Episode 114

 

“Oh? Sir Jade?”

Daina recognized Jade and approached him cheerfully.

Jade, too, was a bit taken aback since he hadn’t expected to meet her again, and greeted her.

“We meet again.”

“Yes, indeed. Ah…”

Suddenly, Daina looked at him awkwardly, checking his reaction.

Noticing her unease, Jade quickly looked around, recalling what he had said the previous day.

He realized that, just like yesterday, there were no knights or maids escorting her.

“Are you out alone again today?”

“Well… yes.”

Daina nodded cautiously.

“But it’s okay. After walking around yesterday, I’m familiar with the area.”

She quickly added.

Seeing Daina’s bright smile, Jade thought for a moment before speaking.

“Then today, I will accompany you.”

“What?”

Daina looked at him with surprised eyes, clearly taken aback.

“No, no! You don’t have to. I can walk around by myself.”

She hurriedly declined his offer.

“I have plenty of time. And my sister really liked the hairpin you chose for her yesterday. Please consider this a way to repay you.”

“Oh, but…”

“Let’s go.”

“Alright then. I’ll be in your care.”

And so, the two of them walked side by side, exploring the festival-filled night streets.

Daina, who said it was her first time at the capital’s festival, wandered around eagerly, as if it were her last chance.

Jade, following her around, also had a genuinely enjoyable time.

As night deepened, they took a carriage back to her inn, just like the day before.

“Thank you so much for today.”

“Thanks to you, I had a great time as well.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

As their conversation halted, a silence fell between them.

With nothing more to say, it was time to part ways.

Yet, neither Daina nor Jade moved, just staring at each other.

While Daina’s feelings were unknown, Jade definitely felt reluctant to part with her.

“Um, I guess I should…”

Seeing Jade hesitate, Daina awkwardly smiled and initiated the farewell.

“Lady Letis.”

“Oh… yes?”

Just as Daina was turning away, Jade called out quickly.

Her reaction was oddly delayed, as if she hadn’t heard him call her.

“Are you planning to visit the market alone again tomorrow?”

“Well…”

Unable to lie, Daina’s lips moved, but no words came out.

“How about we meet at the same place tomorrow?”

“What? What do you mean…”

“I want to spend time with you until the festival ends.”

Although he was concerned about a noble lady wandering alone, his desire to see her was stronger.

“With me?”

“Yes. If you permit it, I’d like to.”

“Um, well…”

Daina seemed lost in thought for a moment before she made up her mind.

“Alright.”

As soon as she agreed, Jade felt a wave of relief wash over him.

“Then, let’s meet at the same place tomorrow.”

“Yes, let’s.”

“The air is chilly. Please go inside.”

“Have a safe trip back.”

Jade watched Daina enter the inn before getting back into the carriage.

The next day, they met at the same spot and enjoyed the festival together.

Day after day, they spent comfortable and happy times together.

Throughout the festival, they shared many conversations and moments.

Although the time was too short to truly get to know each other, they found themselves increasingly drawn to one another.

Time flew by, and the day before the festival’s last day arrived.

Once again, they exchanged farewells in front of Daina’s inn.

“There’s a place I want to take you tomorrow.”

“Where is it?”

“It’s the best spot to watch the fireworks, and I would love to go with you.”

“Oh, right. There’s supposed to be a grand fireworks display tomorrow.”

“Yes, so it’s better to watch it from there.”

“Alright. Then how about we meet there directly tomorrow?”

“Let’s do that.”

Jade told Daina the location and returned to the manor with a heavy heart.

“Brother, you’re coming home late these days.”

As soon as he entered the house, Luke spoke to him.

“I’ve been busy with work. I can’t help it.”

“Really?”

“How is Ayla?”

Jade quickly changed the subject, fearing Luke might press further.

“She took a walk in the garden earlier and is sleeping now.”

“Is that so? Nothing unusual happened today?”

“Well, she wanted to go to the festival, and it was tough to stop her.”

Jade felt a pang of guilt at Luke’s words.

His sister was too sick to go to the festival, yet he was out enjoying himself.

“She really likes the gift you gave her. She’s been wearing it for days. Hey, where are you going?”

“To see Ayla.”

“She’s sleeping.”

“I’ll just take a look.”

Jade quickly ascended the stairs to Ayla’s room.

“I want to go in with you.”

Luke followed him, eager to join.

“You’ve been with her all day.”

“But I want to check if she’s sleeping well.”

“I’ll do that for you. Go to your room.”

“But…”

“Hurry.”

“Fine.”

With a disgruntled expression, Luke finally returned to his room.

Once it was quiet, Jade opened Ayla’s door gently, careful not to wake her.

He tiptoed to her bed, making sure his footsteps were silent.

The moon was particularly bright tonight, illuminating Ayla’s face.

As he watched her, Daina’s face overlapped with Ayla’s in his mind.

They were about the same age, and thinking of Daina always reminded him of Ayla, and vice versa.

“Ayla.”

Thinking of his sister always pained him.

Ayla, confined to the house with limited mobility, led a pitiful life.

Yet he couldn’t even identify her illness, let alone cure it, making him feel even more guilty.

“No, one day.”

He didn’t want to lose hope.

Just like his sister, who seemed to be smiling happily in her sleep, it was too soon to give up hope.

“Next year, let’s go to the festival together.”

He resolved to take Ayla to the festival next year, no matter what.

* * *

The next day, Jade arrived at the meeting spot to see Daina.

She hadn’t arrived yet, making him wonder if she was lost.

While waiting, he mentally rehearsed what he wanted to say.

He didn’t want this to be the last time they met.

He planned to ask her if they could meet regularly.

Although he wasn’t entirely sure of Daina’s feelings, he felt that she might share his sentiments based on their occasional eye contact.

As he waited nervously, the scheduled time passed, but Daina did not appear.

‘Did she get lost?’

He regretted choosing this meeting spot, realizing that he hadn’t considered her unfamiliarity with the capital.

‘Should I go look for her?’

But he hesitated, worried they might miss each other if he moved.

While he was contemplating his next move, colorful fireworks filled the night sky.

‘Ah.’

Watching the spectacle he had hoped to see with her alone brought a wave of melancholy, making it hard to appreciate the beauty of the fireworks.

Even after the fireworks ended, Daina was nowhere to be seen.

Determined, Jade headed to the bustling market to find her.

But despite his efforts, he couldn’t spot her distinctive red hair anywhere.

Eventually, he went to the inn where she was staying and burst through the door.

“Welcome!”

The innkeeper’s rough voice greeted him.

“Are you looking for a room?”

“I’m looking for someone.”

“Who are you looking for?”

“I heard the Letis family is staying here.”

“Letis family?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard of the Letis family.”

“What?”

Jade quickly tried to process this unexpected information.

‘She might not have given her family name.’

“I’m looking for a lady with red hair down to her waist. Can you check which room she’s in?”

“I’m sorry, but only male guests are staying at our inn right now.”

“Really?”

“Why would I lie to you, sir?”

“I see.”

Jade left the inn in shock.

He stood outside for a long time, staring into space with a forlorn expression, unable to leave.