3.3

From the garden to the annex, Iliana had felt tension drying her throat, a sensation she now understood.  

It wasn’t anything grand—it was simply her brain trying to avoid the reality of her impulsive actions.  

But if asked whether she regretted it, Iliana could confidently say no. On the contrary, she felt close to happiness, driven by anticipation. After all, Lucian had not only invited her to the garden alone but also didn’t refuse her suggestion to drink together!  

“Here.”  

Watching Lucian, now accustomed to holding a bottle, Iliana tilted her glass. The deep purple color of the wine filled the transparent glass.  

“Thank you. You should have some too.”  

“Alright. Here.”  

The wine, holding a third layer of excitement, filled Lucian’s glass.  

As the wine bottle was set down, the perfectly arranged table came into view. Iliana subtly scooted her chair forward, eyeing the appetizing sandwiches and fruits.  

Lucian’s green eyes focused on the wine glass as he moved his lips, just as Iliana straightened her back to carefully choose her words.  

“Iliana.”  

“H-huh?”  

Startled by his sudden call, Iliana hastily responded, recalling the situation where she had nervously fidgeted with her lips while holding her wine glass. Although her reply was shaky, Lucian raised and lowered his eyebrows briefly before continuing his question without much concern.

“You’ll tell me now, won’t you? About my drinking habits.”  

“…”  

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. If you want to prove your theory, it’ll help if I know too.”  

‘Though I’m also scared to hear it.’  

He whispered softly, his eyes crinkling with a smile. Bringing the glass naturally to his lips, Lucian seemed to recall something, removing the glass and furrowing his brows.  

“By any chance… I hate to even imagine this, but… I didn’t hit you, did I?”  

“No! That never happened!”  

‘If you did hit me, it was with your lips. Or, well… with that… thing below!’  

Shaking her head vehemently, Iliana denied it with conviction. Seeing her reaction, Lucian’s tense expression relaxed. However, his slight relief was tinged with unease, which made Iliana absentmindedly swirl her glass.  

“Really, you didn’t hit me. If you had, do you think I’d have stayed quiet?”  

“True… I’d be the one covered in bruises instead.”  

“What’s that supposed to mean?”  

“It means you’re right.”  

With a sly grin, Lucian took a sip from his glass. Not to be outdone, Iliana drank two sips and pushed a sandwich toward him.  

Seemingly understanding her silent plea not to get drunk, Lucian chuckled lightly and picked up the sandwich. Iliana, feeling slightly disappointed that they hadn’t clinked glasses, took another sip of her drink. The richer taste than usual warned her that if she wasn’t careful, she might get drunk first.  

As she licked the bitter aftertaste off her lips and set her glass down, she felt Lucian’s gaze on her.  

‘Why? What is it?’  

Before she could ask, he leaned in. Because their seats were diagonally positioned rather than directly across, it didn’t take much for Lucian to lean forward and bring his breath close to her chest.  

Caught off guard by the sudden proximity, Iliana froze, holding her breath. Lucian lowered his gaze and spoke softly.  

“So, why are you hiding it, Lana?”  

“…Huh?”

The weight of his few syllables felt like something crashing down. The sound of her pounding heart drowned out her breathing.  

“Hiding… what? W-what do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said, Lana. Why won’t you tell me?”

Unlike Lucian, who remained composed, Iliana’s pupils trembled. It felt as though cold sweat was running down her back.  

Could he have remembered? 

The thought made her mouth go dry.  

‘Could the reason he invited me to the garden today…?’  

But hadn’t our conversation been too peaceful for that? 

The emotional ups and downs of the day were too overwhelming to handle.  

Even as she tried to part her lips, she couldn’t, so Iliana lowered her head deeply. The joy she had felt moments ago now sank to the ground.  

Lucian, watching Iliana’s trembling hand as she awkwardly reached for a sandwich, slid the plate away, forcing her to shift her gaze.  

In Lucian’s emerald eyes, Iliana’s blue ones reflected, framed by her tousled, chestnut-colored hair. Just as the intensity of their gazes felt like it might pierce one another, Lucian finally spoke.  

“Did I… curse at you? Is that the kind of drinking habit I have, Lana?”  

“Lucian, how many curses do you even know? It wasn’t that.”  

“Hmm. I curse more than you think. I can do it right now. Want me to show you?”  

“…No, thank you.”  

After a beat, as the conversation ended, the tension that had stiffened her body began to ease. Iliana pulled the plate back toward her, grabbed a sandwich, and buried her face in it.  

