* * *
At that moment, the couple returned, pushing a trolley.
As they approached the table, Ed inhaled sharply.
It felt like stepping into a flower garden.
Flowers weren’t just on the floor and walls but adorned the trolley, the tableware, and even the couple’s hair.
It didn’t feel out of place, but considering how rare fresh flowers were in the North, Ed couldn’t help but wonder where they had sourced such vibrant blooms.
The couple, noticing his curiosity, chuckled sheepishly.
“His Grace asked us to make the restaurant bright and fragrant. We may have gone overboard, but how do you like it, Ed?”
“It’s beautiful! It feels like stepping into the heart of spring, guided by two spirits. And the scent…”
Ed paused, taking another deep breath, and the couple’s expectant expressions made him quickly continue.
“There’s a rich floral fragrance—like roses, but also something deeper and more refreshing. What flowers are they?”
“Those would be hyacinths and dahlias,” the wife replied.
“We’re so relieved you like it. We worried it might be too much.”
Admiring the flowers, Ed’s eyes gleamed with respect.
“It must’ve been so much work to get these.”
“You’re quite knowledgeable, Ed!”
“Yes. Around this time, even the greenhouses in the capital struggle to produce blooms this lush. I learned that while planning Ronen’s birthday…”
The Grand Duke watched Ed chatting animatedly with the couple.
Seeing how easily he got along with everyone, the Duke felt conflicted.
‘It’s good that Ed charms everyone he meets, but I can’t say I enjoy seeing him focus on others instead of me.’
Caught in his own thoughts, the Grand Duke smiled faintly, remembering the first time they visited this restaurant.
That trip had been to help Ronen and Ed adapt to the harsh Northern lifestyle after moving from the warmer, resource-rich South.
The Grand Duke had taken them to scenic spots and lavished them with gifts, hoping they’d come to love the North.
Thankfully, both of them had adjusted well, a fact the Grand Duke still found both gratifying and surprising.
‘Ed has endured so much, yet he chose to stay by my side. He’s been through thick and thin with me, willingly…’
Lost in thought, he kept his gaze fixed on Ed.
The couple, noticing this, apologized.
“We’re sorry, Your Grace. Did we delay your meal? We’ll serve the food right away.”
They quickly set down steaming bowls of soup and other dishes, explaining as they did.
“As requested, the seasoning has been made lighter. If it feels bland, just let us know—we’ll bring salt and pepper.”
The Grand Duke nodded lightly.
“That’ll do.”
“Is there anything else you need?”
“You’ve done well. Thank you.”
“It’s an honor to assist you, Your Grace.”
Once the couple left, the Grand Duke turned to Ed.
“I asked them to prepare mild dishes, but let me know if they don’t sit well with you.”
“I think I’ll be fine. Spending time with you makes me feel like I can eat everything today,” Ed said with a small grin.
Moved by his effort to ease his worries, the Grand Duke gently brushed Ed’s hair before taking a sip of his soup.
Encouraged, Ed also began eating, quickly finishing half his bowl.
“How is it? Does it suit your taste?”
“Yes! It’s even better than last time.”
Still, the Grand Duke couldn’t fully relax.
He knew Ed sometimes stopped eating midway, his appetite disappearing abruptly.
Noticing the Duke’s hesitation, Ed raised an eyebrow.
“Why aren’t you eating? I’m fine, really. Try it—it’s delicious.”
“Seeing you eat well puts me at ease.”
Lowering his voice, Ed covered his mouth with a hand.
“Maybe I got sick before because I stayed cooped up in my room too long?”
“That’s possible. But more than that, I think Tto-bagi has finally adjusted. At first, it wasn’t used to you, but now, with all the talking and care, it feels a sense of attachment.”
Ed smiled warmly at the thought.
“Then this little one is starting to realize we’re family now?”
“That’s probably true. According to Yen, being by Ed’s side helps the baby feel emotionally stable. So, it must know how much we love it.”
Ed smiled brightly.
“Then I’ll keep talking to it and responding from now on. I’ve been holding back because I didn’t want to come off as too chatty.”
“What have you been saying?”
