The sun was already setting.

Having finished his business for the day, Alec made his way home, passing through the streets of the capital.

There had been an unexpected windfall from the information dealer, but he had already left it at the northern castle.

The neatly paved streets, nobles strolling in their glamorous attire, and shops glittering with jewels lined the way.

As he walked, he reflected on what Aksen had said.

“…A large sum of taxes within a week, huh.”

But with Marcel’s estate now on the market, money wasn’t a major concern.

Although it seemed like Aksen was applying more pressure, Alec didn’t mind as long as he could continue to raise his own level.

The problem was that he hadn’t yet grown strong enough to handle Aksen on his own.

He already realized he needed more nights with Louise.

So far, they had only significantly deepened their bond twice—once at Wiltsbrook Castle and once in the carriage.

As he thought about her while walking, his steps suddenly halted.

A large flower shop and the sweet scent it emitted caught his eyes and nose.

“…Flowers?”

For a moment, Alec stood still as if rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on the flower shop.

Why couldn’t he just walk past?

The sight of those fresh, luxurious flowers reminded him of Louise again.

It was when he approached the flower shop that *ding*!

[Flower Language Dictionary has been opened!]

[When giving flowers, consider the meaning behind them. This is what makes a true gentleman of the social world.]

[Quick, scan the flowers with your eyes!]

[Caution! Louise is a walking encyclopedia of flower meanings, so be careful when choosing a gift of flowers!]

“…”

A little taken aback, Alec began inspecting the flowers one by one. Indeed, as he looked at each flower, its name and meaning appeared before him.

He gathered a suitable bouquet, carefully selecting various flowers.

But Alec hadn’t walked far before he stopped again.

The sight of a ruby-red, gleaming jewel in a shop window had once more captivated his heart.

He thought it would suit Louise perfectly.

By the time he returned home, his arms were full of gifts.

***

“What… is all that?”

I came out to the entrance, pulling my robe tighter, and my eyes widened.

Alec, who had just returned home, was holding an armful of packages.

Had he gone shopping on his way home?

I couldn’t help but be even more surprised when I saw he was holding a bouquet.

He cleared his throat and answered.

“I saw them on my way and bought them.”

“What? All of this?”

I looked closely at what he was holding.

From the seals stamped on the boxes, I could tell that they were from renowned workshops.

Shops known for dealing in jewels and accessories.

“James?”

“Yes, master.”

Suddenly, he called for James.

“Could you move all of these to my wife’s room?”

“Understood.”

At his words, the servants took the items and began carrying them away. I watched them for a moment before turning my gaze back to Alec.

Could it be that he bought all of this just for me?

“I hope these are to your liking, Louise. Shall we go up and open them together?”

“What? Oh, sure.”

As he started walking toward me, I instinctively followed him upstairs, my heart racing for some reason.

“Is mother and Eloise asleep?”

“Yes, I think everyone’s resting.”

“I see.”

Climbing the stairs and engaging in light conversation felt oddly awkward. The sweet fragrance from the bouquet he was holding wafted in the air. Just by glancing at the flowers, I could tell what they were, and each seemed to whisper something to me, making my heart flutter.

“Did everything go well?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

He gave a calm nod. “Yes. Did mother and Andrew return safely?”

“Yes, thankfully. It seems the people at the Liz Farm spoke positively about operating a greenhouse in the North, saying it would be a truly meaningful endeavor.”

“It seems mother persuaded them well.”

“Indeed.”

I smiled softly at him. The idea of establishing a flower farm in the North made me wonder how much joy it would bring people. While some may not be interested in flowers, I’ve never met anyone who truly disliked them. My mother-in-law had also secured deals with various companies specializing in jams, despite seeming somewhat reluctant on the surface. I appreciated her efforts, even though they were requests I had made for the benefit of our entire family.

I turned to Alec and smiled again.

“It seems the Marquis of Howard’s estate will soon be sold. I heard the Duke of Garcia was thrilled to hear the news.”

“Is that so?”

“According to Andrew, the sale of that estate will cover the taxes demanded by the emperor with plenty left over.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Isn’t it?”

I couldn’t help but gaze at Alec warmly. When I’d gone to the palace, everything had felt so overwhelming, but now that things were being resolved, I felt much more at ease.

We reached my room before long. The sight of the luxurious boxes neatly placed on the table made me feel as excited as a child on their birthday.

What could be in them?

Did my husband really pick these out for me himself?

The door closed, and it was just the two of us in the room.

“Louise,” he called my name as he approached, causing me to feel a bit nervous.

“I’m not sure if I’ve given you flowers often in the past.”

“What…?”

Could it be that he really had lost some of his memories?

He handed me the bouquet, and I received it with some hesitation, watching him closely as I swallowed dryly.

“You did give me flowers. Every year on my birthday, you sent poinsettias.”

Those were simply celebratory flowers exchanged during birthdays. Every year, my room would be filled with poinsettias to the point that there wasn’t any space for the ones I received from others.

But other than those occasions, he had never given me flowers.

“I see. Today isn’t your birthday, but I thought I’d pick these out.”

“You… choose these yourself?”

“Yes.”

When he nodded, I looked down at the bouquet in disbelief. For someone who had only ever given flowers as a form of celebration, the ones he had chosen this time conveyed far more enchanting messages.

Did he know the meaning of the flowers he picked?

Or was it just a coincidence?

There were more than five types of flowers, each one confessing love to me in its own way: purple lilacs, statice, ornithogalum, and red tulips. They all symbolized first love, eternal love, unchanging loyalty, and a declaration of love. Every kind of love was there.

“Alec…”

I looked up at him with slightly teary eyes. I could already tell that these flowers were no coincidence. The fact that he had only ever given me poinsettias in the past was proof enough. He hadn’t been able to express any emotion beyond celebration before.

But now, with all these declarations of love—how could I not be moved?

Feeling like I might cry, I raised the bouquet to cover half of my face.

“Thank you so much. These are the kinds of flowers I’ve always wanted to receive from you.”

“Really?”

“Of course. You have no idea how happy I am right now.”

“…”

He gazed at me, not looking away.

I was overwhelmed with unexpected emotion, my heart swelling and feeling full. I had been courted by many men across both my past and present lives, but receiving love from the person I truly wanted—that was a feeling like no other.

I felt like my heart was about to burst, as if I wouldn’t mind if the world ended right this moment.

“Oh, and one more thing.”

Suddenly, he walked over to the table, took out a box, and handed it to me.

“Open it.”

“Alright.”

Smiling at him, I held the bouquet in one arm and carefully untied the ribbon on the meticulously wrapped package.

What could it be this time?

Having already received a bouquet filled with love, I was in such a good mood that I couldn’t help but feel excited about this gift as well. Although Alec had never been one to express emotion through flowers, he had never disappointed me when it came to gifts.

It was enough to remind me of his status as a duke, given the extraordinary gifts he had given me in the past.

He once secretly gifted me a land in the provinces or a vacation home for my birthday without my mother-in-law knowing. Although I’ve lost them all now, receiving such grand gifts from a husband in an arranged marriage was quite satisfying.

But this time, it wasn’t a mansion or land—just a small gift. What could it be?

Though today wasn’t even my birthday, I felt more special than I ever had on one.

When I finally opened the crystal lid, my eyes were dazzled by the transparent red gemstone inside.

What is this…?

As my vision, momentarily blurred by the radiant light, cleared, a hairpin emerged, made entirely of diamonds in a mystical hue.

‘Oh my.’

It’s so beautiful.

“Do you like it?”

His cautious voice followed, and I nodded twice in response.

“It’s so pretty. Did you choose this too?”

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories