No Need For Regrets

Chapter 48

“In one of the paintings, there was… an armchair.”

Seriniel spoke in a very soft voice.

“It was made of yellow leather… How about getting that one?”

“…”

“Of course, it’s purely my preference, so it might not appeal to you, Milord…”

“No, that’s fine.”

Lexion replied firmly, shaking his head.

“I’m not someone with preferences.”

“…”

“The important thing is that the chair suits your taste.”

But it was strange. He didn’t pay much attention to it before. Even when they talked about it earlier, he redirected the conversation.

As if understanding his heart, Seriniel continued to speak.

“…It’s because it resembled the chair my mother used to sit in.”

She said in a very quiet voice.

“My mother used to sit in that chair and tell me many stories. It was like that since I was young.”

“…”

“Just… like earlier. You asked me to talk a lot about myself. About my parents too.”

It felt like she was making a big deal out of it. Her face seemed to be turning red for no reason. So Seriniel avoided Lexion’s gaze and slightly lowered her head.

“How about sitting there…?”

But I’ll leave eventually. As we promised, after a year has passed.

Seriniel still couldn’t trust anyone. It was hard to believe. In a way, it was only natural. It was even more so after going through such things.

But…

It also felt like something she wanted to believe in. This man who always appeared when I was struggling. Lexion Rosenvester, who always awkwardly comforted me.

“Okay.”

And Lexion replied with a slight smile. Of course, Seriniel still had her head down, so she didn’t see his smile, but it was there.

“It’s the color similar to your hair.”

Lexion’s large, warm hand carefully brushed Seriniel’s golden hair, tousled by the sea breeze.

“A warm color.”

“…”

“So it makes you feel good when you look at it.”

Yes, that would be nice too. Listening to Seriniel’s stories while sitting in the yellow armchair in the mansion filled with the pleasant spring sunshine.

Surely it would be enjoyable.

Lexion smiled.

“I’ll have to tell Paul about it.”

If Seriniel directly requests it, Paul will make the chair with utmost care. For some reason, Paul also seemed to have a favorable impression of Seriniel.

“Anyway, we should head back now. If we stay here like this, you might catch a cold.”

“Ah… Yes.”

Already, the sunset had faded away, and the sky was dyed in pitch-black darkness. Just like Lexion’s pupils.

Lexion released Seriniel from his embrace and slowly got up from his seat. Seriniel also got up, following him.

Shouldn’t she mount the horse by herself?

Although Seriniel secretly worried about it while standing in front of the horse, it was just a useless thought. Lexion effortlessly lifted Seriniel onto the horse, then he himself mounted the horse and took the reins in his hand.

“Hold on tight.”

Lexion said, glancing back at Seriniel.

“I’ll ride slowly, but I don’t know how it’ll be for you.”

Instead of answering, Seriniel nodded her head. Then, just like before, she held onto his clothes with strength in her hands.

“… ”

Not long after, the horse started to trot slowly. Seriniel, who had been only looking at Lexion’s back, suddenly turned her head.

The cliffs and the sea below, shimmering black, were gradually shrinking. Seriniel silently watched the scene.

But just like earlier, it didn’t feel as sad as death.

Seriniel looked at the receding cliffs for a moment, then turned her head again.

“…”

Suddenly, Seriniel’s gaze touched Lexion’s hand holding the reins in front.

[Just cry until you get tired today.]

It felt like Lexion’s words from earlier, when I was crying my eyes out, passed through my mind again. And his warm touch that silently comforted my trembling shoulders and back.

…If another day like today comes.

And if I want to cry until I’m tired again.

Will you say the same thing to me?

And will you comfort me with warm stories like earlier?

Lost in her own thoughts, Seriniel reached out slowly. Then, very awkwardly, she hugged Lexion’s waist with her face pressed against his back.

“…”

For a moment, it felt like Lexion hesitated, but that was all. He didn’t push Seriniel away or say anything.

