The place where they stopped was a famous tailored shop in the capital. Even without the year carved into the silk signboard, the vintage exterior gave a full sense of the place’s history and tradition.

“Welcome.”

As they stepped inside, an elegant gentleman in a threepiece suit bowed courteously. It was Filmond, the shop’s owner and one of the empire’s renowned masters of men’s suitmaking.

Filmond had been waiting to personally greet a distinguished guest expected around this time.

‘So she’s the Duchess.’

Upon seeing the woman in the tailored suit among the two ladies, a gleam passed through Filmond’s eyes.

‘So Pomme Nouveau wasn’t just blowing hot air.’

Filmond recalled the frequent comments of his colleague, Mrs. Pomme Nouveau, at the tailors’ gatherings. He now understood why she so exuberantly praised the Duchess, calling her her sole muse.

As highly as Mrs. Pomme Nouveau had praised her, the actual presence of the Duchess would make any haute couture designer’s eyes sparkle. Long arms and legs, perfectly proportioned shoulders and waist—she was flawless.

Moreover, when she slightly lifted her veil, her beautiful face with delicate features and a strong gaze created an extraordinary atmosphere.

“I’ve been waiting. My name is Filmond.”

“Pleased to meet you, Filmond.”

When Filmond bowed again, Idel returned the gesture with a soft smile.

“I was informed in advance. You’ve come to buy a gift.”

“Yes, I’m here to choose a men’s gift.”

“Do you have an item in mind?”

At Filmond’s question, Idel hesitated for a moment. She had considered various items since deciding to come here to buy a gift…

She lightly touched the cravat around her neck. His words, once whispered softly in her ear as he tied this cravat, came to her mind.

Unconsciously, her cheeks flushed and Idel tightly gripped the end of the cravat she had been fiddling with. She too wanted to express the same sentiment to him.

“I would like to see cravats.”

“In that case, please follow me.”

Filmond led her to where cravats were displayed. As they moved, Idel glanced at Reynion.

“Reynion, are you surprised to find yourself here all of a sudden?”

“Ah… I didn’t expect it. You’re buying a gift?”

“Yes, for someone special.”

“For someone special, you say?”

Reynion’s eyes wavered with anxiety. To him, Idel’s voice pierced deeply, unwavering.

“…For His Grace, the Duke. I want to express my feelings to him.”

Reynion’s eyes rippled as if a large stone had been cast into them.

“Could you help me pick out a gift for him? It’s my first time buying a men’s gift… I thought it would be good if you were with me.”

“…Of course. If it’s a request from you, Idel, I’ll assist with anything.”

Reynion finally spoke. Although his words were the same as before they came here, his eyes now were filled with an indescribable bitterness.

Even though he knew the place beside the Duchess belonged to the Duke, whenever he looked at Idel, conversed with her, and shared thoughts, Reynion would unconsciously forget that fact.

No, he wasn’t even sure if he wanted to forget it deliberately.

Realizing he was ensnared in the illusion born from the foolish desire to remember her only when she was beside him, and not the Duke, Reynion cast his forlorn gaze at Idel.

Selecting a cravat, she wore a faint smile as if she was dreaming a pleasant dream. In her eyes, yearning for someone, he knew that man was not himself.
Feeling the truth of the matter even now, he wondered why he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her… Rainien sighed softly, parting his lips.

“Lord Rainien?”

“Ah… Have you chosen something to your liking?”

“Yes, what do you think of this?”

The cravat that Idel chose was a deep blue color, resembling the Duke’s eyes. She thought it suited Caeron, not only in color but also in its flawlessly tailored design.

“It would suit His Grace well.”

“…Indeed, you’ve chosen well.”

“I think it would suit His Grace perfectly!”

Rainien nodded heavily, as if agreeing with her thoughts. Bien, who was observing the atmosphere, also added his cheerful voice.

‘His face really does look wounded…’

Bien glanced at Rainien’s expression. Idel wouldn’t have noticed while she was focused on choosing a gift, but Bien had quietly watched Rainien.

Upon hearing that he should assist Idel in choosing a gift for the Duke, Rainien had tried hard to hide his clouded expression, but couldn’t entirely mask his desolate gaze.

To Bien’s eyes, Rainien was definitely fond of Idel. Whether this was just friendly emotion or something more, like what the Duke feared, was uncertain.

‘But now you’ll certainly know His Grace’s feelings.’

Bien’s eyes followed where Rainien’s were looking. Idel was shyly smiling while adjusting the cravat she’d chosen.

To the observer, her feelings toward the Duke were also keenly felt. A perceptive and considerate man like him couldn’t possibly be unaware.