Chapter 5 – Issen (Part 2)

The two headed toward Mont Hill, which was connected to the riverside park. The cliff and the observatory at its edge were among Issen’s attractions. A funicular was installed to carry passengers up and down the steep slope, allowing them to reach the top without walking. Being a weekday afternoon, the observatory was relatively quiet.

“Oh, strawberry chocolate!”

As soon as they got off the funicular, Evelyn exclaimed softly. And she pointed to a street vendor cart, as if to explain to the man who was looking at her curiously.

“When you come to the observatory, you must eat this.”

Some people believe that you must eat certain foods when visiting certain places. Evelyn was clearly one of those people, but judging by Bryant’s expression, he seemed to be on the opposite side. However, despite his face showing a lack of understanding, he stood with the woman in front of the vendor cart, inhaling the sweet aroma. When she received a bag of chocolates, he paid the vendor on her behalf. Then, with the woman who was delighted like a child, he headed toward the observatory.

At the top of Mont Hill’s cliff stood a giant statue. A statue of a man holding a quill and parchment, overlooking the cityscape. The two stood side by side at its base. The cityscape, centered around the emerald river, spread out below them.

“It’s magnificent.”

Bryant admired.

The blue roofs, a symbol of Issen, stretched out like clouds. The grand Laurel Station and the central Fede Square. The high bell tower of the cathedral. The well-planned city faced the deep blue sea to the east, and the imperial castle surrounded by white fortress walls was visible to the north.

“Isn’t it truly beautiful? Every time I see it, I’m amazed.”

“Indeed, it is.”

“They say Issen is the most beautiful place next to heaven.”

“Having never been to heaven, I can’t compare, but it’s certainly the most beautiful city I know.”

Evelyn giggled softly and opened the paper bag in her hand. With a rustling sound, she took out a round chocolate and popped it into her mouth. As she rolled it around on her tongue, the strawberry syrup inside the chocolate oozed out. It was so delicious. Even before the one in her mouth had fully melted, she took out another chocolate.

“Is it good?”

It was only after Bryant asked that she realized she hadn’t offered him any. But Evelyn thought this man wouldn’t likely put such a thing in his mouth. Offering chocolates from a street vendor seemed almost impolite, but,

“Would you like to try one?”

She offered him the round chocolate she had just taken out.

On a weekday afternoon, the observatory was quiet. The area around the statue, surrounded by bushes, was even more secluded. A fragrant floral scent wafted to Evelyn’s nose from somewhere. What flower was it? Just as she was about to recall the vague name of a spring flower,

The man came inside the tilted parasol.

He leaned down and kissed her at once. Lightly opening the woman’s lips, he swept the inside with the tip of his tongue. Until the satisfied-looking man withdrew his lips, Evelyn was so surprised she couldn’t even close her eyes.

“It’s delicious.”

Bryant said, meeting her gaze up close. His whispering breath carried the scent of chocolate. Evelyn hastily adjusted the tilted parasol. It was almost a reflexive action to hide their faces from view.

“This parasol has an unexpectedly practical side.”

“……”

“I like it.”

He smiled, meeting her eyes up close. Under the lace parasol soaked white by the sunlight. With beautiful sandy hair and watery eyes.

He came closer again. Evelyn closed her eyes. Their lips met, and her heart raced. His tongue, softly invading, tasted of chocolate and strawberry syrup.

It was sweet. The delusion of being in love.

*

The place where the two were staying was on Linden Street, located in the northwest of Issen. Just across the Sofia River, it wasn’t far from the Imperial Palace, and it was separated from the city’s most affluent district, Glanz Court, by the river. If Glanz Court was undoubtedly the most upscale residential area in Issen, it was where wealthy nobles and diplomats lived together. However, since owning a townhouse there was essentially reserved for certain people, wealthy individuals who couldn’t rely on their ancestors or homeland’s power created a new affluent neighborhood across the river.

Bryant guided Evelyn to a large house on Linden Street.

“How many pages did you write today?”

As soon as they arrived and sat in the dining room, the question came as if it had been waiting. Evelyn spread a crisp white napkin over her lap and said,

“I’m sorry to disappoint, but it’s just one page again today.”

“That’s enough. One page a day means a full-length novel in a year.”

“You’re quick with calculations, Mr. Publisher.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, Miss Author.”

The man tilted his head in response, and as the attendant brought the warm appetizer soup, the meal began.

Bryant had given Evelyn the use of the second-floor study in this townhouse as her writing room. He promised not to disturb her while she was there and would neither visit nor send anyone to fetch her until she came out on her own. The only exception was mealtime, as skipping meals would be problematic.

Following this thoughtful rule, Evelyn used the study whenever she felt like it. Upon their arrival yesterday, she wrote for a couple of hours after dinner, and today, after returning from sightseeing in the city, she spent another couple of hours there. It was only when the maid came to announce dinner that she put down her pen.

‘Mr. Clifton is already waiting in the dining room.’

Upon hearing this, she got up and came down promptly.

