Chapter 26

To identify its unpredictable toxic components, she would’ve to combine Dirkworth with other medicines.

No one, not even the marquis and marchioness, knew just how hard Evelyn was working on researching poisonous plants and antidotes. Not wanting to worry them unnecessarily, she had simply told them she wanted to put to use the knowledge she’d gained from studying medicine at the academy.

‘That way, they won’t worry so much.’

Soon, she moved several flasks into the darkroom, stretched out her stiff back, and checked the time before quickly cleaning up the lab.

“I should leave before it gets too late.”

With a determined expression, she left the conservatory, ready to visit her next destination.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

The scent of freshly baked bread filled Maron Bakery, which was bustling with customers lining up for dessert. After all, today was the day the capital’s most famous patissier was unveiling his latest ambitious creation. Evelyn had told her escort knight to wait in the carriage, then quickly hurried to join the line.

Something about the man standing right in front of her seemed oddly familiar. Those wavy golden hair…

‘Hmm, where have I seen that hair before?’

As she stood there with her arms crossed, tilting her head in thought, the man suddenly turned around.

“…Huh?”

Her green eyes widened in surprise as she recognized him.

It was none other than Khalid Rikeran.

‘What’s he doing here in the capital?’

Evelyn was a bit puzzled to see Khalid in the city. Ever since they had met at the Imperial Library, all news of his activities had centered around the northern territories.

Khalid, who seemed to recognize her as well, gave her a faint, courteous smile.

“We meet again, my lady.”

Realizing she hadn’t properly greeted him, Evelyn quickly straightened and bowed her head.

“It’s an honor to see you again, Duke Rikeran.”

Khalid gave a small nod, then replied with a slightly apologetic look.

“I must apologize, but I still haven’t heard your name, my lady. News travels slowly where I come from.”

Only then did she realize that they hadn’t actually exchanged names during their last encounter. She couldn’t help but be impressed by how Khalid put the blame on himself to be polite.

‘Ah, male leads really are on a different level.’

Unlike a certain someone she had known forever, who could never manage that kind of charm.

Smiling brightly, she introduced herself without hesitation.

“I’m Evelyn Inevasel.”

Khalid repeated her name softly under his breath, then returned her smile.

“So you’re the Marquis of Inevasel’s daughter.”

Evelyn watched him for a moment, like a child whose curiosity had finally been satisfied. Realizing her stare, Khalid awkwardly scratched the back of his head, which snapped her out of her daze.

“But what brings you to the capital, Your Grace?”

She asked, finally voicing the question that had been on her mind.

Khalid glanced briefly at the sword hanging at his waist before responding.

“I was on my way back after picking up a sword I’d commissioned from the blacksmith.”

He then added that he’d been passing through when he caught the scent of freshly baked bread and ended up here without thinking. In the original story, it was said that the empire’s greatest swordmaster had a real fondness for sweets.

Evelyn, nodding to herself, flashed a confident, bright smile.

“You definitely won’t regret coming here today!”

When she enthusiastically listed Maron Bakery’s signature menu, Khalid, who’d been looking at her with amusement, let out a soft chuckle.

“I doubt I’d regret it even without those.”

“…Huh?”

While she blinked in confusion, Khalid pointed ahead.

“Looks like it’s our turn.”

Before she could even process what he meant, it was already her turn to order, and Evelyn’s eyes shone with excitement.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

Originally, she had only planned to grab the patissier’s newest creation and part ways immediately after. But somehow—

“Um… aren’t you busy?”

For some reason, instead of going their separate ways, the two of them were now walking side by side down the street.

With Khalid even carrying her dessert box like a perfect gentleman, Evelyn’s green eyes flickered with nervousness. Feeling flustered, she pushed past the awkwardness and asked, but he just gave her a faint smile.

“It’s no trouble.”

I’m the one who’s uncomfortable, you clueless duke!