The quiet forest was interrupted only by the occasional chirping of a chickadee. Rohana exhaled softly, pressed closely against the solid, broad chest in front of her.

Beneath the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt, his muscular arms were deeply defined. His body heat radiated from his core, warming her back as his fingers aligned with her center.

“Hold your breath…”

At the low voice, Rohana’s eyes narrowed.

“Release it.”

With a *thunk*, the glowing arrow hit the target. White magic shimmered freely around the arrow.

When Rohana turned back with a slight smile, Kaiden raised an eyebrow.

Spring had just begun, and the snow was melting. Tender green shoots sprouted, and yellow ginger flowers adorned the fields.

His sharp nose, chiseled jawline, deep eyes, and elegant neckline shone in the early spring sunlight.

At that moment, Heath’s voice called from afar.

“So this is where you were.”

Heath, with his now slightly longer hair tied half-up, laughed cheerfully. A bright smile spread across Rohana’s face.

“Heath!”

At her unusually lively tone, Kaiden frowned.

“Didn’t you say you had a date today?”

“Our duke had an urgent matter this afternoon. How could I leave the lady alone?”

Heath responded with a clear voice.

“You could’ve just taken a rest.”

Ignoring Kaiden’s indifferent tone, the two began discussing what to have for lunch.

Listening to Rohana suggest cold sandwiches now that the weather had warmed, Kaiden took her bow.

Spring was approaching.

Whether from exhaustion or the relaxation of tension, Rohana’s long eyes blinked languidly.

“I’ll be heading out now.”

“Now?”

“I need to receive a report and confirm a few things.”

“Have you learned anything more about Caladrius?”

Since that incident, Kaiden had been busier than ever.

He had to prevent escalating protests from causing more damage, and he was acutely aware that the presence of ‘Rohana Hanover’ continued to complicate his political position.

He no longer approached her as before, and Rohana understood why he kept his distance, especially with her suspected connection to Lazar. She said nothing.

They couldn’t deny the pull between their bodies, though.

Their relationship, hardened by an odd friendship, continued through the winter into spring.

“Unfortunately, no.”

His face, as serene as when they first met, was as picture-perfect as ever.

“I see. I haven’t heard anything recently either.”

“There’s nothing to worry about. I won’t put you in a situation where I’d need your help.”

His sudden dark mood felt unfamiliar to Rohana.

“Kaiden…”

The hand that had rested at her waist moved up to cup her face.

“As promised, I’m taking good care of it.”

His long fingers brushed past her chin, resting on her collarbone.

Rohana gave a faint smile.

“With Bardi lying low for now, we’ll just continue with what we need to do. As for you, you’ll leave here as planned before the appointed day.”

Sensing her shift in seriousness, Kaiden’s gaze became defensive. His lips and chest, which had been so close, suddenly moved away.

His defined muscles cast shadows in the sunlight.

“I’m also looking into ways to deal with R.D.”

Kaiden threw on a light cloak, a faint smile playing on his sharp jawline.

“You have nothing to worry about.”

Rohana unknowingly closed her slightly parted lips. Only when she slowly nodded did Kaiden place a brief kiss on her forehead.

“Heath, take this.”

Kaiden handed Heath Rohana’s belongings and reluctantly stood up.

“I’ll be off.”

His large, rough hand gently grazed her back.

Rohana and Heath watched Kaiden leave for a moment. As winter drew to a close, a calm peace settled over them, though it felt like the calm before a storm.

“Now what will you do with today’s canceled date?”

Rohana turned to Heath, worry clouding her face as she asked.

“It’s nothing.”

Heath smiled with his eyes.

Since his severe injury, Heath had seemed strangely drained, though Rohana couldn’t quite pinpoint why.

However, she was somewhat relieved to see him once again enjoying time with various young ladies, as he used to.

“How about just spending the day with me?”

“Are you going to start with that too, Heath?”

Kaiden wasn’t exactly a diligent teacher. But now Heath?

“Honestly, you all seem to lack any real will to guide me.”

Heath smiled with a hint of bitterness.

“Shall we do some light magic practice in the library? I heard it’s going to rain soon.”

The air was already moist, as if spring rain was about to fall.

“Isn’t Sirirul not coming in today?”

Heath jingled a key as he pulled it from his pocket, smiling. Rohana smiled softly as well.

When they arrived at the library, bright sunlight streamed through the tall windows. Several neat wooden Slavic-style desks gleamed warmly, each showcasing its unique grain pattern.

