"What?"
"I thought you were staring because you kept looking at me," Askin said, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery.
"..."
"I felt like I was being pierced by your gaze."
I felt a flush of embarrassment. 'So he felt it all along? And he just pretended not to notice?' Shame on me. I suppose it shouldn't be surprising; he’s the best swordsman in the Empire. He probably knows exactly where every fly in the room is, let alone the gaze of the woman sitting across from him.
I tried to act casual. "Well, I was just making sure the suit fit properly. Do you like it?"
"...I only wore it because I couldn't resist Aria’s constant pleading," he said, though I caught the slight twitch of his lips.
I smiled. He wouldn't do anything he truly hated, even if his life depended on it. The fact that he’d listened to Aria—and by extension, worn my gift—was a victory in itself.
"Don't treat me like a doll, Charlize," he added, his voice regaining its usual edge.
I knew he was only here to fulfill his promise of being my partner for the night. He’d made it very clear that this changed nothing between us. But I couldn't help but feel a flicker of professional satisfaction. I was making progress.
"Do you like it? Is that why you wore it?" I teased again.
"...How many times do I have to say no before you understand?"
"I know, I know. You look very handsome, Duke."
Askin frowned. "That’s... a different compliment than the ones you usually give."
"Well, you *are* prettier than me today. It’s almost unfair."
"..."
"Oh, are you admitting it?"
"Don't be ridiculous," he muttered, though he didn't look as angry as he usually did.
I laughed. I knew he would stay by my side all night. He was a man of his word, if nothing else.
"Don't change the subject," he said, turning back to me. "Clothes are one thing, but a person’s character is what truly matters. Internal stability is more important than outward appearance."
'Wow, is he really insulting my personality right now?' I thought, pouting. Of course, the old Charlize *did* have a rather... broken character. But I wasn't her.
"Still, pretty clothes are nice," I said stubbornly.
"I believe that if a person who is sincere on the inside wears proper, upright clothing, they truly shine," he replied.
"If you’d been born in the Joseon Dynasty, you’d have been one of those legendary scholars who spend all day talking about virtue," I muttered.
"What?"
"Nothing. It’s nonsense."
Actually, I thought he’d look incredible in a Hanbok. He was the kind of person who looked best in clean, traditional lines.
I stopped being grumpy. I’d put so much effort into this outfit, and even if he wouldn't say he liked it, the way it fit him was enough of a reward for my eyes.
As we rode, I felt his gaze on me for a split second. But when I turned to look, he was already staring out the window again.
*Tud-duk.*
I looked up. Rain was starting to fall. What had begun as a light sunshower quickly turned into a heavy downpour.
"...Oh no," I whispered. The sky had been so clear just a few minutes ago.
Askin’s expression turned serious as well. I looked at the rain and remembered the recent floods. "...It hasn't been long since the last flood, and it’s already raining again."
I looked at him and spoke clearly. "If the estate needs more help, just let me know. I can send more workers, like last time. Don't hesitate to ask."
"...You’ve already done enough for the estate. It’s fine," he said. His voice was cold, but the nuances weren't. There was a sense of politeness there that felt... different. "I don't want to cause any more trouble for the Altsbeit family."
"It’s not trouble when it’s family," I said, a playful smile on my face. I brought my fan up to my mouth to hide my own cringing at the line.
"..."
He didn't respond. The cold "Ice Rabbit" was back.
We arrived at the Imperial Palace as the rain intensified. The sound of the water hitting the carriage roof was deafening. I sat there for a moment, wondering how I was going to get inside without ruining my dress.
'Will he escort me? It’s the standard courtesy for a fiancé...'
But Askin didn't wait. He ducked out into the rain and disappeared before I could even say a word.
I stared after him, horrified. 'What? He really just left me here?!'
I was appalled. I knew he was cold, but this was a new low. 'You, Askin Lemut! This is just bad manners from one human to another!'
I sat there for thirty seconds, fuming. I couldn't run in this dress. I’d have to wait for a knight to bring an umbrella.
Just as I was about to call for an escort, the rain suddenly stopped hitting my side of the carriage. Or rather, someone had put an umbrella over me.
I looked up to see a face dripping with water.
"...Askin?"
"It’s been a while since I’ve heard my name on your lips," he said, his voice mocking but calm.
He was holding a large umbrella, his hair plastered to his forehead. He reached out his gloved hand to help me, then realized it was soaking wet. He pulled the glove off with his teeth and offered me his bare hand.
"Are you coming or not?"
I took his hand as if possessed and stepped down onto the plush carpet that had been laid out to the entrance. It was a short walk, but the fact that he’d jumped out first just to find an umbrella for me... it meant something.
"I thought you’d gone on without me," I said as we walked through the rain.
"If we were acting like our usual selves, I might have," he said. "But I told you I would fulfill my role today."
I stayed silent. The things the old Charlize had done were cruel, and I couldn't blame him for his resentment.
"Whether you are the devil herself or the one who dragged me into the swamp," he continued, his voice low against the sound of the rain. "It doesn't change the fact that you saved my sister. I won't forget that."
"..."
"I will act as your fiancé today. You don't have to worry."
His tone was calm, even cold, but I didn't hate it. He was a man who wouldn't do something he truly hated, even if he were dying. If he was here, it was because he’d chosen to be.
We reached the entrance of the banquet hall and left our umbrellas with an attendant. I recognized the massive, ornate doors.
The Imperial assistant checking the guest list was startled when he saw us. "Princess Altsbeit... Duke Lemut... Please, allow me to escort you to your entrance."
The palace had three sets of doors for every banquet hall: one for the Imperial family, one for ordinary nobles, and a third for the highest-ranking aristocracy—those whose status was nearly equal to the Royals themselves.
That was the door we were led to.
As the massive doors swung open, I squinted against the blinding light from the chandeliers inside.