“Ah, no! That can’t be….”

Atia wore a businesslike smile as she extended her hand.

However, question marks kept appearing in her head.

‘Eating with just me? Why?’

From Casus’s perspective, suggesting the night market was merely an excuse.

He simply wanted to be alone with Atia.

The night market provided a plausible reason for the two of them to eat out.

But from Atia’s perspective,

she couldn’t refuse when he spoke so directly.

The excuse of feeling unwell wouldn’t fly anymore.

Especially since they had run into each other while she was exercising.

Any mention of sudden dizziness or feeling ill would obviously make her look like she’s dodging him.

‘Should I say I’ve already eaten?’

But seeing Casus’s face, she realized that might bring about other complications.

They had met again today; who knows when they’ll meet again.

With Haideger too busy for her, she had no one to rely on.

It seemed easier just to agree with Casus.

Atia decided she had no other option and nodded with a hollow laugh.

“Very well, as you wish, Your Grace.”

“Good, then dress casually and meet me here in an hour.”

“Casually?”

“You can’t comfortably eat in those clothes.”

“Ah.”

Dressed in such noble attire, she’d attract uncomfortable stares at the night market.

Only by blending in could she truly enjoy the sights.

‘Those were the days, drinking soju at food stalls.’

Though she barely drank anymore to keep fit.

The thought suddenly made Atia sentimental.

Would the atmosphere be similar here?

What was beyond the Duke’s residence?

She hadn’t even known about the night market.

So much was happening within the Duke’s estate that she found it fascinating.

“Yes, I’ll see you here in an hour then.”

(This is a time divider.)

Returning to her room, Kesha was beside herself.

“Madam!”

“Hm?”

“Finally, the Duke wishes to dine with you?”

An excited Kesha clenched her fists and raised her voice.

“Finally!”

“Kesha, what’s the fuss?”

“Wearing casual attire to the night market, how romantic!”

“Romantic?”

“Yes! Ro! Man! Tic! It’s a date!”

“Romantic is dead.”

But even as she spoke, Atia felt secretly excited.

Her first meal with the Duke.

Though she wasn’t sure if they would actually dine out, this was their first outing alone.

Plus, it was his suggestion.

“Kesha.”

“Yes?”

“What does the upcoming festival signify?”

“It’s a festival for the wellbeing of the people and the Duke’s estate.”

“I see.”

As she’d read in the original story, there was no doubt about Casus’s caring heart.

Then perhaps it was natural for him to suggest visiting the heavily populated night market.

Had she been interpreting his recent actions as signaling something else?

Was his actual goal to inspect his estate?

Even if they weren’t close, as the Duchess she needed to be aware of her territory.

‘Is this his way of nudging me to pay more attention to the estate?’

That thought dampened her enthusiasm.

However,

Casus had suggested eating together, hadn’t he?

Shaking her head, Atia finally gave up trying to understand.

‘I don’t know.’

People can change as easily as their appearance.

Besides, making the most of her remaining time wouldn’t hurt.

With that, Atia made up her mind.

Dressed in casual attire, she stood before the mirror, inspecting her reflection.

“Not bad.”

“Madam, even in casual attire you can’t hide your elegance.”

Kesha looked at Atia with envious eyes.

Below her shining silver hair, Atia wore a blue tunic.
Even in plain clothes, her beauty was not concealed.

Kesha quickly styled Atia’s hair.

“I prepared blue clothes because you like the color blue.”

“Thank you.”

“So… are you ready?”

“Ah, I should probably bring a bag just in case.”

“A bag?”

“Yes.”

A short while later.

Casus and Atia, who met at the agreedupon location, looked at each other.

“…”

“…”

Dressed in commoner’s clothing and accompanied by Zen, Casus looked no different than when he wore his uniform.

Atia realized painfully that ‘the face completes the fashion.’

No matter how expensive the clothing, if the essence was bad, it didn’t matter. And no matter how ordinary the clothing, if the face was perfect, then the clothing shone too. That was the lesson he embodied.

That was Casus.

Before they knew it, they were standing close to each other, staring at each other’s appearances before breaking the silence.

Atia spoke first.

“Do I look like a commoner?”

“Not at all.”

“That’s a problem. This is the best I can do…”

“Me too.”

Casus looked at his blue tunic as he spoke.

Zen, who was watching them from the side, ran his fingers across his forehead with an anxious expression.

‘I’m worried. It’s definitely concerning…’

Zen wondered why Casus had suddenly poured interest into the Duchess.

However, considering Atia’s recent actions, he couldn’t say it was inexplicable.

She had accomplished tasks that no one else could.

Zen observed Casus and Atia with interest.

However, it seemed that Casus didn’t recognize his own feelings.

At least, that’s how it looked to Zen.

Casus had been with him for a long time.