Chapter 17 – Part 14

“You carry a handkerchief?”

“I thought it might help me hit on you.”

Marcus responded casually, raising his eyebrows with a smile. Despite his playful tone, his hand was gentle as he wiped the juice from her hand.

‘Was that why he helped that woman earlier too? To shake me up?’

Liese barely swallowed the petty question. She had crossed borders hoping Marcus would forget her, yet she was so disturbed by seeing him with another woman.

But she admitted her strange greed. She didn’t want Marcus to exchange even a glance with another woman. She didn’t want him to show excessive interest in anyone or anything else.

The desire to monopolize someone. It was astonishingly similar to the feelings Marcus had unabashedly shown since last summer.

“The love we share is the strong bridge that connects us”

Liese had always thought that love was only sweet and beautiful, like a soft pink hue. So, she had dismissed Marcus’s feelings as mere obsession and abnormal possessiveness.

Now, realizing that she was gripped by the same desire as Marcus, she felt a clear sense of liberation, as if she had found the answer to a riddle.

‘But…’

After hurriedly running away, was it right to confess her love to him now? Especially while asking him not to give his affection to anyone else?

Liese bit her lip, unable to voice her thoughts. She felt foolish for having the answer but being unable to express her feelings.

“Oh my! Look over there!”

At that moment, someone exclaimed. Liese’s gaze was naturally drawn to the direction of the sound.

From the end of the hall, a few men were walking in, holding champagne bottles. They were carrying sparklers as part of the party’s finale.

‘Fireworks indoors? That looks dangerous…’

Liese watched the rising flames with growing unease. Similarly, Marcus, who had wiped the smile from his face, quietly observed her. Amidst the applause for the rare spectacle, they were the only ones not smiling.

Bang!

Somewhere, there was an explosion, and colorful confetti burst out. As the onlookers’ cheers grew louder, flames caught on the flying pieces of paper.

As dozens of sparks flew, one of the men holding champagne stepped back. He bumped into someone behind him, dropping his bottle, which shattered and spilled on the floor. The sparks fell onto the spilled liquid, causing a fierce flame to erupt.

“Ahhh!”

Nearby people screamed. The fire spread rapidly along the spilled alcohol.

Liese gasped in shock, inhaling sharply. At the same time, Marcus grabbed her hand tightly.

“Everyone, stay calm! It will be put out soon!”

The guild master shouted, trying to maintain order with his hands raised. But the hall quickly descended into chaos.

Liese remained frozen, her body stiffening in fear. The sudden shock made her breathing irregular, and she felt paralyzed. Memories she had desperately tried to forget flashed vividly before her eyes.

The fire that had taken her parents, her mother who died on the spot, and her father who succumbed to terrible burns. The orchard, their last hope, consumed by red flames…

It was beyond her control. Instinctive fear slashed through her heart, reopening unhealed wounds.

As her vision blurred like a fog, a warm hand cupped her face.

“Lieselotte.”

Gasping for breath, Liese gradually regained focus. Seeing the blue eyes just a hand’s breadth away, her labored breathing began to ease.

“It’s okay.”

The soft voice in her ear was the only thing she could hear. Marcus stood before her, gently stroking her cheeks.

“Ah…”

“Liese, it’s okay.”

Marcus’s soothing tone was unwavering as he continued to convey his warmth, calming her down. It was then that Liese realized they were outside the hall.

As soon as the flames erupted, Marcus had navigated through the chaos, leading her out. Even after the men had doused the flames with water and ice, he hadn’t let go of her hand.

“You’ll be okay. I’m here with you.”

His firm, reassuring voice echoed. Liese placed her hand on his and took a deep breath, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.

Cheers erupted from beyond the open hall doors. The near-disaster seemed to have heightened the partygoers’ excitement. What had been a terrifying fire to Liese appeared as an amusing spectacle to them.

Liese rested her cheek against Marcus’s chest. He held her tightly, his large hand gently stroking the back of her head. As she closed her eyes, the noise of the hall faded, leaving only the sound of his steady heartbeat.

