CHAPTER 3 – First Date (Part 4)

After trying on more than ten dresses that day, Ria could finally leave the dress shop completely exhausted.

If she were to write down the praises of the three men who stared at her for a long time each time she came out with a new dress before finally coming to their senses, she could probably write dozens of pages per dress.

Even Ennen, who had been looking at them with a bored expression, eventually started sketching new designs with shining eyes.

“You look good in every color, My Lady. Plus, each color gives off a different vibe.”

“Don’t you think you’re flattering me too much?”

“I’m serious. Besides the Marchioness, you’re the first person who has inspired me. I’ve made many clothes, but you’re the only one who has inspired me until now.”

“Oh, I’m honored.”

“I’m the one who’s more honored. I’ll visit the mansion soon with some clothes I’ve made. We need to check for any alterations, you see.”

It was a strange sight to see someone being allowed to visit the mansion, but Rune, who was the owner, didn’t care. He liked the way Ria’s eyes twinkled with amusement.

“So, young lady, which dress did you like best?”

“Mmm. They were all pretty, but I think my favorites were the deep pink one I tried on first and the light blue one I tried on third.”

“Well, I’m going to buy everything you tried on anyway, so wear whatever you want every day, and I’ll buy you another one when you get bored.”

“I don’t need that many! Besides, I hardly ever go out anyway. The two I mentioned are enough.”

Rune and Eden, who were half-heartedly resisting the urge to buy Ria an entire wardrobe, and to buy everything she’d tried on and everything else they’d seen in the catalog, quickly changed their tune when they realized that they’d really only be buying two dresses.

“Okay.”

Approaching Ria, Rune gently touched her forehead, blocking her vision. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Eden whispered to Ennen in a low voice.

“Send all the dresses Ria tried on and those in the catalog to Astina Duchy. Send the bill to Carlisle Duchy.”

“Understood.”

Watching the harmonious duo with amazement, Ennen nodded his head. He never thought he’d witness such a scene between the two dukes, who had been at odds while alive.

Shaking his head in wonder at the power of love, Ennen handed over the purchase list to the clerk and tidied up his own sketches. Suddenly pausing in his actions, he alternated between his sketches and looking at Ria before speaking.

“It just occurred to me that a darker hair color would look better on you, My Lady.”

The lips of the three men instantly sealed shut. If Ria hadn’t smoothly smiled and continued the conversation, Ennen, keen as he was, would have quickly noticed the change in atmosphere.

“Do you think so?”

“Oh, I’m sorry if it offended you.”

“It’s okay. What’s there to be upset about?”

She meant it sincerely. There was no reason to be offended. She simply thought Ennen was sharper than she had anticipated. With a casual farewell, Ria led the three men out of the dress shop.

“Where are we going next?”

Still sporting stern expressions, they meticulously examined her hair and eye color, only relaxing once they were satisfied. All they could see were her pinkish hair and eyes. Ennen hadn’t said anything knowingly. He had just tried to suppress his thoughts.

Their next stop was the most famous dessert shop in the empire.

“Is it delicious?”

“Yeah. Eating outside gives a different feeling.”

“If you want, I can order from the Duchy every day.”

“No, you can’t. Desserts taste better when you eat them here.”

She spoke with a serious expression on her face, but her anxiety faded as she ate, and a soft smile spread across their faces as they felt better just looking at her.

“I’m glad Kahin has a sweet tooth.”

Rune arched an eyebrow as he watched Ria load a fork full of whipped cream cake and feed it to Kahin. The sweet air currents flowing between them got on his nerves.

“I want some.”

“Me too.”

The two of them dug into the conversation, neither of them particularly liking sweet treats, but both of them determined to break the flow, even if it hurt their tongues.

“Neither of you have much of a sweet tooth.”

“As long as it’s from you, Ria, it’s fine.”

However, their eyes couldn’t hide their longing glances at the cake piled high with cream. Ria couldn’t help but burst into laughter as she watched them, still opening their mouths eagerly for the cake, despite their apparent distaste. 

Sometimes, these men acted like children.

Cute.

Maybe it was because she had come to accept her life here, but she was enjoying it more than she had at first. The Duke’s estate, which had seemed so strange, was now familiar. She had even formed small memories, sharing desserts with the maids and chatting with the physician.

Above all, spending time with the three men brought her the most joy.

Now that they had sworn an oath of obedience, Ria had decided not to question their true feelings. In fact, she found their continued affection even more surprising.

When you spend more than half of your day together every day, there are bound to be personalities that don’t fit or that you don’t like. But they seemed to have none of that. Instead, they were restless if they weren’t with her all day.

How could I dislike them? How could I not care about them?

I wonder if I can love you as much as you love me.

Lately, she had been thinking about this a lot, because the love she received was too great. She couldn’t be sure if her feelings for them were love yet, which made her emotions even more intense. Still… she felt like she might eventually love them. She felt like she could be happy by their side. It was an unwarranted certainty.

Just then, someone stopped in front of them.