episode_0029

The mansion at night was so quiet that I worried I could hear the sound of a beating heart.

Once bustling during the day, it was now filled with darkness, making it feel like we were the only ones in a paused world.

Those sensations subtly brought me joy, and I found myself smiling without realizing it.

Eventually, we arrived at the garden.

The moon seemed unusually bright today.

It was as if Luna was helping to make the garden more visible.

The garden, bathed in the soft moonlight, emitted a unique atmosphere, even feeling mysterious.

While the sunlit garden was beautiful, this was no less captivating.

Luna, facing the garden, stood still.

She loved the garden more than I did, so her sudden halt must have been quite a shock.

Her appearance felt so adorable that I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Thanks to you, I realize once again.

Words aren’t all that important.

“If we look closer, won’t it be even more beautiful?”

Perhaps she was so focused on the garden that my voice startled her, causing her to turn back and meet my gaze before starting to walk.

Could the garden be so captivating that she forgot to nod her head?

I knew it was silly, but I couldn’t help feeling a little jealous.

I wish she’d pay attention to me too.

With that thought, I walked away from Luna’s side.

When will she notice me? I hoped, but she continued to focus solely on the garden until the end.

“Would she notice if I put a flower in my hair?”

If she would notice, it probably wouldn’t be a favorable reaction, so I decided to stop.

Jealousy towards the garden was rather ridiculous.

Finally, Luna, upon reaching the garden, gradually slowed down and eventually came to a complete stop.

As if entranced, she approached the flowers and gently reached out to stroke their petals.

At that moment, a cloud passed across the sky, obscuring the moon and casting darkness around us.

Yet, within that darkness, she still shone brightly.

Perhaps even the clouds noticed the moon’s desire to illuminate her.

The moonlight seeped through a small hole in the clouds, illuminating only her.

Seeing her from afar, I felt as though my breath had stopped.

It was a noble and sacred sight that didn’t even allow for a small sigh of admiration.

I felt like I knew why she couldn’t speak.

Perhaps it wasn’t jealousy from the gods.

She must have been robbed of her voice because she was too perfect.

For a moment, the clouds parted, and the moonlight began to illuminate the world.

At the same time, she turned her head to look at me.

“Perhaps you want something.”

With that meaning in mind, Luna picked up the pen and smiled, “If you’re bored, feel free to speak up anytime.”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about me, take your time and look around.”

“Thank you for your consideration, but I don’t want to be a bother beyond this point.”

“It’s really okay. I’m Luna, and if you’re happy, that’s enough for me.”

It wasn’t just polite words or words spoken for her sake; it was my pure sincerity.

If she couldn’t properly enjoy herself because of me, there would be nothing more upsetting.

So, I just wanted her to fully enjoy this moment.

If you’re happy, then I’m happy.

Was what I said considered considerate?

Luna blinked as if contemplating for a moment, then nodded in gratitude.

It seemed she really wanted to take a walk in the garden.

However, despite feeling comfortable, a blue line appeared in the air immediately after.

“Feel free to speak up anytime.”

“Yes, I’ll let you know anytime, so please feel free to look around.”

“You must tell me.”

“If you keep insisting, I might not want to tell you.”

“…Childish.”

“Yes, yes, let’s leave it at that.”

Luna’s gaze turned cold.

The letters left in the air disappeared, and she quickly turned around, urging me to walk with her.

Could it be that she doesn’t like this kind of joke?

Did I unintentionally make her angry?

Such worries came to mind, but before long, seeing her attention drawn to the flowers, laughter burst out of me instead.

“So, there’s also this side to her.”

The Luna I used to know in the past was a reliable and dependable person.

She fulfilled her responsibilities and went further to consider others.

I’m embarrassed, but I could rely on her and speak frankly.

However, is it because she’s younger than that time?

Or is it because she doesn’t carry as much burden on her shoulders?

The current Luna felt vibrant.

It seemed like emotions inside her were popping out without her knowing.

Because of that, every time I saw her, it felt new.

I wonder what kind of reaction she’ll show this time.

It felt like she was someone I knew, yet also like a different person.

And every moment felt lovely.

We may not be able to share the depth of love, but if we could, it would have deepened from the past.

With such feelings hidden deep within, I approached her.

Would she be naively smiling, even curling the corners of her mouth?

“Luna, do you dislike such jokes?”

“I’ll stay here until the sun rises.”

“What? What do you mean by that?”

Luna didn’t even listen to my words and swiftly turned her head to look at the flowers.

Perhaps, was she playing a trick now?

Thinking so, I felt like bursting into laughter, so I raised my head and looked at the sky.

“Oh, the moon is bright.”

Drifting clouds, the bright moon.

A beautiful scenery, and you beside me.

How perfect this night is.

I wish this moment could last forever.

For a moment, I calmed my heart and lowered my gaze again.

But Luna wasn’t there.

Startled, I hastily looked around, and fortunately, not far away, I found her.

Was this also some kind of trick?

Or did she just want to admire the flowers?

Anyway, relieved that nothing had happened to her, I approached her.

Luna was crouched, looking at the flowers.

Somehow, I felt longing and tenderness in her gaze.

Perhaps it’s just an illusion from looking at the evening primroses.

I heard she planted them in the Iris Garden.

I suddenly wanted to take care of her, so I took off my coat and wrapped it around her shoulders.

Compared to the south where she had been, the northern night was much cooler.

Perhaps she felt cold but didn’t say anything out of consideration.

“It’s in full bloom.”

I said, sitting next to her.

You turned your head to look at me while looking at the flowers.

I looked at you too.

Close enough for our shoulders to touch.

The magic of the night tickling our hearts.

The cool night air and the scent of flowers wafting through.

And finally, you by my side.

Everything felt special and precious.

I wanted to remember this moment forever.

Yet, for some reason,

I became a little greedy.

I couldn’t be satisfied with the present and wanted more.

Your lips, sparkling in the moonlight, were unusually red.

They looked just like a flower, and my gaze unknowingly went there.

I, a coward and shy person, must surely blame the magic of the night for having such feelings.

Do you know that I’m this greedy?

I hope even if you do, you won’t be disappointed.

Determined, I cautiously reached out and touched her cheek.

Her slightly blushing cheek, perhaps due to the cool night air, was incredibly soft.

Almost as if it might get hurt by my touch.

As soon as I touched her, Luna flinched.

Maybe she got a little scared.

Thinking that, I hesitated.

I don’t want her to get hurt.

No matter how great my greed is, I wish for her happiness above all else.

That was when

a rustling sound came from the bushes.

“Ah, ouch…!”

“Melina, be careful over there…”

Two foolish maidservants popped out.

Startled, I removed my hand from Luna’s cheek.

We were engaged from the start, so there shouldn’t be an issue, but I felt uncomfortable for no reason.

At the same time, Luna suddenly stood up and started running somewhere.

“Luna?!”

I could scold the two foolish maidservants later.

I immediately got up and chased after Luna down the path lined with blooming flowers.

I was worried that she might fall again.

She seemed determined in her own way, but unfortunately, it was impossible to outdo the daily training I was doing.

In the end, I succeeded in grabbing her wrist and stopping her.

“What if you suddenly run like that?”

Luna didn’t answer and just bowed her head deeply.

Perhaps because of the chilly night air, her ears were strangely turning red.

Feeling embarrassed by her appearance, I quietly asked, “Will you accompany me on the village inspection tomorrow?”

Nodding, Luna slightly shook her head.

Before we knew it, it wasn’t her wrist I was holding, but her hand.

Both she and I were unaware of it.