Chapter 81

Karentina felt a strange flutter the moment her eyes met Ignis’s. Her heart hammered wildly, as if it might leap straight out of her chest. And judging by Ignis’s expression, he seemed to be feeling the same. Even as his expression twisted in discomfort, he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

The loud chirping of the birds, the rhythmic crash of the waves, and the gentle warmth of the sun. It felt as if time had stopped, leaving only the two of them in a clear, still moment.

“Woof!”

Right then, Norman’s loud bark cut through the spell, as if reminding them it was time to head back.

Karentina blinked several times as though snapping out of a dream.

“Th-thank you for saving me. I-I’ll head down first.”

She quickly let go of his hand and took a step back, moving to Norman’s side.

She could hear Leah and Zion continuing to talk to her, but she couldn’t respond properly. ll she could do was clutch her burning cheeks and run.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ୨ৎ ໒꒱ ‧₊ ୧‿︵

After Karentina left, Ignis remained behind, staring blankly at his own hands.

Thump, thump.

His heart thundered violently, leaving him no time to regain control. It felt as if every cell in his body was surging with life. Since yesterday, Karentina’s face had been haunting his mind.

“Damn it.”

The curse slipped out before he could stop it.

Even today, that sweet, clean scent of soap lingered on her body. It was maddening, like he’d been cursed, how she kept creeping into his thoughts.

“Why the hell can’t I get her out of my head?”

He let out a deep sigh and ran his hand through his damp hair.

「 Oh, I’m sorry if that made you uncomfortable. Your clothes were dry thanks to your magic, but your hair’s still wet… I was afraid you might catch a cold because of me. 」

Was she worried about him?

“A Transcendent like me couldn’t possibly catch a cold.”

Still, Ignis couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud, nor could he brush her hand away.

It was an unfamiliar feeling.

The moment he saw Karentina collapse before him, and again when she had nearly fallen into the sea, he hadn’t stopped to think. His body had moved before his mind could catch up. It wasn’t even a dangerous situation, and the sea was shallow. However, the feeling of his heart dropping to his feet made it impossible for him to simply stand there and watch.

At first, he shuddered at the thought it might be some new seduction trick trending in high society. However, Karentina’s actions had been too innocent, and the way she treated him was too straightforward for that.

A rush of unfamiliar, unpleasant emotions flooded through him.

Even as he caught the faint scent of soap still lingering on his hand, his gaze followed the spot where she had already disappeared.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ୨ৎ ໒꒱ ‧₊ ୧‿︵

“It’s a shame you’re leaving so soon.”

“I know. If I get the chance, I’ll come back again with my brother.”

When Karentina spoke with a smile, Baron Rodon and Madam Sharon’s eyes widened in surprise.

“With the young duke?”

“Yes. The scenery here is so beautiful. I’m sure my brother would love it. He’s always said he prefers quiet, scenic places over glamorous ones.”

Remembering the letters Damion had sent her, Karentina spoke with a wistful expression.

“You’re always welcome here.”

Still smiling, Karentina reached down to ruffle Norman and Alon’s heads.

“Be good, Norman, Alon. I’ll bring some delicious treats next time, so stay healthy until then, okay?”

Watching the puppies wag their tails, she couldn’t help but smile.

Since they couldn’t find a carriage in the bustling district, they decided to borrow Baron Rodon’s carriage. When they reached it, Ignis was already standing by the carriage, draped in his robe. He silently offered his hand, and Karentina looked at him with a swirl of emotions.

“What are you waiting for? Get in.”

With Ignis speaking so indifferently, Karentina climbed into the carriage before she even had time to think.

‘Huh?’

There was a soft cushion on her seat, something that hadn’t been there in the rented carriage before. Her hips had been aching from the rough, unpaved roads, and once again, she thought Baron Rodon really had a good eye for these things as she sat down, feeling cheerful.

Knock, knock.

Just before they set off, Madam Sharon hurriedly knocked on the window, prompting Karentina to open the door again.

“I almost forgot to give this to you.”

She placed a small box in her hands. Seeing Karentina’s eyes widen in surprise, the baroness smiled warmly as she spoke.

“They’re fruit jellies. I remembered how much you enjoyed them yesterday, so I packed some for you. There’s plenty, so please share them with the others too.”

“Oh my goodness. Thank you so much.”

Her heart filled with warmth at Madam Sharon’s kindness. She thought once again how glad she was to have come to the West. She silently hoped this story wouldn’t end in tragedy, but would instead lead them all toward happiness.