Chapter 34…
The Embroidery of the Mirage Princess.
After breakfast, when Yoan began his daily sword training, Felicia returned to her room and spread her sewing box, handkerchiefs, paper, and pen across the table.
The several handkerchiefs she had were all simple white ones. However, every single one was made from the finest material, with an exquisite texture and sheen. It seemed that Hugo had carefully selected them.
Hugo had mentioned that since Yoan rarely went outside to meet people, he had never shown much interest in his belongings until now.
(I must make sure not to ruin the beauty of this fabric… And it would be dull if they all had the same design…)
She jotted down a few design ideas that came to mind.
(I could change the style of the lettering for his name… With this script, an outline might look elegant. Or perhaps just a simple rose emblem would be lovely.)
As soon as she began imagining designs that suited Yoan, one idea after another came to her, and before she knew it, papers were scattered all around her.
When she glanced at the clock, she realized it was about time for Yoan to take a break from his training.
Setting aside the design decisions for later, Felicia went downstairs. She entered the kitchen, poured the cold-brewed iced tea she had prepared that morning into a glass, added lemon and mint, and carried it out to the courtyard.
In the courtyard, Yoan was swinging his sword, his body glistening with sweat.
Despite the speed and agility of his movements, each motion was so refined that it appeared graceful. Yet, every strike born from his lean, well-toned body was sharp and precise. Even without knowing swordsmanship, Felicia could tell at a glance that he was a master.
The sight of him focused so completely on his training was dazzling—so much so that she couldn’t help but stare in awe.
When Yoan noticed Felicia preparing tea in the gazebo, he stopped moving.
Sweat glistened on his open chest. The black shirt, clinging to his pale, muscular body, made him appear almost indecently captivating. Felicia’s heart skipped a beat, and averting her eyes, she offered him a towel.
“Thank you for your hard work, my lord.”
“Ah, thank you—as always.”
Accepting the towel, Yoan wiped his sweat and took a sip of the iced tea. After one mouthful, he narrowed his eyes with satisfaction.
“The aroma is wonderful.”
Felicia smiled in relief at his content expression.
“Shall I bring you a refill?”
“No, that’s all right. If I drink too much, my body will feel sluggish. This is just the right amount.”
Finishing the tea, Yoan wiped his sweat once more and gripped his sword again.
“Thank you for the drink. I’ll continue training until noon. This afternoon, let’s read together in the library.”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”
Felicia nodded, placing the glass back on the tray.
