“I packed sandwiches, grilled chicken legs, and some light desserts for you to enjoy.”
The heavy picnic basket was handed over by Ena.
She could have easily passed it through someone else, but she insisted on running out to the front door to deliver it herself.
“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”
As I smiled and accepted the basket, Dante naturally snatched it from my hands.
Ah, this sweet young man.
How could I not be charmed by him?
With the picnic basket, mat, and even a cloak to drape over ourselves securely packed, the two of us climbed into the carriage, receiving farewells from everyone.
Ena, Mari, Sienna, and even Barhan.
Anyone who saw us would think we were heading off to war, not a picnic.
“Have a good trip, my lady. Duke.”
“I’ll be back by dinner at the latest.”
“Ha ha. Yes. I hope you both have a wonderful time.”
Leaving behind the smiling faces, the carriage that Dante and I were in slowly began to move.
* * *
The people left in the mansion watched the two of them off with smiles, and only when the carriage was out of sight did they return inside.
“Do you think there will be some progress today?”
At Mari’s worried question, Barhan chuckled, a smile tinged with concern.
In truth, the people in the mansion hoped for a deeper relationship between the two.
Of course, they seemed to be getting along well now, but...
How should I put it? There seemed to be a lack of couple-like moments at times.
They looked more like friends who understood each other rather than lovers.
Even though the affection in their gazes was clearly rational.
This had always been a disappointment.
In the Richter family, where marriages were often devoid of affection due to being pushed into unions by the royal family, it was truly rare for a couple to harbor feelings for each other.
So, now that they had developed feelings for one another, everyone in the mansion deeply wished for them to continue a loving marriage.
Hopefully, today’s date would be the catalyst for that.
“By the way, where did they decide to go?”
“To Litton Lake.”
Mari answered Sienna’s question.
Litton Lake, huh...
“Isn’t it somewhat close to the northern forest?”
Litton Lake was famous for its beautiful scenery.
However, due to its ambiguous proximity to the northern forest, it was a place that few visited.
After all, one couldn’t risk their life for beautiful scenery.
“You scouted the northern forest and the icy land not too long ago, right? Since you confirmed it was safe, I guess that’s why you chose that place.”
“Ah, that makes sense.”
If safety is guaranteed, there’s no better date spot than Litton Lake.
It’s secluded and beautiful.
They could enjoy their time without worrying about the gazes of others, laughing and having fun.
Sienna looked up at the clear sky and smiled brightly.
Ah, I hope they share a passionate kiss today!
* * *
“Wow!”
Upon arriving at the destination, Litton Lake, I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
Goodness. I never knew there was such a place in the north.
A feast of beautifully colored autumn leaves and, in between, trees still proudly displaying their greenery.
The grass sprouted, and cute yellow wildflowers made their appearance.
The lake sparkled brilliantly, reflecting the blue sky and sunlight, dazzling to the eye.
Even the sight of small birds occasionally fluttering in to quench their thirst was as beautiful as a scene from a fairy tale.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it. This is the most wonderful place I’ve ever been to in my life.”
That was no exaggeration.
Due to my past lack of freedom, this was my first time visiting such a beautiful place.
“Actually, it’s my first time here too.”
“Really?”
He nodded.
...Well, Dante was someone who hesitated to go outside.
Whether by choice or circumstance, he probably had a similar lack of freedom in outdoor activities as I did.
“It’s great that it’s your first time too, Dante.”
I said cheerfully, and he widened his eyes in surprise.
“I’m the first person you’ve seen this beautiful scenery with, right? You’ll never forget me now.”
Right. I should leave Dante with an unforgettable memory like this.
One such memory should be enough to make him think of me as more than just a female lead.
Just as I turned around to hide my mischievous smile.
“Then, I will never forget you for the rest of my life.”
The low voice that came from behind made me stiffen in surprise.
“Because you are with me for all my firsts.”
...Officer, there’s a thief here.
A thief who has stolen my heart.
