The outing was set for the very next day.
Due to the lack of time, I had to go out as soon as possible.
“Ugh, I really have nothing to wear.”
“That’s why we’re going out to buy clothes.”
“It’s a problem that I don’t have anything to wear when going out to buy clothes. Is this even a normal outing?”
As Sienna checked the clothes, flames of frustration ignited in her eyes.
“…It doesn’t seem like it’s a particularly special outing.”
At my words, Sienna, who had been rummaging through clothes like a grave robber, quickly turned to look at me.
Wow, I almost lowered my eyes without realizing it.
In fact, I think I already did a little.
Sienna’s eyes were burning with intensity, and I felt so intimidated that I instinctively looked down.
“How can this not be a special outing? It’s... it’s...!”
It’s what?
“It’s your first date with the Duke!”
Sienna exclaimed, her cheeks flushing like a shy girl as she let out a small squeal.
I didn’t think much of it at all.
A date? With the male lead?
The female lead would laugh at that.
Of course, it was true that Dante and I had decided to go out together.
That was something I proposed directly to Dante after he heard about my outing plans last night.
“How about going out with me, Duke? Barhan said it would be good for you to buy a few outfits this time.”
Yes. The whole thing started when Barhan casually mentioned in the evening, “It would be good if the lady picked out some clothes for the Duke. From what I’ve seen of your work clothes, you seem to have good taste. Hehe.”
I replied that I would discuss it with Dante first.
However, the more I thought about it, the more I felt that accompanying Dante wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Having the Empire's best swordsman with me meant there was no need to be burdened by an entourage of knights.
Moreover, it would help with my future relationship with Serafina.
In the original story, Serafina felt encouraged to go out together after noticing some progress in her relationship with Dante.
“Duke. Would you like to go out with me? I heard about a famous dessert shop and wanted to check it out. It would be great if you could join me…”
That was Serafina’s timid declaration of courage for a date.
Dante’s response was:
“I’m not really fond of desserts. Just go with your close maids.”
Hah. That was truly ridiculous.
What was sadder was that this was Dante's way of being considerate.
“If I go out with you, people will be scared and Serafina will feel uncomfortable. It’s better if I don’t join.”
Well, that kind of consideration.
No! If that’s consideration, then he should at least explain himself properly afterward!
Why do these men and women skip over their true feelings and complicate things like this!
And why lie about not liking desserts?
From what I've seen, he seems to enjoy the desserts I give him without complaint!
In the end, Serafina ran off and buried her face in her pillow while crying tears of despair.
She thought it was foolish of herself to believe they had grown closer even a little bit.
Oh dear...
So in order to prevent such situations from happening again—I needed to drag the male lead out for some fresh air!
People should realize that they don’t fear his stunning appearance!
To be honest, nobles talk nonsense about him being a monster or cursed; however, the people of the North take pride in Dante as their hero who is skilled and keeps them safe!
Dante—whose self-esteem is at rock bottom—won’t notice until Serafina wakes him up to that fact.
This time, I needed to take Dante out and recharge his self-esteem beforehand!
And there was another reason too...
"I’ve noticed you seem a bit down lately. How about we go out and refresh ourselves?"
His short replies and vacant expression gave off an oddly cold vibe; there was even a strange feeling of hitting a wall.
At first, I didn’t think much of it; maybe he was just busy or something.
However, even after quite some time had passed—Dante's attitude remained unchanged. The once warm-hearted person had turned robotic; naturally, worry crept into my mind.
Could it be that work has been tough on him lately?
Had something happened without my knowledge? But Barhan said that wasn’t the case either...
So what on earth could be causing this?
Regardless of anything else—perhaps getting some fresh air during our outing would lift his spirits!
The answer didn’t come easily.
There was a slight crack in his cold expression but still no answer flowed from him easily.
At this point, an unsettling thought crossed my mind:
Could it be that Dante's change in behavior is because...
“Did I do something wrong? Am I being oblivious by suggesting we go out together for some fun? Is it possible that I'm the source of all this? Am I creating a situation where I'm both giving him medicine while also being the cause of his illness?”
“No! That’s not it!”
Unlike his previous hesitation—his response came back quickly. However, due to the prolonged silence earlier—I still felt suspicious.
Ah! Is this how Serafina feels?
Looking at it now—Dante is definitely guilty here!
