Chapter 57

Chapter 57

The restaurant that had no sign was a place where only the people Lionel knew came to.

The owner of the restaurant was Lionel himself. A restaurant that Lionel opened whenever he wanted.

‘Dinner in the Afternoon’ overlooks the Royal Capital.

He said that the view from the observation deck was more exquisite than the food. The Royal Capital could be seen even from inside the restaurant, and on a clear day, even parts of the Royal Palace could be seen.

Riv admired the panoramic view from the restaurant’s window.

“Let’s eat.”

Lionel familiarly ordered their meal.

Healthy dishes made with fresh ingredients were served.

The meal was delicious, but the sweet and sour lemon pudding served for dessert made Riv’s eyes open wide.

“It’s delicious, Lionel.”

“You seem to like the dessert more than dinner.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Eating the sour lemon pudding, Riv was happy. Lionel looked at her with delight.

“Isn’t Lionel going to eat more?”

“Just seeing you eat makes me full.”

“Don’t bother the chef at home if you get hungry later on.”

“I won’t.”

Lionel grinned and finished his portion of the meal.

After finishing their meal, they enjoyed a rest.

“You’re in a good mood.”

“It’s nice to be out with Lionel.”

For a while, she even sunbathed in the garden where the sun shined warmly.

They headed to the observation deck behind the restaurant.

There were no chairs in the small observatory. There was only a strong wind and the scenery that spread in all directions.

“This is it.”

In the face of the wind that seemed to be able to blow her body away, Riv wondered what Lionel’s thoughts were to bring her here.

“Why here?”

“Are you going to fly away, Riv?”

“I’m not that light.”

Lionel worried that Riv really would be blown away, so as the wind ruffled his short hair, he grabbed her by the waist.

“It’s too windy.”

“Still, I wanted to come here with you at least once.”

Lionel didn’t frown even in the strong wind.

He seemed rather accustomed to being faced with strong winds.

“Are you here for the wind?”

“That might be the case. This place is similar to Mont Del.”

“You’re talking about your southern territory.”

“Yes. There are many mountains there, so it is warmer than the Capital, but there is always a strong wind blowing like this.”

“Do you want to go back to Mont Del?”

Lionel nodded his head.

“After my parents died, I spent more time in Mont Del than in the Royal Capital. I’m more familiar with that place.”

After he took Riv as his wife, Lionel stayed here and delayed his return to his beloved estate. Riv, not knowing this, wondered why he might have stayed here so long.

“If you wish to go to Mont Del, go.”

“Not yet. You may not like it.”

The red scar on Lionel’s face stood out.

“There’s no way I would hate it.”

Riv stroked Lionel’s face.

“Lionel, what do you think of me? Do you like me?”

“Yes. You are the wife I chose.”

“Why did you choose me?”

Riv recalled that she had changed not only hers, but also Lionel’s fate with whom she was entwined. Both of their futures were unpredictable.

“Is it because you feel desire for me? Or is it because you want to repay the favor of me having saved you?”

“What if it’s all of them? What if I was attracted to you before that?”

Riv’s memories flashed before her eyes.

It was only a short time ago, but it seemed like too many things had happened at once. Princess Marianne killed her and she returned to the past.

Riv risked her life to save Lionel.

Lionel chose to marry Riv to protect her from her Royal Family.

It was a marriage that should not have emotions. Lionel wanted the marriage to be real, and the boundary between fake and real was becoming blurred.

“I’m afraid I’m getting used to you too much.”

“Why are you worried about that?”

Lionel probably knew that Riv liked him.

Besides…

‘I died.’

Riv was like a ghost who had returned to the past.

There were a lot of people who wanted to help Riv, who had stepped out of the Royal Capital’s cage. They all appeared through Lionel.

“Can Lionel trust me even if there’s something I haven’t explained yet?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure I won’t betray you?”

“If you were going to betray me, you wouldn’t have sacrificed your life to save me.”

