Chapter 67

Perhaps yesterday's events were more painful than I had thought.

I managed to wake up at my usual time, but after informing my workplace that I would be taking a break for a while, I ended up sleeping in again.

When I woke up, it was well past breakfast time, and a reply from my boss saying, "I understand the situation, so take your time to rest," had already arrived.

I also received a letter from Wendy, showing concern for me. Her handwriting was soft and slightly rounded. I should write a reply later.

But... no letter from Noah had arrived.

I got dressed and had a late breakfast. My father and brother had already gone to work, leaving only my mother and me at home. Because of what happened yesterday, it seemed that a few staff members from the guild had come to the house for security, but they were helping Mark, so I hadn’t seen them.

The galette was delicious, and the coffee with milk was just to my taste. The cherries, grapes, and oranges served with it were also delicious, but... I felt a bit lonely.

Because no letter from Noah had arrived.

Reading his letter in the morning before going to work had become something I looked forward to. Arranging the flowers that came with it always lifted my spirits.

"...I must have become quite selfish."

He must have his busy times too.

I think it must have been difficult for him to send a letter every day. Nothing must have happened... but because of what happened yesterday, I feel a bit uneasy. But if something had happened, someone would surely have contacted me.

Thinking this, I continued eating, but it took longer than usual.

Since it's my day off, what should I do?

I’ve already finished writing letters to Wendy and Noah and asked Mark to deliver them.

Suddenly having a lot of free time and not knowing what to do is a bit of a luxury.

Should I read a book? Organize the bookshelf? Maybe it’s a good opportunity to go through my closet.

I’m not sure where to start, but I have plenty of time. I don’t know how long I’ll be on leave or when I’ll be able to return to work.

"Alright, I’ll start with the closet."

Clasping my fists, I opened the closet door wide.

The clothes hanging there were a mix of spring and summer items. It’s probably time to put away the thicker ones. There are still some winter accessories left, so I picked up a pair of gloves.

Gloves, a hat, and a scarf.

These items, which I used every day in winter, held memories of Noah. As I reminisced while putting them away, the doorbell rang, signaling a visitor.

Mark would usually handle it.

But after a while, there was a knock on my door.

It must be a visitor for me. But there are few people who know I’m on leave, and even if it were someone from Anheim, they wouldn’t just come over.

Curious, I opened the door, and there was Noah.

With his hair down and glasses on, as usual. His shirt, which never clung to his body, had the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

"...Noah?"

"Sorry. I thought I’d wait downstairs, but my stepmother..."

I understood everything from his awkward, trailing off.

I could even imagine my mother enthusiastically saying, "It’s fine, it’s fine," and pushing Noah up here.

"What’s the matter? Oh, please come in."

"Ah, no... I’ll come another time. Your room feels like I’m doing something wrong."

"Strange Noah."

"It’s fine. More importantly, this... I couldn’t send a letter this morning. I was planning to come here in the morning, so I thought it would be better to give it to you directly."

As he said this, Noah handed me the usual light purple envelope and a bouquet of flowers.

The bouquet, made of colorful flowers, exuded a vibrant fragrance. I took it with both hands, and a smile escaped my lips.

"Thank you. The letter... "

"Read it later. So, do you want to go out? It’s urgent."

"With Noah?"

"Who else? Let’s go see the house. You haven’t seen it since the furniture was moved in, right?"

"Yes, I want to go. ...I’ll get ready, so could you wait for a bit?"

"Sure. Mark said he’ll prepare some tea, so I’ll wait in the living room."

Noah gently touched my cheek and then went down the stairs.

The unease I felt earlier had vanished, and now I was completely elated.

I chuckled at myself, but I couldn’t help it; I was happy to see him.

The letter... I’m curious, but I’ll read it later. I’ll ask Dorothea to arrange the flowers.

First, I need to get ready. I’ll change clothes, put on makeup... If he had told me earlier, I could have styled my hair properly.

I faced the open closet, and my reflection in the mirror showed a blushing me.

From any angle, it was clear I was in love.

The dress I chose was a light pink one. Wendy had given her seal of approval, saying this color matched my hair and eyes. I applied light makeup and tied my hair into a high ponytail, securing it with a hair accessory and shaking my head to make sure it wouldn’t fall out.

The earrings I wore were from our engagement. I probably won’t wear any other earrings.

I took my bag and the bouquet and ran down the stairs. Dorothea, whom I met on the way, gave me a stern look for running, but I asked her to arrange the flowers in my room.

As I was about to head to the living room, Dorothea stopped me and told me there was something good to see in the backyard. I thought about leaving Noah waiting... but Dorothea must know he’s here.

There must be a reason she’s telling me this. I tried to run again and got scolded by Dorothea.

In the backyard, the guild staff were gathered. In the center was Noah, holding a sword.

The staff surrounding him seemed to be looking at him with admiration.

"What’s going on here?"

I asked my mother, who was holding an umbrella by the door leading to the backyard, and she was smiling.

"They heard Joel was here and are asking for sword training. You see, they sometimes have to take on security duties like today, so they probably want to improve their skills."

"That’s true..."

Even surrounded by the well-built staff, Noah didn’t seem to mind.

I could hear his voice carried by the wind, but it was very serious. The tone was Noah’s, but the voice was closer to his knight persona.

Watching him swing his sword and explain something... I was honestly mesmerized.

I felt a bit embarrassed to be the only one so flustered, but I couldn’t imagine ever getting used to it. I’ll probably always feel my heart ache like this.

Under the overcast sky, Noah noticed me about ten minutes later.