NOVEL NEXT Chapter 449
The engagement of nobles seemed to be more entangled between families than I had imagined. As proof of this, when I inquired about date courses, the news eventually reached the retainers. They fervently spoke of the benefits that a bond with the Count’s House could bring, desperately arranging the attractions and schedules of the Barony.
“For the long prosperity of the Baron Family, we must ensure this engagement succeeds…!”
“The Head of the Family and the Young Lady will not require protection. If there’s a place among the recommended attractions that you find appealing, I can suitably adjust the arrangements for you to spend time comfortably!”
Not only that, but if this engagement succeeds, it would further solidify our ties within the kingdom. They even prepared newspapers. They suggested that creating an intimate atmosphere and showing our date to the public would be beneficial.
I felt quite pleased that all our retainers were genuinely loyal to the Baron Family.
‘This could be… if the engagement fails, they might want to burn me at the stake.’
It seemed that my marriage with Shione was not just ours. They were pushing hard, almost threateningly, to make it happen.
In the end, filled with their hopes and support, I met Shione in a small garden within the Baron’s castle grounds.
“I’ve been waiting. You must have recovered from your travels by now.”
“…….”
“Young Lady?”
“Don’t mind me. It’s just been a long time since I spoke so freely.”
“Well, speaking as before would be more comfortable—”
“No? You seem more dignified now as the Baron, and it excites me.”
With her crescent-shaped eyes and bright voice, it was clear she enjoyed my demeanor. I felt more like a tempting prey to her.
Since two days ago, after leaving the reception room, she had been subtly giving off that vibe every time we met. Today’s date must mean she had prepared something herself.
“The weather is nice, and the cold has subsided—so, Baron, where do you plan to take me today?”
In response to Shione’s question, I quickly replied.
“How about we go boating at the Baron’s lake, just the two of us?”
“Boating?”
“I heard there’s a beautiful place where hardly anyone comes because the lake is so vast. I thought it would be nicer to enjoy the boat ride alone, without guards or servants around.”
“Just the two of us on an empty lake…”
Her blue eyes began to sparkle like when she read novels on her bookshelf.
“Let’s go right away.”
Perhaps she had seen something in a book. The keyword “boating” clearly sparked excitement in her.
*
The sky was a bit cloudy; however, the sun peeked out occasionally, casting warm rays that made it perfect weather for outdoor activities.
Unfortunately, more clouds gathered, and soon it started to drizzle.
“Of all times to rain.”
And it was just as we arrived at the small dock.
The carriage driver showed a hard time dealing with the steady rain.
Both Shione and I felt our high expectations plummet.
“…With the rain, there will surely be fog on the water, and it’ll be quite cold. I could ask the spirits for help, but we wanted to enjoy our time alone.”
“…….”
Perhaps she had been looking forward to the time together; Shione simply stared out the carriage window without saying a word.
It wasn’t my fault about the fickle weather, but seeing Shione react like this made me feel senselessly pressured to speak.
“If the spirits intervening bothers you, we can come back another time. Even if it’s not by the lake, there are other places I’ve prepared—”
“It’s fine, Ray. You don’t need to apologize. Besides, it wasn’t your fault in the first place.”
She met my gaze and smiled softly.
Looking again at the rain falling outside.
“And—”
No, to be more precise, she looked up at the sky and dragged her words out.
“This shower will stop soon anyway.”
Just as she said, the rain began to lighten and the clouds drifted away.
Once the dark clouds hiding the sun cleared, warm sunlight started to dry the damp earth.
Light shining through the carriage window illuminated Shione’s face.
“How is it, Ray? Just as I said.”
“Then, you had been looking out the window for—”
“I thought the clouds would clear and was waiting to see when the sun would show. Thankfully, it turned out this way.”
Shione stood, opened the carriage door.
“Then, from now on—”
She stepped out first, extending her hand.
“Will you guide me, Baron?”
As if the driver could hear, Shione deftly tried to escort me like the ladies here.
It was amusing to see her, who had originally been my lady, display such precise manners. Rather than rejecting her and unintentionally hurting her feelings, I decided to respond appropriately, feeling like I had been outplayed.
“Then I shall quickly visit the lakeside. If boating seems impossible, I’ll return very soon. But if it appears feasible, I’ll stick to the schedule.”
