9. Shay Island
“Why on earth did I do such a thing?”
While reading a self-help book at the age of 22,
I vowed never to regret my actions.
So, until now, I’ve rarely had regrets in my life.
I was more concerned with making money than with contemplating life.
But this time, I deeply regretted it.
When I opened my eyes that morning, the first thing I saw was a basket full of carrots.
The basket lying on the floor looked quite heavy.
It’s only natural because I bought everything.
One, two, three, eight, nine… thirty.
There were so many carrots. I couldn’t even count them.
‘Why is that kid selling these? ‘
The carrots were as crisp as dewdrops, just like that child’s rosy cheeks.
Daphne, the original female protagonist.
An incredibly sweet and endearing young lady who wanted to do everything for others.
Daphne, whom I met in person, was exactly like that.
I approached her as if possessed and purchased all of the carrots.
It was because I felt like I was seeing a flashback of myself as she steadfastly handed out carrots despite being bumped by passers-by.
My conscience tingled in the midst of my joy.
The sleeves of her worn-out clothes kept fluttering.
Her shoes, which were about to fall apart, and even the way she wore her headscarf bothered me greatly.
Of course, what I have now, the things I eat and wear, are all things I earned through my own efforts, but she should enjoy them as well.
Because she was Lacius’ only destiny.
I buried my face between my arms and sighed deeply.
Even as I was doing so, that child came to mind.
The two eyes that I couldn’t get out of my head no matter how hard I tried.
Daphne appeared truly innocent, like a child who had grown up knowing only love since birth.
She would not be stained by darkness, no matter what others tried to do to her.
She was undeniably the female protagonist.
“They haven’t met yet, but…”
She was already in the capital. It was, after all, the end of spring.
She should be meeting her father and learning proper manners by now.
Only then will she be able to attend Her Highness’ birthday banquet in the fall.
I don’t know why I thought she would just pop out at the birthday banquet.
I scowled at the orange carrots and yanked at the string hanging on the wall.
It was a direct line to the kitchen.
A moment later, the chef came running in a hurry.
When he saw the carrots on the floor in my room, he looked perplexed.
“Miss, what are these carrots?”
“Take them and make something with them; they’re fresh.”
“Well, they are indeed fresh. Shall I make a carrot cake and serve it for dinner tomorrow?”
“Yeah, but I won’t eat it. Don’t bring it to me.”
Throwing them away would be a waste.
The carrots were the freshest I’d ever seen, as Daphne stated.
“Oh, hold on.”
“Yes?”
The chef came to a halt as he was about to leave, carrying a basket of carrots on his back.
I made a motion and called him back.
“Leave ten of them; I will give it to Siwoo.”
“Ah, the lady’s pony.”
“Yes.”
I hadn’t seen Siwoo since the day I went horseback riding with Lacius on the meadow.
The coachman and stable keeper were undoubtedly caring for him, but I suddenly felt guilty.
As an apology, I should bring carrots.
“All right, let’s not waste any more time and get up.”
I forced myself to smile and rose from my seat.
Lacius and Daphne haven’t even met yet, and the original story makes it clear when the two of them will meet.
However, just as I was about to admit my feelings and convince myself not to be afraid of being hurt, Daphne appeared out of nowhere.
My heart was filled with despair.
“Juliet, can you hold these carrots here for me?”
“Certainly, Master! Where are we going?”
“Let’s go see Siwoo, but be careful not to be seen by Cat.”
Oh, how I wish I could be galloping through the fields at times like this.
I walked quickly and clicked my tongue in disappointment.
Now that it was midday, the weather was hot.
My previous dress would have made it difficult to get through the summer.
“Siwoo!”
When we arrived at the stable, there was a faint odor of horses.
I sniffed and searched among the massive warhorses for my cute little pony.
“Aigoo, miss. welcome.”
“Yes, it’s a good day. Where is Siwoo?”
“He’s over there, His highness is grooming him.”
“Huh?”
Who did he say was grooming Siwoo instead of me?
I followed the stablekeeper’s pointing and walked past the stable, perplexed.
Siwoo was at the back of the stable, where there were artificial springs and wells for washing horses. Along with Lacius.
“Doesn’t it feel refreshing?”
Hiingg. Lacius spoke affectionately as he brushed Siwoo’s mane with a brush. Siwoo appeared to be in a good mood as well, nodding his head and softly neighing.
“You have to be still, boy.”
Siwoo was the first to notice me. He moved his front hooves excitedly, his eyes sparkling.
Lacius grabbed Siwoo by the scruff of the neck and patted him. Then he turned to look in my direction with a puzzled expression.
“I had no idea you were going to come here.”
“Uh, um, I’m here to feed him carrots.”
“Ah. Siwoo will like it.”
Lacius’s gaze scanned the basket of carrots in Juliet’s hand.
Then he let go of the scruff of the excited Siwoo’s neck and rebuked him.
“Careful. Don’t run too much.”
Neighhh!
Siwoo trotted closer, making a clattering sound as if he understood his words.
He appeared to be excited, but he did not run around aimlessly.
Was he attempting to demonstrate his cool in his own unique way?
“Wow, you’ve trained him?”
“Yes.”
“As his owner, thank you; I’ll make sure to brush him as well…”
Siwoo thrust his black muzzle at me.
I quickly pulled out a carrot and gave it to him.
Crunch. Crunch.
Have you ever heard of horse ASMR?
The sound was so pleasant to hear in the peaceful courtyard that it made my heart flutter.
While I watched the two of them lost in thought, Lacius took another brush and brushed Siwoo’s tail.
Lacius would make an excellent husband.
He’ll definitely be a good father. A father who his children will respect and love.
Suddenly, a desire arose. A desire to be a part of that future, even if it meant forcing myself to do so.
But now that I’ve met the female protagonist, I know there won’t be a place for me, yet mischief surges within me.
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