Ch.96To You (5)

“Hehe.”

Irene laughed quietly.

In the empty room, she covered her mouth and trembled slightly, making a sound only she could hear.

She wanted to stamp her feet in excitement, but Irene merely suppressed that urge and rejoiced alone.

Date-

What a sweet word to come from Evan’s lips.

It was enough to satisfy Irene that her knight, who always teased her and enjoyed seeing her embarrassed, had said such a thing.

Date, date. As Irene savored that sweet word echoing in her mind,

she eventually stood up quietly and looked out the window.

Clear moonlight illuminated the room. A room lit by a single flickering candle,

normally she would have gone to bed by now, but Irene’s eyelids felt lighter than ever before.

How could they not? When the sun rises and day breaks, she and Evan would be alone together…

Swish, Irene ran her hands over her face and smiled quietly.

Just imagining it made her heart race uncontrollably,

so she simply clutched her chest tightly while gazing out the window. Evan’s face with his newly short hair flickered before her eyes.

She needed to calm down a bit, but finding it difficult, Irene exhaled heavily and slumped back into her chair.

Perhaps it would be impossible to sleep tonight. As Irene stared quietly into space,

she soon made a firm decision and rang the bell on the wall.

At 3 AM, when Rofena hurriedly awoke and returned to Irene’s room,

Irene was already waiting with her wardrobe doors flung wide open.

“Could you help me choose an outfit?”

“…My lady?”

In the dark night with no hint of dawn, Irene’s morning was already beginning.

#

“Hmm, shall I be honest?”

“Please do.”

As the sun rose, Evan, who had thought Irene would just be starting to prepare, couldn’t help but be surprised to find her standing in front of his door.

She appeared completely ready, even wearing a wide-brimmed hat, smiling smugly at him.

A white dress that wasn’t as elaborate as what she’d wear to a banquet but still eye-catching, with a long blue sash.

Perfectly dressed for summer. After gaping momentarily, Evan spoke without hiding his surprise.

“…I believe it’s 8 o’clock. I thought you’d just be starting to get ready at this hour. Don’t tell me you’ve been preparing since dawn?”

“Hmm.”

Irene cleared her throat briefly, lowered her head slightly, then replied with a slightly flushed face but a rather confident demeanor.

“I prepared a bit early. Surely you’re not trying to back out of our promise now?”

Perhaps she had been looking forward to this more than he’d thought.

Seeing her already so dressed up made Evan feel somewhat nervous too,

but he suppressed it and smiled casually as if nothing were amiss.

“Of course not. My preparations won’t take long, so I’ll be out shortly.”

After saying that, Evan immediately began to get ready.

He awkwardly applied cologne he had purchased, and put on his clothes.

It was somewhat fortunate that his experience preparing for the concours meant he wasn’t completely ignorant about such grooming.

Though not as elaborate as Irene’s preparation with several maids attending to her,

Evan knew how to handle his natural assets appropriately.

When Evan finished his preparations, Irene couldn’t help but blush at the sight of him.

‘Certainly…’

Though she hadn’t particularly enjoyed socializing, she had met many noble youths through such events.

But Evan’s appearance was incomparably superior to those young nobles.

Irene looked at him with a satisfied smile.

“It suits you well.”

“…Does it? To be honest, it still feels a bit awkward.”

Evan scratched his cheek at Irene’s compliment.

In truth, having maintained long hair while living as Evan Fried, the short hair felt rather strange.

Though he had bought clothes and applied cologne, he was still half-doubtful whether it really looked good,

so Irene’s compliment only made him feel more bashful.

But they couldn’t stay in the duke’s residence forever. Evan quietly extended his hand toward Irene and spoke.

“Allow me to escort you, Lady.”

Lady? Irene looked at Evan with a soft laugh.

It was his usual sly smile, but unlike usual, there was a hint of shyness that was quite pleasant to see.

Perhaps this was his way of acknowledging their date. Irene lightly took his hand and moved her lips.

“I’m in your care, Sir Evan.”

As Irene and Evan headed outside, the maids who had been secretly watching them began whispering various things.

Naturally, most of it was about the relationship between the two, but the majority expressed relief.

They had wondered when these frustrating two would properly start courting, and now they could finally see an end in sight.

At least in the Yuris ducal residence, there wasn’t a single person who didn’t support the two.

Of course, neither of them knew this.

#

Evan thought to himself. Though he had attached the grand name of “date” to it,

this outing was essentially more of a proposal than a date.

He wanted to confess in a place with a good atmosphere if possible.

But how? After much deliberation, he had decided on today’s date,

and Evan calmly tried to steady his pounding heart as he led Irene.

“Do you remember? The place we’re walking through now.”

“…If it’s here.”

Following Evan’s gaze to a bookstore, Irene quietly glared at him.

It wasn’t exactly a place of good memories; rather, it was where she had first reprimanded Evan.

Receiving Irene’s gaze, Evan eventually interlaced his fingers and slowly began to speak.

