Chapter 19

* * *

Reina took out the lovely navy dress she had bought on their last outing and dressed Bonita in it. The lining had vertical stripes, and the lace layered inside was so full it looked like cream colored peonies in bloom.

The dark color could have made it look heavy, but the faux pearls sewn here and there gave it a bright, elegant feel. Lastly, she placed a bonnet with large ribbons on both sides on Bonita’s head.

“Wow!”

Bonita hopped around in delight when she saw her reflection in the mirror. She had said they didn’t need to buy clothes that day, but it seemed new clothes were still irresistible.

“Look, Boni. Aren’t these pretty shoes?”

Watching her happily, Reina held up the brand new pair of Mary Jane shoes that hadn’t been worn even once.

Once Bonita had shoes that fit her perfectly, she looked, in Reina’s eyes, like a little princess on a grand outing.

Reina wanted to hug her tight and shower her with kisses, but she held herself back and finished getting ready.

Reina’s outfit was simple and neat, graceful if you were kind, plain if you weren’t. She tied her hair back and finished it with a white ribbon, checked the time, then took Bonita’s left hand.

“Boni, there are going to be a lot of people outside today.”

“Yeah.”

“You remember what Mom always says, right?”

“Yeah. When there are lots of people, don’t get distracted. Hold Mom’s hand tight. If I get lost, don’t go anywhere and wait right there!”

“Good girl.”

Reina smiled softly and stepped outside.

As soon as they left the mansion, a chilly breeze brushed against them. It was clearly colder than before.

After Star’s Birthday, the weather always turned cold. Last year she had worried about firewood, but now she didn’t have to. That reality made Reina smile sincerely.

“Reina!”

Estelle called out brightly, wrapped in a fluffy pink cape trimmed with fur. It seemed to match the checkered dress underneath. Perhaps to hide her white hair, she had tied it up and worn a narrow brimmed bonnet.

“My lady, you’re already out?”

“Yeah, we said we’d go together today!”

Smiling brightly, Estelle took one of Reina’s hands and pulled her toward where the duke was standing.

The duke stood there, gazing at the winter scenery with a dry expression.

Though it was winter scenery, the ducal garden was full of flowers thanks to magic stones and looked far from wintry.

“My lord, have you been waiting?”

“…Mm.”

Today, Estelle and the duke were heading into town while hiding their noble status, so their clothes were simpler than usual. Even so, their natural elegance hadn’t disappeared.

They smelled faintly of fine perfume, and their hair looked especially well kept.

‘Anyone would think they’re nobles dressed as commoners.’

Still, since they had made the effort to dress plainly, Reina decided not to ruin the mood and simply smiled.

The four of them headed toward a carriage that looked surprisingly ordinary for a ducal household.

The exterior was plain, but the inside was so luxurious that Reina couldn’t hide her surprise.

She helped the two children in first.

The duke lingered outside, staring into the carriage. Reina, already inside, looked at him.

After standing there for a moment, he asked,

“…Will you still call me my lord in town?”

“…Hmm.”

Now that he mentioned it, that title would stand out. To be honest, even without such a title, the Duke of Winternight and Estelle naturally drew attention. The duke’s noble air and tall figure made him noticeable anywhere.

Reina briefly wondered if she should point that out too, but decided not to and nodded instead.

“You’re right. That title would feel out of place. What should I call you then?”

“…Damian.”

Reina wondered if she had misheard.

“…Pardon?”

“Call me Damian.”

Was it a fake name for today? No matter how she tried to convince herself, she couldn’t ignore it. The head of the Winternight family was Damian Winternight, and that very man was telling her to call him by name.

Reina’s eyes rolled awkwardly at the situation.

“It’s my order. It’s fine.”

With that, the duke boarded the carriage.

He tapped the carriage wall lightly, and it began to move. The children pressed their faces to the window, watching the scenery rush by.

Inside the carriage, Reina focused on the children while the duke sat with his arms crossed and eyes closed, saying nothing. It made her a little nervous, yet strangely, it wasn’t as uncomfortable as she had expected.

‘Maybe it’s because we’ve already been through so much together.’

They had talked alone, struck a sort of deal, shared meals, and even made flower crowns together.