***

Though the party was still in full swing, their steps didn’t lead them back to the hall. Marcus seemed intent on escorting Liese back to her place, and she didn’t stop him.

The calm air helped Liese’s heartbeat settle. Walking shoulder to shoulder through the cold breeze, Marcus quietly asked,

“Are you feeling better?”

“…Yes.”

“You must have been very scared.”

“I’m fine now.”

Liese nodded quietly, and he gently squeezed her interlaced fingers. His warmth had not left her since they left the hall.

“Yes, you’ll be fine.”

“……”

“I’d like to offer you a warm cup of tea, but it seems there’s no suitable place open.”

Marcus broke the awkward silence with a light tone. Liese faintly smiled. As he mentioned, it was late and all the shops were closed.

“If anyone should be offering, it’s me. Thank you for today. I owe you.”

Marcus’s silent gaze made Liese realize that they were heading to her home.

Without a word, they entered the building and walked through the hallway until they stopped in front of her door. Liese swallowed nervously as she faced Marcus.

‘Should I invite him in?’

But it wasn’t just her house… Hesitant, Liese suddenly remembered something.

“Um, I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“Is it true that you’re staying in your car?”

At her cautious question, Marcus chuckled.

“Are you suggesting I stay here instead?”

Liese’s face flushed as she realized how her question could be misinterpreted.

“Asking me that in front of your house, Liese, makes me misunderstand.”

“I’ve just been worried… I wanted to know if it was true.”

Though she was concerned about giving him false hope, Marcus showed no sign of resentment.

“It was just a joke about staying in the car.”

“Oh, that’s a relief…”

“But it’s true that I’m staying somewhere uncomfortable. I must have had a bad sleep there, seeing how quickly I dozed off in your room.”

Marcus, seemingly tired, tilted his head and rubbed his neck. His half-closed eyelashes fluttered slowly, making Liese unsure if he was joking or not.

‘Why is he staying somewhere uncomfortable?’

Though she didn’t know the reason, Liese couldn’t help but worry about Marcus’s well-being. He had struggled with severe insomnia in the past, which made her even more concerned.

As she hesitated, unsure of what to do, Marcus broke the silence.

“I should get going.”

Liese slightly opened her lips at his unexpected words. He gave her no time to respond.

“But before I go, can I hug you?”

It was the third time he’d made such a request since arriving in Raum. Liese’s slender neck trembled slightly.

After a brief pause, Liese slowly nodded. Marcus took a step forward and gently embraced her. His scent, mingled with the cool air, enveloped her. She felt his strong heartbeat against her chest.

Marcus exhaled softly near her ear before releasing her slightly. They didn’t part, though. Liese lifted her head to meet his gaze. She had a feeling he might kiss her.

“A goodbye kiss?”

His low voice seemed to read her thoughts. Liese exhaled a trembling breath in silence. After a moment of contemplation, she decided to answer his question.

Lifting onto her toes, Liese reached up and gently grasped the back of Marcus’s neck. She carefully pressed her lips to his cheek.

It was a brief but lingering touch. As she slowly pulled away, Liese looked up at him. Marcus didn’t step back. His eyes still held a longing.

…what he desires next.

Summoning her courage, Liese leaned in again. Breathing against his lips, she closed her eyes. She kissed him lightly, then slowly pulled back. Two breaths mingled in the small space between their parted lips.

At the moment when desire filled his blue eyes, his large hands wrapped around her waist. Their lips met again in an instant.

Marcus parted her closed lips and entered boldly. He bit the smooth inner mucous membrane and entwined his tongue deeply. His high nose pressed against Liese’s cheek. As their kiss became more intense, their breaths started to come in rough gasps.

It was when the hand caressing Liese’s waist moved a little higher. The heated gesture touched the rounded contour under the thick coat. Even with the slightest contact, Liese flinched and shrugged her shoulders.

“…Ah!”

At her excessive reaction, Marcus slowly pulled his lips away. His eyes, still touching her forehead, seemed to ask why.

“I-it hurt a little…”