Claire entered the dining hall, her elegant purple evening gown flowing gracefully around her. The dress highlighted her figure, and the amethyst necklace and earrings Seth had gifted her shimmered under the warm glow of the candlelight.
She stepped into the room with a hint of shyness. It was her first time dressing so femininely in front of anyone. Even back in House Robert, she had never had the opportunity to wear anything so luxurious—the head of the house had never treated her as a true family member.
"Good evening, my lord," Claire greeted, her voice tinged with nervousness as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting for dinner."
Seth was already seated at the head of the table, sipping from a golden goblet. He looked up, momentarily taken aback. Though his eyes were hidden by the blindfold, his expression betrayed his surprise. A warm smile spread across his lips.
"I almost thought I'd be waiting another hour for you, Claire," he teased.
Claire's eyes widened, and she bowed her head apologetically. "I'm so sorry, my lord! I got a bit carried away… I was too excited and spent more time in front of the mirror than I realized."
Seth's chuckle was soft, his laughter gentle. "It's fine," he reassured her. "I was only teasing."
Claire exhaled in relief, her shoulders relaxing. Seth's gaze softened. "And honestly, the wait was worth it. You look lovely tonight," he added, gesturing for her to take the seat across from him. Her cheeks flushed at the compliment.
"Thank you, my lord," she said, a smile gracing her lips. "It's all thanks to your gifts. I truly love them."
Claire sat down, and the dining table, set with an exquisite array of dishes, seemed more inviting than ever. The meal began with a creamy butternut squash soup, garnished with fresh cream and thyme. The main course featured perfectly roasted venison, paired with caramelized root vegetables and a delicate red wine reduction. Freshly baked bread rolls and a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette completed the meal. Dessert was a decadent chocolate torte, dusted with powdered sugar and served with a dollop of whipped cream.
As they dined, Seth spoke about Arlecia Estate's future. Despite the setback with the Nix Merchants, he remained optimistic. "The estate still has countless possibilities," he said, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes. "Imagine developing a new kind of transportation that could cover long distances in just days."
Claire's curiosity was piqued. "Actually, I've heard about something like that," she said, her enthusiasm evident. "A new transportation system called steam trains. They were introduced by Richard, the owner of the Trev Company in the Lumian Republic."
Seth rested his chin on his hand, intrigued. "Tell me more."
Claire's eyes lit up. "The Daily Shines recently published an article about Richard's achievement. Steam trains could replace traditional wagons and drastically reduce travel times between cities."
Her expression dimmed. "But there's a downside. The Trev Company is on the brink of bankruptcy. They've invested everything into the project, and the Lumian Republic is facing economic sanctions from the Holy Empire after annexing territory near the East Galilee Sea. The entire economy is suffering."
Seth listened, so engrossed that he didn't realize his goblet was empty until a servant refilled it. Taking a sip, he murmured, "Richard must be in dire straits."
Claire nodded. "Yes, my lord. The article mentioned he's seeking financial backing, but the risk is so high that most nobles are hesitant to invest."
Seth swirled his wine thoughtfully. "What a pity. His project sounds revolutionary. If only I could bring him here to Arlecia and give him the support he needs. I have ideas that could expand the potential of his invention."
Claire's eyes widened. "That would be incredible. If we could fund his vision, it might transform our transportation infrastructure."
Seth's interest deepened. "How much is he asking for?"
Claire hesitated. "One hundred and eighty thousand gold coins, my lord."
Seth's response was calm. "That's within my budget."
Claire blinked, her shock palpable. "Pardon, my lord? Did I hear that correctly?"
Seth chuckled. "Yes, you did. It's under my budget. I can afford it."
Claire stared at him, stunned. "But… the estate's finances don't even come close to that amount," she said, then quickly added, "I don't mean to doubt you, my lord. But the treasury barely holds fifty thousand gold coins."
Seth's laughter deepened. "I'm not planning on using the estate's funds," he clarified. "Do you think I don't have my own resources?"
Claire's face flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, my lord. I should have realized."
Seth's smile softened. "No need to apologize. Just know that I have ways of handling money. And it's not like I'll immediately contact Richard and offer funding."
