Chapter 85 – I Could Do Even More

“An opportunity? What do you mean?”

Evelyn tilted her head in puzzlement, prompting Larie to reply, her voice tinged with excitement.

“Oh, come now! The Young Lord is one of the top contenders in the hunting competition!”

After all, the number of handkerchiefs a participant received was practically a sign of their chances at victory. It was tradition to present a handkerchief to the person one believed most likely to win the hunt. Of course, some took advantage of the custom for more personal reasons.

As she tapped her fingers thoughtfully on the table, her green eyes began to shine with a clear, lively light.

“Now that you mention it, I suppose you’re right.”

She made up her mind on the spot that she would give her handkerchief to Axion before anyone else. Without something to compare it to, no one would be able to judge whether her handiwork was well done or not. With the gloomy clouds that had hung over her head suddenly swept away, she rose to her feet with energy.

“So, where exactly is Axion right now?”

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

The marquisate’s garden overflowed with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. This corner of the estate, so lovingly tended by its mistress, was now vibrant with spring blossoms.

Evelyn strolled through the garden, on her way to meet her fiancé.

‘They said he’d be with Mother.’

Her mother often spent her days off tending the garden herself, and it seemed she had run into Axion, who was visiting the estate. The thought of her fiancé awkwardly making conversation with an older woman made her grimace. No matter how long they’d known each other, it would be uncomfortable to be alone with one’s future in-laws.

“I should hurry and rescue him.”

Quickening her pace, she soon spotted a lone figure standing in the garden pavilion. The sunlight shone behind him, obscuring his features, but the air around him was unmistakable. It was her fiancé.

‘Hmm? Why is he alone?’

Scanning the area as she approached, Evelyn watched as Axion sensed her presence and turned toward her.

“You’re here?”

“Yes. Weren’t you with my mother?”

He nodded slowly and replied in his usual, even tone.

“She said she already had a prior engagement.”

It was true, the marchioness was determined to prepare the estate for the spring social season.

‘I remember her saying she’d found a few new paintings lately.’

She recalled her mother mentioning an art exhibition she planned to attend with her circle of close friends. She looked at her fiancé, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

“Axion, then why did you come here?”

“To see you.”

He tossed out the words so casually, with not a trace of sincerity in his voice. Evelyn couldn’t help but click her tongue inwardly. If only this weren’t such a common occurrence.

“Is that so? Well, that’s convenient. I was just thinking I’d like to see you, too.”

She flashed a deliberate smile, but her reluctant tone was hard to disguise.

A sly grin appeared on Axion’s lips.

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“Glad about what?”

“That we’re of one mind, it seems.”

Already feeling her energy draining, she pressed a hand to her forehead. Just then, a dimple deepened on one of his cheeks, and his outstretched hand gently landed on her head. She flinched in surprise.

“You… what are you doing all of a sudden?”

“Is it really something to be so startled about? We’ve already held hands, haven’t we?”

“….!”

His crimson eyes, fixed intently on her, gleamed with a sharp light.

“Of course, if you wish, I could do even more.”

What is he saying now?

Evelyn frowned deliberately, trying to mask her surprise, and fixed her gaze on her fiancé. With a face utterly free of embarrassment, he delivered such shameless words with ease.

No doubt, he was teasing her again.

Meanwhile, noticing her glare, practically cursing him with her eyes, Axion let out a lazy chuckle. Then he lifted his palm to show her a tiny flower petal resting atop it.

“This was stuck in your hair.”

“Oh… so that’s what it was?”

Relief washed over her. She had wondered why he’d suddenly acted so out of character. She’d been certain he was about to pat her head, and the thought alone had startled her so much. Meanwhile, the man, who’d been quietly observing her, pulled something from his coat.