8. With the Cool Sea Breeze

Just like Enoch said, the Empire’s south was an extremely warm and peaceful seaside village. It was a pleasant place where the emerald sea sparkled.

“It’s beautiful……”

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, thank you so much.”

Luciella smiled broadly while looking toward the beach. There had been a small sea in the kingdom too, but the color wasn’t this pretty.

Bert’s sea had strong waves and the color was rather blackish, so it wasn’t suitable for a resort. But this place was different. The seawater was so warm it was amazing.

While the two people went on vacation, the capital was bustling with Sejef’s punishment. Hit by stones and garbage from countless citizens, the Winston grand ducal family that once ruled the underworld disappeared into history forever.

Sejef, who had all his limbs, tongue, and even c*ck cut off leaving only his torso, wailed asking to be killed instead, but such a thing didn’t happen. Only a future that didn’t seem like living even while alive awaited him, confined in the imperial palace’s basement.

Luciella seemed to have received a big shock and no longer tried to show interest in Sejef’s matters. She seemed to consciously turn away.

Knowing this fact, Enoch didn’t bother to deliver the news that Sejef’s punishment had ended. He only wanted to let her continue enjoying this peace.

“Wow, there are shrimp this big too?”

Luciella, who had come out to look around the market holding Enoch’s hand, asked with wide eyes after seeing the lobster.

“Haha, is this your first time seeing one?”

“Yes, there weren’t any in the kingdom……”

“Actually, even in the Empire, it’s an ingredient that can only be obtained in the southern region. I can count on my fingers the times I’ve eaten it directly.”

Enoch said this while slightly lifting the lobster placed on the stall.

“If you’re curious, shall I buy one and cook it for you?”

“Cook? You will, Enoch?”

“It’s not difficult work or anything.”

Enoch said this while generously giving money to the merchant. The merchant handed over two large lobsters carefully wrapped with a satisfied smile.

Enoch, who returned to the villa, headed straight to the kitchen. It seemed his words about cooking weren’t false. Luciella kept coming near and peeking around like she couldn’t believe it.

“Is it that fascinating?”

“Ah, yes…… I’ve never done it before.”

Seeing eyes purely filled with curiosity, Enoch smiled slightly.

“You might get hurt, so please wait outside.”

The two people had come with only minimal servants since the journey to the south was so far. Inside the villa was quiet, unlike the mansion that was always bustling with people. There was hardly any sign of people, making it seem like they were alone together.

While waiting at the dining table during the food preparation, Luciella felt ticklish for some reason. It was an unfamiliar emotion.

‘It’s fun……’

Why was simply waiting for Enoch to cook so enjoyable and anticipated? She found her own emotions fascinating.

Before long, Enoch, who had finished cooking, brought two large plates and set them down on the dining table. On the plates were appetizingly cooked red lobsters prepared for easy eating.

“Wow.”

Excited Luciella immediately reached her fork toward the food. Then Enoch burst into laughter and said.

“Haha, this isn’t food you can eat with a fork and knife.”

“What? Then how?”

“You have to tear it apart with your hands like this.”

Enoch said while snapping off the large lobster’s claw with a crack. Then Luciella opened her eyes wide like it was fascinating.

“Gasp.”

Then she poked the lobster with the fork she was holding. It was indeed too hard to eat with a fork and knife.

Luciella, who put down her fork, reached out to grab a leg and tried to tear it off. But it was no use.

“Ugh, it’s too hard.”

Enoch, who had expected Luciella wouldn’t be able to tear off the leg, burst into loud laughter.

“Hahaha.”

“D, don’t laugh and help me!”

Then Enoch handed Luciella the claw he had torn off. He had used strength to peel off all the hard shell, leaving only the meat for easy eating.

“It will taste better if you sprinkle lemon on it.”

Enoch said this while also placing thinly sliced lemon on the plate.

“Thank you, Enoch.”

Only then did Luciella’s slightly sulky face soften. She took a big bite of the lobster meat with an expectant face.

“Gasp.”

“How is it?”

“It’s delicious. It’s similar to shrimp but different.”

Fortunately, it seemed to suit her taste well and she diligently continued eating. The way she put plenty of lobster in her mouth and chewed was quite cute, so the smile didn’t leave Enoch’s lips.

“But it’s really hard to eat.”

“It is. That’s why most nobles don’t prefer it, they say.”

“Something this delicious?”

“It’s unfortunate.”

Enoch said this while giggling with a face that didn’t look like he found it unfortunate at all. Eating it paired with white wine, he thought there was no luxury like this even if the table became a bit messy.

The two people who had filled their stomachs also took a stroll along the moonlit beach and had intimate conversations. Their hands were firmly clasped together.

Then they found a suitable spot and sat down. It was while they were passing time exchanging such simple, humble conversations.

“Luciella.”

“Yes?”

Suddenly Enoch showed an awkward expression and hesitantly opened his mouth.

“That…… actually, I have something to give you.”

“What is it?”

What he took out from his pocket after hesitating for a long time was a small ring box.

The two people’s wedding rings had been prepared long ago. Enoch had prepared them unilaterally. Because of this, Luciella tilted her head like she was puzzled.

“What is this?”

“Ah, that…… I felt like the previous ring was too hastily prepared on my own whim.”

Enoch said this while carefully opening the box. Inside was a diamond ring that suited Luciella well.

“Of course, I chose this one too, but…… the sincerity is different.”

Enoch seemed embarrassed and talked more than usual. After finishing his words, he carefully put the ring on Luciella’s hand.

“Thank you for not hating me, Luciella.”

“What do you mean by that.”

Luciella burst into small laughter and said in response to Enoch’s words.

“Why would I hate you, Enoch.”

“Still……”

“I also like you very much.”

Instantly Enoch’s face turned red like a radish. He stuttered like a broken doll and only spouted foolish words.

“Ah, that……”

“Pfft……”

“I, I also…… I also truly love you, Luciella.”

Enoch, who had barely managed to pour out his feelings, buried his face in Luciella’s nape like he was running away. Then he muttered in a small voice.

“I will always stay by your side to protect you so you won’t get involved in any rough matters again.”

This much was sincere.

He didn’t want any filth to splash onto Luciella’s life anymore.

Luciella felt sincerity from Enoch’s voice more than ever before, so instead of answering, she only nodded her head.

She liked the peace she felt when embraced in Enoch’s arms. Her heart naturally calmed because it seemed to firmly support her.

Then a cool sea breeze blew between the two people.

The sea scent swaying at her nose tip and Enoch’s deep body scent rushed deep into Luciella’s lungs. The cooled air and even the sound of seagulls crying.

Luciella took a slow deep breath to remember everything about this moment.

Unlike the past, she would live remembering this moment forever.

Together with Enoch Walter.

—〈The Fallen Princess is Sold Off〉 End