IAEOG~

Chapter 10

“Wow…”

I hadn’t even walked that far from the city center, but before me spread a view so stunning it could’ve been painted.

A vast blue lake shimmered under the sunlight, and beyond it, tall mountains rose into the clouds.

Just looking at the scenery made my eyes feel healed—it felt like a short vacation far from home.

I sat beside the man on a bench, both of us quietly gazing at the lake.

“How is it? Do you like it?”

“I love it.”

He smiled faintly. Impulsive as it had been, inviting him to hang out was definitely the right choice.

“I’m glad. But why were you out alone so early in the morning?”

I explained—how my father was pushing me into marriage, even suggesting that old nobleman and Cedric, and how he’d given me one year to find someone he approved of.

I hadn’t meant to go into such detail, but—

“Eight years older? That’s too much.”

“Sure, marriage ties families, but parents should at least listen to their kids’ opinions.”

His sympathetic reaction made it easy to keep talking. I almost let slip that I wasn’t the original Yvonne.

“What about the man you met yesterday?”

Oh, right. Eric. I’d already forgotten he existed.

“That was our first and last meeting. Never again.”

He burst out laughing.

Glad my misery entertains you, I thought dryly.

“Why? He seemed decent.”

“I thought so too, at first. But that day I learned my lesson—I’m never dating a swordsman again.”

“Why? Did he threaten you with his sword?”

His expression darkened in an instant.

“That’s pathetic.”

Whoa, that glare could kill. I hurried to explain before he decided to avenge me.

“No, it’s not like that. It’s just—he’s usually quiet, but the moment he sees a sword, he won’t shut up. I thought my ears would bleed.”

He blinked, then laughed softly again.

“At least you escaped early. Still, isn’t it extreme to swear off every man with a sword?”

“Whatever. I’m traumatized now. Don’t even mention swords around me.”

His lips tightened into a straight line.

Why did he look serious again? His face changed expressions faster than I could keep up.

In this world, commoners couldn’t formally learn swordsmanship. Maybe he secretly admired swords? My harsh words might’ve struck a nerve.

“I don’t mean everyone hates them—just me. So don’t take it personally.”

That should have comforted him, but his face still didn’t relax. Must’ve hit a deep longing there.

“Isn’t there somewhere to grab a quick bite around here?”

“Hungry?”

“Not exactly. Just… a little peckish.”

I changed the subject to food—partly to ease the tension, partly because my mouth really did feel lonely.

Following him toward the entrance of the lakeside, I spotted a few small, shabby buildings—a bakery, a snack shop, and a place selling grilled skewers.

I scanned them quickly and followed the mouthwatering smell of roasted chicken.

“Two skewers, please.”

I fully intended to pay. After all, he was just a hardworking commoner living day-to-day.

But before I could pull out my purse, he handed over the money first.

“Hey—why are you paying? I was going to.”

I shoved the coins into his hand. His hand was twice the size of mine—probably because of his height.

“It’s fine. Keep it.”

He frowned and pressed the money right back into my palm.

Guess his pride couldn’t handle being treated by a woman.

“What’s the big deal? Friends treat each other sometimes.”

“…I’m paying.”

Before I could argue again, he turned and strode out of the shop with those long legs of his.

Well, if he’s that determined to spend money, fine…

Except—he forgot something crucial.

“Hey! You’re supposed to take the food!”

I grabbed the two skewers from the vendor and followed him out.

“You left these.”

Handing him one, I bit into the other—and instantly regretted it.

The skewer looked like the kind I’d eaten before, but the spice hit like fire. It was aggressively bad.

Good thing I didn’t pay for this.

I sneaked a glance at him. He didn’t seem to like it either; his skewer was barely touched.

“This tastes awful, doesn’t it?”

“It’s… a confusing flavor.”

Our eyes met—and we both burst out laughing.

It was that kind of bad—the kind that was funny.

He took both skewers from me and tossed them into the trash bin.

“If there’s something else you want, tell me. I’ll buy it. Anything but skewers.”

“It’s fine. I just wanted a little snack. My bad.”

“No, it was fun.”

“Why?”

He stepped closer—too close. My throat went dry.

“Because it’s the first time I’ve seen you laugh like that.”

