Chapter 64

The next day.

 

My head was a tangled mess because of what Freyer had said.

 

‘Why would Freyer say he can’t forget that night….’

 

At the mortifying memory, my face flushed bright red. I rolled around on the bed, trying to shake the thoughts away. But Freyer’s words from last night had completely taken over my mind.

 

“Ha….”

 

Letting out a sigh, I stared out the window. They say the autumn sky is high and clear—and that saying was absolutely true.

 

I had sworn not to go outside while Freyer was staying at the estate, but if I didn’t get some fresh air now, I felt like I would suffocate.

 

I asked Winnie, who was cleaning the bedroom furniture with a duster and a damp cloth.

 

“Winnie. You said His Highness went out, right?”

 

“Yes. I saw him leave early this morning.”

 

Because of what happened last night, I’d tossed and turned all night. And the man responsible for that—Freyer—was gone from the estate since early morning. I didn’t know whether this was something to be glad about, but either way, it was a good chance to get some air.

 

“When do you think he’ll be back?”

 

“He went out early in the afternoon yesterday and returned late, so won’t it be similar today?”

 

“I see.”

 

With the sun already high in the sky, it would be a while before Freyer returned. I’d clear my head while getting some air. I sprang up from the bed.

 

“Alright! I’m going out.”

 

“No, miss.”

 

Winnie’s firm refusal made me protest.

 

“Why….”

 

“Because I can’t go for a walk with you right now.”

 

“I’ll go by myself!”

 

“That’s even more not allowed, miss.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Butler Norman told me to keep an eye on you and make sure the cleaning is finished.”

 

‘Keep an eye on me….’

 

Given my past behavior, my conscience prickled a little. I drooped my head like a sulking puppy.

 

“They say even a 30-minute walk a day is essential for living. The healer would definitely say I need light exercise too, and if I get some fresh air and refresh my mood, I’ll heal faster.”

 

I fidgeted with my fingers as I muttered. Sharp-eared Winnie replied, “If the healer knew you were going outside in this weather, they’d stop you.”

 

Since it was the season shifting from autumn to winter, I could easily catch a cold. I puffed out my cheeks in disappointment.

 

“But still….”

 

“Let’s go for a walk tomorrow, miss.”

 

With eyes full of lingering regret, I stared out the window.

 

“Then I’ll just step out onto the balcony for a bit to feel the breeze. That should be okay, right?”

 

Winnie nodded with a look that said I was impossible to stop.

 

“Just for a moment, miss.”

 

“Okay!”

 

I jumped off the bed and headed for the balcony. When I threw the door open, a breeze thick with the scent of autumn washed over me.

 

Gripping the balcony railing with both hands, I looked over the estate. My bedroom was positioned where the entrance was clearly visible. Today especially, I needed to be on guard against Freyer.

 

“If Freyer comes back early, I’ll hurry back inside.”

 

Baron Baimery’s estate was quite small, but trees and flowerbeds surrounded a central fountain, making the garden beautifully arranged.

 

“Looks like winter really is approaching.”

 

The red-tinged leaves fell to the ground as the wind blew.

 

Whooosh—

 

A pleasant autumn breeze scattered my hair. The scent of fall brushed my nose. Leaning against the railing, I closed my eyes. With my eyes shut, autumn felt even closer against my skin.

 

“This is really nice.”

 

The confusion in my head eased noticeably. Thinking about it, this was the first rest I’d ever truly had, across both my previous life and this one. Before, I’d been busy working at a company, and in this life, I’d spent my days occupied with restoring Freyer’s happiness and saving the merchant guild.

 

“So this is what autumn is.”

 

It was the first time I’d ever felt a season against my skin. I’d lived indoors, never noticing the seasons change day by day.

 

“I went to see the spring blossoms, and the cherry blossoms were so beautiful.”

 

“It was so muggy that I went to the sea last weekend, and it was great.”

 

“The autumn leaves were gorgeous, so I went leaf-viewing last weekend.”

 

“Winter is all about the ski resorts, of course.”

 

I’d never known what it meant to enjoy the seasons. When asked, “Which season do you like?” I’d never been able to answer. But now, I felt like I could.

 

“I like autumn.”

 

With room in my heart, I could feel the change of the seasons. I spread my arms and let the wind wash over me.

 

“Maybe the other seasons are even better?”

 

“Your Highness!”

 

At the voice coming from the garden, I opened my eyes. Freyer and Sir Derek were entering through the gate. Startled, I crouched down and hurriedly hid behind the balcony railing.

