•?••? ? ?••?•

“…Yes?”

Ray almost forgot to continue speaking.

“Go to a quiet place and lie down.”

“R-Right now?”

“Do you dislike it?”

“I-It’s not that I dislike it, but…”

At the mention of lying down, Ray’s face instantly flushed. His eyes rolled around, and he even bit his lips.

After a brief moment of contemplation, he nodded slightly as if making a big decision.

“Understood.”

“Great. I know a nice place, so follow me.”

Although Ray was concerned about her claim of knowing a nice place, he obediently followed along with a blushing face.

* * *

“As expected, on a sunny day, lying down and watching the clouds is the best.”

“…”

“Why is your expression like that?”

“Oh, no. It’s nothing.”

Iva led Ray to a place with a loud declaration to follow her. It was a serene park with many people lying on the green grass, either taking a nap or enjoying a picnic.

“On a day like today, the weather should be really nice-“

When Iva happily smiled at the sunny weather, Ray quickly dismissed the dark thoughts within him.

“That area seems nice. There are big trees and the shade is suitable.”

“As Young Lady wishes.”

The two of them headed towards a slightly secluded area, shaded by trees.

As Iva was about to sit directly on the grass, Ray took out a handkerchief and spread it on the grass for her.

“Sit over here-“

“Then there’s no point in coming to the park, right?”

Before he could finish spreading the handkerchief, she plopped down on the grass like a frog.

“Indeed, the weather is perfect today.”

Although Ray’s handkerchief was rejected, he felt alright seeing Iva’s smiling face. He put the handkerchief away and sat on the grass, a little away from Iva.

The lush leaves and branches of the trees provided just the right amount of shade from the sunlight.

Feeling refreshed by the breeze, Iva placed her fingertips on the back of her head and enjoyed this moment while gazing at the blue sky. Ray, too, couldn’t help but smile at the refreshing atmosphere of nature.

“It feels like experiencing this tranquility after a long time.”

“Well, I suppose after being busy every day with royal duties, guarding the prince, training with subordinates, and personal training, it’s only natural.”

“How do you know so much?”

Having memorized the settings of Ray, who was her favorite character when reading the original novel, the words slipped out first. Iva quickly closed her eyes as if being dazzled by the sunlight, buying herself some time to come up with an excuse.

“I-I heard it from someone I know in the palace.”

“I see.”

Could it be that Ray has some interest in me? I briefly had some expectations, but felt disappointed.

“I’ll return all the gifts you sent by tomorrow.”

“You didn’t like the gifts?”

“I haven’t even opened them.”

She purposely didn’t wear any of the jewelry to make her words more credible.

“You won’t accept them even if I send them back?”

“No. We’re not on such terms.”

‘Are we on such terms? I won’t accept the gifts.’

Living this life, the day has finally come for me to repay Ray with the words he said in the previous life. For the first time, I was pleased with the situation where everything was reversed. I wondered if Ray would have the same gloomy expression as I did back then.

However, I didn’t particularly want to confirm his face. I didn’t want to see if he had put in the effort as I did back then.

“Nevertheless, the dress was beautiful. The maid chose it well.”

“No.”

“What?”

“I chose it.”

Iva opened her eyes briefly but quickly furrowed her eyebrows and tightly closed them again due to the intense sunlight.

“It’s a gift from me, how can I have a maid to choose it?”

Countless jewels and dresses she had received so far flashed through her mind.

“I’ve never bought a dress or a bracelet since I was born. I couldn’t even give them to my mother.”

After his mother passed away, Ray’s only family was his father, the former commander of the knights, and his frail older brother.

It was only natural for Ray, who had dedicated himself to training in place of his sick brother, to be disregarded by the family due to being a second son. That’s why he devoted himself to training even more, hating to be overlooked by the family.

Naturally, women had always been sidelined in his life. So it was a bit confusing for Iva to receive gifts he had personally bought.

Such gifts were something Ray had never given to the female protagonist, Julian.

“But I still can’t accept the gifts. I’ll return them.”

“Understood. Instead, I’d like to join you for dinner.”

Iva couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh at his efforts to find an excuse to stay together.

This kid, he’s quite skilled at negotiation, huh? Well, I should have had a deep conversation with him at some point to know.

Iva opened her eyes, trying to refuse the meal.

“…”

But as she looked ahead, she froze like ice. Ray was waiting with a tense face, eagerly anticipating her response.

With one hand, he formed a gentle shadow, shielding Iva’s eyes from the sunlight. He even exerted enough force to ensure that no sunlight would sneak through, holding his hand tight.

Clearly, she had met him to break off their relationship, but his unexpected tenderness caused her heart to react subtly.

Iva quickly got up. She had to cut off the roots before heading toward her destined death.

“Can I give you an answer to your confession right now, Duke?”

“Huh? You mean now?”

“I think I have to. No, I must.”

Iva was determined.

Ray, perplexed but willing to deeply listen to her words, adjusted his posture and sat upright.

•?••? ? ?••?•