Chapter 109 – Closest at Hand

What on earth was that supposed to mean?

Evelyn, who initially wore a baffled expression, managed an awkward smile and deftly changed the subject.

“Did you come to the dessert fair as well, Khalid?”

She reasoned that it was a fair assumption, since he’d mentioned before how fond he was of sweets. Soon, Khalid nodded once before he let his gaze drift over their surroundings with a hint of curiosity.

“I did, but my lady, did you come here without an escort?”

“Oh, well, about that…”

She tucked a strand of rose-pink hair behind her ear, admitting sheepishly.

“I was so absorbed in the desserts, I somehow lost track of my escort knight.”

Her cheeks flushed at the childishness of her own blunder. Meanwhile, Khalid stroked his chin, his expression suddenly serious.

“In that case, I believe it would be best if I accompanied you.”

“No need! You must be quite busy already.”

When Evelyn, not wishing to impose, hastily waved her hands in refusal, he only curved his lips, seemingly unbothered.

“It’s quite all right. To tell the truth, I was feeling a bit lonely wandering around alone.”

He’s the captain of the holy knights who lead the frontlines against monsters…

She couldn’t help but sense a strange disconnect as she studied Khalid’s face. Seeing that, he reached up to rub the back of his neck before admitting with disarming honesty.

“Truthfully, I was worried about you, my lady.”

“…Pardon?”

“I’m relieved you seem recovered now.”

It was clear that the recent monster attack still weighed on his mind, despite the letter he’d already sent wishing her a swift recovery. His blue eyes held a quiet concern, tinged with guilt because a beast that should have stayed in the North had appeared right in the heart of the capital.

‘But that wasn’t his fault at all…’

Wanting to ease his mind, Evelyn lifted her shoulders in a deliberately lighthearted shrug.

“I’m perfectly fine. After resting thoroughly these past few days, I feel better than ever.”

A touch of relief softened Khalid’s features, and he offered her a gentle smile.

“I’m glad to hear it.”

He then seemed lost in thought for a moment before carefully continuing:

“Even so, would you permit me to accompany you?”

“….”

She gazed quietly into his eyes, which seemed to hold nothing but sincerity, and for a moment, she found herself unable to answer.

‘I really am all right, though…’

The sense of duty and responsibility the male lead carried seemed far greater than anything described in the original story.

Perhaps, sensing her hesitation, he quickly added.

“As a friend, of course.”

The nervous tension in his posture made her break into a breezy smile.

“That’s perfect. I was starting to find wandering alone a bit dull myself!”

“You mean…”

“Would you mind keeping me company for a while?”

Realizing she’d accepted his offer, Khalid’s blue eyes widened briefly, then softened with a faint, relieved smile.

“I’ll be at your service.”

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

A short time later, Evelyn had asked one of Khalid’s attendants to deliver a message to the Inevasel carriage, letting them know she would be returning shortly, after briefly accompanying the Duke of Rikeran.

With that concern off her mind, she turned her attention to the dazzling array of desserts before her, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Chocolate, macarons and tarts, the sheer variety was enough to enchant both eye and palate. However, what truly captured her gaze were the miniature confections, each sculpted with exquisite detail.

“How marvelous!”

She couldn’t help but exclaim in delight, genuinely astonished by the idea that dessert could become a work of art. Khalid, glancing at her with a faint smile, spoke up.

“It seems you’re quite taken with them.”

The seasoned romance-reader in her instantly recognized where this conversation was heading: surely, he meant to buy it for her. As expected, Khalid reached for his purse, preparing to purchase the confection.

At the mental sound of alarm bells, Evelyn quickly shook her head.

“Oh, no! I’m hardly the sort to frequent art exhibitions!”

“Is that so?”

For a moment, she felt like some uncultured country girl before the story’s male lead, but what did it matter?

‘It wasn’t as if I had any need to impress him anyway.’

With a nonchalant tilt of her brow, she glanced down at her hands, already filled with boxes of tempting pastries.