"Now's the season, huh?"
Chas looked up at the overcast sky. As a drop of water hit his face, he hastily looked down at Chloe, who was also getting ready with her robes.
Soon, it started to drizzle.
"It looks like it won't be long, but finding some shelter is a good idea. If you get sick, Marquess Wynton will scold me," Chas said as he led Chloe away to find shelter.
They found a place in front of one of the monasteries. There were some shade people there too. That damn situation made the whispers between Chas and Chloe even more intense.
Please stop it! Chas shouted inwardly.
From the start, Chas had known his closeness to Chloe would lead to gossip, but he couldn't believe the gossip would spread so quickly and widely. Even Duke Colton, who was far away from him, knew about his closeness to Chloe, even though Chas had never said anything to her. Well, if Duke Colton knew, that would mean Luciell knew too.
To Chas' own dismay, Luciell hadn't done anything as he had threatened to do.
"Lord Chas, are you okay? If you feel uncomfortable, we can find another place," Chloe whispered.
"I am alright. Besides, isn't it too late?" Chas replied tiredly of himself.
Chloe chuckled at that. "It turns out that this is how gossip can spread. The power of words is indeed dangerous."
"Please don't laugh about it, Lady Chloe."
But well, maybe Luciell hadn't done anything because she knew well that Chas and Chloe didn't like each other.
Not long ago, there was a tea party at the Princess Palace as a farewell before the young nobles returned to their respective areas. At that time, there was a goddamn gentleman who said that he saw Chas and Chloe walking together quite often. At that moment, Chas wanted to punch him into silence. Luckily Chloe immediately confessed her feelings.
"Wow, Sir. I don't know where you heard that. But wouldn't it be rude to speculate without knowing the truth? Neither Lord Chas nor I said anything about our relationship. After all, don't you often do it secretly with the lady sitting on the corner when it comes to traveling alone?"
Chloe's words at the time really took everyone by surprise. Chloe, who usually only smiled and chuckled, suddenly said such a sharp thing. In a light, relaxed tone too!
It seemed Chas had misunderstood Chloe all along.
"Oh, the rain is over!" tell Chloe.
"Let's go. Put on your cloak and hood," said Chas.
"Okay."
Luciell's reaction to Chloe's words at that time Chas couldn't read. Luciell just smiled and responded lightly, "Oh my, is what Lady Chloe said true, Sir? You embarrass the Lady sitting there."
Should Chas be relieved? Should Chas lower his guard over Chloe's safety?
No, Chas. You promised to this lady's father, Chas thought as he continued his walk with Chloe.
Chas and Chloe had been out quite a bit. It's hard to deny rumors. But what could Chas really say? This is his fault. If Chloe gets hurt or even dies―
"Lord Chas? Are you all right?" Chloe scolds.
"No, I'm fine," Chas said, massaging his forehead.
Actually, it would be better if Chloe returned to her hometown. It's just that Chas understands how Chloe feels when she can finally live a normal life. Rheannon and Marioline would also be spending their time sightseeing while they were still in the capital.
"Oh, while you're here, is there anything you want?" Chloe asked. They stopped right in front of the pocket watch shop.
"Huh? You're not giving me a present, are you?" Chas asked back.
"I did want to give Lord Chas a present. You've always been kind to me, even though other nobles seem reluctant to approach me."
Oh, if only Chloe knew that they were actually scared because of Chas by her side.
"No need. It's not my birthday either."
"Not a birthday present, but a farewell gift. I'll be back home next week."
Chas stopped in his tracks. "Huh? What?"
"Since it's getting cold now, Father said I should return home. It's warmer there. I wouldn't be cold there," Chloe explained. "I might just come back here in the spring next year. Until then, we will not meet. So I thought…"
"I don't need anything like that. We'd better get back soon."
"Uh― wait. Lord Chas!"
What exactly was Chas thinking just now? For a moment, he felt sad that Chloe would be left for such a long time. It felt like… yet again, he was left alone here.
Crazy, I'm like a kid whose parents just left, Chas thought to himself in annoyance.
It's actually better for everyone. Chloe would be safe in her father's care, Luciell wouldn't mess around, and Chas wouldn't have to worry about anyone else anymore. One person leaves, and three problems are solved at once. Now Chas can focus on his work in the Capital Ozera.
But what is this strange feeling of abandonment?
"We have arrived. Hurry in and warm up. Even if you didn't get soaked, you did get a little bit drenched, didn't you?" Chas said.
"Yes, I know." Chloe looked at Chas doubtfully. "I'll send another letter to Colton's townhouse, okay?"
"Up to you."
Chloe smiled. "See you later, Lord Chas."
Chas left, back to work who knew what was waiting for him in the townhouse.
And it turned out that what was waiting for him was a reply letter from Rheannon.
All of Chas's anxiety about his separation from Chloe immediately evaporated. Rheannon's reply captured all his attention. It's not just about Rheannon, it's not about her husband either. The reply letter determined the future state of the Rexton Kingdom.
Focus. Now was not the time to think about his own feelings. There will surely come a time for Chas to take care of and organize his heart.
"You called me. Lord Chas?"
"Prepare the carriage. I'll be going to Paiton in three days."