The Last Day in Pelgaroin (2)
I didn't answer and simply offered a faint smile. I'd long since grasped the Count's intentions, but pretending to know everything might come off as rude.
The Count stared at me intently for a moment, his expression as unyielding as stone, before continuing in utter seriousness.
"What I'm saying is, I'm praising you right now. It's not meant to wound you. Do you understand?"
He added those words in case I'd taken offense unintentionally. His tone and gestures were refined and cool, yet the warmth beneath them rivaled that of a missionary spreading benevolence.
I wasn't the sort to reject such kindness, so I replied with genuine pleasure.
"Of course, Your Excellency."
"Hmph. Good, as long as you get it. Seeing your face after so long doesn't displease me."
"I'm equally delighted to behold your noble countenance, Your Excellency."
"Such smooth talk. You think that'll win me over?"
The Count's lips twitched ever so slightly. It looked like he was fighting back a smile.
'You already like it, don't you?'
He seemed inscrutable at times, yet so easy to read. As I gazed at him with a subtle smile, he let out a loud ahem! and straightened his posture.
"Enough chit-chat. Let's set it aside. Right after arriving at the castle, Hildes told me. You caught all those bandits, didn't you?"
To be precise, it was the Elf's doing. But denying it felt awkward, so I nodded calmly.
"Yes."
"Seems you've handled the regent's role quite well. I'm relieved you're not some incompetent fool, as I'd hoped. But what on earth happened at the ball?"
"The ball...?"
"My daughter slapped you across the face."
"Ah."
I'd momentarily forgotten, but it all came rushing back. That too was the Elf's fault, though I couldn't exactly spill the details. How was I supposed to explain this?
As I hesitated, a small commotion erupted from behind the door. I strained my ears and caught a familiar voice.
— Miss! You can't go in! Lord Theorad and His Excellency are in the middle of a conversation!
— Do I look like an idiot? I know that much. I just want to peek from afar. That's fine, right?
— Sigh... Really...
After their bickering, Esilly poked her head around the open door. She scanned the room like a cat eyeing stolen fish, then locked eyes with me and flushed bright red in surprise.
After fumbling for a moment, Esilly suddenly broke into a wide grin and gave a light wave.
I reflexively started to wave back, only to remember the Count was right there and snapped to attention.
"Word is you tried to steal a kiss from my daughter. Even if you're her fiancé, that's utterly lacking in decorum."
"Y-yes, it is."
Even as I answered the Count, my gaze kept drifting toward Esilly. Sensing it, she stepped fully out from behind the door and placed her fists by her temples, raising her index fingers like little horns. She pursed her lips and pulled the sternest face she could muster.
I got the message. She was mimicking an angry Count—trying to lighten my tension with a silly impression.
The problem was, it nearly made me burst out laughing. But I couldn't. As I fought it back, the Count's eyebrows twitched, and he pressed on.
"Of course, I don't fail to understand your feelings. After so long together with little progress, you must be frustrated. But attempting a kiss without a lady's consent is no gentleman's way. Understand?"
"Yes. I'll keep it in mind."
"'Keep it in mind'—I'll let it slide this once. Now, back to the matter at hand. Let's discuss your reward for capturing the bandits."
"Pardon? A reward? What do you mean? I only did what was necessary."
"Precisely because it was necessary, you deserve a reward. In this world, too many fail at the obvious. That's why I'll uphold merit and demerit alike—don't feel burdened."
The Count elegantly clapped twice.
"Come in."
At the same moment, more scuffling sounded from beyond the door.
— Miss, let me...
— It's fine. Let me do it.
— Huh?
— You'll just throw a fit if I say no, right?
— Hey now. It's not a fit—it's voicing a legitimate opinion.
— Sigh. Fine.
The servant sighed and handed Esilly a small box. She took it and walked over, giving me a quick nod before setting it on the table. The Count, sensing something off, turned his head.
"Esilly?"
Confusion flickered in his dignified eyes.
"Why are you out here instead of in your room?"
"I wanted to see Father sooner. And I owed Lord Theorad an apology. I was terribly rude the other day."
It might seem impudent at first glance, but the Count only smiled warmly.
"Indeed. Slapping your fiancé at a public ball is no way to act. I'm glad you've realized it so quickly."
"She's young but sharp—Father's daughter, after all."
At Esilly's coquettish words, the Count's stern features softened completely. No wonder people called him a doting father.
Chuckling softly, he turned to me. I straightened up tensely, and he casually slid the box my way.
"Open it. It's a modest gift for standing in for me as regent."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
I examined the box as I replied. It was ornately decorated without excess, the Pelgaroin crest embossed on the lid. Curious, I opened it to find it brimming with jewels and gold coins.
