Chapter 16

Her chest felt so tight it was unbearable. But with Enoch watching her closely, Hazel forced herself to maintain a calm expression as she spoke.  

“It’s not like that. Don’t go anywhere….”  

“If that’s the case, I’d be grateful.” 

Enoch interrupted suddenly, cutting her off. Hazel turned to him with a startled expression.  

His composed demeanor made Emily nod knowingly, as if she had expected this all along.  

However, there was one thing Hazel didn’t know. Just before leaving the mansion, Emily had received special instructions from Vanessa.  

Although Hazel’s opinion had been completely ignored, Emily recalled Vanessa’s words just before they left the house.  

‘If a man with black hair and blue eyes appears and acknowledges you, find a way to slip away discreetly. Make sure Hazel ends up alone with him. If the situation doesn’t allow it, you can even run off and leave them together.’  

‘…Didn’t you tell me to take good care of Miss Hazel?’  

‘That’s exactly what I’m saying. That man’s status is guaranteed, so you don’t need to worry. He’s the man Hazel likes.’  

‘Wait, are you talking about that person?!’  

‘Yes, that’s right. Since they’ve met again by chance, don’t you think we should help turn it into fate?’  

‘But…!’  

‘Emily, don’t you want to see Hazel get married? Just imagine Hazel having a baby that looks just like her. Wouldn’t that be adorable, with a tiny face full of Hazel’s features?’  

A baby that looks like Miss Hazel? Of course, it would be adorable! She’s our Miss Hazel, after all!  

If that’s the case, Emily thought, she needed to confirm whether this man was indeed the ‘person’ Vanessa had mentioned.  

Judging by Hazel’s flustered reaction earlier when asked about ‘that person,’ it seemed likely.  

More importantly, Emily had a clear choice to make between Hazel, who would leave the mansion in a few days, and Vanessa, who would stay for months.  

Emily quietly observed Hazel and Enoch. Seeing Hazel’s flushed face made it clear she still had feelings for him. And as for ‘that person’…  

Black hair, blue eyes, and a sturdy build that hinted at strength. But the way he gazed at Hazel was soft and meltingly tender.  

Enoch, noticing Emily’s suspicious glare, raised an eyebrow and said,  

“I’ll make sure your lady returns safely, so would you mind stepping aside?”  

“W-Wait a moment!”  

Hazel, shocked by his audacious words, raised her voice in a fluster.  

But Emily, wearing a resolute expression, stared straight at Enoch as if she hadn’t heard Hazel.  

“Can you be trusted?”  

“Emily? What are you talking about?”  

Hazel felt like fainting. 

Why wasn’t anyone listening to me?!  

“If you’re really worried, take this.”  

Enoch pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to Emily.  

It was a golden badge—a symbol of his status as a member of the Imperial Knight Order. Not just any member, but one who had reached a certain rank.  

Hazel’s face turned pale as she shouted,  

“What are you doing?!”  

How could he just hand that over to my maid?! Was that even allowed?!  

But Enoch acted as if he had merely handed a coin to a passing child, his expression unbothered.  

Emily carefully examined the golden badge before casually slipping it into her pocket. Then, she gave a slight bow.  

“If you’re part of the Imperial Knight Order, you must be trustworthy. Miss, don’t worry too much; I’ll explain everything to Madam.”  

“Wait, Emily! I’m not okay with this…!”  

“It’s been a while since you’ve had fun, Miss. Enjoy yourself while you can. When else will you have the chance? Oh, and this is the juice I bought. It’s made from seasonal fruits—sweet and tangy. I guarantee you won’t find this flavor in the capital!”  

“Thanks for your thoughtfulness. I’ll make sure to keep my promise.”  

What promise?!  

As Emily walked away without hesitation, Hazel reached out desperately, calling after her.  

“Emily!”  

But Emily disappeared without looking back, as if her job was done.  

Hazel stood there, staring blankly at Emily’s retreating figure, unable to process what had just happened. Finally, she came to her senses and turned to Enoch.  

“What do you think you’re doing?”  

“What do you mean? I’m just asking you to show me around. And maybe spend some time together while we’re at it.”  

He smiled slyly, his attitude shameless beyond belief.  

What could have happened in the Imperial Court to change him so much? Hazel couldn’t understand.  

What baffled her even more was her own heart, beating uncontrollably in this absurd situation.  

Could it really be just because of his looks? 

Hazel glanced at Enoch. With his bangs slightly covering his forehead, his usual sharpness was softened, giving him a gentler appearance.  

…It seemed his looks were indeed the main reason.  

“So, what do you need?”  

Hazel shifted the conversation to distract herself. At her question, Enoch pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. On it were several items listed.  

What could the Crown Prince possibly need that required sending a knight to such a remote territory? 

Hazel leaned in to take a closer look.  

“Couldn’t you get these somewhere else?”  

“You’re right, but His Highness specifically ordered that they be obtained here. I had no choice.”  

“Being an Imperial Knight seems like a lot of trouble.”  

Enoch shrugged nonchalantly.  

Looking back at the list, Hazel clicked her tongue internally. The items seemed utterly trivial.  

What on earth was the Crown Prince thinking, sending someone to fetch these?  

‘Well, since I said I’d help, I guess I’ll have to stick with him.’  

Hazel glanced at Enoch, who was staring intently at the paper. Then she took a step forward and said,  

“Let’s start over there.”  

She pointed in a direction, and Enoch’s gaze followed her finger.  

He followed her more obediently than she had expected, proving he truly didn’t know his way around.  

“This is good. You’re right; it’s a taste you can’t find in the capital. Is this fruit local to this region?”  

“It’s similar to an apple but smaller and much sweeter. People even use it as a sugar substitute.”  

Enoch drank the juice Emily had left behind with great enthusiasm. His carefree demeanor contrasted sharply with Hazel’s complicated thoughts, making her stomp her feet as she walked.  

The weather was nice, and the streets weren’t crowded, making it easy to move around. The only problem was that Hazel hadn’t been home in so long, and so much had changed.  

‘I’m sure there should be a shop here.’  

Instead of the shop she was looking for, unfamiliar stores lined the street. But admitting she was lost wasn’t an option. After all, she had volunteered to help; it would be too embarrassing to admit she didn’t know the way.  

Sweat began to form on her forehead as she tried desperately to find the right path.  

“Aren’t you going to drink that?”  

Startled by Enoch’s sudden question, Hazel flinched, spilling juice onto her hand.  

“What are you doing? You’re not a child.”  

Clicking his tongue, Enoch took the cup from her and pulled out a handkerchief, gently wiping her sticky hand.  

She wanted to pull away, but his careful, almost reverent touch left her frozen in place.  

“It’s fine. You didn’t have to go that far. I can wash my hands later.”  

“They’re already sticky. You should’ve finished it quickly, like I did.”  

Though his tone was scolding, his voice was gentle. The unexpected tenderness made Hazel’s chest flutter, leaving her speechless.