"I don't know the way." For some reason, I ended up getting lost, even though Keith and I had agreed to walk around the shopping district today. But it seems I lost my sense of direction and got separated from him. It's probably best to step aside before I get even more lost.
I caught a glimpse of a person in a full cloak who seemed suspicious, sneaking around like they were avoiding something.'That person seems...fishy?'
Honestly, I was quite curious. But following someone like that doesn't feel right. What if he's a criminal? A kidnapper? I didn't want the Nerwine territory to be tainted by rumors of criminal activity in its shopping district.Yes, this is the right decision, since i am the daughter of count's Nerwine.
Of course, it turned out to be a reckless decision. As I followed him, I saw him making some sort of deal with a nobleman. What noble conducts shady business deals in broad daylight?
Crack.
I accidentally stepped on a twig. They both turned toward me. What now? If I get attacked, I'm not with Keith right now. Am I going to be killed?
I decided to run as far as I could, at least until I was sure no one was chasing me. Once I felt far enough away, I stopped to catch my breath.
Suddenly, I felt a hand grab my arm. Panicking, I screamed, and in the chaos I lost my balance and started falling. But before I hit the ground, I felt a hand support my back. I slowly opened my eyes and saw the face of the man who caught me.'Isn't he… the noble from earlier?'
He had almost perfect features: skin as white as snow, grey eyes that stared directly into mine, and silver hair, long enough to touch his neck, flowing gently in the wind.
"You should be okay. I caught you quickly so you wouldn't fall."
'His voice… it's actually pretty deep.'
"Why were you running?" he asked.
I quickly pulled away from him."Were you trying to hurt me because I saw your shady, illegal transaction in broad daylight?"
He tilted his head and looked at me blankly for a moment before letting out a small smile."That wasn't an illegal transaction."
"What?" I blinked in confusion.
"It was just a legal exchange of goods. The person I was trading with is a market vendor." He glanced behind him—sure enough, the cloaked figure pulled back his hood, revealing himself to be a local merchant. The man then signaled for the vendor to go.
'Did I misunderstand?'
"May I ask for your name, Lady?"
"Uh… I'm Leyla Nerwine."
The man took my hand, kissed the back of it gently, and smiled."Xerta von Helming."
'Wait—isn't that the name of the Northern Duke?'
My face flushed red. I quickly pulled my hand back and bowed my head.
"I'm sorry… I wrongly accused you. Please forgive me."
"Haha, no need to be so formal. From the situation, I probably did look suspicious."
Ugh, Leyla, you're so embarrassing…
"Are you here alone, Lady Leyla?"
"I—actually got separated from my knig— I mean, my friend."
Xerta stroked his chin while looking up at the sky."Shall I help you?"
"What? No, no need. I'll find him myself."
"Are you refusing my help now?"
He looked genuinely disappointed. But honestly, I still didn't trust him completely.People knew Duke Helming as cold and distant, I recall. But this man… he seemed friendly.
"W-well, then… please help me, Duke Helming."
"Xerta."
"Pardon me?"
He leaned forward slightly and said,"Call me Xer—ta."
"Very well, Lord Xerta."
"You're a bit stiff, Lady Leyla. Now, shall we walk?"
"Y-yes."
We began walking through the shopping district. The atmosphere between us was awkward, but I didn't have anything to say. Every time I glanced at him, his expression was as unreadable as a stone wall.
"What is it, Lady Leyla?"He caught me looking and changed his expression.
"I was just curious what brings you to Count Nerwine's territory."
"Hmm… Do I have to answer that?"
I waved my hand."No need to answer if I'm prying into your privacy."
"Privacy? As a duke, I don't feel like I have any."
'Yikes… That made the atmosphere more awkward. But I understand. As a noble, all eyes must be on you.'
"You're incredibly beautiful... like a goddess."
"Excuse me?"
"I've heard of your beauty even up north. They say many men are vying for your hand in marriage."
"T-that's not true, I'm just ordinary."
"If that's so, would you consider marrying me?"
I stared at him, stunned. The words came out of nowhere—something I never expected to hear. I didn't know how to respond. Was he being serious? Or joking? I couldn't read him at all.
"Was that too sudden? I'm not looking for love. I'm proposing a contractual marriage."
"Contractual…"
"That's right. I think it could be a win-win for both of us. I have suitors that are being… persistent."
'So it's just a contract, I thought he was attracted to me, similar to the others.'
"I… I can't give an answer to something so sudden. Marriage is a serious matter for most women. I can't just marry someone I've just met."
"Of course, I'm not forcing you." His expression softened."I only ask that you think about it."
"…"
"I'll be in Nerwine for the rest of the week. I also plan to visit the count tomorrow on some official business. If you change your mind, let me know then."
Lowering my head, I stared at the path ahead, considering the offer. Honestly, it wasn't that bad; it might even help put an end to the rumors about me and Keith.
Remy's cruel words from yesterday still echoed in my mind, shaking me to my core. I couldn't forgive her for the things she said, especially knowing that the man I'd always considered a brother was being slandered.
"You're thinking about a lot, Lady Leyla. I'm happy to listen, if you need someone to talk to."
I looked at Xerta, He seemed too kind. His words resonated deeply within me, creating an urge to confide in him, despite our brief acquaintance.
"Would you… be willing to listen to my story?"
"If you're willing to share it, I'll listen closely. And of course, if it's a secret, I'll keep my mouth shut tight."
With a deep breath, the words spilled out, each a sharp pebble in the silence. I recounted yesterday's chaos: Keith's staunch defense, Remy's cutting remarks, and Duchess Cynthia's attempt to shame me, the memory of her icy gaze still chilling.