Heath moved toward Sirirul’s office, his slender body making graceful movements.

Rohana took out the ancient document that Sirirul had brought. Just like in Roman mythology, here too, the emperor’s bird, the Caladrius, was said to cure diseases.

As expected, there was no mention of the song. The clear sound that only she had heard wasn’t recorded anywhere.

“Your archery skills have improved.”

“I still have a long way to go. Back then, it was definitely golden, but now it’s only white…”

Even when she tried again, the golden light didn’t appear. Earlier, even with Kaiden’s help, only the white light emerged.

“It felt like the Caladrius was helping me, but I still don’t know what exactly happened.”

What could that moment have been?

While Rohana was lost in thought, Heath rummaged through Sirirul’s desk, pulling something out. It was chocolate, wrapped in colorful and ornate packaging.

“Would you like some chocolate?”

“Won’t Sirirul get angry?”

“If I tell him it was for you, I’m sure he won’t mind.”

Rohana chuckled at Heath’s lightheartedness.

In his long, slender fingers, Heath held a small coffee cup in one hand, while the other carried a teapot and a basket filled with chocolates. At that moment, Rohana’s gaze briefly shifted to the letterbox that Galad had organized.

“It seems the emperor’s letters are still arriving.”

Heath spoke first, placing the coffee cup down on the wooden table with a soft, comforting sound.

“Well… yes.”

Heath chuckled softly at Rohana’s nonchalant tone.

“Shall I burn them for you?”

Rohana raised an eyebrow and hesitated for a moment.

“Does Kaiden still not know?”

“No, not really…”

Rohana trailed off.

“Should Kaiden not know about it?”

“It’s full of useless talk anyway. There’s nothing strategic in them, so there’s no need for him to read them. It would just frustrate him.”

Rohana spoke indifferently.

“I’ll be the only one frustrated.”

Heath chuckled softly again. At that moment, the sound of rain gently settled over the library.

There was a particular charm in serving themselves tea and snacks like this, without calling on the servants. Heath’s skilled hands made the process oddly comforting just to watch.

“How do you feel, having to act like my nanny all the time?”

Kaiden had tried to spend more time at the estate, but since he was always out and about during the day, it wasn’t something he could do forever.

Watching Kaiden gradually turn to Heath again, Rohana felt a strange sadness and guilt toward both of them.

‘I must grow stronger, and quickly.’

“If it’s for you, My Lady, I’m always happy to play the nanny,” Heath responded as casually as ever, his tone light.

“Thanks to you, my life was saved. So now, I belong to you, don’t I?”

For a moment, Rohana’s gaze turned to Heath. His pale gray eyes were focused on the teacup, calmly pouring tea.

“You’ve saved me far more times,” Rohana replied sincerely.

Heath lifted his head and smiled brightly again.

***

The dry air carried a subtle scent of rich spices. A luxurious bracelet, adorned with red crystals, glistened on a slender arm, sparkling with every movement.

“So…”

The woman with light purple hair raised herself slightly from her languid posture.

“How serious is the situation, exactly?”

Long fingers, decorated with vivid tattoos in various colors, flipped through a report.

“Ah, here it is. Leaf, Shar, Rosehill, Cosnal, Cherique, all the way to Tysnon.”

Her eyes, a deep shade of green, gleamed with interest.

“The entire Ardgold Empire is in chaos. At this rate, it wouldn’t be surprising if a military clash broke out on either side.”

“And our Duke is still maintaining his marriage with that Hanover lady?”

“According to our investigation, the Hanover family itself is in deep crisis. There are rumors everywhere that this lady has contributed to it. Her younger brother, Brandt Hanover, has been complaining about it to anyone who will listen.”

The woman raised an eyebrow.

“Really?”

She slowly twirled a strand of her long hair as she fell into thought. Because of the sudden appearance of the Caladrius and Lazar in Nopthal, Kaiden had refused her requests for quite some time.

It was understandable, given that he was trying to assess the situation.

As she tossed the report aside, the man standing before her hurriedly caught it and gathered the papers.

“It seems it’s time for us to meet again.”

The woman tossed her long purple hair over her shoulder and spoke.

“Shall I send the carrier pigeon?”

“Yes.”

The woman stood and swiftly exited the office with long strides.

Her high-collared gown wrapped tightly around her neck, while the wide design of the waist and legs left her arms and back exposed, giving her movements an air of grandeur.

At that moment, a lively child’s voice rang out from behind her.

TL NOTE: Visit and bookmark the story at dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and updates of its latest release.