That Lady’s Stalker - Chapter 22
Yes, I thought that would be enough. We were truly on fire, weren’t we?
In my room, at the foot of the residence’s back hill where our memories linger, and even in the banquet hall, we burned with passion.
Loving you made the world seem different, so much more beautiful.
I wanted to shout it to the world, to everyone I passed by, that I loved you and you loved me.
Blinded by love, I couldn’t see the dark atmosphere hanging over the Empire, the serious expression on my father’s face, or the sadness in your eyes. By the time I noticed, war was already brewing within the Empire.
Ah, Asher… our happy dream was so short-lived.
Your position as commander, your brother who called you in, and the Kingdom of Dune that dared to start a war, I despise them all.
Everything that took you away from me is unbearable. And above all, I’m maddened by how helpless I am.
If only I had learned swordsmanship like you, I could have stopped the King of Dune and prevented this war.
I would have gouged his eyes out, cut off his pleading tongue, and torn his limbs off to feed him to starving dogs.
The smile that had briefly appeared faded, and her hands began to tremble uncontrollably. At that moment, the sharp pen tip tore through the paper.
A despairing sob broke from Olivia’s lips, her head lowered. The sound grew louder and pierced through the door.
“Liv! Liv!”
Olivia’s mother rushed to hugged her, as she clutched her head and cried.
“My dear… please, my child…!”
* * *
Olivia had just arrived at the mansion when Asher dismounted from his horse. She grabbed his hand and led him toward the carriage. She wanted to do something special for him after his return from the conflict zone.
Of course, in her own way.
“Do you remember that lake?”
Asher nodded, and Olivia lifted her chin, almost defiantly.
“Today, we’re going there. It’s perfect for a little water play.”
She had put on the same hat, dress, and shoes she had worn that day, even though it was a little warm. She had to endure it to recreate the atmosphere from then.
“Ah, I love you, Asher.”
Olivia gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and hurried into the carriage. A faint reply came from Asher, who was still standing outside.
“I love you too… Liv.”
Olivia smiled faintly. The sky visible through the window was clear and bright as always.
The lake they visited after a long time was unchanged. It still sparkled and remained as green as before. Olivia looked up at Asher standing beside her. He was smiling as he gazed at the small boat tethered nearby.
Was he thinking the same thing? No, from the way he looked at her and smiling, he was… thinking about something wholesome. But that would change soon enough.
Olivia swung the hand she held with Asher and took a step forward.
“You’re going to row the boat with me this time, right?”
“Yes. Just… don’t fall over.”
She knew he was thinking the same thing. Olivia climbed into the boat with Asher. With the two of them, the small boat was already full.
“Can you row?”
Olivia asked as she unfolded the parasol she had brought, and Asher answered smoothly.
“Better than you.”
“…”
Who wouldn’t be better than her? Perhaps it was his experience, but even though he didn’t seem to exert much effort, the boat glided smoothly through the water. With no wind, only the sound of the oars dipping into the lake occasionally broke the silence.
Their knees, touching as they sat across from each other, seemed to numb slightly. Olivia watched Asher, who appeared calm, while absentmindedly twirling the parasol. The white lace hanging from it fluttered gently.
“I love you.”
Her sudden confession seemed to work, as Asher touched his forehead. For a moment, it felt as if the boat swayed.
“I, I love you too.”
“Always?”
“Yes. Always.”
Olivia, hearing his serious response, which felt even heavier, dipped her hand into the water. The lukewarm water tickled between her fingers as it passed by. Asher still only had eyes for her.
“Liv.”
It was almost the first time Asher had addressed her like that. She looked at him in surprise. His eyes were as hot as the summer sun, as deep as the autumn sky. He had a gentle smile.
“Thank you.”
Olivia’s body stiffened, realizing she understood the meaning behind his words.
“I’m being loved.”
Just then, a hot gust of wind blew, scattering Olivia’s hair and rustling her clothes. The boat and Olivia, both were rocked by the summer wind.
Olivia struggled to swallow the lump in her throat. Was it the boat swaying, or was it herself that was trembling?
Again, the knot in her chest tightened, and now her face turned red. It became harder to hold it back.
And once more, the emotion surged, spilling out just a little.
“Liv, thank you. Don’t cry.”
The boat rocked again. Asher gently wiped away the tears at the corner of Olivia’s eyes. The water, clearer than the lake, clung to his fingers.
There were things they didn’t need to say. Olivia knew Asher’s heart better than anyone. He was happy. And he was grateful to her.
