Chapter 88
Riena kept her eyes fixed on the steaming teacup before her.
Or rather, there was nowhere else she could look.
Her small dining table—barely large enough for one person—was even smaller than an ordinary tea table.
And across that tiny space, Dante sat facing her, a cup of tea placed neatly in front of him.
Riena’s cheeks burned red with embarrassment.
The reason was obvious.
“Seems like you don’t spend much time at home, Riena.”
“…I was planning to buy groceries this afternoon. But Your Grace suddenly appeared.”
“Did I complain? I’m a gentleman, after all. Even if you serve only a single cup of tea, I’ll accept it with gratitude.”
The table was completely empty—not even a single cookie to offer.
Then suddenly, Riena remembered something the flower shop lady had said outside earlier.
She rose abruptly from her seat.
“Where are you going?”
“Just a moment. I think I heard…”
Opening the door carefully, she found exactly what she’d expected—a picnic basket sitting by the front entrance.
Quickly bringing it inside, she set it down on the table and lifted the linen napkin that covered it.
“Wow—”
A small gasp escaped her lips.
Inside the basket were two slices of strawberry tart, the glistening red fruit arranged so beautifully that it almost sparkled.
Dante glanced at the contents with mild disinterest, then shot her a sidelong look.
“You like things like this?”
It was the kind of dessert that made one’s mouth water just by looking at it.
“Yes. The flower shop lady is really talented. Ah—would you like to try some together?”
“…I suppose I could.”
Forgetting their earlier tension, Riena’s eyes brightened.
She hurried to the cupboard, took out her prettiest plates, and carefully placed a slice of tart on each one.
Setting one before him and one before herself, she immediately picked up her dessert fork.
Thank you so much, ma’am.
She’d been embarrassed to have nothing to offer him, but now—these beautiful, perfectly sweet tarts had saved her.
And as someone who loved desserts, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Riena poked a piece with her fork and popped it into her mouth.
Seeing her, Dante cut a small piece from his tart as well and brought it to his lips.
As she chewed, a smile spread across Riena’s face.
It was sweet, tangy, and rich—so much so that her whole body tingled with delight.
Dante, however, wore a faintly grim expression as he chewed.
Desserts were supposed to be sweet, but this one was too sweet—so sugary that it stung his tongue.
He quickly took a sip of tea to wash it down.
“How is it? Isn’t it good? She’s amazing, right?”
Riena’s eyes sparkled eagerly as she asked.
At that look, Dante already knew what answer he was expected to give.
“It’s good. Sweet.”
“Right? She often brings me desserts or dishes like this. We chat a bit, too. I think that’s why she came by today as well…”
“You serve me your favorite dessert, and yet I’m still an uninvited guest?”
He tilted his head and smiled faintly.
Riena ignored the teasing tone and took another bite. The best way to handle him was to not respond.
The sweetness of the tart and the refreshing taste of strawberries filled her mouth, and soon she’d eaten half of her slice.
Leaning back in his chair, legs crossed, Dante watched her with quiet amusement.
“You eat well,” he remarked suddenly.
Riena flushed a little and dabbed her lips with her fingertips before clearing her throat.
“…Why aren’t you eating, Your Grace?” she asked curiously.
His plate was nearly untouched—only the smallest piece missing from the edge.
“So you can have more,” he said, sliding his plate toward her.
“Oh—speaking of which, what about the cookies?”
Her sudden question caught him off guard.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, as if searching his memory.
After a moment, he exhaled softly and replied,
“I told Callis to share them, and he even came back with a review.”
“A review? Wh—what did he say?”
Riena’s eyes widened, her expression laced with nervous anticipation.
“He suggested serving them to the resort guests along with the welcome drinks.”
“What? Really?”
“After that,” Dante added lightly, “you’ll have to ask Miss Bronte herself, the one who baked such excellent cookies.”
A small laugh escaped him, and Riena immediately frowned.
“You’re lying.”
She knew him too well now. That teasing glint in his eyes gave him away.
“I should be going.”
He didn’t even bother denying it.
The compliments had been true, but the part about serving them to guests was definitely not.
Ignoring her glare, Dante checked the watch on his wrist and slowly stood up.
“You won’t see me for a few days.”
“Are you… going somewhere?”
“There’s a farewell ceremony for the Bermark troops in Arbern.”
Ah. That made sense.
Riena nodded faintly, her gaze flickering away.
Dante caught every detail of that subtle motion, his golden eyes rippling softly.
“I’ll tell Callis to drop by once or twice while I’m gone. If you need anything, tell him.”
“No, that’s not necessary. I can—”
“Doesn’t matter,” Dante interrupted smoothly. “I’m telling him anyway. That way he won’t slack off.”
He glanced toward her again. “I’ll be back within ten days.”
Riena didn’t nod—just looked at him quietly.
For some reason, his words sounded strangely final, as if he were leaving home.
“So don’t do anything foolish,” he said softly. “Behave yourself.”
The next morning, at dawn, Dante departed from the resort.
Before he boarded the first train from Florian Station, Callis bowed deeply.
“Are you sure you’ll be all right without me, sir?”
“Stop saying creepy things. You’re annoying me already.”
Morning temper, as always.
Peering up through his glasses, Callis gave him a wry look, then quickly replaced it with his usual polite smile.
“Yes, sir. Then have a safe trip. I’ll carry out all your orders faithfully!”
“If anything seems off, send a telegram immediately. I’ll do the same whenever I can.”
“Yes, of course! And… I’ll make sure no one lays a finger on Miss Riena,” Callis added in a hushed voice.
Dante’s eyes narrowed slightly.
‘Assign someone to watch Riena.’
‘Huh? You mean… to watch over her, Your Grace?’
‘Just for ten days.’
‘I see. Though… she won’t like that. Are you sure it’s okay?’
‘Then don’t let her find out.’
He hadn’t originally planned to keep an eye on her.
Riena had made it clear she wanted a life separate from his—and from his past.
But then some soldier had shown up and gotten close to her.
‘How did you meet that soldier?’
‘…He just happened to come here. He helped me settle in, that’s all.’
She’d answered like it was nothing, but the way she tensed—so defensive, so alert—had been impossible to miss.
This is your fault, he thought grimly.
Clicking his tongue, Dante shot Callis a warning look.
“Watch carefully. Report everything.”
Then he turned and walked away.
“Yes, sir! Don’t worry—safe travels, sir!”
Callis bowed once more as the train doors closed.
Moments later, the departure bell rang.
Even after the train pulled away, Callis lingered, glancing toward the platform where Dante had vanished.
Just yesterday, the Duke had returned to the resort briefly, looking strangely unsettled.
Did they fight again?
Worried, Callis had hesitated before finally asking,
‘The annex greenhouse has been cleared as you instructed. Will you be using it today?’
‘No.’
‘Ah, I see… It’s just, several guests have been asking to see it. They’re disappointed it’s closed today…’
‘Callis. Hire someone to keep an eye on Riena.’
He hadn’t expected that answer.
It didn’t sit right with him.
After all, Riena was no longer officially connected to the Duke.
Assigning someone to watch her? It felt wrong.
He’d considered saying something—but then he remembered the Duke’s temper, and wisely stayed silent.
Even so, unease lingered.
It’ll be fine, he told himself. It has to be.
Still, deep down, Callis couldn’t shake the feeling that this—like everything between them—was a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.
