Chapter 6

Chapter 6

It was Ciel who woke Eris just before dawn, right as she was about to drift into a light sleep.

His voice from the morning, when he’d knocked on her door to ask for breakfast, seemed to linger in her ears like a persistent ringing.

“You were the one who insisted we eat breakfast together. Why aren’t you eating, Ciel?”

The food on Ciel’s plate remained exactly as it had been when first served.

“I couldn’t possibly swallow a single bite while Eris is so tired. I prefer a meal where we can both enjoy ourselves.”

“…You certainly have a way with words.”

With an elegant motion, Ciel opened a small glass jar of jam and slid it toward her.

“This is wild strawberry jam from Terbanne. It’s my favorite. Try it with just one bite. Spread the jam and top it with a slice of cold butter.”

He had insisted she join him for breakfast, pulling out all sorts of excuses—that he shouldn’t have to eat alone in a foreign land, or that it was burdensome to just sit there and be stared at.

Now, it seemed she was the one being coaxed into eating breakfast. She felt a strange, childish sensation, as if she were a toddler throwing a tantrum over not wanting to eat. Back when she was young, she hadn’t even had the luxury of complaining about food; she simply ate whatever was available to survive. Eris sighed softly and obediently picked up a piece of bread.

Following his instructions, she assembled the toast. The yellow butter resting atop the red jam looked surprisingly appetizing.

“Is this right?”

Ciel watched her with a satisfied, gentle gaze.

‘He really is treating me like a child.’

With Ciel watching, Eris took a large bite of the toast. The atmosphere was bizarre, but the taste was exquisite. The fresh fruit pulp melted in her mouth, coating the crisp bread.

“How is it?”

“It’s delicious, really….”

Her honest exclamation brought a contented smile to Ciel’s lips. Only then did he finally withdraw his persistent gaze and begin to spread jam on his own bread.

“What is the schedule for today? Please let me know if there is anything I need to prepare in advance.”

Since it was the first day of their trip to the Celis Kingdom, Eris assumed he must have planned an itinerary. She knew it would be hard to carve out personal time before Ciel’s retinue arrived, but she needed to know the plans to determine the most efficient routes and security measures.

Ciel wiped his mouth with elegant grace and dragged out his answer with a thoughtful, “Hmm….” If he didn’t have anything in mind, resting would be a viable option.

“I don’t really have one.”

“In that case, you must be exhausted from the long voyage. You should use the day to recover from your travels and get some rest at the—”

“Ah, since it is our first day, why don’t you lead the way, Eris?”

Ciel possessed a wicked hobby. That way of speaking, as if he were twisting people’s hopes into knots. He had cut her off at the perfect moment, almost as if he’d planned it, and radiated an air that made it clear he intended to go out, regardless of her fatigue.

He spoke in a tone so pure it was as if he’d completely forgotten that his sole bodyguard hadn’t slept properly and was utterly exhausted.

“…Me?”

“I’d like to try your favorite food in the kingdom for lunch. How about pudding for dessert? The one you were holding yesterday looked quite tasty as well.”

Even so, considering the large sum of money the prince had paid her, it was a schedule that was bound to deflate anyone’s spirit.

Had Ciel truly come to the Celis Kingdom for a vacation?

‘There was a naval war between the Kalta Empire and the Terbanne Empire. The Terbanne Empire won a massive victory, and I heard several officers, including their commander, were sent here for a reward vacation. I find it questionable why they chose this specific kingdom. Even if it is a real vacation, a security detail is necessary to ensure no safety issues arise.’

‘If they are guests of such importance to the Prince, surely the Royal Knights would—’

‘They claim that because it’s a vacation, they find excessive attention burdensome. Ridiculous.’

Prince Lakan’s belief that there was some grand ulterior motive behind the trip seemed entirely at odds with Ciel’s actual behavior, and Eris found herself tilting her head in confusion. Well, it was only the first day; it was too early to jump to conclusions.

“If we want to avoid another incident like yesterday’s, I think you should buy a few more outfits before your subordinates arrive with your luggage. Do you know much about the kingdom’s fashions?”

At Ciel’s words, Eris snapped back to reality.

