'I don't want anyone else to see this.'
The first time was hard, but the second was easy. Having tasted Stella once, Kendrick deeply devoured her lips once again. It was sweet. The sunlight was strong, but a breeze was blowing gently. It was the sweetest summer he had ever experienced in his life.
'Is this really okay?'
Stella savored Kendrick's lips while feeling worried. Their lips explored each other, making a wet, squelching sound. Stella felt shy, but the more she felt that way, the deeper she burrowed into Kendrick.
'It's not even our first kiss.'
Her heart pounded.
Kendrick's breath was enchanting. His tongue sensually tickled and indulged Stella. Stella tried not to give in, but she felt as though she were being consumed by him. He was such a good kisser that it made her jealous. Before she knew it, her eyes welled up with tears.
"Are you okay?"
He asked as their lips brushed against each other. The silver thread trailed slightly. When she remained silent out of shyness, Kendrick pulled his lips away completely. Then, he wiped Stella's lips again with a handkerchief.
"Is this really okay?"
Since I even went through death and came back to life, I could usually handle most things with ease, but why can't I do that with this?
"What if someone recognizes me at this rate..."
Kendrick turned his head around and looked about. Everyone was busy devouring their lovers' lips; no one was looking at Kendrick and Stella. He smiled playfully and spoke.
"As you said, it is my territory, so what does it matter?"
Stella was stunned for a moment by his audacious remark. Concerned about the stares of others, the two eventually moved to a bench in a secluded spot. Kendrick had been pressing down on Stella's arm with his thumb for quite some time.
"Why do you keep pressing on my arm?"
Kendrick touched Stella in silence for a long time. Stella waited until he answered.
"They say it's a disease where you lose your sense of touch, too. I want to engrave it deeply in your mind before you lose your senses."
Stella was left speechless at his words. She glanced at his expression. It was a look that was neither smiling nor crying, and that made him look even more sorrowful.
'You acted like you would never accept my death.'
So you were worried. Stella felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She felt Kendrick's gaze. His hand slowly approached Stella. Then, he gently stroked her hair. He caressed her very softly, as if she were a fleeting bubble about to vanish. At that slow touch, the situation suddenly felt regrettable.
"Let's go to a cafe."
Kendrick stood up. Stella also headed toward the cafe he had found. As expected, it was a famous cafe just as he had heard, and it was bustling with people. Stella pulled her hat down low so as not to reveal her identity.
"It’s not a crime to be out on a date with my wife."
Kendrick had a nonchalant attitude, as if he didn't care. The cafe was in the center of the bustling district. Even without standing still, one could clearly hear other people talking. Stella ordered a strawberry-banana juice, which was said to be a blend of Imperial strawberries and the exotic fruit, bananas.
"Wow, it's really delicious."
It was an unusual combination, but the blend of freshness and sweetness suited his taste. Kendrick smiled with satisfaction. He was slowly savoring this moment.
"Hey, guys. Did you hear the rumors about Lady Stella?"
Stella's name was heard from the table across from them. Naturally, the two of them listened intently to the sound.
"What rumor...?"
"You know that boutique frequented by the aristocracy? My friend's daughter works there, and apparently, a rumor is going around among them."
Everyone around took an interest and focused on the conversation. The speaker lowered their voice as if it were a secret, but because their voice was so deep, it could be heard clearly.
"Stella is enjoying a night ball."
"What?"
"Oh, come on."
Creak. The sound of a chair sliding was heard. Kendrick seemed to be about to spring up. Stella quickly grabbed his wrist.
"Also, I heard she does drugs frequently. I guess appearances aren't everything."
It felt as if Kendrick got angry here; something irreversible would happen.
"Oh, come on. She is such a respectable woman. I heard she even established an orphanage herself this time."
"Exactly. Why do you think she suddenly established that? It's all just to manage her image."
They did not stop. If anyone were to step forward, it had to be Stella, not Kendrick. If these rumors continued to spread, Stella intended to step forward herself.
"On top of that, there are rumors that Lady Stella has a soft spot for young boys. Who knows? Maybe the real purpose of establishing the orphanage was to keep boys close."
Upon hearing all this, Stella could not possibly remain silent. This was not an insult only to her. It was an insult to the innocent children of the orphanage, and also to the Duke's family. Just as she was about to stand up, another loud noise was heard.
"Tsk. Don't say such things. Lady Stella is such a merciful person."
Stella paused for a moment.
"Did you see it? Did you see Lady Stella going to nightclubs, doing drugs, and playing with kids?"
"There was someone who stepped forward angrily on her behalf. The person who had brought the rumor spoke as if making an excuse.
"Well... It's not exactly like that. But rumors like this have spread even among the nobles..."
This time, someone else took Stella's side.