Riv grinned.

“I like Lionel.”

“I thought so.”

“Haha.”

Lionel was a shameless man.

Riv asked the man who exuded a devilish charm.

“Then do you like me too?”

“Maybe.”

“What about love?”

The wind blew around them.

Their clothes fluttered strongly.

Her hat almost flew off, so she pressed it on her head. His reply was delayed because of the wind, but he still hesitated.

“I don’t know how to love. I need more time.”

“Okay.”

Riv was afraid to get close to Lionel. She was afraid that she might fall in love with him blindly.

“I don’t think I love you yet either.”

“Is that so?”

Their sweet date turned into a bitter one.

However, Lionel whispered.

“But Riv, as time goes by, I know I will fall in love with you.”

Her heart began to pound. Thump thump. Riv was speechless. Lionel pulled Riv closer to him and whispered.

“Riv, I don’t know what you’re worrying about, but remember this. Madame Katana was just your fake shell. You’ve been wearing that fake mask for so long that you forgot the real you.”

“I, I.”

“You do not bring misery. Even Riv Katana deserves love.”

An ugly child born after killing her mother. She was a child who had never been of any use since she was born.

Riv had lived her whole life listening to such criticism.

Why did she hear these kind words from Lionel and his people? Why did she know this only after she had died?

“I deserve to be loved?”

Riv used to be just a tool who received hateful emotions to resolve people’s anger.

A symbol of misfortune. An existence that brought misfortune just by laying eyes on it.

She had always been called that.

“You deserve to be loved. I’m with you because I wanted to marry you and be with you for the rest of our lives.”

Lionel’s words sounded like salvation. It was the best confession she had ever experienced.

Her moments with Lionel were a series of surprises, but even now it felt like a dream.

Riv burst into tears.

“I don’t want to wake up.”

“What?”

“It’s just, all these moments feel like a dream.”

“I know.”

“Thank you for being with me.”

Lionel nodded his head and said.

“As long as I am here, you are safe. I will protect you.”

Riv clung to Lionel’s wide arms and continued to weep.

Riv wanted this happiness to last a very long time.

If this happiness was finite, may she be happy until the very end, and may she be able to make this man happy.

Riv did not believe in God, but she prayed to Him.

***

The banquet of the House of Vincent approached.

At the head of the Vincent family was Noel, the youngest brother of the current Count Vincent. Noel was more famous than the Count himself.

The Vincent family were at the top, in both large and small. They monopolized domestic and foreign luxuries that the Royal Family liked.

Count Vincent also had an excellent eye for acquiring valuables. Although they were expensive, the quality was always excellent.

The youngest daughter of the wealthy Vincent family was making her social debut. The fact that the Duke and Duchess of Sentoren would participate in their banquet made the headlines.

Many wanted to attend the Vincent’s ball, but could not enter without an invitation. Soon, it was the night of the ball hosted by the Vincent family.

Carriages arrived from all directions.

The carriage carrying the Duke and Duchess of Sentoren traveled towards the Vincent mansion quickly.

Riv took a deep breath. The corset around her waist felt stuffy.

“Riv, are you ready?”

“Yes.”

Riv nodded her head.

She was outwardly calm, but inwardly, she was very nervous.

It was Riv’s first time attending a ball.

“I never expected that I would ever debut or participate in a ball.”

All of this was unexpected for Riv. She was Marianne’s shadow, and never thought that she would be the main character.

Lionel encouraged her.

“Don’t worry, only those who were invited can come to the ball. They do not like crowds. It’s a ball for his youngest daughter to debut in society and find a husband.”

Meanwhile, carriages and crowds gathered around the street leading to the Vincent mansion, creating a small traffic jam.

The servants of House Vincent came out and directed the guests.

Their carriage stopped in front of the main gate, and when they got off, the servants checked their invitation before allowing them entry.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sentoren have arrived.”