I covered my face with both hands, feeling the heat rise.
My face must be as red as a hot sweet potato right now.
How could I not be charmed when he speaks such sweet words in that lovely voice?
* * *
“Phew, let’s eat first.”
Having tried to cool down, I went to sit on the mat Dante had laid out.
When I opened the picnic basket, it was filled with the food Ena had carefully prepared.
Hmm. Eating outside makes me think...
Food is tastier at home. After all, freshly made food is the best.
Still, enjoying the beautiful scenery while eating felt refreshing.
“Here you go. Have some juice.”
“Oh, thank you.”
Just as I was about to choke, Dante poured me a glass of juice and handed it over.
Ah, this is so nice.
After filling my stomach, it truly felt like a paradise on earth.
The scenery was beautiful, and beside me sat a man as lovely as a fairy.
“I always wanted to live in a place like this.”
Perhaps intoxicated by the atmosphere, my lips moved of their own accord.
“A place like this?”
“I wanted to build a cozy little house in a beautiful natural setting. I’d grow herbs, flowers, and vegetables in the yard, and make food from what I harvested to sell. Just living like that was my dream.”
In fact, it was a dream I had held until relatively recently.
Now, my goal is to charm Dante and take the seat beside him instead of the female lead.
“Are you upset that you haven’t achieved your dream?”
“Hmm. No. Somehow, I’m already growing herbs, flowers, and potatoes at the Duke’s place. Everyone enjoys the desserts I make. I’d say I’ve almost achieved my dream.”
“Well then, it would be perfect if only beautiful nature was prepared.”
Dante murmured seriously.
It felt like he would call for Markov as soon as we returned.
I let out a light laugh and lay my head on Dante’s lap.
I could feel the surprised tension in his muscles beneath my head.
“Is it okay to stay like this for a moment?”
I asked, glancing up at Dante’s face, and he made a thoughtful expression.
“It’s not good for your health to eat and lie down right away.”
“...But I take good supplements for my stomach, so it should be fine, right?”
Probably.
I squeezed my eyes shut, signaling my intention not to get up.
In the end, it was Dante who retreated first.
“Just for today.”
“Yes, Doctor.”
At my playful remark, Dante’s body lightly shook.
Soon, a gentle breeze began to blow.
It was cool, but still a somewhat warm autumn breeze.
* * *
“Serafina, Serafina.”
Hmm, what is it?
At the somewhat urgent call, I opened my drowsy eyes.
I must have dozed off while lying on Dante’s lap.
“...Dante?”
As I rubbed my eyes and sat up, I saw Dante with a serious expression.
It wasn’t just serious; his gaze was sharp, like a finely honed blade.
What’s going on? What could possibly have happened?
I couldn’t hide my panic.
It had clearly been a romantic healing moment before I fell asleep, but now that I was awake, the genre had shifted to thriller.
How could this happen after just a brief nap?
“Why? What’s wrong?”
I instinctively lowered my voice to ask. But instead of answering, he placed a long finger against his lips.
“Shh.”
Even asking such a question was not permitted.
Dante wouldn’t just tell me to be quiet for no reason, so it must mean the situation was that serious.
Then, it happened.
Grrrrrrr.
...What is that sound?
A chilling noise echoed, confirming my worst fears.
It sounded like a beast scratching its throat.
I looked at Dante with wide eyes.
He forced a smile, trying to reassure me, then immediately returned to a serious expression, scanning the surroundings.
His right hand was on the hilt of the sword sheathed at his side.
For Dante, who could take down a bear in one blow, to react so sensitively like this...
At this point, I had a rough idea of what the source of the low growl was.
A beast.
That must be a beast.
In the tense atmosphere, as if a string had been pulled tight, I bit my lip.
A beast.
Even I, who was nothing, felt a shiver run through me, as if my whole body was sending out danger signals.
Grrrrrr.
Once again, the low, massive sound of a beast echoed through the mountains.