Chapter 3.2

While the Countess of Rosewood unpacked, Lucas went back downstairs.

He opened the folding door that led directly from the reception room to the garden deck. Wendy was under the blooming cherry trees, holding her hat in one hand and stretching the other toward the sky. Occasionally, she moved her hand slightly, as if trying to catch the petals that fell intermittently as the wind calmed. Watching her reminded Lucas of Wendy on a snowy day, and he smiled unknowingly.

Indeed, Wendy hadn’t changed from before. She still possessed the innocent image of a girl dreaming exciting dreams.

“Wendy.”

“Oh.”

Wendy lowered her arm and turned around. Seeing Lucas approaching, a bright smile spread across her white face.

“Did you enjoy the view?”

Instead of answering, Wendy laughed.

“What about Mother?”

“In her room. She’ll be down soon, so let’s go inside. I’ve prepared tea.”

“Okay.”

As Wendy approached Lucas, her white skirt fluttered pleasantly.

“The wind is strong, isn’t it?”

“It’s nice, but the flowers will fall quickly.”

“As long as they stay while you are here, that’s enough.”

Lucas naturally reached out and removed a cherry blossom petal from Wendy’s hair.

“So enjoy yourself. If you want to stay longer, that’s fine too.”

“……”

If only Lucas were a little less kind.

With his kind blue eyes and gentle smile under platinum-blonde hair gazing down at her, Wendy’s eyes stung inexplicably. Afraid her complicated feelings might be revealed if she continued to meet his gaze, Wendy quickly walked a few steps ahead.

“……”

His bright gaze softly followed her fluttering black hair.

Since last winter, Wendy seemed to be gradually distancing herself.

Though he considered her a younger sister, Wendy wasn’t his sister. As she grew up, it was natural for the situation to change, and Lucas had mentioned this to Jayden. But sometimes, he couldn’t help feeling quite regretful.

Would we become comfortable again once Wendy married someone? 

The Countess planned to finalize Wendy’s engagement this year, so it wouldn’t take long.

“……”

He chuckled briefly.

Goodness, that little girl getting married. Becoming someone’s wife, someone’s mother. 

It was vivid in his mind, seeing Wendy hopping around like an excited puppy as soon as it started snowing just three months ago.

“Lucas?”

When Wendy didn’t hear Lucas’s footsteps as she passed the deck and entered the reception room, she turned around. Though he seemed quite far away, Lucas quickly reached Wendy with just a few steps.

“Have you tried cherry blossom tea?”

“No, is there such a tea?”

“They say there is.”

“Is the tea pink?”

“Well, I’m not sure. It’s my first time too.”

But if it’s pink, I don’t think I’d want to drink it. 

Seeing Lucas’s troubled expression, Wendy burst into cheerful laughter.

“Have you returned?”

The Countess greeted Lucas and Wendy with a smile from the sofa.

“Sit down quickly. The tea will get cold.”

While Lucas closed the folding door, Wendy headed to the sofa. Fortunately, the tea wasn’t pink but a normal light leaf color.

***

From the day she arrived, Wendy enjoyed spring to the fullest for two days.

Though she was briefly downcast because the Earl couldn’t come, Jayden took care of Wendy, even in the Earl’s stead—although, from Wendy’s perspective, it was more like he bothered her—and she soon returned to her usual self.

She walked back and forth along the streets of the town, where the double cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and wandered around the low hills covered with azaleas and forsythias. Jayden was amazed at her activity, comparing her to a frog just waking from winter hibernation.

Thus, the short three-day trip was nearing its end, with tomorrow being the day to return.

Lucas said she could stay longer if she wanted, and if Wendy decided to stay, Jayden and Lucas would also stay for two more days. Jayden boasted that she should be grateful for them dedicating their rare vacation to their sister, which was annoying.

Since the Countess would leave for the capital tomorrow afternoon, Wendy had to decide by then, but she was still contemplating. She wanted to stay longer, but staying at the villa with her brother, especially Lucas, didn’t seem like a good idea. Jayden would surely leave Wendy to Lucas, claiming it was bothersome, and laze around.

Being alone with Lucas was a situation she truly wanted to avoid. Lucas was endlessly kind, and it was overwhelming to handle that kindness entirely.

“Maybe I should just go back.”

Sitting on the balcony floor of her bedroom, Wendy murmured as she leaned her arms on the railing.