“When I first saw you, I thought you were someone difficult to approach.”

Irene didn’t bother to deny his words.

Back then, she hadn’t wanted anyone to penetrate her heart.

Like a garden surrounded by rose thorns, she had wanted to remain alone in the fragile stability she maintained.

Ironically, at the same time, she had also longed for someone’s affection.

That’s why she had been so moved by that simple “Are you alright?”

As Irene remained silent, Evan smiled and continued.

“I don’t think much has changed, but you seem to have improved a lot.”

“Evan…”

“The book you gave me then is still on my bookshelf. I read it sometimes, recalling the memories. The tea party, and then the festival after that. I’m glad we got to see the fireworks we missed back then.”

“It wasn’t bad. During the festival… honestly, I felt sorry for you.”

Evan shrugged slightly at her words. In truth, the behavior Irene had shown then was almost forgotten in his memory.

The Irene of then and the Irene of now were completely different,

and the moments she showed him these days were enough to create new memories.

Disliking how she seemed to be watching him, thinking he might have been hurt,

Evan pulled Irene’s hand close, drawing her completely to his side.

As Irene’s face flushed with their bodies pressed together, Evan looked at her and spoke again.

“You don’t need to apologize. Do you plan to spend the whole day apologizing?”

“That’s… not it. But we’re too clo-“

“Shh. I said I’d borrow you for today, so I’d like you to follow my lead.”

Though it was time rather than herself that was supposed to be borrowed,

Irene didn’t mind this and silently clung to Evan.

With their bodies touching, body heat transferred, and naturally, temperatures rose.

Hearts pounding, sending blood coursing through their bodies,

both their faces quickly turned red, making them look like they were experiencing young love.

Among the many people—perhaps because it was a holiday—

there were twice as many people as usual, causing Irene and Evan’s bodies to constantly brush against each other.

Their joined hands, then arms, legs, and eventually their bodies.

In a position almost like an embrace, neither Evan nor Irene could maintain their composure.

They could feel each other’s hearts pounding in their chests and backs where they touched.

In this situation, anyone who could remain calm would be the strange one.

“Ah…”

“…Um.”

When it became difficult even to meet each other’s eyes, Evan struggled to speak, trying to defuse the situation.

The completely pressed bodies made it hard to think clearly, but this was the moment for the plan he had long prepared.

“For now, would you mind following me?”

When Evan spoke, Irene nodded and averted her gaze.

Even at this moment, their pressed bodies made it difficult to think. Perhaps heading to a quieter place would be better.

So, holding each other’s hands, they slowly walked toward an alley that was quite familiar to Irene as well.

Shabby restaurants, shabby alleys. Though the buildings lined up didn’t match their attire at all,

in a way, it was a place more familiar than any restaurant could be.

Now somewhat famous with its own sign, Irene couldn’t help but smile when she saw the restaurant.

Years ago, she had been appalled by its appearance,

but now it only felt familiar due to the old memories.

“Welcome-“

With a few more wrinkles on his face but still boasting his abundant beard, the owner greeted his customers.

After four years, the floor that hadn’t changed at all still creaked with every step.

Old tables, and perhaps the only change was that the worn-out door had been replaced with a new one.

“I’d like the meat stew, and the hindquarters sliced, please.”

At Evan’s order, Irene covered her twitching lips with her hand.

Wasn’t it the exact same order as back then? What came out matched that time exactly,

and when Irene’s eyes met Evan’s, they both burst into laughter simultaneously without saying anything.

“Isn’t it exactly the same as back then?”

“It is. I thought about adding alcohol, but I didn’t want to give you any.”

“Hmm…”

“I’ll never give you alcohol for the rest of your life. If you’re thinking of drinking behind my back, why not get my permission first?”

“You speak as if you’ll be by my side forever.”

Momentarily recalling old memories and feeling embarrassed, Irene snorted at Evan’s subsequent words and retorted.

Forever? If Evan were to say he would stay by her side forever, she wouldn’t even touch alcohol-

“I might be.”

“…Evan?”

Evan didn’t answer further. He merely pointed at Irene’s plate with his fork, telling her to finish eating,

and after that, he didn’t open his mouth again. Irene stared at him blankly before falling into contemplation as she moved her knife mechanically.

She put meat into her mouth like a machine while pondering what Evan had said.

“I might be.” He had clearly responded to her comment about staying forever.

She couldn’t understand the true meaning of his words.

Was he saying he would remain her knight forever, or if not that, then…

Irene’s gaze turned to Evan, but he received her look nonchalantly and tilted his head.

After narrowing her eyes briefly, Irene realized Evan wouldn’t say anything more and quietly sighed.

She had thought it would be fine if he remained her knight forever.

But if that really happened, wouldn’t it be somewhat disappointing?

Remaining just a knight and a lady, Irene felt a slight regret about that relationship.

It would be nice if they could be a bit closer. Even after finishing the meal and moving on, that thought wouldn’t easily disappear,

and seeing Irene’s slightly darkened expression, Evan quietly took her hand and spoke.

