𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐡é 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬
Upon arriving at the garden, Edgardo was the first to get off and quickly offered his hand. After placing my hand in his, we both got off the carriage and exchanged glances.
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“Is it alright to let go of your hand now? Usually, I place my hand on your arm when we walk.”
“Yes. When Miss Alice lets go, I will turn around. You can then place your hand on my arm.”
“Understood. On the count of three, I’ll let go and turn around.”
“Huh? Oh. . .alright.”
“Three! I’ll start moving. Ready, set, three!”
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As we both turned around, Edgardo moved too quickly. I couldn’t let go in time and it looked as though I was shrugged off, but I quickly put my hand on his arm with a composed face.
People at the entrance were really staring, but we walked in confidently, as if to say this is the proper way. Normally, I’d show my family name and proof to avoid the bill going to our household, but it seems Edgardo is paying. I understand. If Thor and dad found out, they wouldn’t stop questioning me until I said Edgardo’s name.
Among noble women, it’s customary or common sense to have everything paid for on a date. I nodded my thanks, and Edgardo smiled and shook his head lightly.
Entering the garden, we were greeted by a large fountain adorned with various flowers. The water was trickling down, forming a small rainbow.
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“It’s beautiful! Thank you for bringing me here, Edgardo-sama!”
“Seeing that expression on Miss Alice’s face alone makes coming here worthwhile. You’re very adorable.”
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As expected of a nobleman’s eldest son, compliments come easily to him. I smiled and put up my parasol, then placed my hand on Edgardo’s arm.
The parasol is a very small dome shape. We were a bit farther apart than before, but it didn’t interfere with the escorting.
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“I apologize for not being used to being escorted. The Norchev family has educated me properly. It’s my fault. I only have experience being escorted at family parties, so it’s quite embarrassing.”
“I should be the one apologizing for not being slick about it. To tell you the truth, I only know how to escort in theory. I’ve only escorted family at parties.”
“So we’re both beginners at escorting then. Hehe, that’s good. You don’t have a fiancée or a lover, do you?”
“No. . .Are you concerned about me?”
“Of course! If you did have someone, I would get beaten up.”
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Edgardo’s steps hesitated for a moment, and he chose the path to the right. A long arch made of pale apricot, pink, and white large flowers greeted us.
Edgardo’s long fingers gently reached out and folded the parasol. The frilly white parasol fit right onto his arm.
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“I don’t have a fiancée or even a lover, so there’s no problem if people see me on a date with Miss Alice. Do you still need this parasol?”
“I would like it where the sun is strong.”
“Then let’s walk in the shade.”
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When you’re not used to being escorted, you may not walk smoothly, and you might even poke someone with the parasol. Perhaps that has already happened. I want to apologize, but that would only make Edgardo worry unnecessarily.
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“Thank you. This arch is both cool and beautiful. It’s a shame when it ends.”
“Yes, indeed. How about we take that little path next?”
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We slowly walked down the winding path, decorated with small purple flowers. Tall trees were planted, blocking the view of other people. Edgardo noticed the small amount of sunlight coming through and offered to open the parasol, but I declined. I can’t poke him any further.
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“Edgardo-sama, if it comes to it, please eat this fruit. It’s sour but not poisonous, and it will revive you.”
“Miss Alice is quite knowledgeable, isn’t she? Is this edible?”
“I apologize, I don’t know. Next time I’ll bring a book with me.”
“Next. . .yes, next time, let’s be together again.”
“Yes! It’s so beautiful, but too expansive to cover in one go. I didn’t know Edgardo-sama was interested in edible leaves and fruits. Indeed, it’s crucial to be prepared for emergencies.”
“Indeed.”
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Edgardo smiles gently, narrowing his eyes. Following Edgardo’s gaze, a large pond can be seen at the end of a small path, covered with blooming water lilies.
White, vibrant pink, and bluish-purple water lilies sway between round leaves. Walking slowly across a bridge over the water, they sit on a chair in a small gazebo located above the pond. The few gazebos are quite far apart, so not only are conversations unheard, but faces are also not clearly visible.
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“It’s incredibly beautiful! It’s like being in a painting.”
“I’m glad Miss Alice enjoys it.”
“Truly beautiful. . .”
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A light breeze stirs the hair and tickles the water’s surface before drifting away. Vines show hints of yellow flowers, and far off, deep red blooms assert their presence. The water lilies floating on the sparkling water begin to appear precious.
As they remain silent, staring, the sun climbs to its zenith.
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“We should start heading back. I’ve heard it’s only acceptable to keep a lady out for half a day before her engagement.”
“Thank you for bringing me here. It was very beautiful.”
“It truly was beautiful.”
“Yes!”
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The carriage rattles back to the royal castle, and from there, further back to the Fourth Knight Order, past noon. Edgardo shakes his flowing black hair, smiling as he says he’s about to start his training.
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“I thought about giving you something that women usually appreciate as a token of today’s gratitude. However, I had the impression that Miss Alice might not desire that, so I’ve brought some food prepared by our house chef in a magic bag. Feel free to eat it whenever you like today.”
“Thank you. How about freshly baked cookies in return?”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
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Watching Edgardo wave cheerfully as he leaves, she decides to immediately start eating the food he gave her. While she’s happily arranging the food, there’s a knock on the dorm door. Opening it cautiously with her security magical tool, Rolf stands there. Despite his simple outfit of a white shirt and black slacks, the crisp shirt and his ruby-like long hair suit him well.
Rolf lightly shakes the bottle he’s holding and smiles.
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“I know it’s only afternoon, but would you like to join me for a drink?”
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