Reina thought the duke wasn’t as intimidating as she’d assumed. He was just awkward. With that thought, she turned her attention back to the children.

Soon the carriage stopped near the edge of town in a quieter area. The duke slowly opened his eyes and looked outside.

“We’ll walk from here.”

He stepped down first and immediately lifted Estelle out with ease.

Reina was about to step down herself to help Bonita when

“…!”

A large hand caught her at the waist and lifted her up. For a moment, everything felt slow. Her hair fluttered, and she saw the man lifting her blink once.

“…Uh…”

Estelle and Bonita stared blankly, and Reina herself couldn’t quite process what had happened.

The duke gently set her back on the ground.

“This carriage is high. You could hurt your leg if you slip.”

“Th-Thank you, my lord.”

“Damian.”

“Lord…Damian…”

“…”

“…Mister?”

“That will do.”

Then he lifted Bonita out of the carriage just as easily.

“She’s heavier than last time.”

“I-I’m sorry.”

“It’s not meant badly. There’s nothing to apologize for.”

With trembling legs, Reina soothed Bonita as she came toward her. Reina herself had been shocked. She couldn’t imagine how surprised Bonita must have been.

“D-Damian, do you know where the performance is being held?”

“I heard roughly where it is.”

He answered casually, then observed for a while as Reina and Bonita held hands. Bonita’s small fingers were wrapped tightly around Reina’s ring and little fingers.

“…”

The duke quietly offered his hand to Estelle, shaping his fingers so she could hold them the same way. Estelle hesitated, then took his hand after glancing at him.

Satisfied, the duke’s lips curved up ever so slightly.

Bright sunlight fell over the father and daughter. Reina watched them, her cheeks red from the cold.

‘They really look like the leads of a novel.’

They looked perfect from the outside. Reina could tell that even their seemingly plain clothes were carefully chosen high quality pieces for today.

Why did this sense of misery creep in even when she was happy?

No one was trying to make her feel small, yet this inferiority she pressed on herself lingered.

“…Mom?”

Bonita tugged on Reina’s hand as she stood absentmindedly. Snapping back to herself, Reina smiled gently as she always did.

“I’ve been there before, so I’ll guide us.”

“Mm. I’ll rely on you.”

“Yes.”

* * *

Star’s Birthday was a festival celebrated by the entire empire. Once it began, every shop decorated itself with star ornaments and displayed items children would love, as well as gifts couples might exchange.

“The whole town is crowded…”

“You’re not used to places this crowded, are you?”

“Honestly, no.”

Overwhelmed by the crowd, the children clung tightly to their guardians.

“…”

Damian looked down at them, then bent and lifted both children at once. Estelle in one arm, Bonita in the other. Both children and Reina gasped in surprise.

“M-My lo…”

“Damian.”

“Mr. Damian…! It’s heavy! I’ll carry Boni, please give her to me.”

Reina reached out for Bonita. Her arms were thin, and though she had once said she could carry two buckets easily, a crowd like this would surely be hard on her.

“I’ll carry them until we reach the theater.”

“But…”

“It’s fine. They’re both too light, if anything.”

With no hands free, the children clung tightly to Damian’s shoulders.

From a distance, it almost looked like he was holding two large paper bags.

Reina fidgeted anxiously, watching him. Seeing no sign he intended to put them down, she decided it would be better to reach the troupe as quickly as possible.

Holding onto the edge of Damian’s coat, Reina pushed through the dense crowd toward the theater.

There were so many people that only after a long while could they finally see the top of the tent.

“Wow, there are so many people…”

“Right… are all of them here to see the play?”

“Hmm…”

There really were a lot.

The line stretched so far it was hard to tell whether everyone could even be accommodated. Even with multiple showings, it seemed they wouldn’t get in until late afternoon.

“We might have to wait a long time. What should we do? I’ll be fine, but the kids will get hungry.”

At Reina’s words, Damian’s expression darkened in displeasure.

He scanned the area, spotted a stall with seating, and strode over with the children.

“Wait here.”

“Pardon?”

After leaving those words for the Reina who hurried after him, Damian pressed some money into her hand to buy something light to eat, then turned and walked straight toward the tent.