“No, Duke! You can just speak honestly! There’s nothing boring about saying you’re tired or annoyed with me! After all—I’m the one who turned away from you right after we got married and locked myself away in my room! It’s me who failed to pick up on things! I'm sorry... Just let me go out alone instead. It’s fine; I'm okay.”
“I’ve never thought like that! Not once!”
“Really?”
“Absolutely!”
“Then why have you been avoiding me...?”
“That was just my issue. Really—it’s my problem.”
“If so—will you go out with me? We can pick out clothes together and eat something delicious while you stop giving short replies and actually smile?”
“I’ll do it. I promise.”
After repeatedly hearing Dante's firm affirmation—I straightened up from my slumped posture and smiled brightly again.
And then...
“Yes! Then let's plan on going together tomorrow! Oh, I'm so excited! Now let’s get some sleep!”
I slept well that night.
Having received such satisfactory answers allowed me to enjoy an amazing sleep.
However, upon waking up the next day—I found myself caught in Sienna's and Marie's grasp looking like this!
I thought we were going out but instead felt like I was entering some kind of contest!
To Sienna who bounced around excitedly saying it was our first date—I scratched my nose and replied:
“It’s nothing grand; we’re just going out together. Plus, we’re also buying some clothes for the Duke.”
“Yes yes! The world has decided that when a man and woman—especially a married couple—go out alone together—it’s called a date!”
Ah well. If that's how society defined it then there’s nothing more to say about it!
Sienna casually brushed off my words while holding up an appropriate outfit she had chosen without me noticing.
“I wish there were more glamorous and pretty dresses available; it's such a shame.”
“Why? I actually like this one.”
The outfit Sienna picked really wasn’t bad—it looked quite decent and bright enough for an outing!
It seemed like one of those outfits Dante had prepared ahead of time before our marriage.
While it might not suffice for hosting guests—it looked perfect for light outings!
“And too flashy clothes feel burdensome. I just want to go quietly without attracting too much attention; flashy clothes will make me look too noble.”
“Nobles always show their status even through their mannerisms.”
“…Do you really think so?”
We exchanged glances momentarily.
Huh? Why is she scanning me from head to toe?
Why is she suddenly avoiding my gaze now?
Tsk tsk. Sienna didn’t end up answering after all her scrutinizing looks!
Instead—she pulled me towards the vanity table and seated me there.
“Just wait here for a moment.”
“No really; we can just prepare quickly…”
“Wait here please, my lady.”
“Okay... I'll wait patiently.”
I decided to sit quietly as instructed.
Soon enough—Sienna began fussing over my face while Marie appeared alongside her with an earnest expression as she held up various accessories next to my face one by one.
“We need some accessories too! Oh—and shoes! Don’t forget them okay?”
Can’t they just send anything random for shoes or accessories?
While clothes might differ—the jewelry seems pretty much similar everywhere; shoes probably won’t show much under clothing anyway...
But saying such things in front of their serious faces would likely earn me glares so I simply nodded instead.
Sure! Why not enjoy some legitimate shopping while we’re at it?
I closed my eyes and entrusted everything over to them. Ah... this feels surprisingly comfortable and pleasant...
“You need to keep your eyes open since we have to see how well everything matches!”
“Ugh…”
After about an hour passed...
“Oh!”
Seeing myself in the mirror caused me to exclaim softly in admiration.
While Marie and Sienna expressed disappointment wishing they could add more decorations—I realized this was the first time facing such an adorned version of myself!
Ah... except for on my wedding day...
But on that day—I truly lost myself amidst everything happening around me!
As I spun around before the mirror several times—Sienna cautiously asked,
“Do you like it?”
“Yeah! I look prettier than I expected! Right?”
“Of course! You’ve always been beautiful!”
“That’s right! When I first saw you—I thought you were some kind of fairy!”
“…Ugh…”
Somehow their excessive compliments made me feel distrustful instead.
“Oh no—we need to hurry up and leave now!”
It was already three minutes before our appointment time!
I dashed out of the room urging myself forward; somehow I felt like Dante must have already finished preparing by now waiting impatiently!
And sure enough—as soon as I reached down into the lobby on the first floor—I spotted Dante standing there awkwardly waiting.
“Duke!”
I called cheerfully as he turned around towards me.
3/related/default