked a question, Do you want to visit the Blanchett estate?Yes?No, she never thought of that. With a puzzled face, she stared at Zachary as he continued.The Blanchett estate is not far from here. You will want to see your parents, too.But, I saw them once at your coming-of-age ceremony. Is it okay?She was really fine. She had met her parents enough last time, and above all, she was already married to him. Her family was Zachary. Ielllie didn't quite understand why Zachary thought that way.If you're saying that because you care about meIt's not like that.Even though she shook her head, Zachary was already watching her eyes.Still, there have been only unpleasant things since you came to the capital.Of course it is, but that isn't your fault, isn't it?That.Zachary, who spoke up to that point, lost his words. The words he couldn't resist spun round and round in his mouth.If she hadn't married me, she wouldn't have gone through such unpleasant things'He couldn't even get the words out If Iellie agreed to that, he would be so sad.What if she misses her hometown, I worry about that.'Thinking that, he bit his lip. Then, she sighed deeply as she stared at him, I don't know what kind of useless thoughts you're thinkingTaking one step closer to him, she stretched out her hand before pinching his cheek.You're my first family..Because I like you, I'm all right with everything.Light green eyes were straight and unshaken. Zachary groaned and felt something rising from the inside of his chest.So, don't think about it for nothing and go to bed early.Len.If you had decided to go to the jousting contestIellie wrinkled the tip of her nose mischievously and smiled. Her hand rubbed his cheek as she spoke to him.Make me the owner of the asha branch, understand?Of course.Zachary smiled brightly with a choked feeling. He nodded his head hard.On the day of the jousting contest, the sky was clear and transparent like blue glass. The newly refurbished arena for the jousting event looked fresh as the transparent sunlight overflowed like water.Iellie took a deep breath.There are a lot of people.I know.Rather, it seemed that Zachary was less nervous than her. At that, Iellie glared at him and asked, Aren't you nervous?What? Is there anything to be nervous about?But, you have to go to the jousting contest soon.She swallowed and opened her mouth. Light green eyes gazed up at him worriedly.What if you get hurt?Hey, you promised me not to worry about that.__Thank you so much for always supporting the novels I work on, even if you don't buy me a coffee, I really do appreciate it a lot.