"If you keep making up things that didn't happen and spreading them around, you'll get arrested."
"I mean, how about I report you?"
The person who was trying to spread the rumor crumpled their expression as if cornered.
"Fine. Why are you getting so worked up? It's just something I said."
Stella suddenly remembered what Harald had said.
"The villagers like Stella very much, as well as Kendrick."
As the atmosphere turned chilly, the group dispersed not long after. The silence spread to Stella and Kendrick. A murderous glint seemed to flow across Kendrick's face. After a while, Kendrick stood up again.
"I thought it would be best to arrest them."
Stella gripped his hand tightly and shook her head. She had been in a great mood just moments ago because it was her first proper date with Kendrick. She didn't want to ruin it.
"I kind of knew. That bad rumors were circulating about me."
His pupils widened.
"It's okay. Those who aren't will know for sure."
"Who spoke to you?"
'I was planning to keep it a secret forever.'
Kendrick did not want Stella to be distressed by this rumor at all.
"I'm not that soft anymore. It's obvious to me, even without anyone telling me."
Stella smiled gently and fiddled with his hair.
"You went through a lot of trouble to cover up the rumors about me, didn't you?"
"We haven't caught the culprit yet. The rumors spread so sporadically."
Kendrick gritted his teeth. His hand had been on his chest for a moment. His heart seemed to be trembling severely. Stella was more worried about that than the rumors.
"I just need to do my part."
Stella, on the contrary, maintained a relaxed attitude. Had the rumor spread like wildfire in this manner, she might have been the first to get angry. However, just like the woman who had defended Stella earlier, more people firmly believed it was not true.
"The culprit will be caught when the time comes."
So, she wasn't that angry about this incident. Rumors come and go; they are bound to appear one moment and disappear the next. She didn't want to be swayed by every little thing.
Stella smiled and changed the subject.
"By the way, is the potion okay now? It seems like its effectiveness has weakened quite a bit."
Come to think of it, it seemed like Kendrick was eating candy less often than before.
"A man who always has a candy in his mouth isn't attractive, is he?"
'What?'
Stella thought Kendrick was joking, but seeing his expression, she realized he was serious.
"I'm holding back desperately. I'm trying to show a stronger side."
'You're enduring the pain to look attractive to me?'
As Stella looked surprised, he reached out his hand."
"Give me your hand."
Stella's delicate hand overlapped his broad hand. Kendrick carefully pulled Stella's hand and placed it on his chest.
"Heeeeek."
'It's hot.'
Stella could feel the heat radiating from her fingertips. If it was this hot just from the outside, how much rage must the person in question be seething with? Stella bit her lip tightly.
The first time was hard, but the second was easy. Having tasted Stella once, Kendrick deeply devoured her lips once again. It was sweet. The sunlight was strong, but a breeze was blowing gently. It was the sweetest summer he had ever experienced in his life.
'Is this really okay?'
Stella savored Kendrick's lips while feeling worried. Their lips explored each other, making a wet, squelching sound. Stella felt shy, but the more she felt that way, the deeper she burrowed into Kendrick.
'It's not even our first kiss.'
Her heart pounded.
Kendrick's breath was enchanting. His tongue sensually tickled and indulged Stella. Stella tried not to give in, but she felt as though she were being consumed by him. He was such a good kisser that it made her jealous. Before she knew it, her eyes welled up with tears.
"Are you okay?"
He asked as their lips brushed against each other. The silver thread trailed slightly. When she remained silent out of shyness, Kendrick pulled his lips away completely. Then, he wiped Stella's lips again with a handkerchief.
"Is this really okay?"
Since I even went through death and came back to life, I could usually handle most things with ease, but why can't I do that with this?
"What if someone recognizes me at this rate..."
Kendrick turned his head around and looked about. Everyone was busy devouring their lovers' lips; no one was looking at Kendrick and Stella. He smiled playfully and spoke.
"As you said, it is my territory, so what does it matter?"
Stella was stunned for a moment by his audacious remark. Concerned about the stares of others, the two eventually moved to a bench in a secluded spot. Kendrick had been pressing down on Stella's arm with his thumb for quite some time.
"Why do you keep pressing on my arm?"
Kendrick touched Stella in silence for a long time. Stella waited until he answered.
"They say it's a disease where you lose your sense of touch, too. I want to engrave it deeply in your mind before you lose your senses."
Stella was left speechless at his words. She glanced at his expression. It was a look that was neither smiling nor crying, and that made him look even more sorrowful.
'You acted like you would never accept my death.'
So you were worried. Stella felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She felt Kendrick's gaze. His hand slowly approached Stella. Then, he gently stroked her hair. He caressed her very softly, as if she were a fleeting bubble about to vanish. At that slow touch, the situation suddenly felt regrettable.
