IWSC CHAPTER 14, EPI 64

I nodded deeply and answered my mother.
“I understand. Thank you for trusting us.”
“It’s not just you and the young lord; I also trust the House of Stanley. So, more than anything, I hope that this relationship of yours is not just a fleeting affair.”
I responded with a warm smile.
“I understand what you’re concerned about, Mother. I’m approaching Ares with sincerity, so you don’t have to worry too much.”
“Ah, hearing you say that puts my mind at ease. Take care and have a wonderful time.”
My mother smiled gently and embraced me softly. I hugged her tightly in return.
Ares arrived at our estate shortly after breakfast. We planned to travel together to the villa by carriage.
My father looked at Ares with a gaze that could have been directed at a robber and said,
“Lord Ares Stanley, remember well what I advised you last time.”
“Yes, I understand, Lord Uranos.”
After saying our goodbyes to my parents and closing the carriage door, Ares finally let out a deep sigh.
“This is going to be tough…”
“Hmm? Ares, what’s wrong?”
“…Nothing. But if your father ever grabs me by the collar, you’ll take my side, right?”
What on earth was he talking about? I gave him a look, asking for more explanation, but he just gave me a sheepish smile.
“Later, I’ll explain later.”
“Alright…”
Without explaining anything, he suddenly asked me to take his side. I had no idea what was going on, but I agreed anyway.
The journey to the villa was quite long. We had to travel by carriage for a full three hours. I thought I might alleviate some of the boredom by looking out the window, but Ares moved closer to me.
“?”
“Can’t I stay like this?”
Ares’s hand was already wrapped around my waist. Seeing his earnest expression and gesture, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“Haha, of course, there’s no reason why not.”
Ares smiled deeply and lightly kissed the top of my head. I rested my head gently on his shoulder. The familiar scent of Ares, which I loved so much, made me feel content.
During this time with Ares, I decided not to think at all about the ‘author’ or the ‘pillar’ of the novel. Instead, I would savor every moment we had together as if it were our last, with all my heart.
I would give Ares everything he wanted. That was what brought me the greatest joy right now. And I would take everything from Ares as well, for there was no time left for me to hesitate.
The weather seemed to bless our first and last journey together. It was bright and clear, perfect for summer. The sunlight was warm but not humid, making it a pleasant day.
The carriage rattled cheerfully as it sped along the countryside road. The villa was located in a quiet, small village, quite a distance from the capital. The scent of the sea was thick in this village, and the largest building here was our family’s villa.
“Welcome, Lady Bianca.”
The steward, who had likely been tirelessly cleaning the villa at my mother’s behest, greeted me with proper etiquette at the entrance. I responded gracefully.
“You must have worked hard preparing everything. This is Ares, my lover.”
When Ares gave a slight bow, the steward smiled kindly and nodded.
“The reputation of Lord Ares Stanley is well-known even here. It is an honor to serve you.”
The steward guided us to the rooms where we would be staying. Ares’s room and mine were right next to each other, with a spectacular view overlooking the cliffs and the sandy beach.
“I’ll prepare a late lunch.”
“Alright. Let me know when it’s ready.”
The steward bowed slightly and left.
Ares and I each entered our respective rooms. Each room had a large terrace, and the doors were made of transparent glass, allowing us to enjoy the outside view even when the doors were closed.
The terrace door was closed to keep the sand out, but I boldly pushed it open. A refreshing sea breeze swept in.
“It’s so cool…”
I stepped out onto the terrace, and a low chuckle came from beside me.
“Ares?”
“Haha, I had a feeling you’d come out too.”
Ares, dressed casually in a light shirt, smiled at me.
There was a similar terrace next to Ares’s room. Standing on the railing and reaching out, we were close enough to touch each other.
I gazed at Ares for a moment. The sheer coastal cliffs, the emerald sea, the white sandy beach, and Ares with his beautiful golden hair fluttering in the wind, smiling dazzlingly at me.
It felt like I might be blinded. Truly. I was thrilled that that smile was directed only at me, and he was so beautiful that I felt like crying.
I smiled brightly at Ares.
I moved towards him, tentatively reaching out my hand, but it fell just short of his fingers. It seemed like I would have to stand on the railing to reach him.
Ares seemed to have the same idea. He frowned slightly as he looked down from the railing and then, as if making a decision, lifted one foot.
I gasped and stopped him.
“Ares! We’re on this floor!”
“But if I don’t do this, I won’t be able to hold your hand.”
“Oh, why go through all that trouble here? Just come into the room!”
Only then did Ares give me a sly smile and disappear from the terrace.
Almost as soon as Ares vanished from the terrace, I heard a light knock. How quick!
I opened the door with a smile. It seemed Ares had run from the terrace, as he was breathing a bit heavily.
“Come in, Ares.”
As soon as I gave my permission, Ares strode into the room with long strides.
“!”
