Chapter 25

Due to the significant height difference, with Raygrain being much taller than her, Scheuer’s attempt at boasting with her strides did not hold much significance. Meanwhile, Jess, who was following behind, looked surprised and sighed audibly as he noticed the changed garden.

“I never expected to see flowers in the North….”

Scheuer proudly shrugged her shoulders and said, 

“The Duke gave me these flowers. Aren’t they pretty?”

Jess, feeling awkward, cleared his throat and pretended not to hear. Raygrain’s dry gaze, however, briefly glanced at the garden, and that was it.

“So, is this what you wanted to show me?”

Scheuer, as if expecting such an indifferent response, smiled boldly and said, 

“Please come to the office.”

***

Leaving behind the slightly heavy expedition outfit, Raygrain walked to the office. Jess seemed surprised by the sudden change in the garden, but in reality, he had no particular interest. He never cared much about flowers in the first place. He assumed that Scheuer was showing off by creating something out of the flowers he gave her. It was an obvious story.

Returning to the mansion and seeing Scheuer again, she didn’t seem to have changed much. She was the same as when she first arrived with the chicken. The changed person was him.

He had returned to the starting point. An emptiness was familiar to Raygrain. People breathe every moment, but they don’t consciously feel or appreciate the act of breathing. For Raygrain, everything in the world was like that – food, touching stories, even brutal expeditions and wars. They were all like air.

The emotions he had recently begun to slightly engage with were nowhere to be found now. Ultimately, it seemed that Scheuer was just a momentary diversion. Of course, he hadn’t managed that even with others, so it was something to observe a little longer. Ding dong, entering the office, he noticed subtle differences compared to before the expedition. He murmured softly as he looked at the clean flag of Blenga hanging on the wall.

“Is this decoration the family crest?”

It seemed like they only took useless things. Seated at the large office table, Raygrain leaned back, clenching his fist, waiting for her. Tick-tock. Even as time passed, Scheuer did not appear. Faint wrinkles formed on his forehead. He muttered to himself.

“Calling someone and not knowing what it’s for.”

Driven by the urging of the attendants to hurry, he left the office, tapping his fingers slowly. How long had he been waiting?

A faint voice was heard from behind him. “Your Grace!” The voice echoed through the window. Raygrain turned the desk and opened the window. Perhaps due to the temperature-regulating stone, a warm breeze rushed in first, followed by a sweet fragrance. Scheuer stood in the center of the garden, swinging her arms with great force. When Raygrain opened the window and revealed himself, Scheuer greeted him with a bright smile, more radiant than ever.

Raygrain leaned on the window frame, observing her. Scheuer, conscious of his gaze, turned around with a twirl, and her dress, swirling as it drew a large circle, dropped gracefully. It was unclear what expression she was trying to convey, but it wasn’t easily interpreted.

“Are you asking to have a new dress fitted?”

Considering her upcoming role as the Duchess, her attire and decorations were rather modest. Nevertheless, her vibrant red hair and seemingly glowing gold ringlets were transparent enough to emit occasional intense determination. Despite her gentle features, she occasionally exuded a vibrant presence.

Her slender wrists, barely half the width of his palm, looked delicate, as if they would disappear if covered by a snowstorm. Anyway, she would soon be at the center. It seemed reasonable to prepare appropriate attire befitting her position. How long could she continue wearing his robe?

Scheuer’s response didn’t seem satisfying to Raygrain. She rolled her eyes and gestured in all directions, making a large circle with her arms.

“Your Grace, the big picture!”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

A picture? Was she referring to the portrait she previously requested? Observing her actions in frustration, Scheuer’s movements became more intense. Then, she pointed energetically at the surroundings.

“Look at the whole thing!”

Only after hearing those words did the entire view of the garden enter Raygrain’s sight. The flowers that seemed like nothing when seen up close had gathered to create one picture: a large heart shape. In the center stood Scheuer. She pointed to a small spot behind her and shouted, 

“Here in the back, may I place a statue of Your Grace?”

At that moment, the still lake, which had been silent, seemed as if someone had dropped a droplet into it. The ripple quickly spread, merging with the warm air of the garden and spreading far away.

It felt surreal.

His usually firm lips twitched slightly. Scheuer was vigorously gesturing and explaining towards the rear plot.

 “Sometimes, you can change your clothes and wear a crown too, right?”

Despite the considerable distance, she continued to persuade him with her gestures and expressions. 

“If Your Highness does it personally, it’s fine, but… I still want to prepare and set it up. Is it okay if I do that?” 

Even though she was going to do it her way, she didn’t forget to ask for permission.

Raygrain nodded and raised his voice as he responded, 

“Do as you wish.” 

Once permission was granted, she raised her hands in excitement. The garden, which had been devoid of any vibrant colors, now shone brilliantly with various flowers. It made him realize the existence of such diverse colors in the world. Surprisingly, the garden, filled with her voice, didn’t look bad at all. In response, Raygrain let out a small sigh.

***

Did he smile? Did he laugh? Scheuer found it frustrating that her eyesight wasn’t that of an eagle. Although it seemed clear that she had captured the movement of his lips in her vision, staring at his rigid face made even that feel like an illusion.

Raygrain, who had been quietly leaning, stood up from the window frame and spoke loudly, 

“Didn’t I say you could do as you please?” 

“Thank you!” 

At least it didn’t seem unpleasant. Scheuer’s instincts were resonating that way. She had decorated his safe return from the extermination with a splendid garden event. Now, the thought that she could see him freely excited her.

However, even right after returning from the extermination, Raygrain seemed busy. If Scheuer woke up early and rushed out, he was already up. Even when her eyes closed due to overwhelming drowsiness, there was no sign of sleepiness on his face.

“Does he not feel sleepy at all? Does he sleep with his eyes open?” Scheuer scrutinized him with a suspicious look. Even someone as composed and unwavering as him must find comfort in sleep, right? In Scheuer’s memories, Raygrain was always an unyielding person. Sometimes he seemed like he could use some rest, but in front of Erina, he always maintained his cold demeanor. He usually appeared when there were issues related to the North. Since he rarely appeared outside of work hours, she had never thought about how he might relax or rest even once.

“Smile Love”