This townhouse is similar in size to his house in Kingston. However, it exudes a much grander and more luxurious atmosphere. Bryant mentioned that this house was not his own but rented, so it likely reflected the true owner’s taste.

The dining table where they sat was also like that. The rectangular table, which could seat eight people, looked very heavy and suitable for lavish banquets. Seated at opposite ends of the long table, Evelyn thought it would be nice if he sat a bit closer.

“May I ask what you wrote about?”

“Just, various thoughts.”

“Various thoughts, you say.”

“Similar to a diary. I write down the things I experienced, thought about, and the impressions that left a mark on me today. They all become material for novels.”

“I see. I’m curious about what left an impression on you today.”

“Look for it when the new book comes out. There might be a passage used as material.”

“Regardless of anything else, make sure to write about the novel use of ladies’ parasols. It will receive enthusiastic praise.”

Evelyn couldn’t help but laugh again at the man’s playful words.

A natural conversation flowed with the meal. They engaged in endless conversation throughout their time together. They talked about their favorite foods and ingredients they avoided. Memorable teachers and friends. Subjects they excelled in during school and those in which they had no talent. Evelyn learned the surprising fact that Bryant enjoyed sweet foods, and Bryant was amazed to learn that Evelyn was best at mathematics during her boarding school days. It was a moment of exception for his theory that linguistic sense and mathematical talent could not coexist.

As the conversation continued, the presence of each other became more concrete. The images that had been in the unknown realm came closer, almost tangible. The person who seemed like a picture in a flat plane gained depth, and gradually, even a warm touch and body heat could be felt.

It was intimacy.

“Do you have plans to visit other regions while staying in Trissen?”

“Other regions?”

“Visiting acquaintances from your hometown or meeting family.”

Bryant asked as he cut the main course with a fork and knife. He knew that Evelyn’s father had already passed away and that she had no siblings. So, ‘family’ referred to her mother.

“I’m not sure. I didn’t make any prior arrangements.”

“Did you let them know you’ve returned to Issen?”

“……”

“I’m sorry. That was impolite.”

“No, it’s okay.”

Evelyn shook her head, feeling apologetic at his polite apology.

“The truth is, my mother doesn’t know that I was in Kingston.”

“……”

“I sent her a letter when I left. I told her that I planned to travel for a few years and not to worry if she didn’t hear from me.”

“……”

“That was the last time. The letter I sent 3 years and 4 months ago.”

“Your mother must be worried.”

“I don’t think so. Probably not.”

The man who had just placed a properly cut piece of meat in his mouth looked up. Evelyn felt his gaze but continued speaking while pretending to focus on cutting the food on her plate.

“My mother believes in facing life on her own. She considers asking for help or relying on others as undignified. She believes that to be respected by oneself and others, one must stand alone. So she probably thinks I’m living well somewhere right now.”

When talking about her mother, Jillian Dale, now Mrs. Tolson after taking her new husband’s surname, Evelyn maintained an objective and calm demeanor. To others, it might seem excessively cold, but in reality, their relationship was far from intimate. A deep rift formed after they stopped living together, and at some point, they stopped interfering in each other’s lives. Neither of them tried to hold onto the gradually widening distance. Evelyn thought it was because their personalities were similar.

As expected, Bryant pointed that out.

“Your mother seems to be a very independent woman. It seems you’ve taken after her.”

Evelyn lifted her gaze from her plate. He picked up his wine glass while looking at her with a comfortable gaze.

“My mother is quite the opposite. She probably couldn’t live a day without someone’s help. She constantly needs care and reassurance from those around her, frequently needing to confirm the attention and goodwill of those who care for her.”

Evelyn imagined his mother, the Marchioness of Elgagrove, whom she had never seen. The legal mother of the Marquis of Elgagrove, living in the mansion of a stepson older than herself.

“But everyone has circumstances they can’t speak of. Often, one’s true feelings are not fully understood even by oneself, and even if they are, there are times when they can’t be expressed for various reasons. Especially as a parent, I think there are even more unspoken hardships when it comes to their children.”

Evelyn continued to look at his face. The man, who had finished speaking softly as if caressing, pretended not to notice and brought the wine glass to his lips. She realized it was his way of giving her time to think.

At times like this, that man truly seemed like an adult. He insightfully saw through others and offered advice in a sophisticated manner. Had she ever received such comfort from anyone? Evelyn couldn’t recall.

“While you’re here, if there’s anywhere you want to go, just let me know.”

Bryant smiled lightly. And with that, he did not continue the topic further. It was an appropriate and polite attitude, but Evelyn felt a bit disappointed. She wanted to delve deeper into what might be the most sensitive part of her, perhaps his most sensitive part as well.

He might not want to, though. Probably, he wouldn’t want to.

“I’ll ensure maximum convenience and safety for you wherever you go. As I promised before.”

Bryant smiled kindly. Evelyn also showed a slight smile. She should have thanked him, but for some reason, the words didn’t come out.