“There’s still time left,” he said quietly. “If you have something to say, go ahead.”

At those words, a bright smile bloomed across Maude’s face.

“There’s a place I’d like to stop by with you! It’s right nearby!”

The city lights shimmered in her eyes, making them gleam like scattered stars.

“Very well.”

Kyle nodded with his usual composure. After that, he didn’t say much—just slowed his pace slightly so their steps matched, ensuring she never fell behind.

Maude stole a glance at him as they walked side by side. Now that she’d caught her breath and regained her usual poise, she could finally see him again.

His hair rippled gently in the night breeze. The dark blue jacket draped over his arm swayed with each long stride, brushing against the cuff of his light, water-colored shirt. Even without a vest, he looked perfectly put together. Her gaze, which had been tracing his figure with quiet fascination, came to rest on his slightly loosened tie.

“Ah, it felt a little tight,” he said offhandedly, noticing her eyes.

With a natural motion, Kyle slipped the tie loose and folded it neatly before tucking it into his inner pocket. Now in just a shirt, he looked more relaxed—yet somehow even more refined.

Maude couldn’t help but breathe out in admiration.

“You really do look good in anything, don’t you?”

The words slipped out softly, almost in awe, like she was admiring a mannequin in a shop window. Kyle looked a little caught off guard by her unabashed tone but quickly regained his composure. Then, his eyes drifted over her in turn.

Her neatly tied bun, the soft strands of hair framing her face, the lilac ribbon cascading down the back of her neck—all of it moved gently with the breeze. Below, her floral dress fluttered gracefully with each step.

“It doesn’t seem like I’m the only one that applies to,” he murmured.

“Huh?”

“You look good, too. All of it.”

The quiet warmth in his indifferent tone made the compliment sound far more tender than he probably intended. Maude’s lips curled into a smile before she could stop them. She lifted the edges of her skirt with both hands and dipped in a playful curtsy.

“It’s an honor, Captain.”

He hadn’t meant it emotionally, but truth was truth—and Kyle, ever courteous, returned the gesture with a polite nod.

Before long, the endless tree-lined street came to an end, opening into the edge of Fifth Avenue. The place was nearly deserted—only a single freight wagon rumbled toward them in the distance.

And then, without warning, Kyle stepped forward, blocking Maude’s path. He raised his jacket and dropped it over her head, shielding her face completely.

“Wha—why are you—?”

She froze in confusion, the jacket acting almost like a makeshift hat. The scene stirred a faint memory of the Beckford Hotel, when something very similar had happened. Kyle, of course, didn’t seem bothered in the slightest.

The wagon was charging fast. A large puddle lay across the road, and it was clear that anyone standing nearby would be drenched in muddy water.

“Hold on.”

Kyle’s voice was calm but firm as he took Maude’s hand and guided it to grip the front of his jacket. Her eyes widened, startled, but she didn’t have time to question him.

“Out of the way!” someone shouted.

The wagon roared past, spraying a wide arc of muddy water in every direction. The cold splash struck Kyle squarely across the back, soaking his shirt through. Water streamed down his sleeves, dripping from his fingers.

Maude, on the other hand, was almost completely dry—only a few droplets dotted her cheek. Her expression darkened as she took in the sight of him, drenched from shoulder to cuff.

Without a word, she spun on her heel and started marching in the wagon’s direction, muttering under her breath with each furious step. Most of the words were foreign curses she’d once learned from coffee merchants who’d taken pity on her vocabulary. They were versatile words, but she hadn’t exactly wanted to use them like this.

Then, suddenly, a strange scent drifted through the air—like burnt grass, but sharper. Maude paused, nose wrinkling.

‘That’s not hay…’

The unfamiliar bitterness prickled at her senses. She was frowning toward the treeline when she heard footsteps behind her.

“Ah—Captain!”

She hurried back. Kyle was shaking the water off his shirt, droplets scattering like light rain. The sight made her heart twist in guilt.

“There’s a tailor’s shop just up ahead,” she said quickly. “We can stop there.”

