The harmony of her warm light-filled brown hair and fresh green eyes went without saying. Every line that composed Chloe seemed to fit his aesthetic standards perfectly.

Above all, she was someone with insight that penetrated his artistic world, which he had never explained to anyone. Add to that an elegance that immediately captured attention.

‘If only I could capture this atmosphere and feeling completely on canvas.’

The beginning of his special feelings for Chloe traced back several seasons. But it wasn’t the kind that could be established as the relationship between a man and a woman as defined by the world.

It was different from the desire to be by her side or to make her his own. Nor did he feel jealousy toward the man who now naturally occupied the place beside her.

In any case, he didn’t have the personality to handle being someone’s lover or progressing to marriage with its lifelong commitment. So he had never dreamed of such an implausible future.

She was the first person he had come to admire. For Chloe, a more radiant place suited her.

‘Like her current place beside Duke Dietrich.’

At that moment, feeling a sudden gaze, Tickelon, who had been staring fixedly at his teacup, raised his head. He found himself facing cold eyes directed at him.

Andert Dietrich’s eyes were a highly saturated deep blue. Close to the primary color blue, but with a cold silvery aura and sparkling yellow overlaid—a blue-gold color.

Tickelon defined the Duke’s eyes as such. But no matter how similar the colors he combined, it would be difficult to express the arrogant gaze that made people tense.

Lost in thought, Tickelon realized he was staring too openly at the Duke.

“Ahem.”

Hastily averting his gaze, he only wanted to get back to painting.

It was true that he felt intimidated by the pressure Duke Dietrich exuded. But more than that, he wanted to capture Chloe, who had melded into this classic space, exactly as she was on canvas.

Unlike Tickelon, who didn’t understand why the other was looking at him so coldly, Andert silently observed the eyes that were moving away. While engaging in casual conversation with Chloe, the painter sitting across from him was lost in other thoughts.

Seeing that he didn’t even try to continue the conversation, the public assessment of him as stubborn seemed accurate. The eyes that had shone brightly while painting the portrait also sank into indifference when sitting at the tea table.

Of course, they occasionally sparkled when looking at Chloe.

‘So he does have special feelings for Chloe, but……’

There was something peculiar that couldn’t be easily explained.

Generally, if one had feelings for a woman, the gaze toward the man sitting beside her should be sharp. But there was no particular emotion in the eyes directed at him.

‘What is this?’

Because he couldn’t gauge the intention, Andert didn’t easily turn away.

As the strange confrontation between the two men continued, it was naturally Chloe who stepped in. She was well aware that Tickelon found such situations difficult. And while Andert had become considerably more amiable than before, that didn’t apply to everyone.

It seemed better to break the atmosphere appropriately. Chloe understood the reason for the awkward silence to that extent.

“Andert, I think it’s better to continue with the portrait now. It would be good to finish the work before we leave for our trip.”

“Yes, Chloe. I’ll leave the painting to you, Mr. Tickelon.”

Andert also decided to put aside this fruitless battle of nerves.

It was also foolish to worry alone about someone who didn’t even guard against him. Decisively, there was no reason to pay more attention since Chloe had no personal interest in the famous painter.

As he uncrossed his leg, the pale man made a resolute pledge.

“Yes, I will complete a work into which I pour my all, Your Grace.”

It was a greeting that didn’t particularly suit the current situation, but it might have been the best he could do as someone lacking in social skills.

Andert, who merely nodded his chin, released the hand he had been holding and turned away.

* * *

Larcel Station, now in the peak holiday season, was crowded with people. Since many came here to board cruise ships at the port of departure, trains filled with travelers entered the tracks one after another.

Eventually, the Duke and Duchess of Dietrich appeared beyond the wide-open doors. Servants and maids from House Dietrich followed in a line behind them.

Choosing Larcel as their honeymoon destination was a decision based on Chloe’s wishes. Andert, who didn’t care where they went or what they did, had no reason to refuse a travel destination filled with good memories.

