Chapter 3.3

On the ship, it was hard to tell how time passed. On purpose, there were no clocks in the cabins, so guests could enjoy a dreamlike time. Only when the sky began to blaze red and the horizon was tinged with color did one realize that evening had arrived.

Berry watched the sunset with Damian. She remembered once, with her friend Molly, making a dating bucket list of things she wanted to do if she ever fell in love. One of the items was “watch the sunset with a wonderful man,” and today, she felt she could finally check that off.

‘No, honestly, I don’t even know how many things I’ve checked off already. How does he know exactly what I like?’

There wasn’t much to do on the ship, so watching the sunset together was almost a given, but at the same time, it wasn’t something everyone did. For every “can do,” there’s a “doesn’t do.” But Damian, as soon as the sky began to blend with violet, crimson, and scarlet, stood up and led her to the deck—before she even thought to suggest it.

“The sky is perfectly ripe! Seeing it from here, I feel like I’m watching the sunset before anyone else.”

“You said that once before. I remembered, so I made sure to secure a spot on deck. I’m glad I did.”

“I said that when I was little?”

“You always wanted to be the first to see the sun set, the night fall, even the sunrise. You’d run through the garden, shouting. The old butler at Swanton Mansion called you ‘the little foal Miss’ around then.”

“Ah.”

That was something she could have forgotten.

Embarrassed, Berry stuck out her lips.

With such a vivid description, she suddenly remembered. She had been a bit of a tomboy as a child. She was so cunning that, on days she skipped homework, she would run away from early morning, claiming she wanted to see the sunrise. Of course, the only places she could go were the back garden or the grounds of the mansion.

“How do you remember my childhood better than I do?”

“Well, perhaps it’s because visiting Swanton Mansion was the only time I could really breathe.”

Indeed, she’d heard that life in the Houndworth family was no joke. The Swantons were old and wealthy, but nothing compared to the Houndworths. Her brother Philip would sometimes complain about the hardships of his heir training, but he always added this: ‘Still, it’s better than being Senior Damian.’

It was his favorite phrase.

“So, then.”

Before they knew it, the sunset had faded and night had fallen. The moment of the sun setting was always too brief, leaving her wanting more.

Standing with her back to the round sun sinking beneath the sea, Berry turned to Damian and smiled brightly.

“So, I was your lifeline, huh!”

The sound of waves crashing against the ship’s hull echoed. White foam sprayed high and spread wide behind Berry’s back. As a cold droplet splashed her cheek and she wiped it away, Berry missed what Damian had murmured.

“Sorry, what did you say?”

“…No, you got some here too.”

“Where?”

“Here. On your eyebrow.”

Damian stepped closer. With his beautiful, straight fingers, he gently brushed her eyebrow, then lowered his head and kissed her forehead.

“Ah…”

How could she describe this feeling? It was a kiss so careful, as if cherishing the most precious thing in the world. It was nothing like the goodnight kisses from her father or brother. It felt as if his lips were branding her forehead, her cheeks burning, her heart dropping. Heat spread instantly below, her waist twisting in embarrassment—what was this feeling?

“It’s time for little girls to go to bed.”

“Don’t treat me like a child!”

At Damian’s playful words, Berry quickly turned her head, pretending to be upset. But her downcast eyes trembled uncontrollably, and her tightly clenched fists showed how overwhelmed she felt.

Her heart kept pounding.

She’d never felt this way with any other man before.

Had Damian cast a spell with that kiss on her forehead? All the way back to the cabin, Berry couldn’t look at Damian’s eyes, even though she culd feel his gaze enveloping her.

Now, it seemed, the only word she knew was excitement.

* * *

The next day, around noon, Berry woke up late, had a leisurely meal, and finished her shower. She did nothing but lie on the bed. The duvet was softer than feathers, and the silk pajamas provided only for Royal Section guests were so light it felt like she wore nothing at all. Plus, the maid and snacks that appeared at her call gave her even more reason not to leave the room.

‘Ah, this is bliss.’

She’d been exhausted both physically and mentally during the party, so she deserved a full day’s rest. Of course, being in the Royal Section, she had a completely separate space from Damian, which made her a little nervous, but it wasn’t bad.

Actually, it wasn’t just a little; she was quite nervous, because this was his room, after all.

Berry crawled under the covers and lay down, listening to the sound of Damian turning the pages of his book, imagining what he might be reading. Was it a novel, a technical book, or maybe a collection of poems?

‘Come to think of it, Damian has always loved reading since he was young.’

She recalled how, whenever he came to visit, he always had a thick book in his hands. She was surprised at how completely she’d forgotten these things, but once she started remembering, countless scenes involving him wandered through her mind.

“Berry, would you like to have some strawberry fondue?”

“Sure!”

“I’ll order it. I saw it on the room service menu.”

Ah, so he was just reading the room service booklet, nothing else.

Berry let out a small laugh and rolled around on the bed. Then, just before she fell off, she got up gracefully and looked in the mirror.

‘Hmm, what a mess.’

Fondue meant dipping marshmallows and fruits in cheese or chocolate. Since there was a lot, it would be hard to eat alone, so she should share it with Damian. But for that, her wild hair definitely needed brushing before she went out.

‘I feel good. It’s truly a perfect birthday.’

Damian seemed not to know today was her birthday, but that was fine. She didn’t feel the need to bring it up, and she was happy enough just spending the day pleasantly. Besides, tonight she would see Emilia Bush’s performance. That alone was a birthday present.

Berry hummed as she brushed her hair. She couldn’t wait for the strawberry fondue.

* * *

After spending the afternoon lost in a mountain of strawberries, darkness crept in before she even realized it.

It was about time to go out. She had to see Emilia Bush’s performance.

“Berry, I’d like you to wear this for tonight’s date.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a dress I’m sure will look wonderful on you. Anyone who sees us will know we’re lovers.”

Of course, Berry trusted Damian’s taste, but she was still a bit nervous. She accepted the box and slipped into the bedroom where she’d idled away the day. Even if it was polite to open a gift in front of the giver, this was clothing. If it turned out to be too small, she’d be mortified.

“Ah, this is…!”

Worried her voice might be heard, she quickly bit her tongue, but from the moment she untied the ribbon and opened the box, Berry was completely thrilled.

Inside the not-at-all-small box was a dazzlingly white dress. There was a slit running from her thigh down to her ankle, with draping around it like the froth of a wave. A long, thin piece of fabric hung like a cape from one shoulder, and a transparent diamond sparkled near the neckline, which wasn’t cut too low.

Her red hair would look perfect with this dress. And the necklace he gave her would make her stand out even more.

“Miss, may I help you get ready?”

“Yes, please.”

Perhaps Damian had called her, for the maid knocked at the door. Berry couldn’t hide her excitement and smiled brightly.

If this was what a political marriage was, I do it a thousand times over.

Goodbye, to those childish days!

As she slipped her arms into the fluttering dress, Berry allowed herself to dream for a moment. She pictured herself as the mistress of the grand Houndworth Mansion, managing a host of servants and running the household. She dreamed of hosting social parties and being the center of attention everywhere.

It was a dream even sweeter and more tart than the strawberries she’d eaten that morning.