The aura he exuded was distinctly different from anyone else. Perhaps it was because he was unusually tall and large, or because of the elegance of his long limbs, or simply because of his handsome face.
The exact reason was unknown, but he radiated a wild yet beautiful atmosphere that made it impossible not to stare blankly.
Was it just me?
Ariella looked around, slightly embarrassed by her girlish behavior.
Sure enough, all the servants who had come out to see her off were staring up at Nobert as if their souls had been stolen.
The maids looked half-entranced, and even the butlers’ eyes were sparkling, unlike usual. She could faintly hear sounds of admiration from somewhere.
‘It was a natural reaction, then.’
Ariella realized that it wasn’t she who was crazy, but Nobert’s appearance that was insane. Thinking that made her feel at ease.
“Shall we leave right away?”
Finding her composure, she naturally extended her hand, and Nobert hesitated for a moment before carefully taking her hand and escorting her to the carriage.
From the front door to the carriage, Ariella felt a distinct prickling sensation at the back of her head. It must be because the people inside the mansion were watching her for various reasons.
She didn’t look back as she boarded the carriage, and soon the Grand Duke’s large four-horse carriage departed from the Bedford mansion.
The inside of the carriage was spacious and comfortable, as she had felt before. Had it been custom-made to fit his large frame? Considering the Grand Duchy’s wealth, it wouldn’t be impossible.
Ariella opened her mouth, indulging in such unnecessary thoughts.
“Nobert, you look very handsome today as well.”
Compliments were a skill that any noble who went out into society should master.
Ariella was confident in saying what the other person wanted to hear, but somehow, today, the word “handsome” felt embarrassing. Perhaps because it contained her true feelings.
“I’m worried that I’ll only be compared to you if we go out like this. That the woman is too lacking compared to the man.”
Not wanting to reveal these feelings, she deliberately added in a playful tone.
“…Pardon?”
Nobert frowned as if he couldn’t understand the joke at all. And before she could elaborate, he replied seriously.
“Who dares to say such nonsense? If they have eyes, they couldn’t possibly not know.”
“That’s…”
“Ariella, everyone knows that you are more beautiful than anyone else. If there is anyone who doesn’t know their place and says such foolish things, I will tear out their tongue.”
How could he give such embarrassing and fierce compliments?
Feeling her cheeks grow hot, Ariella smiled awkwardly.
If another man had said it, she would have dismissed it as obvious flattery and ignored it.
But Nobert’s face and voice were utterly sincere. There wasn’t a hint of pretense. That’s why she felt even happier and more embarrassed.
“Thank you for thinking so highly of me. More importantly, where are we going today?”
“Is there anywhere in particular you would like to go?”
Unlike Aaron, he didn’t seem to have booked a performance or researched an art museum. Ariella was rather pleased with that. Performances and art were not her interests anyway.
“Hmm… Somewhere that will catch people’s eyes. If I’m going to look like the Grand Duke’s mistress.”
Nobert still seemed very uncomfortable with the word “mistress.”
Ariella chuckled lightly at his effort to correct her to “lover.”
“Yes, that’s fine. Let’s go sightseeing in the downtown area for the first time in a while.”
As it happened, the carriage was already heading towards the downtown area, even before Nobert had specified a destination. Thanks to that, they soon reached their destination.
“Ah, but Nobert. If we want rumors to spread, we’ll have to meet and date a few more times besides today… Would that be alright with you? Are you not busy?”
As the carriage came to a stop, Ariella asked with a worried expression.
From what she heard, Nobert seemed to be traveling back and forth between Ashbon and Bingham almost every day.
With no special events other than the upcoming hunting festival, the reason he was visiting Bingham so often was likely because of her.
He was the one who first suggested telling the Duke that something was going on between them, but she still felt bad for causing him so much trouble.
“Yes, it’s fine. Thanks to having quite capable subordinates.”
Thump! The wheels that had been busily rolling came to a complete stop, and the carriage lurched slightly.
“However, I am… just worried about you.”
He got out of the carriage without the help of a coachman or servant and extended his hand towards her.
“I’m worried that frequent meetings with me will upset you, Ariella.”
His red eyes carefully scanned her face. He seemed afraid that even a hint of discomfort would be visible on her face, and that his escort would be burdensome.
Then, Ariella frowned, as if she couldn’t understand at all.
“Why would my feelings be hurt?”
Then, without the slightest hesitation, she grasped Nobert’s gloved hand.
“I actually like it. Because I can meet you again.”
Ariella, helped by Nobert, got out of the carriage safely and added in a whisper with a bright smile.
She swore that this was the first time she had ever said such a thing to another man. Perhaps because she had already been embarrassed enough on the way, she was surprisingly not that shy.
It was Nobert’s face that turned slightly red. Even his prominent Adam’s apple moved roughly.
Seeing that made her feel mischievous. So Ariella delved more intimately into the hand she had taken to get out of the carriage.
“If we’re like this, we’ll really look like lovers.”
Good. She whispered, subtly curving her long eyes.
Gazing approvingly at the way his red eyes trembled like flower petals scattered in the wind, she continued to say words that should have been embarrassing.
“Shall we hold hands all day today?”
If Amira were here, she would have shouted “Miss, you’re guilty!” three times.
However, the situation was slightly different from when she had made a guilty statement to Adam.
If Ariella had no intention at that time… the point was that she was quite intentional now.
Nobert, endearingly, froze as if turned to stone, unable to utter a single word. Even his crimson eyes remained fixed, as if time itself had stopped.
Ariella decided not to wait for his reply.
“Let’s go quickly.”
She took his large hand, holding it preciously in her own, and with a bright, smiling glance, led him toward the bustling downtown area.
Her steps were light and bouncy, and as their arms brushed and then moved apart, Nobert finally stirred as if waking from hibernation. He obediently began to walk as she led.
“…Yes.”
His low voice sounded so troubled that anyone overhearing would have mistaken it for a man facing the greatest hardship of his life. Even in their clasped hands, a palpable tension couldn’t be hidden.
He’s probably glaring daggers right now.
Ariella could easily imagine it without turning to look at his face.
Smiling, she strode forward with energy, and soon the sight of Mayfair Street, the most famous shopping district in Edinburgh’s downtown area, unfolded before them.
First to catch the eye was the wide road, easily accommodating two large four-horse carriages side by side. Next, the rows of streetlights adorned with seasonal flowers, flags, and lights drew the gaze onward.
On either side of the curved road, tall buildings stretched endlessly, housing over two hundred shops and restaurants, luxury boutiques, department stores, and theaters.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that all of Jubena’s most famous stores were gathered on this street.
Walking straight along the road led to the Victory Memorial Tower, and beyond that, Blue Turn Square, the heart of Edinburgh, could be found. Hotel Mercedes was also nearby.
Thus, Mayfair Street was a symbol of Edinburgh, and one of the most beloved streets for both ordinary citizens and nobles alike.
