Chapter 65

Asulin nodded her head as if enchanted by her own suggestion to go out for a stroll in Dragoon City.

“Th…Then just wait for a moment. I’ll change into something more suitable for going outside!”

Even amidst her scattered thoughts, Asulin couldn’t hide her bright expression as she declared she would change clothes and left the bedroom again.

Clatter-clatter!

The sound of her footsteps was so lively that it seemed impossible for it to belong to her, given how light-footed she usually was. It echoed all the way to the bedroom.

It must be so delightful. Just moving my feet to spend time together somewhere different from usual.

Though, even I, who can feel such anticipation, can only imagine how much more joyous Asulin must have felt to propose this idea first.

This isn’t the time to hesitate. Even though this is an impromptu plan, we’re about to share our precious time, so I should hurry and get ready in my outing attire.

—Are you going to wear that?

—That…that?

—Oh come on, you know what I mean. Let me help you change.

Just as I was about to leave the bedroom, I heard Asulin and Katarina discussing something related to the outfit in hushed tones.

What could she be planning to wear to make such a fuss? Is it really necessary to be so flustered? Anything she wears would look good.

Curious, I opened the bedroom door to see where Asulin and Katarina were talking, but they were already gone. I decided to pick out a dress to change into later and headed towards the dressing room.

I was curious what Asulin would wear when she came to me, but at that moment, I wanted to see her reaction more than anything else when she saw me in my outing attire.

Indeed, when Asulin saw me fully dressed for the outing, she gasped slightly, achieving my goal.

“I’m…sorry for making you wait. To ask you to wait after initiating this conversation is truly my fault.”

“…Ah.”

It took me a moment to respond to Asulin’s apologetic voice, as I was completely captivated by her.

There was no other option but to go.

…

“Does it…suit me well?”

Since meeting Asulin, she had insisted on wearing trousers for formal occasions, but now she was wearing a dress for the first time.

It was predominantly blue. The long skirt, reminiscent of a clear blue sky without a speck of dust, hung gracefully above the ground at a suitable distance.

On her shoulders was a fur coat designed for winter warmth. It seemed to be made from the fur of frost wolves, which were common in the Zakarat Mountain Range.

Unlike the sea water that causes significant casualties when it reaches civilian areas, the fur of these wolves becomes increasingly luxurious as the weather gets colder, taking on a silvery hue. This coat was crafted from the valuable fur, carefully processed.

Though it wasn’t as extravagant as one might expect for the second-in-command of the Duke’s family, it still had a certain simplicity.

“…Even during our trip to the Central Region, I felt like I was going to work, so I didn’t wear this until now. What do you think?”

As Asulin asked for my opinion, her face flushed even more deeply, barely concealing the embarrassment.

One could say that the heat on her face was so intense that she wouldn’t need to worry about the cold.

Feeling satisfied with our outfits, we began to walk.

Although it would have been natural for Asulin, who had suggested going to the bustling district first, to insist on leading the way, I gently squeezed her left hand with my right, more cautiously than when I grabbed it earlier.

“Let’s take a tour of Dragoon City’s bustling district. I’d appreciate your guidance.”

My calm tone prompted Asulin to shake her left hand lightly, matching my pace.

“Just leave it to me. I’ll show you that the Duke’s territory is home to a magnificent city that doesn’t fall behind the Central Region.”

She spoke confidently, as she usually did.

While I enjoyed seeing her shy side, I also liked her bold demeanor.

If only she could control her blush better…

“Is there something on my face? …I hurriedly prepared, but I don’t think I made any mistakes.”

Pointing out such details would only stiffen her movements, which had softened slightly.

“The joy on your face shows clearly that you’re happy spending time with me.”

I said this to imply that I was simply glad to see her.

No sooner had the words left my mouth than Asulin’s gaze fixed on mine.

“Hmm…”

Her faint hum and the way she observed me seemed to be trying to confirm the truth in my words.

But no matter how closely she examined me, there was nothing significant to change.

Regardless of her expression, I knew she wouldn’t mind.

Finally, unable to find any significant reason to doubt me, she said:

“…I believe you.”

Though her tone was firm, her voice was unexpectedly soft as she gripped my right hand more tightly and started walking.