His expression darkened slightly. "The ongoing war makes things complicated. I doubt the Lumian Republic will hold out for another six months."
Claire frowned. "Why do you think that, my lord?"
Seth set his goblet down and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "The conflict is escalating. It won't be long before it becomes a full-scale regional war. Our kingdom will want to seize any opportunity to claim territory."
Claire's thoughts raced. How does Lord Arlecia sure about this? she wondered. She recalled Prince Cedric bragging about the King of Bern secretly supporting the Lumian Republic. But she kept that knowledge to herself.
Seth stood, prompting Claire to rise as well. "I'm finished with dinner," he announced, signaling the servants to clear the table. He had barely eaten, taking only a bite before pushing the meal aside.
He turned to Claire with a smile. "I enjoyed dining with you."
As he left, Royfield trailing behind, Seth looked back. "Feel free to join me for breakfast or dinner whenever you can."
His smile was warm, and Claire felt her heart swell. The invitation was genuine, a reassurance that she was always welcome.
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Later that night, a familiar presence entered Seth's chamber through the open balcony doors. Seth had grown used to these visits—Killian often appeared unannounced, lingering until dawn.
Killian's black fur coat was soaked, and rainwater dripped from his dark hair. His blue eyes, intense and conflicted, locked onto Seth the moment he entered.
Seth raised an eyebrow, smirking. "I almost thought you weren't going to visit tonight. Seems I was wrong."
Killian's gaze was cold, a storm brewing behind his eyes. He had been training with his sword when the rain had interrupted him, breaking his focus and drawing him here. Now, standing in front of Seth, he questioned why he had come. The confusion twisted inside him.
He approached Seth without a word, and Seth, sensing the tension, took a step back. But before he could retreat further, Killian closed the distance and pulled him into a tight embrace. The wet fur of his coat pressed against Seth, soaking him.
Seth, who had felt nervous moments ago, suddenly laughed. He understood now—Killian was using him to dry off. Hugging him back, Seth ran his hands through Killian's wet hair, feeling the chill of the rain.
"You really know how to make someone nervous," Seth teased.
Killian's voice was low. "Does that mean the great Lord Arlecia gets nervous?"
Seth chuckled. "Of course. With the look you gave me, I thought you were going to kill me."
Killian paused. "I do want to kill you," he said seriously, then added, "but only if you stop being so infuriating."
Seth grinned. "So, as long as I keep annoying you, I'm safe?"
Killian said nothing, but the silence between them was comfortable. As he released Seth, Killian found himself questioning his actions. His mind always felt clouded when he was near Seth, his common sense slipping away.
Seth left briefly, returning with a towel. He began drying Killian's hair, his touch gentle. Killian leaned into it, feeling a strange warmth spread through him. On impulse, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Seth's cheek, his eyes closing.
Seth froze for a moment, then laughed, reminded of a golden retriever he'd once had. Killian, realizing what he had done, turned beet red and looked away, mortified.
Before he could escape, Seth cupped his face, guiding him back. Their lips met, and Killian was caught off guard. Seth kissed him softly, his lips warm and inviting. Killian's heart pounded, his breath hitching. The kiss was gentle but sure, and Seth took the lead, teaching him how to respond.
Killian's inexperience showed; his body was tense, but the sensation of Seth's lips made his mind spin. When Seth finally pulled away, Killian was breathless, his face flushed.
"What… what was that?" Killian stammered.
Seth smiled. "That's how you properly kiss someone."
Killian's blush deepened. "Who said I wanted to be kissed by you?" he grumbled, his pride wounded.
Seth's teasing grin widened. "Well, you were staring at my lips."
Killian's mouth opened, but he had no retort. Flustered, he spun around, heading to the balcony. Before he left, he glanced back, determination in his eyes. "Next time, I'll show you how good I really am at kissing."
Then he disappeared into the night, leaving Seth laughing softly. "So there'll be a next time, huh?" Seth mused, still grinning.
He changed out of his wet robe, the smile never leaving his face. Teasing Killian had become unexpectedly delightful. The novel never hinted at this flustered side of Killian, and Seth found it utterly entertaining.
The kiss hadn't meant anything serious, but it had been worth it to see Killian's reaction. Seth's smile widened. Maybe next time, I'll make it last even longer.