Chapter 4 – Part 5

“If it’s a portrait, wouldn’t it be better to go back and have it done there?”

“I already have plenty of my portraits at home.”

Saying so, Eli turned his head to look at Ruby.

“Come to think of it, I don’t have a picture of us together.”

At his words, Ruby, who had been looking ahead tensely, turned to look at Eli.

It was a realization that dawned on him as he sat alone in the room in silence, quietly recalling Ruby’s face. He had suddenly remembered that even in the past, there were times when there was nothing left to remember her by in any part of his home.

“By the way, I’m taking this picture with me.”

Eli asserted ownership of the painting abruptly.

After all, for the next few years, he wouldn’t be seeing her. He swallowed the reasons inwardly.

“Sure.”

Ruby laughed at Eli’s childish words, feeling amused despite the absurdity.

Even though it was absurd, he joined her in laughter, finding joy in her laughter.

The artist’s hand, wanting to capture that moment, moved faster. There was a moment when the stern face of the nobleman, which seemed intimidating at first, gradually softened. It happened when he looked at his wife sitting next to him. His warm gaze and the faint smile at the corners of his lips clearly revealed his affection for his wife.

Looking at each other with a smile, the two of them continued to be drawn.

“Good job.”

Eli took the frame from the man, slipped the painting in, and took it carefully.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

Even though it wasn’t a perfect painting, Ruby liked the cheerful laughter captured in it. She liked the fact that the person beside her was him.

Some time had passed, and it seemed that some of the merchants they had seen earlier had left. Nevertheless, people were still passing by, and Eli and Ruby walked silently.

Eli gently took Ruby’s hand, and when she glanced at him, startled, he quickly retracted his hand behind hers.

“You can hold it.”

When Ruby reached out first, Eli gently held her hand. Afterward, he interlocked his fingers with hers, squeezing her hand as if counting her fingers.

It felt strange. Regardless of how many times he held her hand before, today felt different.

“Do you want that?”

Eli pointed to a shop on the way back to the inn, selling local products.

Bottles of various colors containing shells were displayed.

“Did you know that this place used to be the sea?”

“Really?”

Although she had passed by, she had never seen the sea or smelled the sea breeze here, she thought.

“A very long time ago, a land suddenly emerged. People started living there, and when they started digging the land, lots of shells came out. It’s believed to be evidence that the sea was here.”

Eli explained while leading Ruby.

“Is it a legend?”

“It could be. In reality, this region is also famous for salt. It might not just be a legend.”

“Come to think of it, I remember that salt from the Deven region is famous.”

Fascinated, Ruby asked, “But why did you buy shells instead of salt?”

Shells might just be a souvenir, but salt would likely have more value. She thought about it and asked.

“I’ll take it,” Eli said, pointing to the shop as they arrived at the inn.

“Because shells are more lasting and memorable.”

Eli said, remembering the necklace he had bought for Ruby in his previous life.

“If possible, I hope you remember this moment.”

Saying that Eli lightly kissed the back of Ruby’s hand, which he held with his gloved hand.

“And this one too.”

It was already the last night.

He didn’t want a splendid mansion or expensive gifts, but he wanted to leave a memory. for himself and, if possible, for Ruby too.

“Come on, get in.”

Eli, reluctantly letting go of Ruby’s hand, pushed her into the room and closed the door.

He stood there, listening to Ruby’s fading footsteps, and only then did he enter his room.

Ruby walked unsteadily and sat on the bed, looking at the bottle in her hand.

Something felt off. It wasn’t the first time they had walked together, and it wasn’t the first time he held her hand. But it felt like…

Ruby soon raised her head, clearing her thoughts.

A gentle breeze blew through the window she had left open earlier. The breeze carried a hint of salt on it.

***

The next day, the summer villa became visible even from the carriage.

“We’re almost there.”

“Yes.”

Someone spoke with a voice containing regret, while someone else had a resigned tone.

“You’ve come.”

All the staff were already outside. Ruby looked at Eli with more people than she had expected.

Her gaze seemed to ask, “What is the meaning of all these people?”

“To ensure safety, we need this many.”

Eli casually explained.

“But… No.”

It was a job Ruby couldn’t cut again, especially for those already employed. Eli found it cute how her dilemma was evident in her expression. He covered his mouth with his hand and smiled slightly, pretending not to notice Ruby’s gaze.

“Your room is here.”

It was a room with the best sunlight, a beautiful lake, and mountains in the background—a picturesque scenery.

While Ruby admired the view outside the window, Eli glanced at the staff, checking if they had arranged everything as instructed.

“Will you change into more comfortable clothes?”

As Ruby changed, Eli thought of exploring other places.

When Eli gestured, a maid quickly approached.

“Long time, no see, my lady.”

It was Dominic, the maid, who took care of her when Ruby returned to the past from Shuban.

“Dominic.”

Ruby blinked in surprise, unexpected.

“As before, I will serve you, madam. I may not be perfect, but I will do my best.”

She greeted Ruby with a much brighter and more welcoming face than before.

“I’ll be downstairs. Change and come down.”

Eli, feeling that they needed more time for themselves, left the room first.

“How did you end up here?”

As Eli left, Ruby asked Dominic while holding her hand.

“Marquis suggested that I accompany you. So, I came quickly. Oh, My Lady, I’ll help you change.”

Dominic quickly realized her duty and spoke.

“Thank you.”

As Ruby changed with Dominic’s help, she looked at the closed door where Eli had left.