The new Beckford Hotel project was sailing smoothly. Everything had gone according to plan, and lately, Felix himself had been traveling between Whitten and the capital to oversee the construction. Thanks to that, there were no major issues.

Every time Felix returned from Whitten, he and Kyle would share lunch and discuss the project’s progress. Today was one of those days. Felix arrived at Navy Headquarters just in time for lunch.

“No real problems. The site’s clean and running well.”

“Good,” Kyle replied with a short nod, setting his officer’s cap neatly on his head as they walked down the corridor toward the main lobby.

“So,” Felix began, voice dripping with mischief, “how about we talk about Miss Maude today?”

“Rejected,” Kyle cut him off instantly.

Felix grinned wider, clearly not discouraged. That sly tone and the sparkle of curiosity in his eyes made Kyle sigh under his breath.

“Let’s start from the beginning,” Felix teased. “What caught your eye first? Her smile? Her eyes?”

Kyle shot him a glare. The second hand on his wristwatch seemed to move more slowly than usual. It was going to be a long day.

As they entered the lobby, a familiar voice boomed from the staircase.

“Captain Rizewell!”

Admiral Reginald Byron was descending from the second floor, his steps slow but dignified. Kyle halted and snapped into a crisp salute.

“Ah, Your Grace Felix! You’re here too!” Reginald’s face lit up when he spotted the duke beside Kyle.

“It’s been a while, Admiral,” Felix replied politely. 

His voice was courteous, but beneath that composed expression, irritation simmered. The old man’s casual arrogance and self-importance were exhausting. He was exactly the kind of person Felix had no patience for.

If only he’d just excuse himself quickly…

“Have you eaten yet?” the admiral asked.

That was a bold question. Felix clenched his jaw. That was too much to hope for.

“We were just heading out,” Kyle said evenly.

“Perfect! I was hoping to have a word. Let’s eat together,” Reginald suggested, in a tone that didn’t leave room for refusal. The weight of rank pressed down like a stone. Felix’s smile twitched.

“With regret, Admiral, the Captain already has lunch plans—with me. Perhaps next time.”

“Ah, I see. That’s a pity then. Next time, certainly.”

Reginald sighed, but disappointment barely hid beneath his feigned warmth.

Then, as Kyle was about to excuse himself, the old man called out again.

“Wait, Captain! Forgive my forwardness, but… would you meet my granddaughter sometime?”

Felix blinked. Surely he didn’t just—?

“I didn’t realize you and Miss Maude were… acquainted,” the admiral went on cheerfully. “I promised to introduce you before I found out.”

He smiled as though this were all perfectly normal.

Felix pinched the bridge of his nose. The man had to be losing his mind. There was no other explanation.

“Admiral,” Felix snapped, voice sharp as glass, “that is beyond rude!”

The admiral blinked, startled by the fury that flashed in the young duke’s eyes. Kyle, however, remained composed. His calm, unreadable face betrayed not a flicker of irritation. A model officer. The perfect soldier of the Royal Navy.

And yet, Felix thought bitterly, ‘What has all that loyalty ever given you, Kyle? What did you gain in return?’

Then Kyle spoke quietly.

“My apologies,” he said, bowing his head slightly. “I wouldn’t want to cause any misunderstandings… to the woman I’ve given my heart to.”

It was a polite refusal, but one filled with sincerity. Felix’s expression softened despite himself.

‘He can actually say things like that?’

The realization struck him, followed by the memory of a recent headline:

“He Finally Knows Love.”

Felix chuckled under his breath.

‘So it was true, after all.’

***

It was another endless day in the capital—monotonous, grinding, and unrelenting. Life here was a little different from serving on the frontlines. Kyle couldn’t even remember the last time he left work before sunset. Now, walking the quiet corridors as twilight fell beyond the windows, fatigue lingered heavy in his features.

But this time, he actually looked forward to what came next—the grand reopening of the Fitzroy National Library.

