C31
“I don't have fun in the capital, but you will have some fun. Oh, that doesn't mean it's not fun to be with you...
Zachary, who seemed to have lost his composure, was sweating profusely and uttered meaningless words. He said that he would stay in Prince Gautier's palace when he went to the capital, that in the capital it was hotter than Arno, so he would have to wear finer clothes, etc. Those were useless words that he didn't need to say now.
Bianca continued to listen to him in silence, but involuntarily tilted her head. He was a man who always had a purpose and spoke only the necessary words. Even if it sounded like a pointless comment at first glance, she thought it might mean something. But the more she listened to him, the less she could understand what she meant.
Bianca wasn't the best at managing her facial expressions. Gradually, subtle wrinkles began to form between Bianca's forehead and her straight brows hardened. Her discomfort was immediately revealed on her face. Zachary, who had been stammering and mouthing strange words, finally realized what he was saying.
Closing his mouth, he opened his mouth several times, then calmly shook his head with a groan.
-… have a good night. Then I'll just go.
As if to say goodbye, Zachary turned and ran. His steps were quick.
Bianca, who had been pondering the words Zachary had thrown like gravel, noticed his dismissal a moment later. Bianca wasn't nimble enough to figure out why Zachary was doing this, but she knew instinctively that she shouldn't let him go like this.
Bianca called Zachary.
-Sweetie.
At Bianca's call, Zachary's body froze. Bianca paused for a moment at the uncomfortable buzzing around the tip of her tongue. Sweetie. Has she ever called Him so intimately before your return?
Bianca thought twice about the name she had inadvertently called. Sweetie. Sweetie. He still felt unknown. Resisting the urge to touch her lips with the tips of her fingers, she Bianca worked up the courage to thank him.
“Thank you very much for taking me to the capital.
It was his sincerity to say thank you.
Until now, even if she had something to be thankful for, she didn't admit it or say it out loud. Back then, somehow, she felt like she was losing. It was a feeling of recognizing that her value was only at the level of being happy with it. So, proudly, Bianca always held her neck up, as if she were playing tug-of-war with Zachary, her mouth shut and her head turned sharply.
Now he knew it was a pointless fight.
She doesn't know why Zachary is doing this, but she was sure he wasn't rejecting her. Even when she met him after his return, she was surprised because his kindness, which she had never expected, still felt unrealistic.
Still, this opportunity cannot be missed. Now that this has happened, wouldn't it be better to pour out the weight of your heart with firm affection?
Bianca looked at the ground for a moment, then looked up slightly at Zachary. She looked as if she had been slapped on the head with a hammer, as if she didn't believe it. Bianca rolled her eyes.
Her long, voluminous eyelashes cast shadows, and the round line from her cheek to the tip of her chin shone like a crescent moon. Her fair skin was as white as snow reflecting the moonlight, and between her pale pink lips, her white, well-groomed teeth peeked out.
A bright smile appeared on his face.
Bianca thought Zachary would smile too. At least awkwardly. Or shakily. However, Zachary took a step back with a look as if he had seen something he couldn't see, then added the word “good night” and left the room as if he was running away. It was as if he could no longer be in this room.
After Zachary left, Bianca, who was left alone in the room, hardened her face at his unfamiliar attitude. The bright smile scattered and disappeared like a worn stone wall. Bianca's fingertips gently touched the tip of her mouth. The fingertips that brushed her soft cheeks trembled.
So his smile…was it weird? Was she so monstrous? She's never heard anything about her being ugly… Bianca herself stared at the door Zachary had left with a puzzled look on her face.
Oh, he doesn't want to see me smile.
Bianca, who had no choice but to think that way, promised not to laugh in front of Zachary as much as possible from now on.
* * *
It snowed all night. The soft snow covered the world in white. On days when it was difficult to move due to calf-deep snow, the villagers often went to the lord to complain about his difficulties.
Those who came with things like roe deer or rabbits on their shoulders talked about small disputes in the village, and those who came empty-handed tried to borrow food with sad stories. They all bowed their heads and looked at Zachary.
It is the duty of the Lord to listen to them, however trivial they may be. Zachary took care of the permanent residents since morning
to try to differentiate between good and evil with fair eyes. Since he had a lot of work today, Zachary was able to free himself only after he got through the morning.
Zachary rolled his shoulders wide, as if to relieve the stiff muscles in his back. Vincent poured Zachary a hot wine with lemon, cinnamon, and rosemary.
“He has worked hard. She could have postponed the non-urgent work until tomorrow.
“As a gentleman who is often away, it's good to work when I can. Besides, they also have work, so I can't waste their time by making them come twice.
Zachary swallowed the drink and sighed deeply at the heat that filled his lungs.
It's been three days since he returned to the castle, but Zachary still didn't seem used to his property. It seems like yesterday that he was still unfolding maps and discussing where to build a tent camp on the battlefield, but now he can work quietly without worrying about arrows flying from behind. It can even be served with a hot cup.
And especially in the castle….
Zachary, who was drowning in work, asked as if he had suddenly remembered.
"What about Blanca?"
-The same as yesterday. She took Sir Gaspard and his maid for a walk.
“By her maid you mean…
“Yvonne is her maid.
Zachary frowned.
It looks like she will definitely be his maid, but when did she become his maid? He still couldn't believe that Bianca had someone besides her dead nanny. Because she doesn't like to be with anyone.
Although Gaspard was a somewhat forced escort on the part of Zachary, who worried that she was alone, he did not see why he had Yvonne by his side.
He wondered if Vincent knew, so Zachary asked implicitly. However, Vincent shook his head as if he didn't know, saying that he had been relatively neglectful of the lady as he had focused on welcoming him from the moment Zachary returned after a long time.
If Vincent doesn't know, it's inevitable. Yvonne did nothing wrong and she can't blame Vincent. It would be better to ask them how they got close, but it wasn't too important a matter to ask.
Zachary chuckled and asked about Bianca's life as usual.
"What about your food?"
'Breakfast consisted of three olives.
'He still eats very little.
"Because he says he has no appetite at breakfast."
-I understand.
Zachary's closed mouth twisted in distaste. Zachary wasn't a glutton, but as a gentleman, he tended to take charge of every meal. Even in the morning, he filled his stomach with two loaves of bread, three loaves of bacon, and two eggs.
No matter how thin and light Bianca's body was, he couldn't understand how she could move after eating so little. Still, telling her to eat more doesn't mean it will work, so Zachary could only groan silently.
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