Chapter 2.4

Marianne blinked in confusion at Anna’s unusually high-pitched voice. They had planned to grab sandwiches at the park, so what was this sudden talk of another engagement?

“And now, someone has kindly offered to keep you company during lunch! I feel so relieved, Marianne.”

Anna said, patting Marianne’s shoulder with a grin. Then, she leaned in to whisper in Marianne’s ear, 

“Just nod your head quickly.”

Anna’s voice was so firm that Marianne found herself nodding before she even realized it.

“Well then…” 

Sylvester’s face lit up as he alternated his gaze between Anna and Marianne.

“Yes, Librarian Marianne is ready to head out for lunch.”

Anna announced, removing her hand from Marianne’s shoulder. Both Sylvester and Anna turned their attention to Marianne.

‘Wait, she’s telling me to have lunch with the Marquis? How am I supposed to handle this discomfort? But still…’

Marianne’s eyes landed on Sylvester’s face. His strikingly beautiful features, reminiscent of a painting by the Empire’s renowned artist Liana, bore a slightly awkward smile. To Marianne, that awkwardness seemed like a shadow cast by Sylvester’s radiant shyness.

‘It’s clear how much he likes me. Even if it’s because of a spell that will eventually fade, being rejected would still hurt his feelings.’

And hadn’t he waited for her all morning? Torn between hesitation and rationalization, Marianne finally made up her mind. She closed her eyes briefly before opening them again to meet Sylvester’s gaze.

“…I’ll grab my coat and meet you outside the library.”

Sylvester’s awkward smile transformed into a bright, radiant one. It was a beautiful smile, both fitting and unfitting for his otherwise icy demeanor.

How could someone so expressive be called an emotionless cold-blooded man? Marianne suddenly found herself curious about Sylvester’s true self—what he would be like without the love spell.

“I’ll wait for you at the main entrance.”

Sylvester said, his pleasant voice reaching Marianne’s ears.

“Take your time, Marianne. There’s not much work today anyway.”

“Work? But there’s so much to—”

“Have your meal, enjoy dessert, take a walk, and just stay out until it’s time to go home.” 

Anna interrupted with a teasing tone. Sylvester’s face seemed to brighten even more, or so Marianne thought as Anna gently pushed her forward.

Marianne hurried to the break room to grab her wallet and coat before heading toward the library’s main entrance. She found Sylvester standing in the marble-paved cultural plaza between the library and the art museum. The plaza was famous for its statue of the God of Love, a well-known landmark in the capital.

Everyone passing through the plaza stole glances at Sylvester, but he appeared indifferent to their attention. Instead, he stared intently at the statue of the God of Love with a serious—almost grim—expression.

The midday autumn sunlight cast deep shadows over the scene, making it look far more dramatic than it was. However, the cherubic angels carved alongside the God of Love seemed to have paler complexions under the harsh light.

Marianne felt a strange sense of déjà vu. Sylvester’s current demeanor reminded her of how he had stared at the upside-down book earlier that morning.

‘The Marquis must enjoy observing things.’

She concluded silently before quickening her pace.

“Um…” 

Marianne began to greet him, but Sylvester noticed her first. His reaction was swift, as though he recognized her footsteps alone.

“Librarian!” 

Sylvester’s face lit up with a smile as he abandoned his silent battle with the statue. The affection in his gaze and smile made Marianne feel slightly embarrassed. Even though she wasn’t responsible for the spell that ensnared him, she couldn’t help feeling a little guilty.

“Thank you for setting aside your precious time for me.”

“Oh, no. It’s not precious. Lunch break comes every day…” 

Marianne replied awkwardly.

“The mages in the Knight Order were even considering writing a thesis about how valuable lunch breaks are for civil servants. And yet, you’re sharing this precious hour with someone you’ve only known for a day. I can’t help but be grateful.”

It’s just an hour, though. 

Marianne fidgeted with her sleeve, feeling slightly awkward, before nodding faintly.

“What do you usually eat during this time?” 

“I usually eat something simple… and affordable.”

Marianne admitted. Standing before someone who looked so refined from head to toe, her answer felt a bit embarrassing. But she didn’t want to lie—it wasn’t something she was ashamed of, after all.

“May I ask what your original plan for today was?”

“…I was planning to go to Theater Park and have a sandwich from one of the stalls there.”

