035. Oceane (5)

Suddenly, Lucia thought that Owen was like the moon.

If she was the sun, swallowing everything around her, then he was like the moon, shining nobly.

Even with countless stars around, he was the one who stood out the most.

Even if the stars whispered, he would remain indifferent.

He looked at her.

Like the moon shining with the sun’s light, he wanted to reach her.

“….”

Her heartbeat began to tickle her ears.

Thump, thump.

Since when had it been like this?

Sometimes, when she faced Owen, she was startled by the uncontrollable beating of her heart.

It became difficult to maintain her composure.

Unlike herself.

Lucia was definitely happy.

She leisurely took in the scenery and looked at Owen.

Until a moment ago, she thought it was fun.

But…

-My Lady, usually in such situations, you use the word ‘happy’ instead of ‘fun.’

Why was Mary’s voice repeating in her head just now?

As if the emotions she felt at this moment were happiness.

As if spending this time together walking by the sea made her feel that way.

“I hope you remember today for a long time.”

The night breeze blew.

The cool wind, carrying the saltiness of the sea, brushed past them.

Lucia felt her hair fluttering and saw Owen’s short black hair swaying softly.

The black eyes she met were unfathomably deep.

“…Really?”

“Yeah.”

She asked slowly, and he nodded slightly in affirmation.

Then he added.

“You said that this place would become special after this trip.”

“Yes, I did say that.”

“You were right. This place will probably become that special place for me.”

He confessed honestly.

Though he didn’t say the words she longed to hear, Lucia knew.

Really, Owen…

“I hope it becomes that kind of place for you too.”

…liked her.

Even though his deep eyes and expressionless face revealed nothing, she could tell.

His attitude, his hesitation, his actions all pointed to one thing.

Some might deny it, but Lucia knew.

How many people had sung love to her, enamored by her appearance?

The attitudes and actions of those who said they loved her were similar to his.

Not exactly the same, but the feeling was.

“So that I can remain in your memory for a long time.”

His voice flowed like running water in the breeze.

Lucia could only stare blankly at Owen, unable to respond.

Even in her silence, Owen did not urge her.

He just smiled.

Freshly and purely.

Lucia quietly captured his image in her eyes.

As if trying to remember the moment for a long time, just like that.

 

* * *

 

Owen never managed to say he liked her.

Not that night, nor the next day.

The word ‘love’ never left his lips.

He didn’t know why he hesitated so much, but time passed relentlessly.

Thus, another afternoon.

Lucia and Owen came to the beach for their original purpose: horseback riding.

“It’s beautiful.”

Lucia mounted the white horse, one of the two that the butler had prepared.

White horses were typically used in temples, making them as rare as stars in the sky and equally expensive.

Owen was impressed by the butler’s ability to acquire such a beautifully raised white horse.

“The mane is so soft.”

Lucia, carefully mounted on the white horse, murmured as she stroked its white mane.

“It’ll like it if you pet it.”

“Really?”

“It seems to like you.”

“That’s nice.”

At Owen’s words, Lucia gently petted the horse’s neck and back. Its well-groomed white fur was soft and warm.

When Lucia smiled, pleased with the touch, Owen felt relieved and mounted his own horse.

His horse was a plain brown one. It was well-maintained and of a sturdy breed, but it had no special colors or appearance.

Owen already had a favorite horse, so any new horse would likely be used by ordinary knights or for carriages.

On the other hand, this was Lucia’s first time riding, so it made sense she didn’t have a horse of her own.

‘He’s sharp, as usual.’

Even after seeing the results of the butler’s preparations for the villa, Owen was surprised at how well the horses had been prepared.

Owen was newly impressed by the abilities of his people, from Logan to the head maid and staff at the capital mansion, and the butler and staff at the villa.

Each one was exceptionally talented and perceptive.

Though their competence was a great help and convenience to him, it sometimes startled him how quickly they picked up on things he hadn’t mentioned.

“There are quite a few people today.”

While Owen was lost in these thoughts, Lucia spoke suddenly.

At her voice, Owen lifted his head and looked around the beach.

As Lucia mentioned, the atmosphere today was different from yesterday.

Unlike the calm and quiet day before, today the sounds of people could be heard here and there.

“It must be because it’s the weekend.”

While it wasn’t crowded, it wasn’t ideal for a private feeling either.

Moreover, due to their statuses, people’s attention was entirely focused on them.

It wasn’t unexpected.

They had purposely come to a place where people gathered.

It was a location chosen to fulfill Lucia’s desire.

It was mentioned in the original story and seemed perfect to grant her wish.

