Episode 47

It was a day that made one's heart flutter.

Clara quietly gazed at the scenery that enveloped her view. Her pale eyelids slowly fluttered shut and then reopened.

The unfrozen lake was crystalline.

Despite it being winter, the forest was rather enchanting than desolate.

'Have I ever ventured this far before?'

It was the first time in her entire life. Since her marriage, Clara's range of activities had been confined to the mansion.

"It's truly beautiful..."

"Do you like it?"

"Of course. I've never witnessed such a vista before."

Her crimson lips spread into a radiant smile. The count's stern eyes subtly trembled.

"It's so lovely."

"Yes, it is lovely."

His dark eyes were fixed on her profile as she admired the lake.

While the count and countess each reveled in different beauties, the servants behind them were busily setting up the area.

"This spot seems to have a better view."

"Ah, there's a bug—"

"Ah! Where?"

"...How did you manage being so afraid of a single bug at the academy?"

"Insects don't appear in the cold."

A light outdoor mat was laid near the lake.

On the mat Sonnet spread out, Ute placed the high-end heating artifact Carlyle had purchased in a suitable position.

When the artifact was activated, it emitted a gentle warmth.

Clara removed the coat that her personal maid had wrapped tightly around her. Beneath it was a bright silver dress that complemented the lake's surface.

The count's Adam's apple bobbed noticeably.

"Ahem, that dress seems quite thin."

"Surprisingly, it's designed for winter. And it's warm here."

Her rounded shoulder scarcely brushed Carlyle's arm.

Behind Clara, two people were clenching their fists, closely monitoring the slight distance between the couple.

"Should I... push them?"

"That would be too sudden..."

"How long will it take then..."

"Let's see how it goes for now."

Clara fiddled with the ribbon at the end of her hair and glanced back.

'What are they discussing?'

Being this close to her husband made her so self-conscious that she diverted her attention elsewhere.

"Madam, today—"

"Hmm! Sonnet, why are you just standing there?"

Carlyle's words were softly overridden.

Clara was aware of the fact, but she raised her voice innocently and feigned ignorance.

"Do you need anything?"

"No, it's not that... Why don't you two join us?"

Sonnet, who remained about ten steps outside the mat, widened her eyes.

"Us? How could we dare intrude on your date—"

"D-Date! This is, I mean, what I was saying is..."

With her quick denial, Carlyle's face instantly fell.

Clara, unaware of this, desperately spoke.

"The more people, the merrier, right?"

"But..."

"What do you think, doctor? It would be more enjoyable with more company."

The youngest doctor at the mansion simply smiled and remained silent.

Her pink eyes trembled even more desperately. She could not endure this ticklish atmosphere.

"What do you think, Carlyle?"

"Carly—"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize..."

Her braided hair, which Sonnet had given up her sleep time to manage, spread abundantly.

The count, who had been staring blankly at her face that Sonnet had dressed up for three hours, nodded.

"Do as my wife wishes."

His black eyebrows twitched once.

Sonnet and Ute exchanged glances and then sat on the picnic mat.

"Sonnet, come a little closer."

"Closer from here?"

Clara only felt at ease when Sonnet's shoulder was close enough to touch hers.

In an atmosphere where it seemed like they were alone, she couldn't think straight.

'I'm glad Sonnet is here.'

Her eyes, full of trust, were fixed on Sonnet. The doctor's expression became more complex, but Clara didn't notice.

"Madam—"

"That...! By the way, Sonnet, have you been here before?"

Carlyle's mouth closed like an irate child. But Clara had no time to worry about such things.

"This is my first time as well."

"Really? I heard you've been in the capital for quite a while."

"I mostly stayed at home. Even when I went out, it was all about money... Serving you and seeing such scenery is truly an honor."

"Sonnet...!"

Moved, Clara hugged Sonnet tightly from behind.

It was a heartwarming scene.

The count's face, on the other hand, turned harsh and then gloomy. However, he was not the type to give up easily.

"Wife, if it's alright—"

"Sonnet! Try this canapé. It's really delicious!"

And the countess was not a woman who easily succumbed to such a romantic atmosphere.

"Wife, perhaps—"

"Sonnet! Do you know any old tales from Selcing? I'm curious."

"Wife—"

"Sonnet!"

"Wife,"

"Sonnet!"

It was a fierce contest where neither side yielded.

In the end, it was Sonnet, which had been quietly utilized as armor, who concluded the dilemma.

"I! I shall! Go pick some mushrooms."

"Mushrooms, all of a sudden?"

Clara's slender fingers grasped the hand of the maid who had jumped up.

"You are my personal maid. You must stay by my side."

"Oh, but the count is right here!"

"You can just buy mushrooms, why..."

"I've developed a keen interest in gathering wild vegetables since my student days."

"But Sonnet, you are from a seaside village—"

"One must respect the hobbies of their servants, Wife."

Servant, hobby, respect.

Three words that did not fit with the Count of Edwell came out in succession, but he continued shamelessly.

"We've come all this way, she also needs some time to relax."

"That may be true, but... Fine, go ahead. Don't stray too far!"

"Of course! I'll stay where you can see me!"

Her light purple head moved away as if it had been waiting.

Clara took a deep breath and rolled her eyes.

Now, the only one she could rely on was the youngest doctor.

But Ute Velvet didn't seem to understand Clara's desperate signal.

"I'll excuse myself for a moment as well."

"W-Why, doctor?"

"I'm researching a health method that involves collecting the sounds of nature. I already discussed it with the master, didn't I?"

The count nodded naturally.

"Yes, we did. I wish you success in your research."

"Thank you for wishing me luck."

"No, doctor, wait...!"

The silver head strayed away mischievously.

Now, it was just the two of them, with no turning back.

Clara clasped her hands tightly, her eyes following the maid's departing figure.

An awkward silence flowed before the count spoke.

"Shall we take a walk?"

They might encounter her maid or the doctor during the walk.

Clara nodded quickly, and the couple slowly tread around the lake.

"A long time ago... I visited Ronda. I met a girl by the lake there."

"A girl?"

"Her smile was like the sunshine. I couldn't take my eyes off her."

A peaceful smile played on the count's lips.

It was the first time she had seen him smile like that. Clara couldn't help but feel an unfamiliar pang of jealousy.

"Was she beautiful?"

"The most beautiful I've ever seen."

"You must regret not meeting her again."

"She was beautiful, kind, and innocent."

"..."

"She even offered to show the way to a stranger."

Clara, who had been staring at her feet for no reason, quickly looked up.

Ronda, lake, lost person.

Forgotten fragments of memories quickly pieced together.

"You... perhaps..."

"The one who asked His Majesty the King for your hand in marriage was me."

"..."

"Clara, my wife. From the beginning, you were the only one I desired."

At that moment, a white petal fell between them.

"A snowflake..."

The small petal that landed on her palm disappeared in a few seconds like snow.

'Eternal happiness.'

Clara recalled an old legend she had heard since childhood: If two lovers who swear love meet the snow together, they will live happily ever after.

In front of her stood the man who confessed his love without hesitation.

"I..."

Her pink eyes filled with tears.

She seemed to hear the sound of a violin from somewhere.

---

Madam, it's not my place to say, but if flowers that don't match the season suddenly fall on your head... be suspicious.

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