 

‘When did he come back?!’

 

He’d returned to the estate while I had my eyes closed enjoying the weather. I never would have imagined running into Freyer like this. My mind began racing.

 

‘Should I crawl back into the room like this?’

 

It was awkward, but there was no other way to avoid meeting Freyer. The distance from the balcony to the bedroom was only about three steps.

 

As I bent low, trying to sneak inside unnoticed, I ran straight into Winnie, who was staring at me with a baffled expression.

 

“Miss… what are you doing?”

 

“Shh.”

 

I raised a finger to my lips and shook my head.

 

“Huh? What did you say, miss?”

 

‘Winnie, don’t call out! And don’t come over here either!’

 

I mouthed silently. If this continued, I’d be discovered for sure. Winnie frowned and started walking toward the balcony. I frantically waved my hands at her.

 

“Don’t come over here, Winnie!”

 

“Please say that again, miss.”

 

As Winnie approached the balcony, she noticed Freyer in the garden.

 

“Oh? Greetings, Second Prince. Sir Derek, it’s good to see you again.”

 

“Good afternoon, Miss Winnie!”

 

Derek waved cheerfully toward the balcony. Freyer tilted his head up and looked toward us.

 

“Lilithia?”

 

In the end, I was caught. Completely unaware of my inner turmoil, Winnie asked me, “Miss, does your leg hurt? Shall I bring you a chair?”

 

“……No.”

 

I stood up stiffly, like a jointed doll.

 

“Haha. Hello, Your Highness Freyer. It looks like you just got back.”

 

“I had some business at the palace.”

 

Seeing me crouched awkwardly, Freyer narrowed his eyes suspiciously. I hurriedly came up with an excuse.

 

“I came out onto the balcony to get some air, but my hairpin fell to the floor because of the wind. Haha. I was looking for it, so I didn’t realize you’d returned.”

 

“But, miss. You weren’t wearing a hairpin.”

 

“What do you mean, Winnie? I had my hair accessory on since this morning.”

 

“No you didn’t…. And besides, there’s nothing on the floor where you said you dropped it.”

 

At times like this, Winnie was sharp.

 

“I found it and I’m holding it in my hand! Right now.”

 

Only then did she drop her suspicious look and nod.

 

“I see. Since we happened to meet like this, how about going for a walk together?”

 

“I’m fine! It’s cold, and I’m not in good condition yet, so I was told going out would be too much! Right, Winnie?”

 

I nudged her with my elbow.

 

“Please enjoy yourselves, miss.”

 

“Huh?”

 

I was completely flustered by Winnie’s easy approval.

 

“You said I couldn’t earlier!”

 

“Because you seemed so disappointed. If it’s a walk with His Highness, I think Butler Norman would allow it.”

 

“That’s fortunate.”

 

Winnie beamed and called out to Freyer.

 

“I’ll prepare the miss’s outerwear, so please wait a moment.”

 

“I’ll wait in front of the estate.”

 

Freyer nodded. Winnie helped me into my coat, and just like that, I ended up going for a walk with Freyer.

 

 

***

 

 

The leaves piled on the ground crunched underfoot. Walking through the garden with Freyer, the awkwardness and indescribable emotions made it hard to breathe. The words from last night, which I’d managed to suppress, suddenly resurfaced in my mind.

 

“I can’t forget the night I spent with you.”

 

‘Why does that have to come up now?!’

 

I lowered my head and stared at the ground as I walked.

 

“Lilithia.”

 

“Yes!”

 

Startled by the sudden call, I answered reflexively. Freyer looked at my ankle as he spoke.

 

“How is your ankle?”

 

“It’s fine now. I can walk without any trouble, and it doesn’t hurt.”

 

“Even so, you shouldn’t overdo it. Let’s sit for a bit.”

 

He gestured toward a bench in front of the fountain at the center of the garden. Sitting down first, he patted the empty seat beside him. I sat down, leaving about a hand’s breadth of distance between us.

 

“Nice.”

 

“The weather really is lovely.”

 

“No. It’s nice because I’m with you.”

 

I had wondered if he might not remember last night since he hadn’t mentioned it—but with that one sentence, my fragile hope shattered completely.

 

“I have a lot to do today, so I’ll be going inside!”

 

I jumped to my feet. If I stayed with Freyer like this, my head really would explode. Without looking back, I bolted toward the bedroom.

 

When I arrived, a letter from Nazlee was waiting for me in the room.