Chapter 52
Johan forced a smile. The lady seemed flustered, then lifted the hem of her dress and greeted him shyly.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace. I am Adele of the Primrose family. Please excuse my rudeness.”
“Not at all. I’m the one who should apologize for making you wait, my lady.”
“Oh, you’re so kind. Why didn’t I know you were such a kind and charming person? I suppose rumors can’t be trusted.”
“Haha.”
The lady’s eyes twinkled as she looked at Johan.
After a brief greeting, the maid who had been waiting prepared some light tea food and tea.
“The flowers have really bloomed beautifully. That red flower is difficult to grow, so it’s rare even in the south.”
“Is that so?”
“Your Grace, do you know the flower language of this flower?”
Johan shook his head at the lady’s question.
“I don’t know about flower languages.”
“It means love.”
The lady reached out, plucked the gorgeous flower, and buried her face in it. Despite having no scent, she had an enraptured expression as if lost in its beauty.
“Love is in full bloom in Your Grace’s greenhouse.”
At her words, Johan’s eyes hardened coldly. But as quickly as it came, his gaze softened again.
“By the way, what hobbies does Your Grace have?”
“I enjoy horseback riding and hunting.”
“Indeed, Your Grace. The rumor of your bravery has spread all the way to the capital.”
‘Didn’t she just say rumors can’t be trusted?’
Johan nodded, swallowing his scorn. He didn’t bother mentioning that the hunting he enjoyed wasn’t falconry but monster hunting.
“And what hobbies does Lady Primrose have?”
“I enjoy embroidery and appreciating tea ceremonies.”
“I see.”
After the mechanical response, the conversation lapsed again.
‘What a waste of time.’
Johan found the current conversation meaningless and uninteresting.
Soon, even the coy young lady would feel the same boredom. He was just as artificial in his conduct.
Life with that woman would be utterly ordinary. His current life would certainly see no change.
As his dry gaze wandered, Johan noticed the neatly arranged cucumber sandwiches on the white plate.
“Right? The cucumber aroma spreads out, making you feel like you’re diving into a sea of cucumbers.”
Sena had said that as she made him a Hendrick’s tonic. Recalling that memory, a natural smile formed on Johan’s lips.
At that time, he had felt alive. Why was that? He couldn’t help but smile whenever he was in front of her.
Unlike now.
“According to the rumors… Excuse me, Your Grace?”
“How boring.”
An honest assessment slipped from Johan’s mouth.
“Huh?”
The lady looked flustered, not knowing what to do, but Johan calmly rose from his seat.
“No, it’s getting rather late. Allow me to escort you out.”
“Already? It’s not even evening yet?”
“It would be best if you left now.”
Johan extended his hand with an irresistible smile, and the lady reluctantly stood up.
After formally escorting her to the carriage, Johan headed straight to his room without looking back.
Just before entering his room, the butler hurriedly called out to him.
“To send the young lady of the Primrose family away so quickly… That was an act of discourtesy! The marquess may even call off the marriage proposal…”
“Let him do as he wishes. Was it courteous of her to show up uninvited?”
“Well, that is…”
As the butler faltered, Johan let out a sigh. Perhaps someone’s intentions were involved in this situation.
“Butler, I appreciate your loyal service that has sustained the duchy for so long… But do not overstep your bounds.”
Johan continued as he entered his room.
“I will go to the Ice Wall immediately. Tell them to prepare the teleportation circle.”
“Pardon? What business do you have at the Ice Wall…”
“Must I explain my reasons?”
“No. I will make the preparations right away.”
After the butler left, Johan changed out of his overly ornate clothing into plain attire. He briefly glanced in the mirror before using the teleportation circle to move to the Milky Way Lounge.
What Johan faced there was someone harassing Sena, just like before.
“Hey, did I ever say I wanted to date you? After spending all that money on gifts, just accept them obediently. Why are you being so picky?”
Some scruffy guy was grabbing Sena’s hand.
“You look even prettier up close. Just try this ring on once. See? It suits you perfectly, right?”
The reason Johan acted impulsively was simple, the sight of that stranger holding Sena’s hand annoyed him.
But when he saw her violet eyes filled with fear upon noticing him, Johan realized he had overreacted to someone who was merely annoying.
He didn’t want to see Sena’s gaze filled with fear. Johan calmly asked for her permission to ease the tense situation.
“You don’t think running away will solve anything, do you?”
Johan grabbed the man with one hand and dragged him outside. The man struggled and screamed for him to let go, but it was no more than a minor annoyance. Johan headed straight for the portal connecting to another dimension.
“Wha… What are you trying to do…?”
Johan opened the gate. Beyond lay a stark white expanse of swirling snow—nothing but snow.
While guards were posted whenever Johan visited the lounge, normally it was a dreadful place inhabited only by monsters.
“Please, spare me! What are you going to do to me!”
Johan bound the man’s arms together.
Guards alerted by the commotion approached Johan. They glanced at the man before addressing Johan.
“Your Grace? This man is…?”
“Come retrieve him in an hour. Make sure he doesn’t freeze to death.”
“Yes? Yes!”
Having disposed of the trash, Johan returned to the Milky Way Lounge. He brushed the snow off his shoulders and calmly smiled at Sena.
“It’s been a while.”
“Oh, yes it has. Were you in the dungeon? You weren’t injured, were you?”
As always, Sena welcomed Johan warmly.
As always, smiling at him from behind the bar counter.
Johan realized this was the moment he had been waiting for.
“I miss you.”
🫧
“What cocktail shall I serve you today?”
“I’ve just had dinner, so I’d like a cocktail that’s perfect for that.”
“After dinner… Ah, do you like coffee, Johan?”
“Yes, I enjoy drinking black coffee. What about you, Sena?”
Johan asked with a gentle gaze.
“I like adding a couple drops of orange liqueur to my black coffee.”
“So you don’t drink coffee plain either, Sena. As expected of a bartender.”
He really knows how to flatter me.
‘My friends used to tease me for adding alcohol to my coffee.’
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I scratched my cheek.
“Coffee tastes even better when other ingredients are added, like a cocktail. So, I’ll prepare a coffee cocktail for you today.”
I filled an old-fashioned glass with ice and added vodka and coffee liqueur.
Though the glass wasn’t full yet, instead of adding more ingredients, I lightly stirred with a bar spoon.
“The glass seems less full than usual.”
“Hehehe, this space is for the whipped cream.”
I topped the drink with whipped cream. This cocktail separates into the fluffy white cream and dark drink portions, visually resembling an einspaener.
“This is the ‘White Russian’—your after-dinner iced coffee, Johan.”
“It really does look like coffee.”
Johan’s expression brightened after taking a sip of the White Russian.
“It starts with a smooth, rich cream before the sweet coffee envelops the mouth. The strong vodka gives a weighty finish to the flavors.”
As always, his tasting notes are intricate and kind. Without realizing it, the corners of my mouth curved upwards.
As we chatted face-to-face, my gaze landed on Johan’s lips. After a moment’s hesitation, I spoke up.
“Ah, excuse me Johan.”
“What is it?”
Johan tilted his head slightly with his chin raised.
“You have some whipped cream on the corner of your mouth.”
🥂
⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊ Translator Note ₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆
A White Russian is a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavors of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. Served over ice in an old-fashioned glass, it offers a smooth and creamy drinking experience with the robustness of coffee and the warmth of vodka.
The White Russian is known for its simplicity and indulgent taste, making it a popular choice for a luxurious and easy-to-make drink.
🥂
Thank you for reading! ♡
