Kate, the head maid, showed her excellent eye again today. With her help, Elise draped a shawl over her off-the-shoulder evening dress. She also didn't forget a hat with a mesh veil and a parasol.
Since a horse or carriage was essential for exploring the outer castle, Elise and Blake used an open-top carriage. Four knights on horseback escorted the carriage, including Grand Master Claude and Bart Luos.
Elise meticulously observed the castle's interior and exterior. Some things couldn't be understood just by reading the script. This was especially true for "Fallen Lovers," a film focused on romance. The script didn't really reveal much about the world, the historical setting, or the lives of ordinary people. Therefore, it was necessary to delve into this world while she had some free time.
If the inner wall served as a living space for the Grand Duke and his wife, the outer and inner walls resembled a city. Districts were divided into residential and commercial areas based on intended use.
“There are a lot of stores.”
"It's not comparable to the capital, but you won't have any trouble finding what you need. Some merchants directly managed by Frozen possess their own transport magic circles. All products from major regions can be delivered within the same day."
Elise closed her mouth, which was about to open wide, and nodded.
"Yes."
Of course, the inside was incredibly noisy.
'Magic is so wonderful! The seafood and everything else somehow tastes as fresh as if it were just caught!'
“The Marquis of Clanton is also skilled in magic, isn’t he?”
"Yes?"
“I heard that he was the youngest person to graduate from the academy.”
Elise, of course, didn't know about such a setting. So she just smiled faintly, as if to say, "Oh, how did you know?"
'Yeah, I have a father. Lucas has a mother. The premise is that they're remarried. I hadn't thought of that before. Surely we wouldn't meet in the capital?'
The Marquis and Marchioness Clanton do not appear in "Fallen Lovers." However, she cannot be certain that she will never encounter them somewhere outside of the scenes depicted in the original.
'I should send a letter to Lucas. Ask him to send me some photos and information.'
Fearing that he might bring up more family-related topics, Elise subtly turned the question to him.
"How about you?"
“Are you talking about the Academy?”
"Yes."
“I graduated from the School of Public Administration.”
“Administration?”
Elise stared at him with wide eyes. He was dressed in a perfect suit, complete with a vest, but Elise knew very well what kind of body was hidden beneath it.
Aren't your shoulders, chest, abdomen, back, and thighs all covered in dense muscle? And yet, the Department of Public Administration? Why does it feel like such a waste?
“I see you’re surprised. Sir Clanton is a knight of the College.”
"... Yes."
Elise had no idea what department Lucas Clanton, the original male protagonist, had graduated from. So, once again, she was tight-lipped and simply nodded. Fortunately, Blake didn't ask any more questions. Instead, he satisfied her curiosity.
"I am the Lord of Frozen. Whether I like it or not, I cannot live as a knight. Rather, I am the one they owe loyalty to."
Even the next day, he was still looking at paperwork. He spent most of his time in his office, and most of his tasks were likely administrative.
Suddenly, Elise became very curious.
"Can I ask you this? I'm really curious. But I also don't think I should ask."
He asked her, who was hesitating and watching his expression.
“Why are you doing that?”
“Just one question... Oh, no.”
“If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.”
“But, I think you might feel bad.”
“That won’t happen.”
At his firm words, Elise smiled bashfully and asked.
“I’m just curious. Have you and my brother ever fought?”
"No."
Elise felt his face harden slightly.
“Why is that... curious?”
“Of course...”
She was just asking out of pure curiosity. Everyone wonders about things like that. Like, who would win in a fight between Superman and Batman?
But she had a strong feeling that she shouldn't say it outright, so Elise racked her brain to come up with a suitable answer.
“Because you are my husband?”
His expression changed subtly.
"No matter what anyone says, you're the one I can rely on, Blake. No matter who you face, I want you to win. Of course I'll be rooting for you."
“...Is that so?”
A faint smile of delight graced his lips. Thinking she'd gotten over it, Elise turned her head to look outside again.
It was then that she heard a voice that sounded almost like a soliloquy.
“I will definitely live up to your expectations.”
"Yes?"
“No. No. While we’re here, would you like to take a look around the shops?”
"Great."
Elise answered with a happy face, as she had been curious anyway.
Shopping. How thrilling it is, especially when traveling.
'This isn't a tourist destination, though.'
Elise had already ordered a dress before the trip, but she bought a few more while she was there. She also bought jewelry and shoes.