Seriniel silently gazed at Lexion’s back, then gently buried her face against his back very carefully.

Lexion’s words about “riding slowly” still seemed to be his own standard, but even so, it didn’t feel as scary or daunting as before.

Although it was spring, the gusty night wind was still chilly. But Lexion’s back was very warm. Just like when he held me in his arms earlier.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Lexion and Seriniel returned to the mansion later than expected.

They didn’t realize that so much time had passed. They thought they had just dried their tears for a moment, but apparently, it wasn’t the case.

Seriniel received a severe scolding from Kina. Things that she could remember even if she closed her eyes.

What on earth were you doing? Do you know how worried I was about you? Why are you so late? Of course, the Duke was with you, so there shouldn’t have been any problems, but still.

Vain was the same. He didn’t actively pour out scoldings like Kina, but he played the role of supporting Kina’s words.

What surprised her the most was that Lexion didn’t say anything.

He stood quietly by Seriniel’s side, listening to Kina’s scolding. Of course, he was in front of Seriniel, so the scolding wasn’t long, but still, it was unusual for the servants under him to make such a fuss or to say anything.

But he only whispered softly to Kina and Vain, secretly whispering to Seriniel.

[It might be better to openly scold her together. This could be troublesome as it is.]

Occasionally, I’ve heard of noble ladies experiencing marital discord. It sounds dreadful, doesn’t it? Perhaps that’s what Lexion was referring to. Don’t you think?

At Lexion’s words, Seriniel couldn’t help but smile. Her eyes were still puffy from crying.

In any case, after the heated argument, the first thing Seriniel did was to bathe.

Perhaps it was because she had cried so much. Or maybe it was because she was exhausted from saying unfamiliar words, especially to Lexion Rosenvester, who rarely shows emotions.

After finishing her bath, Seriniel quietly walked through the corridor. Now she could return to her bedroom and rest.

As she walked, Seriniel hesitated and stopped in her tracks. It was because of Lexion, who was approaching from ahead.

It seemed he had just finished bathing in the area on the second floor, as his hair was still wet.

His black hair, which usually covered his forehead… strangely felt familiar.

As if she had seen something similar before.

But Seriniel’s contemplation didn’t last long. It was because Lexion spoke, drawing her attention.

“I’m not used to receiving scolding from frightening servants, so I probably didn’t say good night properly.”

Seriniel smiled faintly.

“Sleep well, Seriniel.”

Lexion also smiled as he spoke.

“And you too, Milord. Thank you for today.”

“How many times have I heard you say thank you today?”

Lexion chuckled lightly and then turned around slowly. Then he began to walk towards his own bedroom. Seriniel quietly watched his retreating figure…

“Next time…”

Summoning her courage, she spoke softly.

“Please tell me your story too, Milord.”

Suddenly hearing Seriniel’s words, Lexion stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her.

“But my story won’t be interesting at all.”

“…”

“And it won’t be pleasant to hear.”

“Still, I want to hear it.”

Seriniel replied quietly.

“I’m curious. I want to know what kind of person Duke Lexion is.”

Lexion was silent for a moment. Did I say something unnecessary? Maybe he thinks it’s rude. Seriniel stood quietly, waiting for his response, and after a while, Lexion chuckled and parted his lips.

“I guess I’ll have to order two armchairs.”

“…”

“I’ll have to hurry and send the request to Paul. He’ll have a hard time, but it can’t be helped.”

That was the end of their conversation. Seriniel finally smiled brightly, and so did Lexion.

Lexion’s loud footsteps gradually faded away, and Seriniel also began to walk towards her bedroom.

…Although she spent several days immersed in sorrow on her parents’ anniversary, this time she felt like it wouldn’t be the same.

Tomorrow, just like a few days ago, she might wake up with a smile, despite the sadness.

That sorrowful but not lonely day was coming to a peaceful end.