Marianne replied slowly. Theater Park, located near the capital’s grand theater known for its plays, operas, and concerts, was originally established by a previous Emperor for the citizens of the capital.

The wide-open park, accessible to everyone, had formed a small market in the southern outskirts. In that small market, various stalls selling goods and food lined up, and among them, the shop selling large and affordable sandwiches was a famed attraction of Theater Park.

“Then, shall we proceed according to your original plan?”

“Pardon?”

Marianne widened her eyes and asked Sylvester again.

‘Ah, no, he looks like someone who’d never touch sandwiches sold at stalls, even in another life…’

Marianne’s gaze narrowed as she looked at Sylvester, who still carried a faint smile. She was about to tell him that it was alright not to go. But at that moment, the words of the mage Peter flashed through her mind.

‘However you want.’

Right now, Marianne wanted to eat the pork stew sandwich from Theater Park. She also wanted to stroll through the park and bask in the sunlight, even if only for a short while. Although it was a bit—no, quite burdensome to have the man before her accompany her… And though she worried that someone might misunderstand and spread strange rumors, not knowing he was under a spell…

However, Peter and Erina had said that people wouldn’t think Sylvester could like anyone. They also said that once the spell was broken, neither Sylvester nor the others would properly remember what had happened between her and Sylvester.

Then, could I really just do as I pleased?

Marianne subtly lifted her head and met Sylvester’s gaze.

“…If it’s alright with you, shall we go to the park together?”

Marianne’s cautious question reached Sylvester.

“That sounds good.”

A smile of joy spread across Sylvester’s face as he spoke.

* * *

In the early autumn, when the heat had slightly subsided, Theater Park was more beautiful and lively than ever. And, more crowded than ever. This meant they had no choice but to stand in line for the stalls.

Marianne worried that Sylvester wouldn’t understand the very concept of queuing. However, there wasn’t a hint of boredom on Sylvester’s face. He continued to smile throughout, as if he found joy in the park, the people, and Marianne standing right beside him.

‘Could it be true that when you fall in love, everything in the world feels delightful?’

Marianne thought as she recalled many love stories she had encountered in her life. And as she looked at Sylvester’s kind face, she thought again.

‘Having someone who finds joy in looking at me, and being able to see that person up close like this… it’s truly a wonderful thing.’

Marianne followed Sylvester’s lead and smiled softly. It seemed the saying that laughter is contagious was indeed true.

After a wait that was neither too short nor too long, the two finally received their sandwiches. Marianne stubbornly insisted on paying, even though Sylvester protested, saying he couldn’t allow it. When Marianne put on a sulking expression, Sylvester immediately relented. He then tried to make a new promise, saying he would definitely treat her to the next meal, which made Marianne momentarily regret her decision. Still, it was a satisfying conclusion.

Marianne and Sylvester slowly walked toward an empty bench in the park. The lukewarm breeze and the laughter of children passed between them.

“Shall we… try it now?”

Marianne quickly unwrapped the sandwich and handed it to Sylvester. Taken aback, Sylvester accepted the sandwich and nodded. Both Sylvester and Marianne wore rather serious expressions.

The signature dish of the popular sandwich stall, <Honey and Soy Sauce>, in Theater Park was undoubtedly the pork sandwich. Between the perfectly toasted long bread were sweet and savory stir-fried pork marinated in honey and soy sauce, fresh vegetables, and an abundant drizzle of their rich secret sauce. The sandwich was simple and affordable, yet it offered a luxurious taste. Of course, here, “luxurious” meant “intensely flavorful.”

‘Will he like it?’

Marianne worried whether Sylvester could handle the taste of this sandwich. Even if he didn’t like it, he might say it was delicious because he was in love, but wouldn’t it be better if he genuinely enjoyed it?

As she took a bite of the sandwich, Marianne nervously glanced at Sylvester. It was the first time in her life she had so intently observed someone taking a bite, chewing, and swallowing a sandwich.

“…Why didn’t I know about this sandwich until now?”

Sylvester spoke, his brows furrowed. However, his tone and expression carried no negative nuance. 

Was it good? It must be good! 

Relief spread across Marianne’s face, and a smile followed.

“It’s tasty, isn’t it?”

Marianne, her cheeks slightly flushed, asked Sylvester. Facing Marianne’s radiant smile, Sylvester silently nodded. For some reason, the tips of his ears seemed a bit redder than usual.