Chapter 104

After breakfast, what waited for Clarette was, unexpectedly, a bath.

“There’s really that much water left?”

“Yes, since the supply wagon comes every three days, we won’t run out. I boiled water this morning, so use it while you wash.”

“Then, Lionel, what about you…?”

“I washed at dawn. Cold water doesn’t bother me.”

She had nothing to say seeing Lionel already clean. He had tormented Clarette all night, then got up early, washed in cold water, and prepared breakfast for her.

‘Lionel could live just fine without servants. There’s no other noble like him anywhere.’

His behavior here felt even more down-to-earth than during their Tivenny trip. Clarette recalled what Lionel had said last night.

<Should we live together here? Forever.>

What if she really married him and lived in such a place? Then, they could always greet the morning together like this.

A leisurely breakfast, relaxed conversation in a house just for the two of them, kissing whenever they wished, loving each other.

‘…That’s too big a dream.’

Clarette put aside her sweet fantasies and returned to reality.

Following Lionel’s suggestion, she went to the bathroom attached to a corner of the first floor and took hot water. While Lionel cleaned up after breakfast, Clarette poured lukewarm water over herself and washed comfortably.

When she left the bathroom, wearing a thin dress and drying her wet hair with a towel, Lionel’s voice came from the living room.

“Clarette, can you help me pick a color?”

“Huh? What color?”

As she fixed her hair and walked into the living room, Clarette stopped in her tracks.

Lionel was already dressed in his military uniform, standing in the middle of the living room. Clarette felt breathless facing Captain Lionel.

The deep black formal uniform of the Rosenta Imperial Army was perfectly tailored, making his impressive physique stand out even more.

Below his broad shoulders, finely woven silver tassels flowed elegantly. The white leather sash crossing diagonally from his left shoulder to waist was engraved with Saint Hubert’s blessing as a pattern.

Clarette was stunned and flustered by Lionel’s charismatic appearance.

Perhaps it was because he consciously wore a serious expression, or because the masculine silhouette created by the black uniform, gloves, and boots made him look bigger and stronger.

Seeing his bare body for the first time had been thrilling, but Lionel in uniform stirred her heart just as much. Beyond simple aesthetics, his military attire possessed something that made a woman’s heart flutter.

<I definitely want to show you. It suits me quite well.>

There was not a hint of exaggeration in his words. Clarette instantly understood why women were so drawn to Captain Lionel.

If such a handsome man smiled easily, treated others kindly, and demanded nothing complicated beyond one night’s pleasure, then for women who didn’t seek deep relationships, there was no one more attractive than Captain Lionel.

‘Honestly, I just can’t understand it. Why did Lionel choose me as his lover?’

Whenever she found herself falling for him again, Clarette was filled with questions. She couldn’t figure out what about herself attracted Lionel.

There were plenty of women with better looks or figures. There were women with higher status, more wealth, intelligence, or domestic skills.

‘Should I ask him why he likes me…?’

While Clarette hesitated internally, Lionel, enjoying her gaze, took off his black leather gloves and spoke.

“This is the formal uniform. Usually worn at military ceremonies or funerals.”

“Do you have other uniforms?”

“Yes. There’s the everyday one.”

Lionel skillfully removed the black formal uniform, quickly changing as if he’d done it countless times due to frequent deployments.

Wearing the second uniform, Lionel turned to her with a softer expression.

“This is the everyday uniform. Worn when moving outside or on duty inside and outside the unit.”

This uniform was blue. It was less decorated than the formal one, so the only thing that stood out was the golden buttons shining on his chest.

The tassels on his shoulders were a dull, matte gold, not flashy, and the embroidery was a dark navy blue. The gloves were white, and the boots were brown, making everything subdued and ordinary.

Of course, the simple design didn’t mean Lionel was any less impressive. The blue matched his blue eyes well, and the lighter mood suited his smiling face.

“How does it look to you?”

“It’s handsome.”

Clarette praised him without hesitation, and Lionel grinned.

“Thanks, Clarette. I know it looks good, but I was asking which is better. Black or blue—I need to pick one for the painting.”

“Oh, in that case…”

Clarette blushed, unable to take her eyes off him. The black uniform had a masculine, strong appeal; the blue everyday uniform felt relaxed and gentle.

Both were strengths Lionel naturally possessed.

“It’s too hard to choose. Both look great, what should I do?”

Clarette murmured seriously, and Lionel scratched his chin awkwardly.

“You’re getting better at compliments now. Well, I picked these out myself, you know.”

“Were there other colors?”

“There was a red ceremonial uniform for receiving medals from His Majesty the Emperor, but it’s too flashy, so I didn’t bring it. I hardly wear it anyway. There’s also a yellow-brown one, but it’s too rough for a portrait.”

It seemed today’s two were the best options. Clarette looked at the black uniform folded on the chair and murmured,

“The black uniform looked disciplined and strong. Very masculine.”

“And the blue one I’m wearing now?”

“It looks more comfortable, like you’d wear it all the time. It feels familiar and suits your usual self.”

Lionel thought for a moment and decided,

“Let’s go with blue. I wore it most often in the army, so it’s best for the painting.”

“Alright. But if there’s a chance, I’ll paint you in the black uniform too someday.”

“Really? Then I’ll have to hang both portraits side by side.”

“No, I’ll keep the formal uniform portrait for myself. For my private collection.”

“…You want to keep it?”

Lionel looked at her curiously, and Clarette replied, a bit shy but calm,

“It makes my heart race, so I want to see it myself. Is that not allowed?”

Lionel was momentarily speechless at the unexpected reason. He managed to keep from laughing and answered in his most dignified voice,

“Of course, you can. As much as you want. You want to have me, after all.”

“Thank you. I’ll paint the formal portrait when we return to the ducal residence.”

Clarette smiled and turned away, preparing to go out for the outdoor sketch.

Lionel watched her slightly damp hair and then looked at the black uniform he’d taken off.

Should have worn it sooner.

He put away the black uniform with a satisfied face. Uniforms really were wonderful.

* * *

Clarette took Lionel to the ruins in the woods where the Ensila church had stood a thousand years ago. All over the flat clearing, collapsed walls were surrounded by wild grass and trees.

“I’ll paint where the sunlight isn’t too strong. It’ll get too hot if you keep posing.”

“Is that the place? The one you showed me in your painting.”

“Yes, right next to that big tree.”

The two headed for the wide wall half-covered in shade.