Chapter 6 – Part 9

“I don’t understand.”

Viscount Brennan, who was sitting on his bed crunching a peach, looked sullen.

“I’m all better now, so why can’t I go through with the discharge process?”

“There’s still the prognosis, Grandfather.”

Seated in a wheelchair, slicing fruit, Liese replied firmly.

“They said they need to monitor you even after the treatment is over. Considering your age, there’s also the possibility of complications.”

“I’m worried about how much the hospital bills will be. I hope it won’t be too much of a burden on the family.”

Rather than replying, Liese lowered her gaze and smiled bitterly.

“I feel like I am being extravagant in a world where many people die without being able to receive treatment due to lack of money. Actually, it wasn’t anyone else’s business. It seems like only yesterday that I wondered if I should sell my family’s household goods in exchange for the allowance I would give to the carrot-headed worker.”

“Don’t say that. And his name is Ian.”

“I know. He’s like a stray puppy following you around. How’s the orchard?”

“It’s decent. Without Ian, I wonder what would have happened.”

“Hmm…. I don’t think he’s a bad guy because he’s friendly and easy-going, but he doesn’t have the chops to be Liese’s husband.”

“Grandfather!”

Liese protested, jumping up.

“Don’t say such things, especially in front of Ian. He’s just my friend.”

“Anyway, a carrot head won’t do. A man should be sturdy enough to survive even if you throw him on a deserted island. He should know how to shoot a gun and use a pocket knife to kill a wild boar.”

“No man can catch a pig with just a pocket knife.”

“A soldier who fought on the front lines could.”

Brennan chuckled knowingly. As a former serviceman himself, he knew what he was talking about.

“Anyway, once I’m discharged, let’s make sure to invite the one who covered my hospital bills to our home. It’s only right to properly show gratitude. Understand?”

He insisted firmly, locking eyes with Liese. For him, repaying a favor was a matter of principle, and he showed no intention of letting this matter slide.

“When the time comes, what other way can I avoid the situation? Should I make up a story about the gentleman suddenly leaving for abroad? Lies beget lies, and that’s exactly the situation right now.”

“…I will, Grandpa.”

Liese forced a stiff smile, realizing that she was probably the only one who didn’t want the nobleman to come home.

It was an unusually bright day.

The harbor, located east of Bachmann, was bustling with more people than usual. The reason was a large white cruise ship floating gracefully in the harbor.

With her hand on Marcus’s arm, Liese stepped onto the deck, but her attention was diverted somewhere else. Etched in the center of the hull was the symbol of the Balthazar Shipping Company, owned by the Balthazar family. It was the cruise ship that the Duke had bought.

According to the stories she had picked up along the way, Marcus had bought the ship outright because he couldn’t stand the board of directors interfering. As someone who couldn’t even afford a small rowboat, Liese found it difficult to understand.

Although she was now accumulating money from the Duke, it was still hard to comprehend the concept of buying a ship just for amusement.

“It’s unusually quiet today.”

Marcus commented, leaning on the ship’s railing and gazing at the sea with a thoughtful expression. Liese perked up her ears at the sound of his voice.

“Quiet?”

“Yeah.”

Since the voyage began, the deck has been noisy the entire time. Most of the passengers on board had come out to the deck to enjoy the view of the blue sea. The sound of people chattering and the waves crashing mixed together, making the ship’s interior as noisy as a banquet hall.

“It’s not much different from the opening ceremony. Maybe it’s because everyone is so excited, but it seems more chaotic.”

“I was talking about your mouth. She’s strangely silent, probably because she’s afraid I’ll stick my tongue in it.”

Liese furrowed her light eyebrows. Why does the Duke only choose to say such hateful things?

“I’m not normally a noisy person.”

“You’re surprisingly good at complaining, especially when you talk about the things you like.”

“…So, do you mean I should talk more?”

He chuckled, but Liese interpreted it as a suggestion to keep chatting. It didn’t seem pleasant to her to maintain silence next to the duke, especially on a deck filled with passengers.

“So, have you ever been on a ship before?”

“Countless times.”

“This is my first time. I mentioned it before. In fact, I’ve never even been on a small boat. I realized that when Claudia asked me if I got seasick. I never realized I had never been on a boat until then.”

“You’ve always experienced good things from the beginning. What if you get bored of everything else?”

“Well…”

Just because you’ve walked through a dream a few times doesn’t mean reality becomes dull. Liese knew her place well.

Smiling to herself, Marcus looked at her affectionately with half-lidded eyes. Sometimes, he gently brushed her hair, which covered her face with the sea breeze.

“So, you don’t seem to be seasick?”

“Um… I seem to be fine.”

“Lucky for you. I imagined you’d be vomiting wildly on the deck.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m quite healthy.”

“Your doctor seems to think otherwise.”

Liese suddenly closed her mouth. The doctor who had treated her at the Duke’s estate flashed through her mind.

“He said you’re prone to stress. If you experience significant psychological tension, it can affect you physically.”

It seemed that her medical records had been shared with him as well. Whenever she experienced intense pressure, she suffered from gastritis or headaches, and her otherwise regular menstrual cycle also became irregular.

“Take care of yourself, Liese. Don’t sacrifice yourself for others at such a young age.”

“…Thank you for the advice.”

“It’s not advice.”

Liese avoided Marcus’s gaze and pretended to admire the view of the seaside. Fortunately, the uncomfortable topic didn’t continue.

She looked at the distant horizon. The sharp spires and clustered red-roofed buildings and the grand mansion of the Balthazar family perched on the high ground. The view of Bachmann from the blue sea was like a painting.

