𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟗
There was a knock on the wall.
Eugene, who was sitting at his desk, turned around to see Mabel timidly peering in, wearing a simple dress and a cardigan.
“Eugene-san, I’m sorry. Are you okay now?”
“Yeah.”
With permission granted, Mabel happily stepped further into the room. Eugene hurriedly closed the book on his desk, as if hiding something.
Curious about his flustered behavior, Mabel sat on the sofa and asked.
“Are you studying?”
“Well, um…doing a little research.”
Eugene turned the chair around and faced Mabel. Perhaps illuminated by the desk lamp, his golden eyes had a faint orange tint.
Since it was his private room, he had taken off his mask, revealing his perpetually stunning face.
Feeling her face grow warm, Mabel quietly spoke.
“Today, I talked to Amane-san.”
“I see.”
“You know, I was really lucky to meet you, Eugene-san…”
The royal family existed for the sake of the country.
Although she thought she understood that, Mabel found herself being swayed by her own engagement.
Hearing of the determination displayed by Amane and the members of the Kytha royal family made her realize how trivial her own struggles were.
Eugene silently watched Mabel, who had become completely dejected.
But then he stood up quietly and sat down next to her, with a firm posture.
“It’s not just luck. It’s because you’ve worked hard.”
“…You think so?”
“Have some confidence. I fell in love with the determined and courageous Mable who always tried her best.”
Eugene’s arm wrapped around Mabel’s waist. Aware of their close proximity, Mabel tried to divert the conversation by saying, “By the way…”
“Oh, there’s going to be a Flower Festival soon.”
“A Flower Festival?”
“If you’d like, Eugene-san, I was thinking maybe we could go together…”
Eugene silently observed Mabel, who was cautiously testing the waters, but eventually, let out a sigh.
“Sorry, but I’ll pass.”
“Is there a particular reason?”
“It would cause a commotion if I were to go out.”
If he wore a mask, Eugene’s enchanting magic wouldn’t cause any harm. However, his appearance, which clearly indicated he was a mage, would certainly attract attention.
“I suppose that’s how it is, then…”
“…”
Perhaps feeling sorry for the dejected Mabel, Eugene tightened his embrace. Eventually, he placed one hand on Mabel’s cheek and pulled her closer, their lips meeting.
Mabel, who had been frozen for a while, let out a short sound before finally being released from the kiss.
“Don’t hold your breath.”
“W-Well. . .”
Eugene exerted more force, wanting to kiss her again.
However, noticing that Mabel’s face had turned bright red, Eugene couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Mabel turned away, feeling teased.
“Sorry. I won’t do it again.”
“It’s because I’m not used to it!”
“Don’t pout like that. By the way, did you receive any jewelry?”
Mabel’s cheeks puffed up even more as Eugene whispered in her ear, “From him.”
“I didn’t receive any! There’s no reason for me to accept it.”
“I thought so.”
Mabel struggled to escape from Eugene’s arm, but she couldn’t break free. Perhaps finding her actions amusing, Eugene pulled Mabel’s body closer once again.
“As an apology, I’ll prepare something for you. What would you like?”
“What do you mean?”
“A necklace, earrings, or anything else…I’m not very knowledgeable about these things, but I’ll figure something out.”
At Eugene’s suggestion, Mabel’s face instantly lit up.
‘A gift from Eugene!’
The accessories that she didn’t feel any radiance from when they were presented by Amane suddenly became dazzling in her mind, just by thinking that they were from Eugene. She didn’t want anything flashy, but if possible, she wanted something she could always wear.
Then, Mabel suddenly imagined herself wearing a white dress.
The location was a church deep within the royal palace, and standing next to her was Eugene, also dressed in white.
They faced each other, and Eugene took Mabel’s hand. He removed her gloves, and a platinum ring snugly fit on her exposed finger.
Lost in this illusion, Mabel unintentionally said, “A ring…”
“A ring?”
But at the sound of Eugene’s voice in reality, Mabel suddenly snapped out of her dream.
Even though they were engaged, the wedding was still a long way off.
“N-No, it’s nothing!”
Feeling suddenly embarrassed, Mabel squirmed and managed to escape from Eugene’s embrace. She quickly bid him goodnight and left the room as if running away.
Eugene watched her and smiled affectionately.
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