A bare tree branch awkwardly protruded. The fallen leaves were dry and crackled with each step, and the fragments of broken leaves fluttered weakly when the wind blew.

“Nasha’s Bookstore.”

Fist clenched, I melted my frozen hands and entered the bookstore. The bookstore near the square was about two stories tall, and its interior was spacious and old.

As it was afternoon, children of my age or younger were choosing books rather than older adults. Therefore, the few available steps were all in use.

“Do you have a specific book you’re looking for?”

The owner of the bookstore approached me.

“Could you recommend a good recipe book?”

“Sure. The recipe books are over here… The best-selling ones are ‘Diary of the Sweet Land’ and ‘How to Captivate People with Cooking.’ Oh, if you want home-cooked meals, we have other recipe books as well.”

The bookstore owner looked at me with eyes asking which cooking book I preferred.

“Um…”

I didn’t have a specific one in mind. It had been about three days since I promised Yurik to treat him to a meal, but I hadn’t decided what to cook for him yet.

Yurik enjoyed seafood dishes, but they were too challenging for me to prepare. If I recklessly attempted, my lack of skill might make Yurik swallow bones unknowingly.

“For now, I’ll ask for dessert recommendations.”

“I’ll recommend a few, so take a look and let me know if you want to purchase any.”

Four days left. I had to decide what dish to make for Yurik by then.

I climbed the hill with five thick books in my hands. Besides playing chess, I had nothing else to do. Since I had plenty of time to contemplate the recipes, I decided I needed to choose a unique dish to prepare for Yurik.

As I ascended the hill, the wind grew stronger, and my hair obscured my vision. I put the books down, swept my hair back, and climbed the hill again.

Then, I heard the sound of hooves from behind. When I turned around, a familiar black carriage approached.

“…”

It was Teus’s carriage. I had bad luck.

“Hello, miss. It seems you’ve been out for a while.”

The carriage stood next to me. Through the window, I saw Teus, whose hair had grown longer. He chuckled at my disheveled hair and, shaking window rattling in the wind, held it in place.

“Yes. Just a moment at the bookstore.”

“It’s cold today. Please, get on. I’m heading to the Marsen Mansion.”

“No, it’s okay.”

It was better to have cold hands than endure an uncomfortable journey together.

“Well then.”

“…?”

As I was about to move my feet, the carriage door creaked open.

“You’re walking, and I can’t comfortably travel alone in the carriage. I’ll walk as well.”

“…”

Ignoring him, I changed my words, “Get on the carriage. I’ll join you.”

As I changed my words, Teus finally smiled. He extended his hand to me, and I, in turn, ignored him and boarded the carriage first.

“…”

The inside of the carriage was warm. Purposely taking a seat near the window, I turned my head outside, avoiding Teus’s conversation.

Teus’s long legs reached the chair where I was sitting. He deliberately teased me by tapping his legs, trying to catch my attention. Still, I kept my gaze fixed outside the window, and Teus didn’t bother opening his mouth.

We quickly arrived at the mansion as we had boarded the carriage on the right hill. Even when getting off, I pretended not to see Teus’s escort and went into the mansion. Teus, after handing the carriage to the butler, followed me.

“Oh, the entrance looks different from last time.”

Teus commented as he looked at the somewhat tidied-up entrance. Over the past few days, I had ordered the maids to make efforts to restore the entrance. Only the wallpaper remained to be fixed, but it felt more like a lived-in entrance than before.

“Yes, I made some effort.”

Teus disliked it, but I was pleased that he recognized the changes in the entrance.

“Oh, Master?”

At that moment, Stiana, who was inside the room, sensed our presence and came out. Stiana and Teus exchanged greetings, pressing their lips against each other’s cheeks.

“How have you been? Madam.”
“Of course. But what should we do? The Viscount hasn’t returned yet. I’ll have a maid prepare tea, so could you please wait a bit longer?”

“No, I’ve come to see the lady today, not the Viscount. Still, I’d appreciate the tea, madam.”

Stiana looked bewildered as she glanced between Teus and me. It was also a surprise for me. Why hadn’t he mentioned it before? I somewhat regretted avoiding his conversation in the carriage.

“The tea will be prepared, so feel free to talk as much as you want.”

Stiana discreetly left without further inquiry. Well, not so discreetly. Right now, having Stiana by my side was better.

“Where should I sit, miss?”

Teus shamelessly asked. I didn’t want to guide him into the room, and I didn’t want to talk in the parlor either.

After some consideration, I chose the sofa in the entrance. Although Teus showed a displeased expression in the open space, he didn’t complain.

As we sat down, maids brought warm tea.