“It’s so beautiful.”

The pink flowers of the crape myrtle trees planted along the edge of the lake were in full bloom, falling onto the water’s surface like scattered dots, creating a magnificent view.

This place is usually popular during this season, but strangely, there weren’t many people today, allowing us to enjoy it leisurely.

I stretched out my hand, and coincidentally, a deep pink petal fell onto my palm. I showed it to Kaien, who was sitting diagonally beside me.

“Look, Kaien. A flower petal fell onto my palm.”

“Yes, it’s beautiful.”

We were floating on a boat in the lake.

Originally, a servant would row the boat, but Kaien refused, so it was just the two of us on the small boat.

“You’re not even looking properly!”

“Well, you like it.”

Kaien, with his brown hair and black eyes, smiled with his eyes.

He looked at me as if the sunlight was too dazzling.

At first, he was just too serious, but now he smiled often, said sweet things, and tried to match my mood.

With a sturdy build and solid muscles like a well-trained knight rather than a merchant, he had distinct features and was so handsome that not only women but even men turned to look at him as he passed by.

Though he looked intimidating when his expression was blank, I wasn’t afraid of him because I knew the kindness within.

“We’ve been meeting almost every day. Aren’t you busy with work?”

“I’m on vacation.”

Kaien said it casually, but it wasn’t true that he was on vacation.

When I asked if he worked for a merchant guild, he didn’t deny it.

I know he’s in a position to greet Marquis Rosiette, but even though we’re dating, I don’t know anything about Kaien.

“Tell me if you get busy.”

“Why, are you already bored of me?”

His voice immediately turned cold.

He reacted sensitively to even my smallest words, which made me laugh.

He really likes me that much.

“What? That’s nonsense. I just don’t want to interfere with your work because of me.”

“If meeting you causes problems with my work, then my abilities are lacking.”

“Isn’t merchant guild work usually busy? I’m worried if it’s okay for you to spend time with me like this.”

Kaien, who was sitting diagonally facing me, leaned in further. His face drew closer with the light reflecting off the water’s surface as a backdrop.

The clear sky, the abundantly blooming flowers, the gentle breeze—everything made my heart flutter.

His hair tickled my forehead, and his breath touched my lips.

“I cherish this time too.”

He took my hand holding the parasol. And as the parasol tilted, it concealed us.

He took my lower lip between his, then licked and parted it. Though he didn’t enter deeply, he made a smacking sound as if sucking my soul away.

“Ka-Kaien. Someone might see us.”

“If you come in here, they won’t see.”

He pulled me under the parasol and spread my dress skirt to cover his legs.

His knee pushed between my legs.

“Kaien!”

Even though there were few people, there were still some walking along the lakeside.

I looked around and pulled the parasol close to cover my body. Kaien’s face burrowed into my neck as he cupped my br*ast over my dress.

His grip tightened with strength.

“Ah.”

His lips brushed against my skin with a slight movement. The dizzying sensation made my supporting arm collapse, and my back touched the cushion.

Kaien climbed on top of me.

Though we were hidden by the parasol, it was obvious what we were doing.

Under the small parasol shade, a hot brand was being etched onto my neck as his heavy weight pressed down. His body touched my mound, pressing down on my voluminous dress.

“Mmh, Kaien……”

“We’re supposed to be flower-viewing.”

My chin lifted at his lips, sending a tingling sensation down my spine. His lips gradually descended, passing my collarbone and reaching my chest.

He moved his waist to push deeper, and beneath the dress, we pressed together more intimately. His hand covering my br*ast began to knead and caress.

“Ah……”

I could see the clear sky beyond the parasol.

On the lake with nowhere to escape, if we moved too much, the boat would rock dangerously.

That precariousness was thrilling.

“Ivy.”

At the sound of his deep, low voice, I closed my eyes.

And a few days later, we broke up.