episode_0016

Everything in Iris Manor was splendid.

Starting from the decorations at the entrance to the candlesticks illuminating the interior of the mansion.

And the garden was no exception.

The garden, packed with flowers of dazzling colors, seemed to have encapsulated the very essence of splendor.

Its intensity naturally captivated one’s gaze.

It could be said that it was a complete contrast to the harmonious and gentle atmosphere of the garden at Duke David’s estate.

While it’s impossible to determine which one was more beautiful, the feeling was certainly different.

Perhaps Luna liked Duke David’s estate garden for that reason.

After all, she didn’t particularly fancy extravagance.

“Still, there must be at least one flower among these that she likes.”

It might be good to ask and plant it in our garden as well.

That was the moment I thought so.

Thud-.

Something soft wrapped around my hand.

In the strangely cool sensation amidst the hot weather, I felt oddly content.

When I turned my head, Luna was staring at me intently.

She held my hand with trembling hands.

Holding hands.

A very light physical contact.

It would have been nothing out of the ordinary if we had exchanged a simple handshake, like when people greet each other in similar positions.

But the touching of our hands was not such a thing.

It was too late now to shake hands.

The greeting had long ended.

“Why…?”

That’s why my mind was in disarray.

There was no reason for you to hold my hand right now.

Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to organize my thoughts.

Just being like this with you caused all my thought processes to malfunction.

The distance was so close that I almost expected to hear your breath.

From that distance, I was looking into your eyes.

I must be reflected in your pupils.

Likely, you are also reflected in mine.

Thump-.

The sound of my heart beating wildly resonated loudly.

Could it be that you are feeling the same way as I am?

I harbored a small hope.

However, the moment that seemed like it would last forever sadly turned out to be fleeting.

Luna let go of my hand.

She changed direction and started walking somewhere, and I silently followed her.

My empty hands were unconsciously clenching and unclenching repeatedly.

It still felt like that coldness lingered.

“By the way, it was because of this.”

I realized belatedly.

As soon as we entered the garden, she grabbed my hand while I was absentmindedly looking around.

Since I couldn’t speak, I must have needed to make physical contact somehow.

I felt a little foolish for hoping it held some special meaning.

Well, in fact, it doesn’t really matter what the reason is.

At least I felt special.

Eventually, she and I arrived at a small roofed building tucked away in a corner of the garden.

It was designed to allow tea time while enjoying the view of the garden from all sides.

It was a relief, considering how harsh the sunlight felt.

It was even more welcoming knowing it could protect Luna’s skin.

Luna naturally took a comfortable spot, and I sat across from her.

Looking around, I realized the atmosphere was somewhat different from the entrance.

The colors of the flowers were softer and more subtle compared to near the entrance.

It gave off a feeling of comfort.

Could this be your favorite space in this vast castle?

Did you invite me to such a place?

My mind fluttered with unnecessary thoughts.

Feeling nervous, it became difficult to look at her.

Before long, a maid came over.

“Shall I prepare some tea for you?”

The maid’s question prompted Luna to glance at me.

It was an unspoken question about what to do.

“Yes, I’m fine with it,” I replied.

Luna nodded at the maid upon hearing my response.

Then the maid bowed and quickly disappeared.

Once again, silence flowed between us.

You were looking at the garden, and I was looking at you.

It was perhaps the first time.

Spending time with you without any worries in such a peaceful atmosphere.

I got caught up in work after pulling myself together, and then I got busy with the war.

So maybe that’s why.

This time has become so precious to me.

However, it was not a role that could just stay that way.

It was belatedly realized after death, but human time is finite.

During that time, if I were to express what I couldn’t to you, every minute and every second would be precious.

I cautiously rose from my seat and entered her gaze as she looked at the garden.

“Luna, is there a particular flower among these that you especially like?”

Nod.

Luna’s gaze nodded somewhere.

I slowly followed that gaze.

“This red flower?”

Luna’s head shook from side to side.

“Then, do you like this light pink flower?”

Only then did Luna nod.

Without a notebook and pen, it’s difficult even to figure out something so simple.

But, I didn’t have any complaints.

Our conversations had always been like this from the start.

‘But how do I remember this?’

It was good to find out which flowers she liked.

However, wouldn’t I need to know what kind of plant it is to plant it in the garden?

But, I can’t just pick this plant….

‘She’ll definitely say no.’

After all, Luna even felt sorry for pulling weeds for garden maintenance.

Since no particular sharp idea came to mind, I just stared at the flower until it pierced through.

To remember it as much as possible.

* * * * *

Luna looked at Albert in the garden.

He was just staring at the flower, having only answered the question about his favorite flower.

I don’t know what it means.

I wasn’t particularly curious about the reason.

But strangely, my gaze didn’t fall away.

In a way, it’s natural.

When there’s something unfamiliar in a familiar landscape, attention tends to be drawn to it.

But somehow, it felt a little different.

I didn’t know the details.

I just felt that there were slightly different behaviors than usual.

The reason I ended up holding hands earlier was also because of that.

I didn’t intend to, but I realized my body was moving.

‘What on earth is this?’

From the start, I didn’t understand emotions well.

Especially positive emotions, I had never received them from anyone.

Because I was born as an illegitimate child, I was never welcomed by anyone, and the only attention I received while growing up was my sister’s torment.

“Will I find out if I wait?”

Luna recalled the moonflowers she received from Albert.

Like the meaning of that flower, she wondered if someday she too would bloom brightly.

It was the day when a sprout bloomed in the ground that seemed unable to grow anything.

The sprout of the moonflower that would bloom brightly someday.

“I still don’t understand plants no matter how much I look at them. I should study a little more.”

Although someone was there to help the sprout bloom, Luna still didn’t know that.

* * * * *

Time passed faster than expected.

When training with her father and practicing swordsmanship, one second felt like an hour, but now, an hour felt like a second.

Before nightfall, the sun squeezed out its last strength and dyed the world in its own color.

The subtly tinted sky was particularly beautiful.

Maybe it’s because you were with me.

But that’s over now.

It’s regrettable, but I have to bid you farewell.

More accurately, I should promise our next meeting.

Upon hearing that I was leaving, Iris Duke and Rachel gathered in front of the mansion to see me off.

I bowed to Iris Duke.

“Well then, I will be going back.”

“Yes, come again. You are always welcome.”

Perhaps soon I will want to see Luna again.

Since there was no need to say it out loud, I shifted my gaze to Rachel.

“Lady Rachel, I will see you again next time.”

“Yes, please come anytime.”

Whether she was happy that I was leaving or not, Rachel’s expression seemed oddly bright.

Mulling over the regret of not being welcomed, I shifted my gaze to the side.

“Lady Luna, it was a pleasure today. It seems like a special memory has been made, so I am a little happy.”

Luna lightly bowed, holding the hem of her skirt.

It must have meant she was equally grateful.

“Well, I look forward to the next time we meet.”

With those words, I boarded the carriage.

Clatter-.

The carriage started, and you gradually became more distant.

I couldn’t take my eyes off the window, and when she completely disappeared from view, I let out a long breath and stretched out. “Hand….” I held her hand! I felt like shouting for no reason. I couldn’t act on it because of the noble’s dignity. Anyway, it was a special day in many ways.