TWCT 09

Chapter 09

 Queen of the Starling Kingdom (5)

One month had passed since I married Lord Feliks.

What I felt every day was that Lord Feliks was unbelievably kind.

He had only just ascended the throne, so he was extremely busy. And yet, as promised, he always made sure to have breakfast with me. On top of that, whenever he could spare even a little time, he tried to spend it with me.

He even noticed the smallest changes in me—and went out of his way to point them out.

That day, Lord Feliks had unusually free time, so he joined me for lunch. He looked at me with narrowed eyes, as if praising me.

“Rupia, the dress you’re wearing today is different from the one you had on at breakfast. That pale green suits you well—it feels very spring-like.”

“Eh!? Ah, th-thank you very much.”

My face instantly turned red, but I hoped he would think it was just because I was happy at the compliment.

Because… I could never tell him the truth.

That I had changed into this dress because I had seen a hint of green in Lord Feliks’s clothing at breakfast.

And that I had been secretly thinking, “Now it looks like we’re matching,” while smiling to myself.

In truth, it wasn’t just today. Every morning at breakfast, I checked what Lord Feliks was wearing and chose my dress to match his colors.

But since we rarely met outside breakfast, he apparently hadn’t noticed until now.

The maids and attendants standing nearby were watching us with warm smiles, so they had probably realized the reason for my outfit changes…

Please, I beg you—don’t tell him.

Matching my clothes to his without him knowing… even I think it’s childish.

Feeling embarrassed, I lowered my head and absentmindedly stroked Bado, who was sitting on my shoulder.

Lord Feliks, even if he didn’t fully understand why, seemed to sense my embarrassment and smoothly changed the topic.

Watching him like that, I thought once again—this is what makes him so kind.

And also, that he was completely unaware of his own charm.

He was so gentle and considerate that anyone nearby would naturally fall for him—but he himself didn’t realize it.

That was why he assumed even my obvious feelings were nothing more than polite courtesy within a political marriage.

Still, I was grateful for that obliviousness of his.

Because ever since I was seven years old, I had been in love with him.

All of my interest and affection had been directed toward him for so long that my feelings were probably too heavy.

From an objective point of view, it was unnatural to continue loving someone with whom I had barely interacted.

I understood that logically—but I couldn’t stop it.

My gaze would always end up following Lord Feliks, and anything I could do for him, I would act on immediately.

And if he ever found out about my behavior, I feared he would find it “too deep and too heavy,” so I was grateful he didn’t know.

So I forced myself to act casually and returned to the conversation.

…Right, he had been asking about today’s schedule.

“This afternoon, only three cultural and academic officials are scheduled for an audience.”

At that, Lord Feliks smiled with relief.

“I see. It seems your health has been good lately, but don’t overexert yourself. Use your free time to relax.”

Hearing his sincere concern, I silently apologized in my heart—because the only times my health actually deteriorated were when I pushed myself too hard.

I already knew I would get sick when I overdid things, so it was entirely self-inflicted.

Then, seeing an opportunity, I asked him a question.

“Th-thank you. Um… I’ve been studying about this country, and I was thinking that in my free time today I might relax and coo—cook something. If there’s anything you’d like to eat, I could make it.”

I had meant to ask casually, but I stuttered from nervousness.

Cooking for Lord Feliks had been my dream for many years, so I was too tense.

Despite trying to act natural, I found myself staring at him without blinking, waiting for his answer.

I couldn’t help it. I silently prayed—please, please nod.

Then Lord Feliks gave a soft smile.

“No, don’t worry about me. Our country has many unique dishes, but quite a few are also quite strong in flavor. You should start by making things you think you can eat comfortably.”

“…I understand.”

Well, of course.

There were royal cooks in the palace. There was no need for him to eat amateur cooking.

I told myself not to be disappointed—expecting him to accept was selfish—and kept smiling as I replied.

“I’ll go and learn from the kitchen staff today.”

“Ah, I’m sure they’ll be delighted if you visit the kitchens.”

The moment I heard that, my expression brightened instantly.

I knew it was just polite encouragement, but I was happy to interpret it as them being pleased if I showed my face.

Honestly, I really am too easy…

Still thinking that about myself, I left the audience as soon as it ended and hurried off to the kitchen.