Would the two fall in love at first sight? Or, like in the original work, will they start off quarreling and gradually develop affection?

From Rumi’s perspective, the latter would be better. At least then, there might be something I could do in the middle.

But me…

“I’ll go back to work then.”

“Ah, you should. It’s already gotten so late.”

His carefree smile showed he would never know my true feelings.

I felt slighted, yet I knew too well that I had no reason to be.

“…”

My thoughts had wandered too far.

I better get back to work.

“Oh, Sir Musel! Are you taking a walk?”

After finishing my duties, I was leisurely walking around the palace when a familiar voice called out. I turned towards the sound.

“Sir Lutz.”

“Ha-ha, it’s even more delightful to see you outside of work hours. Were you headed somewhere?”

As if being in love with a workplace superior wasn’t troubling enough, now this cheerful knight.

“No, just trying to clear my mind.”

Lutz’s expression brightened at my answer.

“Oh, for clearing your mind, there’s something much better than a walk!”

“……?”

Looking puzzled, I watched as Lutz smiled and mimed drinking.

“Let’s go for a drink, Sir Musel!”

“No, I’m not really good with alcohol.”

I quickly waved my hands in refusal, but Lutz persisted.

“I won’t drink enough to get drunk as I’m a knight. It’s just about enjoying a light drink.”

“Still…”

“Don’t worry. The tavern I frequent makes incredible side dishes. The seasoned meat is really delicious!”

“Seasoned, meat……?”

Suddenly, familiar dishes flashed in my mind: marinated pork ribs, seasoned beef ribs, spicy rib stew.

Before I could think more, my response came out spontaneously.

“Let’s go quickly then.”

“I knew you’d like it!”

My instincts had won over my reasoning. I couldn’t resist marinated ribs.

We headed to a small pub outside the palace.

Upon entering, Lutz loudly called out.

“Two plates of seasoned grilled meat!”

“Right away!”

The tavern owner responded energetically and disappeared into the kitchen.
I looked around curiously. The pub from the novel wasn’t much different from what I had imagined, which somehow made me happy.

As we grabbed a table and sat down, a server soon came over with large glasses filled to the brim with beer.

“Wow.”

How long has it been since I’ve had beer!

Forgetting that I had just told Lutz I wasn’t good with alcohol, I was completely mesmerized by the beautifully poured beer.

The only downside was having beer instead of soju with the marinated ribs for a side dish. But I thought, ‘This is still pretty great,’ and decided to be content with what I had.

Before the side dishes even arrived, Lutz was already gulping down his drink.

“Whew, to be honest, I’ve been feeling a bit down. I was longing for someone to have a drink with. I’m actually really grateful that Sir Musel readily agreed.”

“Ha-ha, it’s nothing. But why are you feeling down? It’s rare to see Sir Lutz looking so dispirited.”

People who openly admit they’re feeling down usually don’t hold back from sharing the reasons.

Lutz’s overt display of his emotions was almost like a signal, asking to be inquired about the reason.

“Well, you see…”

Lutz let out a heavy sigh. Even after downing the refreshing beer, his face still looked troubled as if the weight on his mind hadn’t been lifted.

“…….”

I quietly waited for Lutz to start talking.

Truthfully, whatever his concern was, it was unlikely that listening to him would solve it.

But sometimes, just talking about it can ease one’s mind a bit.