CHAPTER 18
The Count’s garden and Theodore looked very good together. Especially because the garden was so well-maintained. It was like he had been born into a noble family.
He sat across from me, perfectly matching the peaceful atmosphere. I could understand why Liza was moving slowly while sneaking glances at him.
Bell poured water into a shallow, round dish and placed freshly picked flowers on top. Because she cut the stems just right and soaked them in water, the flowers looked soft and full of life.
The flowers, hanging in bunches like grapes, made the table look brighter. They had just bloomed and looked beautiful, though their scent was so faint you could barely smell it unless you got close.
“Lady Karla, do you like flowers?”
I shook my head.
“No, not really.”
That was Karla’s honest answer. But it felt strange because I actually liked flowers.
The Count’s garden had well-trimmed trees and bushes, but not a single flower. That was because the garden reflected the lady of the house’s taste.
The gardener, who had worked there for generations, was very dedicated. There was even a record showing he reduced the budget because planting seasonal flowers every year was wasteful, even if he wanted to.
I glanced over the garden again. It was all green—almost to the point of looking lifeless. These flowers must not have come from the garden. I looked at Bell.
“Yesterday, the Count said he wanted flower fritters… so I brought some from the kitchen. They’re from the acacia tree, madam.”
“I see. They’re lovely.”
Bell hesitated a little but clearly explained where the flowers came from. It wasn’t a big deal, so I just turned my attention back to my meal.
Theodore ate very gracefully. He didn’t make a sound while tearing bread or cutting meat. He ate everything: soup, bread, lamb, bacon, fried eggs, flower fritters, and pie.
His manners were elegant, but the way he ate was hearty and cheerful. Watching someone enjoy their food is always satisfying.
“I hope the meal suited your taste.”
Theodore looked around and whispered like he was telling a secret.
“It was so good, I fear His Majesty might try to steal your cook.”
I was surprised that he could joke. When he saw my shocked face, he smiled—then started touching the corner of his lips.
I realized why: Bell and Liza were both staring at him, frozen. I lightly tapped the water glass with my spoon to snap them out of it.
Bell quickly returned to serving, but Liza fumbled with her gaze and met my eyes. She stiffened and bowed her head.
‘Something’s up.’
I didn’t push her, but it was obvious the Count had probably told her to watch and report on my conversations with Theodore.
Still, Liza was too obvious for that job. Her golden hair shone like silk. She had beautiful skin, a bright smile, a straight forehead, big eyes, a soft nose, plump lips, a graceful neck, and round shoulders…
I found myself staring at her—then looked back at Theodore. Even with such a pretty girl beside him, his eyes were only focused on his plate. Was he a true knight or just slow?
Judging by how he acted with the Count, probably the latter.
Bell, now calm, asked,
“Madam, shall I bring dessert?”
“Yes, please.”
She left quickly. I looked back at my plate. Other than a bit of butter, it looked almost untouched. It was embarrassing how little I’d eaten.
I placed a flower fritter on my plate and pretended to eat. It was crispy and fragrant, but I didn’t really feel like eating. Karla’s body seemed to have no appetite, and that was sometimes frustrating.
“Madam, you’re not eating anymore?”
Liza asked bluntly. I almost scolded her, but sighed instead. It wouldn’t look good to scold a maid in front of a guest. I decided to change the subject.
Theodore had just finished the large pile of flower fritters.
“I’m glad you liked them.”
“Yes. It was my first time eating flowers. A very good experience.”
It was my first time too. I had eaten flower pancakes before, but not these fried ones. Still, I acted like I was used to them.
“We also make jam from roses.”
“Really? I’ve never seen rose fruit.”
“Oh no, rose jam is made from rose petals.”
I covered my mouth and laughed. It was fun teasing a man much taller than me like he was a clueless child.
Thankfully, Bell came back before I teased him too much, carrying a large tray.
“Madam, I brought pudding. You didn’t eat much, so…”
She brought crème brûlée. A caramelized sugar crust sat on top of creamy custard. It looked so sweet it made my mouth water.
Just one spoonful would mix the crispy sugar top and soft cream below into a perfect bite. I couldn’t help but smile. Dessert always felt like a gift.
“How pretty.”
Theodore got one too and started eating, his eyes sparkling. I began studying him more closely. He had a lot of charming features.
His features were sharp, but his gentle eyes made him look kind, not harsh. His lips were full, and his jawline was clear. Maybe he still looked young because he was.
His uniform looked neat and suited him well. His shoulders were broad, and his chest looked strong even under his clothes.
‘A handsome man with a good body, too.’
Even his wrist bones were prominent, hinting at a strong build. His long legs were hidden under the table, but his thick thighs looked powerful.
Men who looked good in uniforms always pleased the eye. As I stared, Theodore touched his face.
“Lady Karla, do I have something on my face?”
“No.”
“Then why…”
“You’re just eating so well.”
I answered lightly. His face turned red like a ripe apple. The cold expression was gone, and he suddenly looked much younger. He was adorable.
“Oh my, are you blushing?”
He covered his face and said,
“Please don’t tease me too much.”
I blinked. Teasing him might become a fun habit. I opened my mouth again to continue.
“I only said you were eating well, Sir Theodore.”
I giggled sweetly, and Bell looked like she was trying hard not to laugh.
Theodore hesitated, then said,
“If someone as beautiful as Lady Karla looks at me like that… it’s hard to stay calm.”
At those words, I had to change my opinion of him. He wasn’t a true knight or slow. He just had very unique taste.
It felt like I stepped on a landmine. Not even a slap from the king would’ve shocked me this much. And yet, Theodore remained calm after saying something so outrageous.
Liza and Bell both looked at him with their mouths open.
“Madam is pretty? No way…”
Liza mumbled quietly. Bell poked her hard in the side.
I didn’t scold her, but I secretly agreed. Karla wasn’t the flashy beauty type that people in this world preferred.
‘Is he crazy?’
I stared suspiciously at Theodore, but his expression was completely sincere. His steady blue eyes were intense.
“I forgot how serious you are,” I muttered, trying to change the subject and pulled my shawl tight. Despite the sun, my back felt cold. Yet my cheeks were burning hot.
It wasn’t anger. I was embarrassed. After all, what’s more flustering than being told you’re pretty by a very attractive man?
If it had been a polite compliment, it would’ve still been awkward—but he meant it. That was the problem.
A soft breeze passed through the garden, and sunlight grew stronger. More light poured into my eyes.
That must’ve been why Theodore’s black hair looked so dazzling. I let out a quiet sigh of awe.
“Ah…”
Theodore turned toward me at the sound. I quickly tried to cover it up.
“Maybe… maybe we should plant some flowers in the garden.”
Even I thought it was a random topic. But for something that popped into my head, it sounded reasonable.
“Flowers?”
Theodore replied a moment later.
“Yes. Things will get busy soon, so I thought I’d fix up the garden a little first.”
Ladies planting flowers was a normal thing. And the garden had been bare for a while. No one would question it if I planted a few flowers on a whim.
“That’s a good idea.”