“Things like ‘you’re beautiful,’ ‘you’re lovable,’ ‘you’re a genius’… ahem. I’ll make sure only good words come out of my mouth from now on.”
The Duke chuckled as he watched Ed, who was slightly blushing but unable to hide the affection in his expression.
“I’ll need to step up my game too.”
Ed gave a small nod before resuming his meal.
The Duke cut a piece of meat and placed it on Ed’s plate.
“After we finish eating, I was thinking we could ride Joey to the mountain summit. What do you think? If it feels like too much or you’re not up for it, we can go another time.”
As Ed savored the neatly cut piece of meat, he quickly replied, “The view of the north from the mountain last time was unforgettable. I’d love to see it again today.”
“Then let’s take it slow after we eat.”
The two continued their leisurely meal and conversation, eventually leaving the dining room in the late afternoon, with long shadows stretching across the ground.
After saying their farewells to the couple, the Duke told Tens, “We’ll head up to the summit and be back.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I’ll wait here and chat with the former vice-commander.”
As Tens untied Joey from the carriage, the Duke draped an extra coat over Ed’s shoulders.
“Is it too restrictive or letting the wind through? The temperature will drop as we climb, so it’s important to be prepared.”
“No, it’s fine.”
After helping Ed onto Joey, the Duke mounted behind him.
Nodding briefly to Tens and the couple who had come to see them off, he gently urged Joey forward.
When they reached the summit, with the entire northern landscape spread before them, Ed gasped in awe.
“Your Grace, it feels completely different from last time.”
Dismounting, the Duke helped Ed down and replied, “I wanted to make sure you saw this view.”
Now on solid ground, Ed walked alongside the Duke, both gazing out at the north stretched below them.
The night breeze teased their hair, but despite the chill, it wasn’t cold at all.
The sight of magic lamps flickering to life one by one, smoke rising from chimneys, and the lives of the northern people preparing for the evening was vivid and heartwarming.
The Duke wrapped an arm around Ed’s shoulders.
Though they were already close, the Duke pulled him even nearer, and Ed leaned fully into him.
He loved the warmth that radiated from the Duke.
“Thank you, Ed.”
“…For what?”
“Who knows? It’s just… every moment, I’m thankful, proud, and overwhelmed by how much I love you. No words could ever truly capture how I feel.”
Ed felt the same way.
Every moment was like that, every fleeting second.
Even as he watched the Duke, he wanted to see more, touch more.
So, when he rose on his tiptoes and kissed the Duke, he thought the same thing.
Even though they were so close, the passing of time felt precious and bittersweet, making it all the more cherished.
As Ed lowered his heels after the brief kiss, the Duke smiled.
Ed’s reddened ears betrayed his embarrassment as he avoided eye contact.
The Duke gently tousled Ed’s hair, even finding his silky locks endearing.
When Ed lifted his head again, the Duke leaned down this time.
“…Mmm.”
The Duke’s warm lips brushed against Ed’s lightly, making him feel as though his very toes were melting.
Supporting Ed’s waist to steady him, the Duke deepened the kiss, parting Ed’s lips with a slow, languid motion of his tongue.
As he gently explored the inside of Ed’s mouth, a faint, damp moan escaped.
Closing his eyes, Ed clung tightly to the Duke, surrendering to the overwhelming sensations.
The pounding of his heart, the tremor in his fingertips, the warmth flushing his cheeks—all of it etched into his memory, something he hoped would never fade.
When they finally pulled apart, the Duke gently wiped Ed’s lips with his hand.
“I’d like to keep going, but we’ll stop here for now. There’s still more to do.”
Though his legs felt like jelly and he could barely stand, the Duke’s words sparked curiosity and excitement in Ed’s eyes.
‘What could it be this time?’
Everything the Duke had prepared for him thus far had brought joy and happiness.
As light began to radiate from the Duke’s hand, Ed held his breath.
“Aren.”
The silver glow swirled upward like an arrow, forming a summoning circle on the ground.
Within the brilliant light, Aran appeared, shaking its body as if stretching before bounding joyfully around Ed.
* * *
I love this novel😭😭