Before he could take even a few steps, Ares pulled me into a strong embrace. His hold was so powerful that it felt like my whole body might crumble under the pressure.
Even though we had been together since the morning, he still seemed to need more. He buried his face in the nape of my neck, taking deep breaths, as if trying to transfer my warmth into his embrace.
My heart was pounding so rapidly that it seemed like he could hear it too. This was because I could feel Ares’s heartbeat against my chest as well.
I relaxed and surrendered myself to Ares. His firm embrace felt surprisingly comforting.
We stayed like that for a while. Gradually, Ares loosened his hold, and we looked at each other silently for a moment.
A cool sea breeze wafted in from the terrace. As my hair was tousled over my face, Ares gently swept it aside with his long, beautiful fingers. His meticulous touch made my heart flutter.
Ares’s face drew closer. I closed my eyes and waited for him to make contact.
In the darkness behind my closed eyelids, his warm, soft lips touched mine with great care. It was slow and deliberate, as if he were touching the most delicate thing in the world.
Even though I had tasted his lips many times before, it always felt like a new sensation. My heart trembled with excitement.
His lips, which had been gently brushing against mine, pulled away momentarily. I opened my eyes and looked into Ares’s golden-brown eyes. The long, golden eyelashes cast delicate tremors over his gaze.
It felt like I was under a spell. I was entranced, staring into Ares’s eyes, and I lifted my heels slightly, trying to get closer to him.
Just as I was about to touch him,
“Miss, the meal is ready.”
Gosh, to think the steward would appear at such a perfect moment!
Ares and I couldn’t help but laugh at the sudden interruption.
“We’ll be down shortly.”
I called out to the steward outside the door. Although I couldn’t hear any footsteps, he probably went down to the dining room after hearing my response.
Ares chuckled in a resigned manner. “It’s such a shame when it’s interrupted like this.”
“Haha, it’s still daylight. We have plenty of time.”
I comforted Ares, who seemed disappointed, by gently running my hand over his arm. The masculine contours felt through the thin fabric made my heart race once again.
The meal was, as expected by the seaside, dominated by fresh seafood dishes. Ares and I ate contentedly, frequently expressing our admiration for the meal. We even made sure to compliment the chef.
“The Count Urano’s villa is truly excellent, as I’ve heard. There’s a reason why it’s the talk of the town.”
Ares spoke with genuine admiration.
Seeing him so pleased made me happy as the one who invited him.
“Thank you for saying that.”
After finishing our late lunch, we decided to take a light walk and headed towards the nearby coastal cliffs. To avoid even a moment’s separation, Ares and I held hands tightly.
The wind grew stronger as we reached the cliff’s edge. It rustled and brushed against our ears.
“Whew, I think we’ve made it to the top.”
I pressed a hand against my wind-tousled hair and looked back at Ares. He nodded with a calm smile.
“It’s magnificent.”
From the cliff’s edge, the view of the sea stretched out without any obstructions, creating a refreshing panorama. I took a moment to quietly enjoy the scene before me.
Would I ever have another chance to see such a wonderful view again?
If this were the last time I would stand here and take in the view, it would remain in my memory as a scene of such beauty and magnificence. I am truly grateful for the fortune bestowed upon me.
I looked up at Ares, who was standing right beside me. My heart swelled with love for him. It was happiness just being here with him.
Sensing my gaze, Ares slowly turned his head from the sea towards me.
“Bianca.”
He opened his arms and called to me. I laughed aloud and stepped into his embrace. The arms wrapping around my shoulders felt incredibly reassuring.
“This wind is quite strong here. How about we head back down?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
I nodded in agreement to Ares’s suggestion. We held hands tightly as we descended, just as we had when climbing up.
“What were you thinking about?”
Ares’s sudden question caught me off guard. I hesitated for a moment but then smiled shyly and answered.
“I was thinking about how grateful I am to be here with you, enjoying such a wonderful view.”
I had learned that being somewhat honest was often better than trying to hide everything from Ares. I didn’t want him to know that I was contemplating my future.
“I see. We’ll be able to see such things together in the future too.”
Fortunately, Ares responded kindly.
There was something I had always been curious about. So, I decided to take this opportunity to ask Ares the question that had been on my mind.
“Ares, how can you be so sure?”
“Hm? Sure about what?”
“About our future together. How can you be so confident that we will continue to be together? Is there any special reason?”
I didn’t recall ever doing anything particularly special to impress him.
Even after falling for him at first sight, I had carefully concealed my feelings and instead focused on becoming a prominent and untouchable figure in high society. My efforts to be the center of attention in society were for my own pride, not to stand out in Ares’s eyes.
There were many noble families who showed affection towards me, praising my looks, elegance, and the background of being an heir to a prestigious count family.
Of course, Ares had previously said that he was different. He claimed he had given his heart to me from the beginning, just like I had for him.
But could that really be strong enough to sustain a dream of a future together?