“Considering the rain, the wind isn’t strong, so it should be manageable, but I hope you won’t lose your way in the fog.”
“If a Master and an Expert Knight get lost in fog, that’s a problem of its own, wouldn’t it?”
“Well then, I’ll wait here for the Head of the Family. Please have a good time.”
After assembling the crew, we headed to the lake with a private dock.
As expected, the view before me was as anticipated.
“Indeed, the fog is thick.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. The sun should be up soon enough. It’ll clear away quickly. More importantly, Ray, can you use magic to disperse the droplets from the boat?”
“That’s easy.”
We blew warm winds toward the boat we were to board, dispersing all the droplets that had accumulated.
With enough central space for two people to lie side by side, and chairs prepared at each corner of the boat. It felt slightly big for just the two of us, but much better than having a smaller one, so aside from the inconvenience of rowing, it wouldn’t be a big problem.
Finally, our clumsy boating adventure began.
“I’ll row—”
“Wait, I’ll start first!”
In an instant, Shione snatched the oars I had picked up and took her position to steer the boat.
With her vigorous rowing, the anchored boat moved into the vast lake.
“Rowing is harder than I thought.”
“You’re telling me you don’t have enough strength? If you want, we can switch—”
“That’s just talk; it’s not like that!”
Initially awkward, she soon found her rhythm and we entered the fog-covered center of the lake, where only the surface near the boat reflected beautifully. She then let go of the oars.
Snuggling close to me, she gently wrapped her arm around mine. We both peered down into the water.
Watching the little fish swim peacefully, we silently appreciated the tranquility that felt distant during the northern winter war.
Shione tightened her embrace and spoke.
“How about it? The foggy lake has a rustic charm, doesn’t it?”
“Shouldn’t you be saying this to someone who’s already seen a lake like this before, Young Lady?”
“Forget the Young Lady part. Just call me by my name.”
Even receiving the treatment of a Young Lady could feel like a tease.
As Shione touched the surface with her slender finger, ripples spread from where her index finger made contact.
“I saw it in a novel. Even this scenery has its own kind of beauty like stepping into a mirage.”
“Though you’ve dusted off the pages, I don’t think you’ve read anything that sounds like that. Where did you even find such a novel, Shione?”
“It’s a secret. If you’re curious, you can come to my room later and find it yourself.”
Her playful tone drew her a little closer to me.
In this still quite chilly weather, the warmth radiating from her thighs and side lingered against me.
“By the way, Ray. Do you know what the lovers in those books did on the foggy lake afterwards?”
On the boat, cloaked in mist, unseen by anyone.
Voices obscured by the waves started to blend into the mist.
Even without having read the novel she mentioned, I could foresee what would happen next.
I finally understood Shione’s intentions for welcoming the foggy lake.
“Sadly, the book didn’t elaborate. It simply said, ‘They confirmed how deep their affections were for each other.’ Just that single line. But you know, I feel like I can imagine how they did it, even with just that line.”
Shione wrapped her arms around my neck.
In an instant, she sat on my lap and locked her gaze with mine, lowering her head.
“Hah…”
Playfully, she nibbled on my neck only with her lips, pulling me closer.
Even through several layers of clothing, I could feel the warmth of her skin pressing against me.
When she finally pulled her lips from my neck, Shione displayed her upper canine while biting her lower lip, wearing an enchanting expression.
“You were the one who sent the letter first, saying you wanted me, right?”
Pressing our foreheads together, she rubbed our noses.
Even such a trivial action became a charming and affectionate temptation.
She leaned in and kissed me.
“Mmh…”
Our soft lips intermittently met and pulled apart.
When we were finally out of breath from the long kiss, Shione was the first to part.
“Phew—”
Her saliva-coated tongues connected before breaking away.
“The sun has fully risen. The mist should clear soon…”
As she lightly brushed her mouth with her thumb, she whispered softly.
Every breath, every gaze, every gesture of hers confirmed one thing.
“In this moment, isn’t it okay to show me a little of how you plan to earn my affections?”
Since it had started to rain, Shione must have drawn this picture in her mind from then on.
By the time I caught on to her clever guiding, I had already fallen into her trap.