Chapter 33
“…Um, I’ll guide you… okay…?”
“…Ah, ah. Thank you… please.”
Even though the atmosphere between them felt a bit awkward, Natalie began walking with Julius to lead him to the Petigrew territory—a quaint, pastoral town.
Julius, walking a little distance ahead of Natalie, probably still didn’t fully grasp the situation. Of course, Natalie herself was just going along with the flow toward the town…
(Just like Mother said… a change of pace is important, right…?)
Walking with Julius like this was something she had never imagined, so it felt somehow unreal. Her thoughts were hazy, and she told herself that simply guiding him was the safest thing to do.
Though the air between them was somewhat stiff, she continued walking without overthinking.
◆◇◆
“…Petigrew territory may feel more like a village than a proper town, but this is the entrance to the town.”
“I see… It feels different from my own territory, so everything seems novel.”
“That’s… good to hear…?”
“Ah, ah…”
The territory Julius governed seemed as well-developed as the royal capital—or at least, that was Natalie’s memory from when she had glimpsed it from a window during her marriage. Even a brief look had left a strong impression: the duchy was prosperous and flourishing. Therefore, it was uncertain how Julius would react to the Petigrew town.
When she glanced at him, trying to read his expression, he looked around curiously, perhaps genuinely intrigued by this “new” environment. Before Natalie could ponder what might have caught his attention, a cheerful voice called out.
“My, my! Miss Natalie, long time no see!”
“…Ah, it’s been a while. You look well, Madam.”
Turning around, they saw a lively woman with an apron tied around her waist. She had been running the family’s frequently visited eatery since Natalie’s childhood. Rumor had it she was blessed with children and the place was always bustling.
“Oh my! And you’ve brought quite the handsome man with you…!”
“…Huh?”
“For a treat for the eyes, come on into our shop! We’ve even started offering a café-style menu recently…!”
“Is that so…?”
Natalie hesitated, taken aback by the energetic hostess’s eagerness. They hadn’t even finished the tour yet, and she wondered if it was okay to stop by the shop. Looking toward Julius, she saw that he seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the hostess’s energy.
“I don’t mind… Besides, it’s quite sunny, so walking might be tiring… Shall we take a rest first?” he said. With his approval, the delighted hostess led them into the shop.
The sunlight was indeed strong today, and beads of sweat had formed on Natalie’s neck and forehead. A brief break felt welcome. Additionally, ever since arriving in the town with Julius, she had noticed the gazes of many women.
(Today, he looks less like a knight and more like a young gentleman traveling incognito…)
He had likely let his bangs fall down, giving him a slightly younger, melancholic charm that was subtly alluring.
“…Is something wrong?”
“Huh?”
“It seemed like you were looking at me…”
“I-I wasn’t…”
Julius accepted her vague answer with a simple “I see.” Natalie, however, had been watching him closely and felt a twinge of guilt—justifying to herself that it was because of all the other women’s stares.
They reached the brick-built shop, escaping the heat and the intense gazes, and stepped inside.
◆◇◆
“Welcome! And Miss Natalie too!”
“Oh! Really… And with such a handsome man!”
“Hehe, I put in my best effort, you know!”
“You’re lucky, but… wait, does that mean he’s Miss Natalie’s companion…?”
As soon as they entered, they were shown to a spacious seat, sitting opposite each other. The neatly maintained garden was visible from the window, and the lively interactions of the shopkeepers added to the cheerful atmosphere.
“I recommend milk tea made with milk from our ranch. Would you like to try that?”
“I’ll have that then… um…”
“I’ll have the same,” Julius said.
“All right! Understood! Please wait a moment~!”
Without asking, Julius ordered first. The cheerful hostess relayed it to her husband in the kitchen, where the sounds of cooking reached them—a comforting background as they waited.
(What should I do… there’s nothing to talk about…)
They fell silent after ordering. Since Julius had awakened, excluding the memory incident, they hadn’t had a real conversation. Today, they were only out because of her mother’s suggestion.
Being alone together separated them from the lighthearted atmosphere outside, so Natalie decided to wait quietly until their tea arrived.
“Miss Natalie! Is this handsome man… officially your lover, perhaps?”
“Eh, no…”
“To think you’d handle the lord who’s always glued to Miss Natalie… You’re impressive, young man~”
“No, I…”
“But remember, everyone in the territory’s angel—if you make her sad, you won’t get away with it!”
The lively hostess approached them. Apparently, no other customers had arrived yet, giving her time to chat with them. The Petigrew territory was friendly with its residents, influenced by Natalie’s father. Despite the recent war limiting visits, locals warmly welcomed the family whenever they appeared.
Hearing the hostess’s words, Julius fell silent, seemingly deep in thought.
“Oh my~! You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Huh?”
“…If only I were ten years younger… such a man…”
The hostess seemed lost in imagination, wriggling her body as she murmured about how she might have pursued him if she hadn’t met her husband yet.
“Even so, I won’t give up on you!” Julius said.
“Oh, you were quick,” the hostess laughed.
“Thank you for enduring my wife’s chatter,” her husband said, setting creamy tea and sugar-dusted cookies before them.
“Wow… looks delicious, thank you.”
“Yes, I put my all into it. Please enjoy slowly.”
“…Thank you.”
The inviting aroma seemed to relax Julius, loosening the tension in his brow. The husband also reminded the hostess, “Your prep work isn’t done yet, right?”
“Oh! I was too focused on the handsome man~”
“Really…”
“Well then, excuse us~”
The hostess returned to the kitchen, and Natalie wondered about the taste of the tea. She had never had it here before. Holding the cup and sipping slowly, the gentle sweetness spread throughout her mouth.
“…! Delicious…!”
“Delicious indeed…”
They spoke simultaneously, looked up, and met each other’s gaze. Embarrassed, Julius turned his eyes red and looked away.
“You like this taste, Your Excellency?”
“…Ah, yes. I haven’t had milk tea before… I’d like it served in my territory as well.”
“Oh my! If you like it that much, the hostess will be delighted.”
The tension in their conversation had eased. Natalie felt glad they had come, appreciating the delicious tea.
As they enjoyed their drinks, Natalie noticed Julius reaching toward the plate of cookies, then withdrawing his hand.
“…Is something wrong, Your Excellency?”
Julius flinched and hesitated before speaking.
“Well…”
“…What is it?”
He seemed to struggle to say something significant. Natalie held her breath, watching him.
“…I’m not good with sweets.”
“…Huh?”
She had expected something more shocking, but it was actually minor. He looked embarrassed, as if revealing a state secret.
“Everyone has something they can’t handle…”
“…Sorry.”
Indeed, Julius hadn’t added sugar to his tea. He might be okay with the creamy flavor but not with the sugar on the cookies. Natalie didn’t mind and reassured herself he didn’t need to feel ashamed.
“This… seems like your usual place…”
“Y-Yes, it is…”
“The tea was delicious, and the cookies too…”
Perhaps he was trying to uphold Natalie’s reputation, debating whether to eat the cookie despite his dislike, or maybe he wanted to trust her taste and overcome his aversion.
He seemed oddly considerate, and Natalie was about to tell him not to force himself when suddenly—
“Big brother! You’re huge! And a sword… so cool!”
“…Hm?”