I stared, dazed, at the smile that curved his lips.

It wasn’t my fault my heart skipped. It was his fault for being handsome.

“But hey…”

He brushed a strand of my hair through his fingers.

My pulse spiked.

This is it. He’s about to confess.

I thought back to how he’d flirted last time, asking if we’d met before. Yep, he’d definitely fallen for me. How should I reject him gently?

“So… you really lived your whole life in Peronando? Never been to another empire?”

“…No.”

He tucked the strand of hair behind my shoulder again.

My heartbeat instantly calmed.

Seriously? Why did he ask such dramatic questions for no reason? He’d even asked that before!

“Why do you keep bringing that up?”

“Forget it.”

He fell silent, and the quiet between us grew heavier. I was getting tired—and honestly, I just wanted to lie down.

“I’m tired. I’m heading home.”

“I’ll walk you to your carriage.”

We walked without speaking.

He’d taken me somewhere beautiful, bought me food (even if it was terrible)… maybe I’d been too cold to him.

“Thanks for hanging out today. I had fun.”

“Me too. Call me again if you get bored.”

“Careful, I might take that seriously. You’ll regret it.”

“I won’t.”

My carriage came into view. I waved, climbed inside, and looked back—he was still watching me through the window as we rolled away.

Then it hit me.

…I didn’t even know his name.

“Young lady, we’ve arrived.”

Even though I was tired, I suddenly wished I’d stayed out longer. The thought of facing Father made my feet heavy.

I stepped down from the carriage, dragging my steps toward the house.

“Sister, where have you been?”

Nathan rose from a garden chair, and beside him stood a man I didn’t recognize.

“Just out for some fresh air. Who’s this?”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Richard Sylvain from the Duke of Sylvain’s household—Nathan’s classmate at the academy.”

The platinum-haired man bowed and kissed the back of my hand.

So my little brother does have handsome friends.

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Yvonne Lambert, Nathan’s sister.”

“Sister, Father’s looking for you.”

“For me? Why?”

“I’m not sure.”

Oh no. Not another Cedric talk. Should’ve stayed out even longer.

“I’ll be going, then.”

After a polite nod to Richard, I trudged toward Father’s office.

God, I really didn’t want to go. I was definitely a master of avoidance.

Episode 50

“Lord Theo, did you enjoy your outing?”

“I did.”

Theo smiled faintly.

It had been reckless—abandoning work to wander off with someone else, reaching for her hair without thinking…

But it was true. He’d enjoyed every second with her.

“Of course you did,” Mael muttered. “While I was handling your meetings.”

“How did it go?”

“I managed to persuade them—for now. We’ll meet again in two days.”

“Good.”

Theo’s expression suddenly turned serious.

Back in Norbert, he’d always worn that expressionless mask, but ever since coming to Peronando, he’d seemed lighter—until now.

What happened this time? Mael wondered uneasily.

Unable to hold back, he asked, “My lord, did something happen while you were with her?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Extremely. You look like the world’s ending. Did she find out who you really are?”

“No.”

Mael sighed in relief.

Then what could’ve possibly bothered him this much?

“Then what is it?”

“Do you think I should hide the fact that I can use a sword?”

“What? Why hide something that impressive? The woman already knows you’re skilled. She just doesn’t know you’re alive.”

Mael frowned. His master was overthinking again.

No one could rival Theo’s swordsmanship anyway.

“She said…” Theo hesitated. “She doesn’t like men who use swords.”

…What?

Mael stared blankly.

Why does it even matter if someone else hates swords?

Then realization dawned.

“…Lady Yvonne?”

“Yeah.”

“Well then,” Mael said flatly. “Just don’t talk about swords.”

He felt strangely hollow.

None of this had anything to do with their actual mission—it was just his master’s hopeless crush in full bloom.

He could only hope the infatuation would burn out soon.

[Comments]
→ Where’s Raphael? Bring him back!
→ The heroine’s personality changed so much 😭
→ Fr, total character breakdown lately lol
→ Did she go dark after getting dumped?? 😂
→ Theo keeps asking about Peronando—what if she’s not originally from there? 👀
→ Maybe she lived somewhere else as a kid and got adopted into the Lamberts??
→ That last theory actually makes a lot of sense…