I gasped in shock.
"Your Excellency? This is far too generous for merely rounding up a few bandits."
The Count frowned.
"Are you refusing my goodwill now?"
"But... this is..."
"Take it. I won't hear otherwise."
After a moment's hesitation, I nodded. It felt like he'd contrived a reason to shower me with treasure, but refusing courtesy would be rude.
As I accepted the box, the Count chuckled and waved us off.
"I'm weary. I must review imperial matters. Both of you, out."
For some reason, it sounded like 'leave us alone together.' Esilly seemed to catch the same vibe, turning to me with a faint smile.
"Shall we go, Lord Theorad?"
I smiled back.
"Yes."
*
Esilly and I crossed the castle's inner courtyard after leaving the drawing room. In the tranquil space where flower buds slumbered in anticipation of tomorrow, an awkward silence settled over me. I fiddled idly with the brooch at my throat, staring up at the night sky, unsure how to break the ice.
Esilly felt the same, staying quiet for a while. Midway through the courtyard, she let out a soft laugh and spoke first.
"I'm sorry."
It came out of nowhere. I cleared my throat and tried to sound casual.
"For what?"
"I made you out to be the villain. Slapping you and not visiting for four days... Society's probably buzzing that 'Lady Esilly was so angry she refused to see Lord Theorad.'"
"Nonsense. It was all for my sake, wasn't it?"
"Still."
"Don't worry. We're strolling the courtyard together before I leave the castle. The servants watching us will spread the word as they please."
It was Esilly who'd suggested the courtyard over her room in the first place. She wanted my reputation restored through the gossiping staff.
"True. Rumors of our reconciliation will spread. But honestly, it still irks me a little."
Yet she pouted cutely, unsatisfied.
"Reconciliation? We didn't even fight. The more I think about it, the more I hate that Elf for tormenting you."
"Same here. I don't want anything marring our relationship, but it seems harder by the day."
"Care to specify?"
I scratched my cheek, embarrassed.
"Well... I'm worried it'll cause issues in that department."
"Hmm. That department? Care to elaborate on what might get damaged?"
Could I really say it? As I wavered, I felt her staring, making it impossible to back out. Mumbling like a confession, I admitted,
"I'm afraid... my first time might be taken by the Elf, not you."
"Pardon? Your first?"
Esilly's eyes widened, and she halted. I stopped too.
She stood speechless for a moment, then finally managed,
"Your first? You mean... you've never been with a woman?"
Wasn't that obvious? Since our engagement, I'd only had eyes for her.
"That's right. And you haven't either, have you?"
"Well, I'm a woman, so that's natural... but you're the heir to your house, aren't you? Don't most noble families have... that kind of education... you know..."
"I get what you mean, but the Deharm family doesn't mark adulthood that way. I swear by the God of Light—I've never lain with a woman."
Esilly's face flushed crimson. Her hair seemed to lift, her hands fidgeting unnaturally. After a long pause, she teared up like she'd been wronged.
"Waaah. If you'd told me sooner, I could've... somehow, I mean... before the Elf... just the two of us..."
Her words trailed into fragments. Not understanding, I tilted my head.
"What are you trying to say?"
"It's not words, but..."
Her childish antics were frustrating.
"If there's something you want, do it here and now. I leave tomorrow—no time to waste."
"Th-that's absurd! How could we do that here?"
"Then don't."
Teasing, I stepped back, but she closed the gap in two strides. What was this? In the sudden closeness, she lightly gripped my waist. Her face was flushed, reason half-lost.
"Then forgive my impropriety—just a little."
"What impropriety—"
Esilly rose on tiptoe and pressed her lips to mine. Mwah.
Stunned, my eyes bulged, heart pounding wildly. Time seemed to freeze; thoughts halted, worries evaporated.
After what felt like five minutes but was mere seconds, she pulled away with a shy smile.
"This is my first. Yours too?"
"...Yes."
"Good. I didn't want her taking this too."
Her breath came ragged. Regaining composure amid her embarrassment, she took my hand.
"Lord Theorad. If it's not too forward, promise me one thing?"
"I promise."
She looked up. Her sapphire eyes held the night stars and my reflection.
"Even if you give your body to the Elf first..."
She guided my hand to her upper chest like a net drawing me in. Clutching my wrist, she murmured sadly,
"Please save your heart's first for me."
Her words, so pleasing, tricked my selfishness into seeming consideration. But knowing it was an irresistible truth... neither she nor I could drop the act.
"Can you?"
Her smile, like delicate forget-me-nots, stung my heart. I pulled her close by the nape, whispering sincerely,
"To me, you've always been first."
And you always will be. Murmuring whatever came to mind, I patted her back soothingly.