She was initially a bit cautious, not knowing the financial situation of the Grand Duke's family, but she quickly learned there was no need for that. The amount earmarked for the maintenance of the Grand Duke's dignity was truly enormous.
'My husband is rich!'
Elise was delighted. He was handsome, in good shape, good at night work, and even wealthy. Could there be anything more heartwarming in the world?
After finishing her shopping, she went in for a refreshing drink, and the customers in the cafe had already left. She didn't even have to worry about what to drink. She sat down on a chair Blake had personally pulled out for her, and a table was filled with delicious drinks and desserts.
Her husband was a man of wealth and power who could make love spring up where it never existed before.
“You look happy.”
Blake, who was watching her closely, said.
"Yes. I really like it. I'll wear the clothes you gave me well. Thank you, Blake."
“...It’s nothing special. It’s not a gift, it’s just Madam’s.”
“But I still want to call it a gift. That makes me feel better.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. This is the first time I’ve received such a nice gift from someone.”
Although she'd dated wealthy men before, Elise usually bought things for herself with her own money. She didn't want to hear later accusations of being a money-grubbing snake, saying things like, "I bought you something, so you shouldn't do this," or "I bought you something, so you shouldn't do that."
Even in her unknown days, she would rather starve than beg for food. For every penny she received, she had to repay. It wasn't just pride or a stubborn personality. It was a conclusion she reached after being repeatedly slapped in the face during her ignorant days.
And yet, she unknowingly trusted just one person, and in the end, she was the one who was truly betrayed. Elise, the only one, was betrayed by him.
Therefore, even now, she does not believe in things like unreasonable favors or pure affection.
Yet, the reason she accepts Blake's offer rather than rejecting it is that this isn't reality. Goodwill, or even true love, really exists only in stories.
“Elise...”
He carefully took her hand in his.
Elise was momentarily speechless at the unexpected question.
'Uh... I don't know about that either.'
She didn't even know the Marquis and Marchioness of Clanton's faces, so she couldn't possibly know how they would treat her there. Elise quietly avoided his gaze. When you're unsure, an ambiguous response that stimulates the other person's imagination is the best.
“No, they've been very kind to me.”
“...”
There was silence for a moment. Elise knew without even looking what his gaze was like.
'Ugh... I hate this kind of atmosphere.'
Still, Elise held on. After all, the fact that his feelings for her were growing increasingly pitiful wasn't a bad sign. People usually overlook their flaws and mistakes to some degree when they feel pity for someone. It's a kind of tolerance.
'You have to make the most of what you have.'
“I’m sorry. I asked a pointless question...”
He said in a small, guilty voice.
"I won't make you look like that again. I'll be kind to you several times over."
'Yeah. That's it.'
Elise, elated by his positive response, desperately tried to control the twitching corners of her lips. Her lips trembled involuntarily, as if she were desperately trying to hold back tears.
“Elise...”
It was only natural that Blake's expression darkened further.
'Oh, I feel a little sorry for no reason.'
Elise, feeling a little embarrassed, turned her head slightly, trying not to meet Blake's gaze.
'...Huh?'
Then, suddenly, her eyes met with an unexpected person. It was Bart Luos, standing at the door of the café.
The moment his eyes met hers, he flinched and pretended to look away. This made Elise even more confident.
'I thought you were watching me?'
When she sees him being so surprised, it's clear that he has a reason to be insecure.
'Hmm...'
Elise's eyes narrowed.
By the time they left the café, the sun was already setting. Instead of returning to the castle, Blake led Elise outside the outer walls.
“I have something to show you.”
“At this time?”
“It’s more special when you see it at night.”
Elise could tell he was slightly excited. He looked like a child, eager to reveal a hidden treasure. Instead of asking questions, Elise followed him, prepared to be surprised.
To the north of the castle stood a small forest, off-limits to the lords. Elise and Blake disembarked from their carriage and walked along the path alone, without the knights accompanying them.
Elise took a deep breath, feeling the freshness of the forest for the first time in a long time.
'Ah, good.'
The clear air, free of any trace of turbidity, the lush trees blocking out the sun, and the wildflowers blooming everywhere made her feel at ease.
After walking for a while, the trees on both sides disappeared, and an open space appeared.
“Wow, there’s a lake here. It’s so pretty.”
A beautiful lake, filled with dazzling stars like the night sky, stretched out before them.
“Yes, that’s right.”