Liese gazed at the city for a while, swallowing her admiration. Meanwhile, Marcus could only watch her profile.

How many times do you have to ride a boat before you can even see such beautiful scenery?

“I hope someday you can bring your family too.”

At the fresh suggestion, Liese looked back at him.

“Where to?”

“Right where you’re standing now.”

“Are you saying you’ll take us on this cruise?”

“You mentioned wanting to share good experiences with your family.”

Recalling Liese’s previous words, Marcus added casually, “Boat rides aren’t usually disliked by children. I can chase away annoying passengers and provide the boat just for you and your family. It wouldn’t be a bad experience, would it? What do you think?”

Although boarding such a huge ship couldn’t simply be called a boat ride, it was certain that Charlie would be ecstatic.

The idea of her family being able to accompany her to the onboard party had never crossed her mind. The reason she couldn’t fully relax and admire the distant horizon and the cityscape across the sea was because she was thinking of her family.

Liese blinked, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected kindness. Just then, the Witrock couple passed by, exchanging glances. It was a satisfied look, as if they were seeing their beloved nephew and his true love.

Realizing her position belatedly, Liese swallowed dryly. She felt foolish for forgetting her role.

“I would be grateful. They’ll all love it. Thank you.”

She lied, anticipating a day that might never come. Marcus still responded with an impeccable smile.

“I mean it.”

“So do I. It’ll be an experience to remember. Just imagining it makes me happy.”

“Then, repay the kindness to your lover who offered it.”

Marcus chuckled playfully. He still seemed to enjoy theatrics. Repayment. It was clear what he was hinting at.

Following the kiss they shared at the ball, now it was on the sunlit deck in broad daylight. Needless to say, there was no shortage of onlookers.

With no other choice, Liese took a step forward. Instead of crying like before, she reached out both hands and gently cupped his cheeks. Perhaps due to her resolute mindset, it didn’t feel as difficult as before.

Liese lightly pressed her lips against his, then attempted to pull away. But before she could, Marcus, who was holding her waist, deepened the kiss.

Slushy movements followed along with the unexpected intrusion. A large hand wrapped around Liese’s chin and guided the connection a little deeper. Her face turned red when she heard whispering nearby.

As their lips parted with an embarrassing sound, Liese looked at Marcus, who had eagerly kissed her, with a stern gaze. Unlike her, he seemed thoroughly satisfied.

“Sometimes you really…”

Liese murmured, trying to stop herself from expressing her disdain as she bit her wet lips. Marcus ran his thumb along her chin, looking amused.

“Go on. I won’t get mad.”

“You’re shameless.”

Marcus burst into cheerful laughter. Liese stared blankly ahead.

“You don’t care at all despite so many people watching. You’re truly remarkable.”

“Aren’t you curious how shameless I could be when it’s just the two of us?”

“Not at all. Because I’ve already experienced it.”

There was a faint resentment in her eyes toward him. It pointed to the night of the banquet when he kissed her neck on the balcony.

He wanted to see her protest against such audacious behavior, but Marcus changed his mind and gently accepted her.

“Yeah, I prefer teasing you in front of an audience.”

“Why do you twist things like that… Stop moving. We might fall.”

Leaning against the railing, Liese looked down at the sea with a worried expression. The distant horizon had seemed beautiful, but the turbulent waves below made her a little nervous.

“Don’t worry. I don’t think you’re trying to run away.”

“I’m not trying to run away.”

“Right now, you’re avoiding me because you don’t want our bodies to touch.”

“You keep pressing your lower body against mine. Please avoid unnecessary contact… Why are you getting closer? I can’t swim.”

“Too bad.”

He chuckled softly, wrapping her tightly.

“Hold on tight so you don’t fall into the water.”

Liese held onto the railing with both hands. Marcus, who had hugged her from behind, tilted his face towards hers.

He would probably shamelessly mix his tongue into the kiss again. Closing her eyes as she saw his approaching face, just then, their lips lightly touched for a very brief moment.

When she opened her eyes wide, Marcus laughed joyfully as he spread his fingers across her flushed skin, blowing air over it. Moving his lips to the same spot again, he slowly moved them to Liese’s lips. The shallow kiss lasted quite a while.

Whenever Liese seemed to hesitate, he gave her a chance to breathe and then kissed her again. Sniffing her nose, gently stirring her mouth, and then playfully biting her lower lip. As he pressed his firm nose, he went deeper.

The familiar scent emanated from his tousled hair. Liese closed her eyes tightly, trying to get used to him. His broad chest and the warmth of his cheek. Even the faint beating in his chest.

Fortunately, she was able to accept him more comfortably than before.

Just then, a photographer wandering around with a camera spotted Marcus and Liese from afar. The woman receiving affectionate kisses while trapped in the Duke’s embrace was undeniably lovely.

Standing with a posture that was neither shy nor assertive, her pretty face was blushing peach. She was a clear contrast to the metropolitan city, filled with free association and debauchery.

The photographer was convinced. Despite still being praised, rather than the Duke’s face adorned with tiresome headgear, his beautiful lover would attract more attention. Especially in this unusual summer full of meaning.

Of course, he would need the Duke’s permission to publish it, but for now, he clicked the shutter with the determination to capture the moment. As a professional, missing such a potentially once-in-a-lifetime moment was unacceptable.

With the clear sky above and the deep blue sea as the backdrop, lovers with flawless looks whispered love to each other.

It was truly a perfect scene.