The Knight Who Broke Off Our Engagement and Told Me to Never Show My Face Again Still Clings to Me Today, Even Though I Was Possessed and Turned Into a Villainess for Ten Years - 44 - Strangely Happy
“Rufus, thank you for coming today.”
“Yeah.”
“Sorry for making you come along on your precious day off.”
“No, it’s fine.”
Three days later, Rufus and I sat facing each other, swaying in a carriage. He had replied to my letter right away, telling me he was available anytime, so we decided to meet today, which was his day off.
If the two of us were seen together, it would definitely attract attention. That’s why Rufus suggested a small town just outside the royal capital where no one we knew would see us. We planned to spend the whole day there, relaxing.
By the way, Tim was following us on horseback. When I suggested he could just ride in the carriage with us, he replied, “I don’t want to get kicked by a horse.” I wasn’t sure what he meant by that.
“I was really looking forward to today. I was so excited I could hardly sleep last night.”
“…Really?”
“Yeah.”
It was the first time I’d gone out for fun since that day I was attacked by the man who took over Norman’s body in the city.
Honestly, I had been anxious, but the moment I saw Rufus, all those worries vanished. Being with him made me feel calm.
“And, you know, the last time I went out with you was when… the Archbishop…”
“…………”
I accidentally brought up the last time we went out, and I quickly shut my mouth. Just remembering that night made my face feel hot.
I couldn’t help but mutter, “I’m sorry,” and Rufus, whose face was also red, quietly said, “Sorry,” too. An awkward silence filled the air, and I desperately searched for another topic.
“Um… Rufus, you look good in anything. You’re really cool.”
Today, to avoid standing out, we both dressed casually. Hala had styled me to look like a simple but cute daughter of a wealthy commoner.
Even though Rufus wore simple clothes, his noble aura still showed, so he didn’t look like a commoner at all. But since I usually saw him in formal wear or a knight’s uniform, seeing him like this made it feel like we were really going out to have fun.
“…You’re cu—”
“Cu—?”
“I-I meant, you used to like rivers, I think.”
“Um, I haven’t really been to rivers much, so I guess I’m neutral… So that means you like rivers, Rufus?”
“………Yeah.”
I glanced out the window and saw a small stream that barely counted as a river. Apparently, Rufus liked rivers.
I thought once again how little I actually knew about him and hoped I could learn more about him today.
“Please take care of me today.”
“Yeah.”
And so, our day began.
◇◇◇
We arrived at our destination and, guided by Rufus, we started strolling through the town.
In the small, old shopping street, the shopkeepers kindly called out to us as we passed, which made me happy. Such a scene was impossible in the royal capital, where I had a bad reputation.
Everything felt so fresh and new that I couldn’t help but get excited, which made Rufus look at me with a puzzled expression.
“Is just walking around really that fun for you?”
“Yeah. It really is.”
“…I see.”
When he looked down with such a sad expression, I realized I’d made him worry again. He probably felt sorry that I’d lived such a life where something so simple made me this happy.
“Is there anything you want?”
“Something I want… Can I look at that shop over there?”
“Sure.”
I stepped into a small shop that caught my eye. The moment I entered, a lovely scent tickled my nose.
The shop was small and packed with all sorts of items. Everything looked so unique that my heart felt light with excitement. As I admired a cute doll beside Rufus, someone suddenly spoke from behind me.
“Oh my, on a date? You two look good together.”
“Eh?”
I turned around and saw an old lady who seemed to be the shopkeeper. I felt embarrassed that we looked that way to others.
Rufus didn’t deny it, so I ended up just smiling awkwardly too.
“Are you looking for something?”
“Maybe… something to remember this trip by? A little souvenir or something?”
“A souvenir, huh? Well, young couples usually like these.”
The old lady pointed to a pair of matching necklaces in different colors.
The stones, which were apparently from somewhere near this town, sparkled in the sunlight coming through the window. They were really beautiful. As I stared at them, Rufus asked me, “Do you want one?”
“Um, I just thought they were really pretty.”
“Got it.”
Without hesitation, he picked up both necklaces, paid for them, and handed one to me.
“Ah… thank you…!”
“Yeah.”
“Will you wear yours too, Rufus?”
“Do you not want me to?”
“No, I’m happy! Really, thank you.”
Tim had once told me that if Rufus ever bought me something, I shouldn’t try to pay him back—just say thank you and accept it.
“…I’m really happy.”
I held the necklace with the red stone tightly in my hand. I was strangely, truly happy. A warm feeling spread in my chest.
“They say that if two people wear these together, they’ll end up together,” the old lady added.
Leaving the shop with those words in our minds, the two of us walked on in a gentle, but slightly awkward silence.