Another incident like yesterday’s. The scene of water droplets falling onto the towel draped precariously over her, and those long fingers tapping at her waist—it all flooded her mind in an instant.

“Y-yes… we should.”

Suddenly, her face felt hot. Avoiding Ciel’s eyes, Eris stood up first.

“I will go get ready now.”

“Ah, Eris?”

Ciel stood up at the same time and caught her wrist.

Startled by his sudden move to lean in, she reflexively caught her breath.

The crisp scent of the sea wafted over her, grazing her nose.

“You have some jam on your lip.”

Before Eris could scramble to raise a hand, Ciel’s thumb slowly brushed across the edge of her lower lip.

“I could have done that myself….”

“Then, I leave it to you, Eris.”

Before she could say anything else, Ciel left the table, leaving her behind. The dining room, now silent, was still filled with his fresh, lingering fragrance.

The heart of the Celis Kingdom, Luminous Plaza. A place so vibrant it was known as the land of freedom; paved with milky white marble that shimmered with a luster as if it had been polished from pearls harvested from the sea. In the center of the plaza stood a grand fountain, decorated with a statue of Liber, the kingdom’s guardian deity.

The powerful jet of water from the fountain caught the sunlight, shattering into sparkling droplets. In front of it, street performers. Women with their faces partially veiled, danced, swaying their bodies like blooming flowers.

“It looks like there’s a performance.”

Upon reaching the plaza, Eris led Ciel toward the music.

“They’re dancing in the street. Do they have official permission?”

“The Celis Kingdom has a ‘Day of Freedom’ every two weeks. As long as you don’t commit any crimes, you are free to enjoy your own personal celebrations. It just happens to be today.”

“Wow, that’s fascinating.”

Ciel raised his voice slightly, as if surprised. It was no wonder; in the Terbanne Empire, street performances were virtually unheard of unless one went to a ballroom or a theater. Occasionally, someone might play an instrument, but that was strictly reserved for musicians invited by formal organizations who had reported their presence in advance.

“You’re lucky. Many tourists leave without ever seeing this because their timing was off.”

“I see.”

“That’s a dance that’s popular lately. I heard they learned it from the Heli Kingdom, located at the edge of the southern continent… Do you know? They say the dancers of the Heli Kingdom dance while wearing almost… nothing.”

“The Heli Kingdom, you say.”

“Yes. It’s a land of endless red sand and deserts where even a drop of water is precious, but it is said to always hold a stifling, thick heat and humidity. It’s customary to wear only a thin, translucent silk veil directly against the skin instead of heavy fabrics… I can’t even imagine it.”

Eris shared the rumors she’d heard about the performance and the Heli Kingdom while watching the women dance. Their deep, ruby-colored silk skirts, reminiscent of rosewood, and blue scarves that seemed to capture the shimmering light of the sea, scattered into the air like waterfalls every time they spun.

Along with the lively song, the women’s sensual movements felt as free as birds.

“So, they aren’t doing that. I almost got to see quite a show.”

Realizing what he meant, Eris stiffened and glared at him.

She already knew Ciel’s reputation in the Terbanne Empire from the extensive research she had conducted. Trouble-maker, skirt-chaser, playboy… the list went on. While he was impeccable in terms of skill and reputation, he was notorious when it came to women and nightlife.

Naturally, thinking back to the Ciel she’d met eight years ago, this information had been impossible to believe. She hadn’t known how much of it to trust, as it was merely information bought from others.

She hadn’t believed it at all, so she hadn’t let it bother her. But after reuniting with him, she was becoming convinced that the rumors she had heard all this time might actually be true.

“Let’s go.”

Eris, her mood spoiled, turned on her heel, and Ciel followed behind her.

“How did you know, Eris?”

“Know what?”

“That the dance was a trend and that it came from the Heli Kingdom. You seemed quite professional just now.”

“I just heard it from the people around me.”

“You seem to have quite a few friends, Eris.”

Eris stopped in her tracks at his teasing, grating tone and looked at Ciel.

“What is that supposed to mean? Did I look like I didn’t have any friends?”

“I suppose I just found it unexpected. I see you as a cat. Sharp, indifferent… and perhaps, hard to read, wouldn’t you say? Usually, people don’t find it easy to gather around someone like that. Generally speaking.”