He would have preferred to travel lightly like last time. But this once, he couldn’t ignore Roman’s dissuasion that it wouldn’t be proper.

“Your Grace, this is your official honeymoon with the Duchess. Moreover, it’s unacceptable to travel without even servants for a schedule lasting two weeks.”

None of it was wrong. In any case, all he wanted was spending an intimate time with Chloe, and he didn’t mind having followers.

“I’ll escort you to the villa first.”

At the attendant’s courteous guidance, Andert escorted Chloe onto the carriage. At that moment, hot, humid air melted through the carriage window, heated under the blazing sun.

“The atmosphere is completely different in summer, isn’t it? The station also seems much busier than last year.”

Chloe smiled brightly as she removed her wide-brimmed hat. Her eyes, which became more vivid in the season of lush greenery, held excitement and anticipation.

Andert smiled in response as he brushed back her slightly disheveled hair. Chloe rarely made time for leisure during the semester. So he wanted to spend the next two weeks entirely with just the two of them.

“Thank you, Andert. This trip is also entirely scheduled around my timing.”

“Because I’m sure you’ll ignore me again once you start working.”

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“I’m sure it was.”

It was a complaint mixed with laughter. Andert imperceptibly brushed away the half-filled regret within it.

To think the person he loved was such a dedicated academic type.

Chloe, who had re-enrolled, had even managed to graduate a semester early, as if to prove herself. Though he had seen her intensely focused on studies throughout the semester, even he hadn’t anticipated this result.

Rarely, there were cases of early graduation at the Military Academy too. But it was literally an uncommon occurrence.

It was a daily life he would have to get used to anyway. Now that she had completed her studies, Chloe seemed poised to start working in earnest.

So it would be foolish to blame her for not being able to spend more time together. Of course, knowing something intellectually and understanding it emotionally were different matters.

At that moment, as if soothing his affectionate complaint, Chloe gently leaned her head against him.

“I’ve been looking forward to this trip a lot too. I also really wanted to come back to Larcel. I’ve prepared a list of places I want to visit and things I want to do with you over these two weeks. I’ve already thought about the six-day schedule on the cruise ship.”

Her humming voice, half-buried in his shoulder, slowly reached Andert’s ear.

By now, the carriage had left the city and started picking up speed toward its destination, the Dietrich villa. The scenery, dyed in full summer light, quickly passed by outside the carriage window.

What came to mind at her words about diligently making plans was a familiar scene he had witnessed countless times. Chloe, sitting at her desk like when she studied, meticulously preparing something.

Andert, who didn’t hide the smile that escaped with a chuckle, also gently rested his head on hers.

“I’m looking forward to it, Chloe.”

In truth, it didn’t matter if they did nothing. Just holding Chloe’s hand and returning to Larcel was more than satisfying.

* * *

“Aboobu.”

The baby in Kate’s arms kept babbling. The friend she faced under the cool shade of the pergola had already become a mother.

As Chloe looked on with eyes full of laughter, Kate took the small hand and waved it gently.

“This is Mommy’s best friend. Kendrick, say hello.”

“Hello, Kendrick.”

“Buuuu.”

Breaking into a broad smile at the cute head shake, Chloe carefully stroked the baby’s soft, downy hair.

“Chloe, how long are you staying in Larcel?”

“We left the capital with a two-week schedule.”

“I’m planning to visit Bergen early next month too. There are matters I need to check and handle personally.”

Kate, who answered vigorously, carefully wiped the drool that had run down the baby’s chin.

Chloe couldn’t take her eyes off the small face that remarkably resembled her friend. Kate, who had given birth a few months ago, had been staying here in Larcel all this time.

Kate shared her plans to be busy traveling between Bergen and the capital starting next year. It was while Chloe was nodding and listening attentively to her energetic voice that Kate interrupted herself and pointed in the direction behind Chloe.

“Oh, is that the Duke coming? Over there?”