"Let's go to a cafe."
Kendrick stood up. Stella also headed toward the cafe he had found. As expected, it was a famous cafe just as he had heard, and it was bustling with people. Stella pulled her hat down low so as not to reveal her identity.
"It’s not a crime to be out on a date with my wife."
Kendrick had a nonchalant attitude, as if he didn't care. The cafe was in the center of the bustling district. Even without standing still, one could clearly hear other people talking. Stella ordered a strawberry-banana juice, which was said to be a blend of Imperial strawberries and the exotic fruit, bananas.
"Wow, it's really delicious."
It was an unusual combination, but the blend of freshness and sweetness suited his taste. Kendrick smiled with satisfaction. He was slowly savoring this moment.
"Hey, guys. Did you hear the rumors about Lady Stella?"
Stella's name was heard from the table across from them. Naturally, the two of them listened intently to the sound.
"What rumor...?"
"You know that boutique frequented by the aristocracy? My friend's daughter works there, and apparently, a rumor is going around among them."
Everyone around took an interest and focused on the conversation. The speaker lowered their voice as if it were a secret, but because their voice was so deep, it could be heard clearly.
"Stella is enjoying a night ball."
"What?"
"Oh, come on."
Creak. The sound of a chair sliding was heard. Kendrick seemed to be about to spring up. Stella quickly grabbed his wrist.
"Also, I heard she does drugs frequently. I guess appearances aren't everything."
It felt as if Kendrick got angry here; something irreversible would happen.
"Oh, come on. She is such a respectable woman. I heard she even established an orphanage herself this time."
"Exactly. Why do you think she suddenly established that? It's all just to manage her image."
They did not stop. If anyone were to step forward, it had to be Stella, not Kendrick. If these rumors continued to spread, Stella intended to step forward herself.
"On top of that, there are rumors that Lady Stella has a soft spot for young boys. Who knows? Maybe the real purpose of establishing the orphanage was to keep boys close."
Upon hearing all this, Stella could not possibly remain silent. This was not an insult only to her. It was an insult to the innocent children of the orphanage, and also to the Duke's family. Just as she was about to stand up, another loud noise was heard.
"Tsk. Don't say such things. Lady Stella is such a merciful person."
Stella paused for a moment.
"Did you see it? Did you see Lady Stella going to nightclubs, doing drugs, and playing with kids?"
"There was someone who stepped forward angrily on her behalf. The person who had brought the rumor spoke as if making an excuse.
"Well... It's not exactly like that. But rumors like this have spread even among the nobles..."
This time, someone else took Stella's side.
"If you keep making up things that didn't happen and spreading them around, you'll get arrested."
"I mean, how about I report you?"
The person who was trying to spread the rumor crumpled their expression as if cornered.
"Fine. Why are you getting so worked up? It's just something I said."
Stella suddenly remembered what Harald had said.
"The villagers like Stella very much, as well as Kendrick."
As the atmosphere turned chilly, the group dispersed not long after. The silence spread to Stella and Kendrick. A murderous glint seemed to flow across Kendrick's face. After a while, Kendrick stood up again.
"I thought it would be best to arrest them."
Stella gripped his hand tightly and shook her head. She had been in a great mood just moments ago because it was her first proper date with Kendrick. She didn't want to ruin it.
"I kind of knew. That bad rumors were circulating about me."
His pupils widened.
"It's okay. Those who aren't will know for sure."
"Who spoke to you?"
'I was planning to keep it a secret forever.'
Kendrick did not want Stella to be distressed by this rumor at all.
"I'm not that soft anymore. It's obvious to me, even without anyone telling me."
Stella smiled gently and fiddled with his hair.
"You went through a lot of trouble to cover up the rumors about me, didn't you?"
"We haven't caught the culprit yet. The rumors spread so sporadically."
Kendrick gritted his teeth. His hand had been on his chest for a moment. His heart seemed to be trembling severely. Stella was more worried about that than the rumors.
"I just need to do my part."
Stella, on the contrary, maintained a relaxed attitude. Had the rumor spread like wildfire in this manner, she might have been the first to get angry. However, just like the woman who had defended Stella earlier, more people firmly believed it was not true.
"The culprit will be caught when the time comes."
So, she wasn't that angry about this incident. Rumors come and go; they are bound to appear one moment and disappear the next. She didn't want to be swayed by every little thing.
Stella smiled and changed the subject.
"By the way, is the potion okay now? It seems like its effectiveness has weakened quite a bit."
Come to think of it, it seemed like Kendrick was eating candy less often than before.
"A man who always has a candy in his mouth isn't attractive, is he?"
'What?'
Stella thought Kendrick was joking, but seeing his expression, she realized he was serious.