At first, I had grabbed her hand to snap her out of her daze, but over time, it seemed Asulin was holding my hand tighter.

We didn’t let go of each other’s hands until we got on the carriage to Dragoon City.

…

The journey to Dragoon City wasn’t particularly long or difficult.

The wide road leading from the Duke’s Residence to Dragoon City, maintained well enough to function properly even in the cold winter, allowed several carriages to pass through at once.

Moreover, thanks to the excellent craftsmanship of the carriages and the well-trained horses kept ready to transport the Duke’s family, a distance that usually took around an hour was reduced to just half an hour.

“We’ve arrived,” I said.

Asulin, who had been lost in thought during the ride, finally spoke after getting off the carriage.

I wondered what she had been thinking so intently that she hadn’t spoken a word during the journey.

“Let me guide you to the Central Square!”

As soon as we stepped off the carriage, Asulin grabbed my hand and briskly walked forward, leaving me no choice but to follow her lead.

Even though I had spent nearly a month with her, walking hand in hand like this felt somewhat awkward, making my steps less fluid.

“Asulin, I’ll show you a city bustling with vitality, so vibrant that it won’t feel like winter at all!”

Seeing Asulin’s excited expression as she planned to show me around the city, I found myself focusing solely on the moment with her, rather than the steps.

…

The North’s winter is harsh.

Not only due to its geography, but even in the Central Region, where magic engineering has taken root and made winter more bearable, those not benefiting from its advantages still find winter terrifying.

Yet, the people living in Dragoon City, situated at a higher latitude than the Central Region and exposed to the seasonal winds from the Zakarat Mountain Range, seemed unfazed by the harshness of winter.

Everyone’s attire was thick.

Compared to the people in the Central Region, who emphasize style over practicality, the citizens of Dragoon City wore practical clothing optimized for the winter.

Despite the strenuous effort required to move in such cold, the people here exuded strength.

However, unlike the vigor seen in those heading towards the Central Square, what stood out among us was…

“The New Year’s event hosted by the Duke’s family is unprecedented compared to previous years.”

“It’s said to be grand enough to humble the snobbish nobles in the capital.”

“Haha! That’s what makes our Duke’s family and Dragoon City stand out! A grand festival like this, which the folks in Sylvantrium can only dream of, should be held here.”

They spoke with excitement, their faces lighting up as they discussed the upcoming festival.

…Do they know? That the person planning this mysterious festival is standing right here, listening to their conversation.

Whether they know or not, since they’re merely praising Asulin without malice, there’s no issue. But, just to refresh the atmosphere, I turned my attention back to Asulin.

“…”

I couldn’t help but tilt my head in confusion.

Asulin, who had been cheerfully walking with her blue hair bouncing, suddenly changed.

“Was that a disguise spell?”

When I whispered this, Asulin nodded lightly and smiled playfully.

Now I understood why she had insisted on getting off the carriage before reaching Dragoon City.

“It’s a civilian inspection. If the Junior Duke, who is the city’s master, is openly walking the streets, public sentiment will reflect the true situation.”

Asulin’s playful remark confirmed my suspicions.

“Still, it seems to be well-received.”

“This city remained untouched even during the Succession War and the invasion of demons. Nowadays, the construction workers here are helping rebuild the outskirts of the Duchy. Thus, the economy is stable.”

“Is that why you’re checking the crowd’s mood during such a major festival?”

“You’re correct. However, there are other reasons, but I don’t need to elaborate on them.”

After concluding their brief conversation, Asulin continued walking confidently toward the Central Square, still holding my hand.

Despite the transformation brought by the disguise spell, her unique beauty remained evident in her silhouette.

It seemed like quite a spectacle awaited us at the Central Square, and Asulin probably thought I would enjoy it.

But there’s one thing Asulin doesn’t know.

Her effort to show me something beautiful is already beautiful enough to me.

Trying to express it clearly…

“My steps feel heavy. Just a little more effort!”

Thanks to the spell, my voice was subtly altered, making it easier for Asulin to coax me along.

I could mention it later, before bed.

If Asulin is happy, that’s all that matters.

With that thought, I moved back to sit beside Asulin.

I pushed away the urge to continue watching her black hair sway.

The winter festival, a new year tradition in the northern metropolis of Dragoon City, was in full swing.