After filling my stomach and calming myself down, I headed back upstairs to my room. I unlocked the door and stepped inside, ready to rest.
The room was simple, yet somehow it felt cozy. But what truly made it comforting wasn't just the furnishings—it was the thought of him. His presence in this place made my heart race just from the mere memory of his face.
The more I thought about what happened earlier, the more my heart pounded uncontrollably. I didn't want to overthink it or get my hopes up. So, I went straight to the bathroom, cleaned myself, and lay down on the bed to rest.
The glow of the night spilled through the window as I turned off the lights. My mind was blank, still trying to grasp if any of this was real. Maybe it was just my imagination. But then again, life in this world felt more exciting than my old one.
The pain in my heart—my heart condition—was no longer something I noticed. I could explore the world freely without fear, and it felt like a blessing from God. A second chance at life.
Not wanting to think too much anymore, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
THE NEXT MORNING:
"Huwaah...! What time is it? I need to get to work!" I quickly jumped out of bed, rushed to the bathroom, and got ready. Once done, I headed downstairs.
The morning atmosphere was much calmer compared to the chaos of last night. The drunkards had all passed out, leaving the bar in a mess. From afar, I could see Louise and his staff struggling to clean up the disaster and usher the drunks out.
As I stood watching him, he noticed me and looked my way. Our eyes met, and I immediately felt flustered. I blushed and gave him a small, awkward smile.
He walked over to me, and I instinctively started fixing my hair, trying to look decent.
"Hey, sweetheart... off to work?" he asked with his usual cheeky grin.
That made me blush even more. I tried to act annoyed, though my voice trembled slightly.
"S-Stop calling me that! Don't tease me!"
He laughed, clearly amused. "Sorry, didn't mean to tease you. But you are sweet, you know."
He ruffled my hair roughly. "Take care on the road. Don't make me worry."
"Y-Yeah, yeah, I know how to take care of myself... I'm going now, or I'll be late and my boss will yell at me."
"Bye!" he called out, waving.
As simple as it was, Louise's small gestures always managed to warm my heart. If he kept being like this, I might really fall...
AT THE FLOWER SHOP:
Ringgg!
"Good mooorning, boss~ ♥️" I greeted cheerfully.
"Uhuk! Uhuk! M-Morning... huhuk!" my boss coughed hard. I instantly felt worried—for him and for myself. I didn't want to catch that.
"Umm, boss... you really don't sound okay. Maybe you should go home and rest," I said, slowly inching away.
"Ughh... Today, the Grand Duke's flower order must be delivered. No way I'm canceling it... huhuk!" His coughing worsened.
"Airi... looks like I need you to deliver it. I'm counting on you."
I groaned internally. Do I really have to see that annoying Duke again?
"Here's the bouquet. Don't let anything happen to it," he instructed, handing me the beautifully wrapped flowers.
Whether I liked it or not, I had to go. I headed toward the castle, feeling less than thrilled.
AT THE PALACE GATES:
When I arrived at the grand gates, I took a deep breath. My heart wasn't pounding from awe at the towering palace—no, it was from knowing exactly who was waiting behind those doors.
That arrogant Duke.
A guard approached, inspected the box of flowers, and nodded. "You may enter. The Duke is waiting in the back garden."
Back garden? I swallowed. Why not a formal hall like normal people?
I walked through the lavish halls, carefully carrying the bouquet like it was a ticking bomb. With every step, my nerves flared up.
Finally, I reached the garden and saw him—the tall, well-dressed man with sharp black hair and glasses. Duke Nicholas.
His sharp, commanding eyes locked onto mine the moment I stepped in.
"You came," he said, almost like a whisper.
I nodded quickly and held out the flowers. "Here's your order. Careful, my boss said these are expensive."
He didn't take them. Instead, he stood and walked toward me.
Each step made me want to back away, but my feet wouldn't move.
"Are you avoiding me?" he asked, his gaze piercing.
I blinked. "I'm not... avoiding you. I just don't like people who act all entitled."
He smirked—but this time, it wasn't smug. It was... warm.
"That day... I couldn't stop thinking about your face," he said softly.
I stood frozen. Was he... flirting with me?
"Even now... it still haunts me. You remind me of something I lost."
I looked down, overwhelmed. "I have to get back to work. Sorry, Duke."
I turned to leave, but he gently grabbed my wrist. Not harshly, just... enough to stop me.
"Airi..."
My heart nearly exploded.
"...would you come again tomorrow? Not as a delivery boy. As a guest. To the royal garden party."
I stared at him, stunned. He sounded sincere. No pride, no arrogance.
Just a real request.
I looked down again, biting back a smile I couldn't hide.
"...I'll think about it."
I quickly turned and walked away, hiding my blushing face.
That evening, after work, I returned home. As always, I greeted Louise, had dinner, and went to bed.
A DAY OFF, NEXT MORNING:
The Duke's words still echoed in my head. That invitation... it felt too honest. Too personal.
I shook my head, trying to erase his face from my mind.
Knock knock!
Someone knocked on my door. Heavy but casual footsteps. I knew exactly who it was.
"Come in..." I muttered.
The door opened slowly, and yep—it was Louise, that sly smirk on his face and an envelope in his hand.
"Got a letter for you, sweetheart," he said, strolling in and sitting at the edge of my bed like he owned the place.
I frowned. "A letter? From who?"
"Well, the royal seal kind of gives it away. That Duke guy," he replied casually, though I sensed a little irritation underneath.
I shot up and grabbed the envelope, my hands trembling. It was thick, made of fine paper, sealed with red wax bearing the kingdom's emblem.
To Airi,
You are cordially invited to the royal garden party tomorrow evening.
Your presence... would make the night meaningful.
—Duke Nicholas
My fingers trembled. Why go through all this for me? I was just a flower shop worker.
Louise leaned back on my bed, watching my reaction.
"So... are you going?" he asked quietly.