Published: July 29, 2025
My fiancé, whom I hadn’t seen for four days, was sitting at the dining hall chair, bending his tall frame slightly.
He rested his chin on his hand and looked back at me.
He was probably in loungewear—simple clothes. Although he looked slender and tall, the thickness of his wrist peeking out from the sleeve startled me.
In the candlelight, his sharp features and green eyes stood out. His eyes, framed by black eyelashes, narrowed as he gazed at me.
“It’s been four days... You’ve changed. You look even more beautiful.”
“I... I’m honored. I sincerely thank Count Granado for his kindness.”
I bowed deeply.
After a few seconds of silence, he muttered in a low voice,
“I told you not to call me by my family name or title.”
“Ah... I’m sorry. You’re right.”
“Just Cyrus. We’re engaged, after all.”
“Yes... um, Lord Cyrus, what brings you here so late at night?”
When I asked, he raised a small glass. Alcohol? No, it seemed to be tea. It smelled like roasted tea leaves.
Apparently, he had just finished work, bathed, and was now having a smoke—or rather, tea.
“Work piled up, and I missed dinner. I wanted to put something in my stomach before sleeping. What about you, Marie?”
“I... just couldn’t fall asleep.”
“I see. Then sit here.”
“Eh?”
I couldn’t help but make a strange sound. My fiancé frowned in suspicion, and I quickly shook my head, then hurried around the table to sit diagonally opposite him. After all, it was a huge table, big enough for about twenty people. Sitting directly across felt odd, and sitting next to him felt even odder.
Then he stood up and, just like I did, circled the table to sit next to me.
As if nothing had happened, he reached out and took the glass, then started drinking the remaining tea.
—Hm?
“Soon, Mio will be back. Wait for your share until then. She makes it better than I do.”
His low, soft voice tickled my right ear.
Wow... a man’s voice. So close.
Usually, I wouldn’t pay much attention to such things, but it was the middle of the night, I was dressed like I was going to bed, and we were this close. I didn’t know what kind of expression to make facing him.
I glanced sideways with just my eyes. The green light flashed into my vision, and I hurriedly turned my whole face away.
Facing away, I babbled quickly,
“W-where did Mio go?”
“To the kitchen. To see if there’s anything for a midnight snack—speak of the devil.”
From the back of the dining hall, Mio appeared carrying a candlestick. I felt a deep relief at seeing the usually expressionless maid.
Perhaps she heard our voices because she didn’t seem surprised to see me.
Instead, we were surprised. Behind Mio stood the head chef, Toppo. Trying to hide behind the maid, but Toppo was about three times wider than Mio, and most of his body stuck out.
“Toppo, you were awake too?”
“Yes, indeed. Welcome home, master. I’ve brought your midnight snack.”
Toppo said, placing a dish on the table. When he lifted the lid, a unique aroma wafted up.
Lord Cyrus cheered.
“Oh, chicken and yam salt soup. Nice, looks delicious. Marie, have you ever eaten coriander?”
Suddenly asked, I shook my head hurriedly.
“I see. It’s a somewhat pungent herb, but if you like it, it’s addictive. You should try it. Toppo, please prepare a plate for Marie too.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Toppo shrugged and returned to the kitchen to dish out my portion. I looked up to thank him. However,
“Here you go. It might not suit Lady Marie’s taste, though.”
I somehow sensed a sting in those words and could only bow my head slightly.
The hot steam rising from the soup smelled wonderfully appetizing. I gently dipped my spoon and took a bite.
“Wow... delicious!”
The seasoning was probably just salt and chicken essence. The soup was almost clear, yet had a rich depth.
The herbs added a nice accent. I detected a slight hint of olive oil.
The chewy, sticky yam was also delicious.
I wasn’t even that hungry, but I couldn’t stop eating. As my stomach warmed, my appetite grew.