Built in honor of the great naval hero, Admiral Fitzroy Hamilton, the library and the surrounding square had long stood as a symbol of Berren’s maritime glory. When the library was destroyed by fire, the nation mourned as one. For years, the royal family had poured its efforts into rebuilding it.

And now, at last, the doors would open again tomorrow—restored to their former brilliance.

It wasn’t just any event. As the hero had once served as a naval officer, the Navy itself was overseeing a special commemorative exhibition at the newly renovated Royal Naval Museum, located just behind the library.

It was a proud moment. A well-deserved celebration.

Kyle exhaled quietly, shoulders relaxing as he crossed the corridor.

“Just a little longer,” he murmured. “Then it’ll all be done.”

***

The museum was buzzing before the ceremony even began—all thanks to Maude’s surprise appearance.

She had turned heads the moment she arrived, cheeks flushed as she asked where Kyle was. The long-awaited reopening might as well have been a sideshow compared to that spectacle.

“I wanted to surprise you,” she said sweetly.

Kyle’s gaze drifted to her. The faint pink glow of her smile reflected in her eyes, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

“Hah! Is that so?” 

Admiral Walter burst out laughing, instantly drawing the attention of half the room. Whispers spread, curious eyes darting between the two of them.

Kyle tore his gaze from Maude and looked out at the scenery spread out before him. It was an exceptionally vibrant summer.

“Well then,” Walter said, grinning, “since the ceremony’s over, why don’t we let the Captain go enjoy himself?”

Even Admiral Reginald chuckled awkwardly beside him, though guilt flickered across his face.

‘So much for Her Majesty’s ‘trustworthy advice’…’

If only he had known what those eyes—Kyle’s eyes—really looked like when they turned toward Maude.

He’d believed the Empress when she said:

“If they were truly in love, society would have noticed long ago.”

“That man doesn’t look at her like a lover.”

What utter nonsense. Those eyes were unmistakable. He’d seen them himself, and the memory made him groan inwardly.

At least Felix’s wrath hadn’t ended his career—yet.

Clearing his throat, Reginald stepped forward.

“Captain, about that matter… I owe you an apology. I was terribly rude that day.”

“No harm done,” Kyle replied with a respectful bow.

“I explained everything to Penelope—my granddaughter,” Reginald added quickly. “She cried a bit, but she’ll be fine.”

“Ha! Did she now?” Walter barked a laugh and slapped the old man’s back so hard it echoed. 

“Enough, Reginald.”

“Thank you,” Kyle said politely, his expression as calm as ever. Walter wasted no time steering the conversation away.

“Well then, we’ll assume you’re off duty. Go and enjoy your evening, Captain—you’ve earned it.”

His hand landed on Kyle’s shoulder, warm and reassuring. Then, turning to Reginald, Walter gave him a look that said ‘Move it, old man,’ tapping his watch pointedly.

“Until next time,” Reginald managed, before the two admirals finally disappeared into the crowd.

Maude stood quietly beside Kyle, looking up at him under the golden afternoon sun. It had been over a week since she’d last seen him, and she could see how much weight he’d been carrying since.

“Wasn’t this supposed to be a date at the opening ceremony?” Kyle asked softly.

“It was,” she replied, her grin bright as ever. “But a surprise visit makes it look like I like you more, doesn’t it?”

Kyle tilted his head, half amused, half exasperated. Her confidence was as relentless as ever.

“Have you had a chance to look around inside yet?” he asked.

“Not yet,” she said, eyes sparkling. “Let’s go together!”

Sunlight flickered through the trees, casting moving shadows across Kyle’s face as he smiled faintly and offered her his arm. She took it without hesitation.

Step by step, they climbed the marble stairs toward the library entrance. Together, they looked every bit the perfect couple—an image so serene it could’ve been painted.

‘Lovers,’ Kyle thought.

The word didn’t feel so foreign anymore. And with that realization came the quiet warmth of summer—gentle, certain, and entirely real.