That alone was enough to elicit admiration, but Blake didn't quite make a 'tsk!' expression. There seemed to be more to it.
Since a horse or carriage was essential for exploring the outer castle, Elise and Blake used an open-top carriage. Four knights on horseback escorted the carriage, including Grand Master Claude and Bart Luos.
Elise meticulously observed the castle's interior and exterior. Some things couldn't be understood just by reading the script. This was especially true for "Fallen Lovers," a film focused on romance. The script didn't really reveal much about the world, the historical setting, or the lives of ordinary people. Therefore, it was necessary to delve into this world while she had some free time.
If the inner wall served as a living space for the Grand Duke and his wife, the outer and inner walls resembled a city. Districts were divided into residential and commercial areas based on intended use.
“There are a lot of stores.”
"It's not comparable to the capital, but you won't have any trouble finding what you need. Some merchants directly managed by Frozen possess their own transport magic circles. All products from major regions can be delivered within the same day."
Elise closed her mouth, which was about to open wide, and nodded.
"Yes."
Of course, the inside was incredibly noisy.
'Magic is so wonderful! The seafood and everything else somehow tastes as fresh as if it were just caught!'
“The Marquis of Clanton is also skilled in magic, isn’t he?”
"Yes?"
“I heard that he was the youngest person to graduate from the academy.”
Elise, of course, didn't know about such a setting. So she just smiled faintly, as if to say, "Oh, how did you know?"
'Yeah, I have a father. Lucas has a mother. The premise is that they're remarried. I hadn't thought of that before. Surely we wouldn't meet in the capital?'
The Marquis and Marchioness Clanton do not appear in "Fallen Lovers." However, she cannot be certain that she will never encounter them somewhere outside of the scenes depicted in the original.
'I should send a letter to Lucas. Ask him to send me some photos and information.'
Fearing that he might bring up more family-related topics, Elise subtly turned the question to him.
"How about you?"
“Are you talking about the Academy?”
"Yes."
“I graduated from the School of Public Administration.”
“Administration?”
Elise stared at him with wide eyes. He was dressed in a perfect suit, complete with a vest, but Elise knew very well what kind of body was hidden beneath it.
Aren't your shoulders, chest, abdomen, back, and thighs all covered in dense muscle? And yet, the Department of Public Administration? Why does it feel like such a waste?
“I see you’re surprised. Sir Clanton is a knight of the College.”
"... Yes."
Elise had no idea what department Lucas Clanton, the original male protagonist, had graduated from. So, once again, she was tight-lipped and simply nodded. Fortunately, Blake didn't ask any more questions. Instead, he satisfied her curiosity.
"I am the Lord of Frozen. Whether I like it or not, I cannot live as a knight. Rather, I am the one they owe loyalty to."
Even the next day, he was still looking at paperwork. He spent most of his time in his office, and most of his tasks were likely administrative.
Suddenly, Elise became very curious.
"Can I ask you this? I'm really curious. But I also don't think I should ask."
He asked her, who was hesitating and watching his expression.
“Why are you doing that?”
“Just one question... Oh, no.”
“If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.”
“But, I think you might feel bad.”
“That won’t happen.”
At his firm words, Elise smiled bashfully and asked.
“I’m just curious. Have you and my brother ever fought?”
"No."
Elise felt his face harden slightly.
“Why is that... curious?”
“Of course...”
She was just asking out of pure curiosity. Everyone wonders about things like that. Like, who would win in a fight between Superman and Batman?
But she had a strong feeling that she shouldn't say it outright, so Elise racked her brain to come up with a suitable answer.
“Because you are my husband?”
His expression changed subtly.
"No matter what anyone says, you're the one I can rely on, Blake. No matter who you face, I want you to win. Of course I'll be rooting for you."
“...Is that so?”
A faint smile of delight graced his lips. Thinking she'd gotten over it, Elise turned her head to look outside again.
It was then that she heard a voice that sounded almost like a soliloquy.
“I will definitely live up to your expectations.”
"Yes?"
“No. No. While we’re here, would you like to take a look around the shops?”
"Great."
Elise answered with a happy face, as she had been curious anyway.
***
Shopping. How thrilling it is, especially when traveling.
'This isn't a tourist destination, though.'
Elise had already ordered a dress before the trip, but she bought a few more while she was there. She also bought jewelry and shoes.
She was initially a bit cautious, not knowing the financial situation of the Grand Duke's family, but she quickly learned there was no need for that. The amount earmarked for the maintenance of the Grand Duke's dignity was truly enormous.