Should I feel relieved that he didn’t seem to remember, or guilty?  

It felt like walking on thin ice. Yet, she was glad he still didn’t remember. The fact that she could indulge in her desires just a little longer, despite the guilt, made her feel strangely happy.  

‘Is this what they call forbidden fruit?’  

Barely managing to calm herself, Iliana shook her head lightly.  

“You’re denying it but refusing to tell me—it’s so like you, Iliana. But wasn’t this drinking session started to fix my habits? Aren’t you being too hard on me?”  

“Ahem, they say it’s etiquette not to gossip about others’ drinking habits.”  

“For someone who says that, you sure know about my cousin’s drinking habits.”  

“I wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t told me. Show a little more decorum, Young Master.”  

Lucian chuckled heartily, as if to say her response lacked sincerity. Watching him, Iliana felt compelled to add something, so she turned her head to the opposite side and opened her mouth.  

“Well… if you drink today and still don’t remember, maybe I’ll tell you next time.”  

“Really?”  

“Yeah.”  

Though, of course, she couldn’t tell him everything.  

“I’ll at least tell you whether it’s embarrassing or shameful.”  

“Lana!”  

Hearing Lucian groan with his eyebrows furrowed, Iliana laughed brightly. The emotions that ebbed and flowed over trivial matters seemed to wander aimlessly, unsure of what she truly wanted.  

Still, perhaps because it was an earlier drinking session than usual, the two began to empty the bottle at a leisurely pace. Somehow, the pleasant conversation adjusted their tempo. Iliana, emboldened by her earlier attempt to get closer to Lucian, found herself laughing more freely and enjoying the moment.  

Realizing she was in a space where she didn’t need to think, she could see him more clearly.  

“…”  

If she lowered her gaze slightly, their lips might touch. His elegantly moving eyes.  

The wine, richer than usual, slowly seeping in.  

His neck moving toward her, his languidly curved lips. His clothes, still neatly worn despite being slightly loosened. The jacket draped over his arm, as if he were feeling warm.  

Ah. Feeling the thirst climbing up her throat, Iliana slowly leaned closer. She could feel the intoxication gradually taking hold.  

“Lucian.”  

It was a distance she would surely regret. Yet, Iliana lifted her arm and looked at Lucian.  

“Yes.”  

Her delicate fingers slowly traced down Lucian’s cheek. Seeing him flinch slightly, as if tickled, Iliana mumbled.  

“You won’t remember this anyway, right?”  

“…I guess. I haven’t remembered anything so far.”  

Lucian stared at Iliana, who spoke recklessly, drunk. Instead of picking up her sluggish words, he set his glass down and smiled faintly, rubbing his cheek against her hand.  

“If that’s the case, I probably won’t remember this now too.”  

The glass he set down wobbled, spilling some wine. After confirming that the glass hadn’t broken, Lucian placed his hand over Iliana’s and smiled contentedly.  

His expression, with his eyes crinkling slightly, was enchanting, as if he had realized something.  

‘So red.’ 

Hearing his murmur, Iliana’s heart pounded violently.  

She knew she wasn’t in her right mind. 

But still… If Lucian didn’t remember anything, then it was fine, wasn’t it? He hadn’t remembered anything so far. So, wouldn’t it be okay to go ahead?

Why was I pretending otherwise when I was the one who had proposed this with such intentions?

As her chaotic emotions swirled, Lucian’s eyes locked onto hers. She wondered if her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol. Realizing belatedly how warm her body felt, Iliana tried to withdraw her hand, but he leaned forward, closing the distance between them.

“Iliana.”  

Is it okay?

Before his low, raspy question could fade, their lips met. It was a kiss so sudden that neither could say who initiated it. Lucian, finding his posture awkward with only his head leaning forward, stood up from his seat.  

Bending low enough for his white cravat to fall loosely, he gently bit and sucked on her upper lip. Iliana let out a soft moan and parted her lips in response, allowing his tongue to slip inside.  

“Mm… ngh…”  

Though his movements were slower and less aggressive than before, they were still enough to leave her dazed. His tongue teased her softly, brushing against her tender flesh playfully, while also exploring her teeth with deliberate care. When he finally drew her tongue in and sucked on it, her breath grew heavier.  

Eventually, Lucian wiped the saliva trailing down her cheek with his hand, their shared warmth intensifying. After flailing her arms briefly, Iliana grabbed onto Lucian’s brooch. Closing her eyes tightly, she followed his lead.