She had actually decided to return as planned, but she regretted the beautiful cherry blossoms that survived despite the strong winds several times.

“Then I should enjoy them more now.”

Getting up from the floor, Wendy stretched widely.

Tomorrow morning would be busy with preparations to return, so now was the last time she could leisurely enjoy the flowers. Wendy put on a thin cardigan and quickly left her bedroom.

“Hmm?”

Midway between Wendy’s bedroom and the stairs, she saw a faint light on the floor.

It was quite late at night, so she didn’t expect anyone to be awake.

Since she had to pass by there, Wendy’s footsteps became cautious. It would have been better to pass by unnoticed, but she saw Lucas sitting on the sofa through the slightly open door.

She held her breath and tiptoed past, but before she got far, the door opened, and Lucas called her from behind.

“Where are you going without sleeping, Wendy?”

“Oh.”

Wendy quickly straightened her back and turned around. When she met his gaze as he stood holding the doorknob, she awkwardly smiled.

“Um, well. Just outside for a moment…”

Lucas sighed softly as he scanned Wendy, who avoided his gaze hesitantly.

In early spring, when the temperature difference between day and night was significant, and the wind was strong due to the high ground, he had mentioned it from the first day, but her attire was careless for going out at night. She was frail, yet so careless.

“See them in the morning.”

“I can’t sleep, so…”

“Then would you like some warm milk?”

“…”

Lucas showed no sign of easily letting her go. Wendy gave up on going out and approached Lucas. As she followed him inside, she noticed a considerable amount of documents scattered on the table.

“Are you working?”

“Oh, just handling some urgent matters. It’s better to do it now if I want to relax for two more days.”

“Ah. Because of me?”

“You’re staying longer, right?”

Lucas assumed she would, given how much Wendy had enjoyed the past few days. However, Wendy looked worriedly between the documents and Lucas.

“Don’t overdo it. The cherry blossoms will bloom again next year.”

“The cherry blossoms of today are different from those of tomorrow. But can you wait until next year?”

“…”

“Besides, your mother said she plans to marry you off this year. If so, it might be difficult to come even if you’re invited next year.”

Goodness. There was no need for Lucas to bring that up.

The shock was brief, but Lucas’s completely unaffected demeanor hurt more. Wendy’s eyes, finding no place to rest, landed on the crystal decanter on the table.

“No milk. I want a drink. I want alcohol.”

“What?”

Alcohol, out of nowhere.

Turning around in surprise, Lucas saw Wendy staring intently at the decanter. Her determination seemed strong enough to empty the entire bottle.

“No.”

But Lucas flatly refused, wearing the same expression as her father or Jayden.

Wendy’s lips pouted immediately.

“Drink milk. You need to sleep well to be energetic tomorrow.”

Her emerald eyes, filled with discontent, soon drooped in resignation. Though puzzled by her easy surrender, Lucas headed to the door, intending to order warm milk.

“Then I’ll drink with someone else. It’s spring now.”

“What?”

“There’s plenty of champagne and wine at social gatherings and parties. Men often offer them.”

“Ha.”

This little one. 

Now she’s grown enough to test his patience.

But Lucas wasn’t one to be easily swayed by such provocations.

“Sit and wait until the milk arrives.”

When he spoke firmly, Wendy plopped onto the sofa. Even though she pouted, she obediently followed his words, allowing Lucas to leave the room reassured.

He called for a servant to bring warm milk and returned inside.

“Wendy.”

In the brief moment he was gone, Wendy had already poured herself a drink and downed it in one go.

“Wendy!”

Lucas rushed toward her, but Wendy was quicker. She refilled the glass and brought it to her lips. When she met Lucas’s eyes, she smiled brightly.

“…”

He was speechless.

“I’m checking my tolerance. I can’t get drunk from drinking what men offer.”

Wendy’s excuse left him even more dumbfounded.

A short laugh escaped under Lucas’s hand as he brushed back his fallen bangs.

Seeing he wasn’t angry, Wendy confidently met his gaze and gulped a few more sips.

“Hmm, I don’t feel strange at all. I must take after Father and Brother.”

Lucas sat down next to Wendy. Resting his arm on the back of the sofa, he gazed at her. After a moment of silence, a cute smile spread across her small, pale face.

What should I do with her?

“Can I drink with you now?”

“Sure. Drink to your heart’s content.”

It was too late to stop her.