“I suppose so.”

“How’s the horse? Is it uncomfortable?”

Despite the bothersome gazes of others, Owen turned to look at Lucia.

Her appearance on the white horse moving forward was just as beautiful as yesterday.

Today, her outfit was different from the day before.

She had changed into riding clothes because they were going horseback riding.

Her riding pants and top were suitable for activity.

Even in that neat attire, she was beautiful.

Her long red hair was tied up for the day.

“Not at all. The horse is very kind.”

“That’s a relief.”

“What’s this horse’s name?”

At Lucia’s question, Owen briefly recalled.

“Lina. The butler mentioned it.”

The white horse was a mare, and her name matched her beautiful appearance.

“Lina… It’s a pretty name.”

When Lucia murmured, stroking the horse’s back, the horse made a small sound, as if pleased.

“It seems to be happy.”

“It seems to like you.”

“I only met it today.”

“Even animals can have favorite owners.”

At Owen’s casual remark, Lucia’s cheeks turned faintly red.

She seemed a bit excited.

She didn’t openly smile, being unable to be honest with her feelings, but her eyes revealed her current happiness.

‘It would be nice if she could be honest about this part too.’

Riding slowly next to Lucia, Owen thought.

‘It’s probably due to her childhood.’

Lucia was honest.

Honest about what she wanted and desired.

This was not only her innate nature but also a result of her childhood experiences.

There were many things she couldn’t have unless she explicitly asked for them.

Lucia grew up in a family that listened to her only when she voiced her desires.

Growing up in such an environment, she became someone who openly expressed what she wanted and desired.

But at the same time, she also became adept at hiding her emotions.

She couldn’t simply lash out or yell when she was angry.

She didn’t have the environment to cry even when she was sad and struggling.

She naturally learned to suppress and swallow her anger, sadness, and pain.

To be precise, before she even realized it, she had learned to mask them with a smile.

She also learned that it was a reality where she shouldn’t show her joy and happiness openly.

Her world was full of people who would ruin her happiness and joy.

She grew up to be an adult who didn’t know happiness and didn’t know how to express her emotions.

So, Lucia was honest and yet not honest.

“Lucia.”

Owen softly called out to Lucia, who was gently patting the horse.

Her gaze, which had been directed at the horse, shifted to him.

“Lina is a horse we acquired for riding. So, if you want, you can take her with you.”

“…Is it a gift?”

“Not exactly a gift, but it seems Lina likes you. You could be a good friend to her.”

At the word ‘friend,’ Lucia tilted her head.

It was understandable, as she was used to the term ‘owner’ for a horse.

“Horses are more like companions. They bond with their owners.”

Animals that spent a long time with their owners were more like companions.

At least, that’s what Owen thought.

“Oh….”

“Lina likes you, and you will take good care of her.”

And perhaps that was a new story for Lucia.

She likely didn’t have anyone in her world who cherished and liked her.

In her social world, people could become distant with any incident or reason, even if they were close.

That must have been her experience with human relationships in the harsh social world.

In the noble world, where yesterday’s friend could become today’s enemy, there were few relationships one could genuinely cherish.

“I already have a horse, so I hope you take good care of her. Is that okay?”

“…Yes, I like that.”

When Owen asked in a tone of request, Lucia nodded.

Her cheeks, faintly flushed, were still tinged with pink.

Owen looked at her and chuckled.

Though she couldn’t express it honestly, her expressions occasionally revealed her true feelings, which was endearing.

“Isn’t that Duke Verdun and Lady Edelte?”

“I think so.”

“Oh my, are they really meeting?”

“What’s the rumor about the saint and the hunting tournament?”

“Isn’t that just a baseless rumor?”

At that moment, voices were heard from one side of the beach.

Just as Owen was about to turn his head.

“Owen.”

Lucia grabbed his wrist.

His gaze returned to her at her touch.

But the emotions in her red eyes were different from before.

The excitement and anticipation had vanished.

What remained in her ruby eyes was something intense.

Possessiveness, obsession, and…

‘The same look from before.’

Owen recalled the incident in the carriage.

He had pondered it intensely but could never find the answer.

‘…It seems she reacts to anything related to Bella, both then and now.’

The common point between then and now was the mention of Bella.

The difference was that he had brought it up in the carriage, whereas now, others were talking about it.

“Shall we head back?”

Just as Owen was about to delve into his thoughts again, Lucia asked.

Her question left Owen feeling a bit puzzled but he didn’t show it.

They had come out for a horseback ride and hadn’t been riding for long…

“Alright.”

He thought there must be a good reason for her to act this way.