And, as if everyone should see, he exaggeratedly turned around with the box. The staff and customers inside the shop all gathered with intrigued faces. Even pedestrians walking the street peeped into the shop, wondering what was going on.

This place was the most famous jeweler in bustling Greenhill.

“I really like it.”

Adel was embarrassed by his exaggerated actions, but quite satisfied with the coupling ring.

“Look at this! This dazzling blue light bursting from deep within! Just as its name ‘Queen of Snow’ suggests, it’s very proud and beautiful!”

Inside the box was a thick ring embedded with a blue diamond.

The diamond, named ‘Queen of Snow,’ was specially procured by Christine. He was the owner of a diamond mine, after all.

The ring that looked like one was actually two combined.

Adel’s ring was a thin rose gold, with the Queen of Snow shining in the center.

Christine’s ring was a thick, unpolished ring, with the upper corner cut in a Vshape instead of a gemstone. When the two rings were combined, the ‘Queen of Snow’ filled the cut part in his ring, making the design.

Two imperfect pieces that became perfect when combined.

Adel was quite pleased with the meaning embodied in the coupling ring.

“Hand it over, Adel.”

As she timidly extended her left hand, Christine unhesitatingly knelt on one knee.

“What are you doing, Chris?”

Adel whispered, looking around in confusion. There were many eyes watching them.

“The real taste of a coupling ring is to give it like this.”

He slipped the ring on Adel’s finger and lightly kissed her hand. Then he looked up, quite serious.

“I swear, Adel. As long as this ring doesn’t wither, my heart will never change either.”

Cheers erupted from the gathered crowd.

Swearing eternal love, Christine seemed like a prince straight out of a story.

Adel’s face turned red, but she couldn’t escape now. The gazes of the people demanded her to play the role of a romantic heroine.

Though awkward, Adel didn’t dislike the role. Or perhaps, she was mesmerized by his deep eyes.

Taking a small breath, she lightly kissed Christine’s forehead, who was kneeling on one knee. Then she put the ring on his thick, long finger and swore.

“I also swear. Until this ring breaks, there’s only you for me.”

A bright and beautiful smile was the bonus fitting for a romantic heroine.

People watching cheered and clapped.

(This is a time separator.)

‘What on earth did I just do!’

When they left the jewelry store, even the people outside sent cheers. Adel wanted to hide in a mouse hole. What had gotten into her earlier?

“Why did you do that earlier?”

It was all because of Christine’s perfect showmanship. Being with him made her want to join in without realizing it.

“To show people. How well we match and how happy we are.”

“What’s the use of showing them that?”
Christine brushed his silver hair disheveled by the wind and laughed playfully.

“Well, some kind of front against people spreading malicious rumors?”

Only then did Adel realize that his exaggerated showmanship was all calculated.

It was all in the same context, the kiss he boldly planted on the rose she dropped from the palace window, and the affection he openly expressed in front of the crowd led by Seira.

After all, the story of Calarim’s hero being tied to a gloomy villainess would be unpleasant to everyone.

The hero’s side always had to be occupied by the best woman acceptable to all, like a princess or a saint.

Even if they didn’t show it like Seira, everyone would want to separate Adel from his side. If their relationship looked just a bit lackluster, malicious rumors would naturally spread.

So, there was a need to show that the two were intact and happy, even on purpose.

Fortunately, there was no need to act especially to do so.

“Aren’t you cold?”

That’s when Christine asked.

The two were walking down the shopping street. The luggage and carriage had been left behind for a date just for the two of them.

“Not really….”

“I’m cold.”

With that, Christine held out one arm as if to fold his arms.

“Is this also a front against the people, Count?”

“No, it’s a necessary posture for a pleasant date.”

When Christine winked mischievously, Adel laughed.

“Better than a front.”

Then he softly folded into his arm.

It was fortunate that it was winter. Because it was cold, they could cling tightly together. Just feeling his body heat was enough to make her body warm.

“Oh my, isn’t that Vice Count himself?”

“He’s as handsome and dazzling as the rumors.”

Occasionally, murmurs could be heard as they passed by. Each time, Adel felt proud of her man.

“You seem to be more famous than I thought. Even ordinary citizens recognize you.”

Adel joked, and he answered proudly.

“Of course. You didn’t see the article that I’m Calarim’s best husband.”

“Oh, really?”

But the problem was that Christine wasn’t the only celebrity.

“Is the woman next to the count that Calarim’s villainess?”

“I expected her to look more flashy and lewd.”

“So the count must be completely deceived.”

Stop.

Christine’s footsteps halted. With a hardened expression, he looked ready to take on the people right away.

Adel was dizzy with what was before her eyes. If they caused trouble in front of so many people, who knew what rumors would spread.

‘Hero controlled by villainess’

‘Calarim’s Hero, Tainted by the Wicked Woman!’

… such sensational rumors would circulate.

“Wow, a beautiful dessert shop! Shall we go in there and eat something?”

Adel pointed to a store filled with cakes, acting as if she had heard nothing.

Christine seemed to think that if she hadn’t heard, there was no need to step forward and make a big deal of it.

“That’s good. I’m hungry too.”