Her eyes drifted down. The light-blue shirt clung to his frame, streaked with dirt and soaked through—outlining his body far more clearly than was proper. Her gaze darted away almost immediately, face heating up.

“I’ll—um—I’ll make sure you can change right away!” she stammered, trying to sound composed.

But her voice betrayed her.

Kyle noticed it almost immediately—the way Maude’s gaze darted away, the faint flush creeping up the tips of her ears. It wasn’t hard to tell what she was thinking.

Running a hand through his damp hair, he glanced down at himself and spoke in his usual, even tone.

“I’ll be in your debt for a bit. And… if it’s not too much trouble—”

Her drifting eyes snapped back to him.

“—may I have my jacket as well, Lady Maude?”

“Ah! Of course! I’m so sorry!”

Her hands moved faster than her thoughts. In one hurried motion, she pulled the jacket off her shoulders and handed it to him. Kyle accepted it with a courteous nod, slipping it on over his soaked shirt.

“Let’s go.”

When he offered to escort her, Maude responded with a faint, flustered smile. As they walked, silence lingered—light but unmistakably awkward.

‘It must be uncomfortable,’ Maude thought, sneaking a glance his way.

If he’d stayed in just the wet shirt, the night breeze might’ve helped it dry a little. She should’ve told him not to wear the jacket—but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. Her lips wouldn’t move.

Just thinking about how the soaked fabric had clung to his frame made her cheeks burn hotter. She lowered her head, clenched her eyes shut, then opened them again.

‘I’m doomed.’

***

“My lady!”

As soon as they stepped into the tailor’s boutique, Brisa greeted Maude with a bright smile.

“It’s been too long! How have you been?”

“Thanks to you, wonderfully well,” Maude replied, her voice light and cheerful.

Brisa’s face lit up, her cheeks tinged pink.

“Truly? I’m glad to hear it.”

Satisfied with her joy, Maude smiled back warmly. Everything had gone just as she’d hoped—Brisa’s designs had become all the rage in Ness lately. To be precise, it was Brisa’s dresses worn by Maude that had become the talk of the town.

The woman everyone admired, envied, and whispered about. In Brisa’s eyes, Maude was radiant—someone to be proud of.

“By the way,” Maude said hesitantly, “do you happen to have any gentlemen’s shirts? Aside from the one meant for the tailcoat I commissioned?”

Her tone hinted at an apology. She cast a glance over her shoulder before continuing carefully.

“There are a few,” Brisa replied, “but they’re smaller than the tailcoat’s size. If I might ask—who will be wearing it?”

Maude gestured behind her.

Following the motion of her hand, Brisa lifted her gaze—and froze the moment she met his. She knew instantly. This was him—the man the tailcoat was made for.

“I’d recommend the tailcoat shirt, then. It’s ready.”

Maude nodded lightly, and Brisa guided her toward the sofa.

“Captain,” Maude called softly.

Kyle approached with his usual composed stride. When he noticed Brisa, he gave a polite bow, and she returned the gesture with equal respect.

Even without introductions, his presence was enough to make an impression. The fine cut of his jacket alone spoke of someone with refinement—and his tall frame and striking features made it impossible not to look. Brisa knew it was impolite, but her eyes lingered all the same.

‘I’ve never seen him before… not in the capital.’

Even as she busied herself preparing the outfit, her gaze kept drifting toward the pair seated on the sofa—an unlikely, but harmonious sight.

“It’s ready,” Brisa finally announced.

“Wow…”

Maude’s soft exclamation filled the room as Brisa drew back the curtain of the fitting room.

She stepped closer, eyes bright with admiration. It was the same tailcoat she’d commissioned—simple, understated, elegant. There was no need for extravagance when the man himself would draw every eye.

The crisp lines, the quality of the fabric, the flawless tailoring—all of it exuded quiet perfection. Maude did not doubt that once he wore it, the ensemble would be complete.

“This is my gift,” she said, turning to him with a radiant smile. “I’d be honored if you’d accept it.”

Her voice carried warmth and sincerity—the kind that made even the simplest gesture feel like something extraordinary.