“Do you have something on your mind?”

“No, nothing.”

She wanted to ask what he meant by saying he might be by her side forever,

but Irene shook her head deliberately and looked at Evan with a bright expression again.

Someday, there would come a time to ask about those words.

But for now, she wanted to enjoy this time together.

The sun was still not at its zenith in the sky. There was plenty of time, and still plenty of time to ask.

They walked around for a long while. Looking at the distant Mount Verden, they recalled memories from the past,

and Evan gently stroked Irene’s cheek, remembering how she had cried then.

Wasn’t it a happy life just to have someone who would cry for him?

But because he had the desire to be even happier, Evan checked the ring box in his pocket and smiled brightly.

Remembering the now-gone purple tent where they had once had their love fortunes told, Irene carefully looked at Evan.

Now they both knew they harbored feelings for each other.

However, what bothered her was the content of the fortune they had heard then.

A difficult path with much bloodshed. True to those words, Evan had shed much blood.

Injured again and again. Crossing the threshold of death multiple times, and once even truly dying.

But if hardships still awaited him, she didn’t know how she would endure just watching.

She remembered him with his heart pierced, soaked in blood, unable to utter a word.

If such a thing happened again, could she endure it?

Seeing Irene’s eyes tremble slightly, Evan, instead of saying anything,

embraced her shoulders and quietly spoke.

“It will be alright.”

Evan had coincidentally thought of the same thing as Irene when looking at the spot where the purple tent had been.

That fortune, though he had been half-skeptical at first, he now believed it to some extent.

Partly because the fortune had been given by the Grand Magician Azest, but also because events had unfolded just as predicted.

If so, wouldn’t the ending also follow the fortune?

It would eventually come true. And he would make it so.

Evan patted Irene’s back, and only then did she feel reassured and bury her face in his chest.

The sound of his heartbeat was vivid. Feeling his warm temperature, she wanted to stay like this forever,

but realizing they couldn’t remain this way indefinitely, she eventually pulled away.

The two continued walking. They recalled memories of annihilation while looking at the clock tower,

and chuckled when passing by an accessory shop. Evan quietly sighed, remembering Irene’s broken necklace.

Even recalling it now, it was a memory that made his heart feel like it would burst. He couldn’t let such a thing happen again.

Taking one step at a time, focusing on matching each other’s pace, they laughed again.

The sun that had been in the sky was gradually setting toward the horizon.

Night was coming. The pitch-black darkness, with stars caught in the flowing wind, was spreading like a watercolor painting.

The moonlight hanging in the sky reflected on the lake, creating ripples of light. In the ensuing silence,

Evan held Irene’s hand and gazed at the rippling lake at the shore that had given them unforgettable memories.

“We’ve come quite far.”

It was a statement with multiple meanings. Seiren was quite a distance from the city, requiring a long walk,

but it also encapsulated the time they had experienced together.

From a cold relationship to one where they now harbored feelings for each other, trying hard to hide them.

Further, to a relationship where they held hands and kissed.

It had taken exactly four years, hadn’t it?

Even while holding hands like this, he felt anxious about possibly losing that hand soon.

Wanting to extend this time even a little,

wanting to have this time together a bit longer, Irene quietly smiled at their interlaced fingers.

“It reminds me of the old days.”

“Indeed, it does.”

Evan had mixed feelings about this lakeshore. The music he had played here,

the past he had bid farewell to—recalling it left a somewhat bitter taste.

He still hadn’t revealed the truth about the piece he had played then.

He wanted to say that it had actually been a confession to her,

but with lips that wouldn’t easily part, Evan gripped the railing around the lake and smiled bitterly.

But now he felt it was time to speak. The ring box in his pocket,

the ring inside it—Evan looked at Irene as he thought of it.

The human wishes that Seiren grants, would those wishes reach this time too?

The question arose, but he intended to speak even if nothing happened.

Chirp-chirp-

The sound of insects mixed with the silence.

The sound of flowing water, the shadows created by the moon gradually expanding, swallowing the surrounding light.

The moon, veiled by clouds, was gradually darkening, and amidst this, their gazes met.

Blue and green eyes met, creating a strange atmosphere.

“My lady.”

Evan quietly spoke. Irene didn’t answer.

As if enchanted by the silence created by the lakeshore where the brilliant moonlight had disappeared,

she could only stare blankly at Evan’s eyes, which still shone in that darkness.

“I have something I want to say.”

When the moon, finally free of clouds, touched Evan, Irene thought that in this darkness, Evan alone was receiving light.

In the scattered darkness, stars began to emit their light. The full moon also radiated light.

Like magic, in a space bathed in incomparably bright light, the forest began to sing.

Seiren, the lakeshore named after the legend that even bewitches people.

Meeting Evan’s eyes, Irene felt an inexplicable attraction.

She had an intuition that if fate existed, it would arrive today.

The stars held the white keys, the darkness the black keys.

And so, the night’s serenade was about to begin its performance.