"I'm holding back desperately. I'm trying to show a stronger side."
'You're enduring the pain to look attractive to me?'
As Stella looked surprised, he reached out his hand."
"Give me your hand."
Stella's delicate hand overlapped his broad hand. Kendrick carefully pulled Stella's hand and placed it on his chest.
"Heeeeek."
'It's hot.'
Stella could feel the heat radiating from her fingertips. If it was this hot just from the outside, how much rage must the person in question be seething with? Stella bit her lip tightly.
'I don't think it was this hot even when he first drank the potion.'
"No matter how much it hurts, you do get numb to it."
Kendrick gently tapped Stella's lips. She stopped biting them. Stella resolved once again that she had to find the antidote as soon as possible.
'I must go find Harald as soon as I return to the Duke's mansion.'
The next item on the itinerary was to see the night view. The two of them climbed a hill near the Duke's residence.
"I want to see this night view with you for the rest of my life."
Kendrick spoke while gazing at the stars. He meant that he would neither let Stella die nor grant her a divorce. She did not answer.
"I've liked you since the first time I saw you."
"From the beginning?"
"From the moment I saw you enter the banquet hall."
Stella now felt that memory was distant. She clearly remembered only trying to win Kendrick's heart to satisfy the Duke and Duchess Lanedict. She could feel Kendrick's gaze.
"I love you."
Stella couldn't bring herself to say, "Me too." She kept worrying if this was okay. After all, Stella still didn't believe in love. Kendrick turned his gaze away from Stella as if he hadn't expected to hear an answer.
And so their date ended.
"It seems like Kendrick is having a harder time since he found out I'm terminally ill."
Harald looked at Stella as if asking why she thought that.
"I touched his heart yesterday, and it was hotter than it was then."
'They say he even shed tears in secret...'
Harald answered her words.
"No matter how much it hurts, you do get numb to it."
Kendrick gently tapped Stella's lips. She stopped biting them. Stella resolved once again that she had to find the antidote as soon as possible.
'I must go find Harald as soon as I return to the Duke's mansion.'
The next item on the itinerary was to see the night view. The two of them climbed a hill near the Duke's residence.
"I want to see this night view with you for the rest of my life."
Kendrick spoke while gazing at the stars. He meant that he would neither let Stella die nor grant her a divorce. She did not answer.
"I've liked you since the first time I saw you."
"From the beginning?"
"From the moment I saw you enter the banquet hall."
Stella now felt that memory was distant. She clearly remembered only trying to win Kendrick's heart to satisfy the Duke and Duchess Lanedict. She could feel Kendrick's gaze.
"I love you."
Stella couldn't bring herself to say, "Me too." She kept worrying if this was okay. After all, Stella still didn't believe in love. Kendrick turned his gaze away from Stella as if he hadn't expected to hear an answer.
And so their date ended.
***
"It seems like Kendrick is having a harder time since he found out I'm terminally ill."
Harald looked at Stella as if asking why she thought that.
"I touched his heart yesterday, and it was hotter than it was then."
'They say he even shed tears in secret...'
Harald answered her words.
"Something similar happened last time, didn't it? When Stella almost died in court."
That's right. It was like that back then, too.
"Kendrick was struggling a lot back then as well. However, now that he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, his symptoms have worsened even further."
Stella nodded.
"It seems his worry about losing Stella is erupting as a fever. Certainly, his heart rate is too fast even during the examination. Judging by the high fever, he will likely suffer from both heart pain and a headache."
'I never wanted this.'
Stella's face grew increasingly dark.
"Still, I think telling Kendrick that I was sick was a much better choice."
She raised her head and looked at Harald.
"Isn't it at least giving you a chance to do something?"
"That's true."
"I am also searching for information on the disease of loneliness day and night."
"Thank you."
Harald cleared his throat as if embarrassed to speak.
"Stella, you are our Adrian's treasure. Please do not lose courage until the very end."
It was too embarrassing to hear from Harald.
That's right. It was like that back then, too.
"Kendrick was struggling a lot back then as well. However, now that he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, his symptoms have worsened even further."
Stella nodded.
"It seems his worry about losing Stella is erupting as a fever. Certainly, his heart rate is too fast even during the examination. Judging by the high fever, he will likely suffer from both heart pain and a headache."
'I never wanted this.'
Stella's face grew increasingly dark.
"Still, I think telling Kendrick that I was sick was a much better choice."
She raised her head and looked at Harald.
"Isn't it at least giving you a chance to do something?"
"That's true."
"I am also searching for information on the disease of loneliness day and night."
"Thank you."
Harald cleared his throat as if embarrassed to speak.
"Stella, you are our Adrian's treasure. Please do not lose courage until the very end."
It was too embarrassing to hear from Harald.
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