'My husband is rich!'
Elise was delighted. He was handsome, in good shape, good at night work, and even wealthy. Could there be anything more heartwarming in the world?
After finishing her shopping, she went in for a refreshing drink, and the customers in the cafe had already left. She didn't even have to worry about what to drink. She sat down on a chair Blake had personally pulled out for her, and a table was filled with delicious drinks and desserts.
Her husband was a man of wealth and power who could make love spring up where it never existed before.
“You look happy.”
Blake, who was watching her closely, said.
"Yes. I really like it. I'll wear the clothes you gave me well. Thank you, Blake."
“...It’s nothing special. It’s not a gift, it’s just Madam’s.”
“But I still want to call it a gift. That makes me feel better.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. This is the first time I’ve received such a nice gift from someone.”
Although she'd dated wealthy men before, Elise usually bought things for herself with her own money. She didn't want to hear later accusations of being a money-grubbing snake, saying things like, "I bought you something, so you shouldn't do this," or "I bought you something, so you shouldn't do that."
Even in her unknown days, she would rather starve than beg for food. For every penny she received, she had to repay. It wasn't just pride or a stubborn personality. It was a conclusion she reached after being repeatedly slapped in the face during her ignorant days.
And yet, she unknowingly trusted just one person, and in the end, she was the one who was truly betrayed. Elise, the only one, was betrayed by him.
Therefore, even now, she does not believe in things like unreasonable favors or pure affection.
Yet, the reason she accepts Blake's offer rather than rejecting it is that this isn't reality. Goodwill, or even true love, really exists only in stories.
“Elise...”
He carefully took her hand in his.
“In Clanton, didn't they cherish you, Madam?”
'Uh... I don't know about that either.'
She didn't even know the Marquis and Marchioness of Clanton's faces, so she couldn't possibly know how they would treat her there. Elise quietly avoided his gaze. When you're unsure, an ambiguous response that stimulates the other person's imagination is the best.
“No, they've been very kind to me.”
“...”
There was silence for a moment. Elise knew without even looking what his gaze was like.
'Ugh... I hate this kind of atmosphere.'
Still, Elise held on. After all, the fact that his feelings for her were growing increasingly pitiful wasn't a bad sign. People usually overlook their flaws and mistakes to some degree when they feel pity for someone. It's a kind of tolerance.
'You have to make the most of what you have.'
“I’m sorry. I asked a pointless question...”
He said in a small, guilty voice.
"I won't make you look like that again. I'll be kind to you several times over."
'Yeah. That's it.'
Elise, elated by his positive response, desperately tried to control the twitching corners of her lips. Her lips trembled involuntarily, as if she were desperately trying to hold back tears.
“Elise...”
It was only natural that Blake's expression darkened further.
'Oh, I feel a little sorry for no reason.'
Elise, feeling a little embarrassed, turned her head slightly, trying not to meet Blake's gaze.
'...Huh?'
Then, suddenly, her eyes met with an unexpected person. It was Bart Luos, standing at the door of the café.
The moment his eyes met hers, he flinched and pretended to look away. This made Elise even more confident.
'I thought you were watching me?'
When she sees him being so surprised, it's clear that he has a reason to be insecure.
'Hmm...'
Elise's eyes narrowed.
***
By the time they left the café, the sun was already setting. Instead of returning to the castle, Blake led Elise outside the outer walls.
“I have something to show you.”
“At this time?”
“It’s more special when you see it at night.”
Elise could tell he was slightly excited. He looked like a child, eager to reveal a hidden treasure. Instead of asking questions, Elise followed him, prepared to be surprised.
To the north of the castle stood a small forest, off-limits to the lords. Elise and Blake disembarked from their carriage and walked along the path alone, without the knights accompanying them.
Elise took a deep breath, feeling the freshness of the forest for the first time in a long time.
'Ah, good.'
The clear air, free of any trace of turbidity, the lush trees blocking out the sun, and the wildflowers blooming everywhere made her feel at ease.
After walking for a while, the trees on both sides disappeared, and an open space appeared.
“Wow, there’s a lake here. It’s so pretty.”
A beautiful lake, filled with dazzling stars like the night sky, stretched out before them.
“Yes, that’s right.”
That alone was enough to elicit admiration, but Blake didn't quite make a 'tsk!' expression. There seemed to be more to it.
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