The book “To Reclaim Destiny” started shockingly, with the male protagonist’s beloved woman taking her own life.

His lover, who once whispered sweet nothings, left him one day without a note, and the man’s emotions soaked deeply into the pages of the book.

The novel was tear-inducing to the very end, its narrative so heartrending that Biare felt a heavy ache in her heart.

Even immersed in the deep aftereffects of the story, Biare struggled to understand why the female protagonist chose death.

“This is too much…”

Unable to stop her tears, Biare was quietly sobbing when a sturdy hand offered her a handkerchief. Looking up, she was surprised.

“……Duke of Berdeum?”

After a brief glance at the book, the Duke asked in a low, subdued voice.

“Is it this book that makes you weep so?”

His voice, gentle and calm, gradually soothed Biare’s tears.

“It’s not that. But what brings you here, Duke?”

Pointing to a box of desserts he was carrying, the Duke replied.

“I was packing up puddings for my knights.”

She realized that this quiet café had a loyal customer base, contrary to its appearance.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

The Duke, not waiting for a response, sat down opposite her, leaving Biare just blinking in surprise.

‘Isn’t it polite to just walk past in such situations?’

“Do you have a lot of time, Duke?”

“Do I look like it? Even though I’m actually quite busy.”

Despite Biare’s slightly brusque response, the Duke seemed unbothered, only pulling up the corners of his mouth.

He casually took out a pudding from the box.

“This is made with orange marmalade.”

Still teary-eyed, Biare nodded in thanks.

Looking at her and the book, the Duke began, his expression bittersweet.

“I’ve read that book too.”

“You’ve read this book, Duke?”

Surprised, Biare looked up at him, and he nodded lightly.

“At first, I didn’t understand.”

“Why did she leave the male protagonist with only pain and choose death?”

Biare agreed; the reason for the female protagonist’s suicide remained unclear until the end of the novel.

“But now I think I understand.”

Still not quite getting it, Biare quietly observed him.

“It must have been the best way to keep a secret.”

“Even if it was venomous to those left behind.”

His empathetic demeanor towards the book’s male protagonist left Biare speechless.

‘He still hasn’t forgotten that person.’

Though she didn’t know why he couldn’t meet the person he longed for, it seemed he deeply cherished them.

Awkwardly, the Duke stood up, pointing to the untouched orange marmalade pudding.

“I should go now. Eating this will surely lift your spirits.”

As she opened the pudding, a fresh orange scent wafted up, its tangy and slightly bitter marmalade fragrance lingering long in her heart.

‘What life have you led?’ she wondered.
Biare’s days, once monotonous, were gradually filled with the colors of Dension.

Their first meeting wasn’t pleasant, but as if to correct a misunderstanding, he was endlessly kind every time they met.

Every moment with him was a joy for Biare, and her vague feelings for him deepened over time.

Thus, Dension Berdeum found a place in her heart.

Reflecting on the past she had tried to deny, Biare had to admit her feelings.

It was then she fully realized the nature of her restless heart whenever she was with him.

She wanted to save his lonely world.

‘Is it too much to ask for a bit of your heart?’

From that day on, Biare’s gaze always sought Dension Berdeum.

She started attending various social events she normally wouldn’t, hoping to see the Duke.

But finding him, who disliked socializing, was like trying to catch stars from the sky.

Now, even chance encounters were not permitted.

The only chance to meet him was at the unofficial Montelio literary meetings.

“Lady, do you have something to say to me?”

“Me? Nothing at all.”

“You were staring so intently, I thought otherwise.”

Despite her curt response, the Duke just smiled softly.

Biare glanced away, thinking, ‘Why did I have to fall for someone like him?’

Yet, her extraordinary feelings for the Duke kept growing.

‘If only you felt the same.’

Such thoughts often left her overwhelmed with sorrow.

In his eyes, she was just the Lady of Ruschef, nothing more, nothing less.

His heart already held someone dear.

Struggling with her suffocating emotions, Biare tried to erase her sorrowful feelings.

“I should go.”

Her sudden departure worried the Duke.

“Are you unwell?”

“No, why would I be?”

Yet, she found herself brusque and harsh around him, despite feeling otherwise.

Her heart was in turmoil, making it hard to breathe.

“Why are you crying?”

“You know, you’re really annoying.”

“I’m sorry.”

His concern amidst her tears seemed too kind, making it harder for her to not love him.

“That kindness is too much for me. It’s confusing.”

“What do you mean?”

‘I’ve ruined everything.’

Overwhelmed by the thought of not being able to be near him anymore, Biare began to cry bitterly.

Had she ever wept so sorrowfully in front of someone other than family?

“Just pretend you didn’t hear it.”

The Duke gently wiped her tears, caring for her.

“How can I pretend not to hear what I’ve already heard?”

His light chuckle in response to her tearful, angry gaze shifted to a more serious tone.

“I like you. Very much.”

“What? What are you saying…”

His voice, tense and slightly trembling, and his sincere gaze seemed to reveal his true feelings.

“I really do like you.”

“That’s impossible. There were no signs of that.”

His unexpected confession left Biare in disbelief.
Caught off guard by his unexpected response, Biare almost bit her tongue, unable to process her thoughts properly. The Duke, noticing her flustered demeanor, wore an expression of regret.

“You’ve always been oblivious in strange ways, Lady.”

“Why would you like me?”

Her voice was almost a whisper, filled with shyness.

“At first, it was the sight of a beautiful woman that caught my eye.”

Biare frowned, lips pursed as if she had heard something disagreeable. The Duke chuckled lightly at her reaction.

“Then, it was your fairness in giving everyone, noble or commoner, equal opportunities.”

‘It was just me doing my job as the head of the cultural foundation.’

As embarrassment washed over her, Biare listened to his words with her head bowed.

“Your efforts for your father and brother, even when you don’t show it.”

She had thought her family was no different from any other ordinary household.

“And how your lips pout when you’re displeased.”

“Wait, that’s not a compliment!”

“It shows how much I like you. Want to hear more?”

“No, that’s enough.”

Her cheeks flushed crimson, and her eyes sparkled, proving she was perhaps the happiest at that moment.

“I’m sorry for misleading you, for making you cry.”

With that, Duke Berdeum slightly bowed and gently kissed the back of her hand.

“I still haven’t heard your answer, though.”

He grumbled softly, his eyes shining with anticipation.

“I think I like you too.”

“Very well done, Biare.”

Biare’s awkward love, though it began in the cold of winter, felt to her like the dazzling sunlight of a summer afternoon, full of warmth and brilliance.

Reminiscing about those happy times, now unreachable, Biare was immersed in the ecstasy of those days, tinged with a bittersweet aftertaste. The overwhelming emotions of those moments would forever linger by her side, offering solace.