The Imperial Arboretum was a historic park established by Emperor Alexander Bell during the founding of the Empire.
Located near the capital, it was a place commoners visited at least once in their lifeti, and nobles often frequented it for strolls with acquaintances.
Today, a man and a woman walked side by side through the neatly arranged arboretum.
“What a breathtaking sight. It’s no wonder the founding emperor left it behind after falling for it at first sight.”
“I didn’t realize this was your first visit.”
“Haha, I’ve never had a reason to leave the Sorset estate until now.”
The blonde young man and the blue-haired woman conversed as they strolled, their appearance suggesting the intimacy of a romantic couple.
‘I’m the first woman to visit the arboretum with Rupert!’
The woman who thought this, feeling satisfied with her choice of date location, was none other than Alia.
Alia, determined to act before others, had boldly suggested to Rupert that they visit the arboretum together—and her courage was now being rewarded.
“I once saw a tree that has stood for over a thousand years in the depths of the arboretum. It was truly mysterious.”
“Is that so? Then we should take a look while we’re here.”
Following the ticulous plans she had made with her maid, Alia guided Rupert deeper into the arboretum.
So far, everything was going smoothly.
Just being alone with him now seed to dissolve all the anxiety and nervousness she had felt until now.
‘I never thought he’d be like this.’
Recalling her first eting with Rupert, Alia couldn’t have imagined she’d fall for him so deeply.
His cold deanor and curt manner of speech had given her the impression of soone who found her difficult to deal with. Though she didn’t show it, his attitude had been mildly shocking.
No one had ever treated her that way before—not the beautiful young lady of a ducal family. Rupert had left an indelible impression as a cold, distant person.
However,
Ever since he handed her a storybook that looked remarkably like her, she found herself unable to stop thinking about him.
When those feelings grew to the point where she feared they were her own illusions, Rupert had warmly comforted her.
It was then Alia realized.
She truly liked this man.
“Rupert, I have sothing to tell you.”
“…Yes, please go ahead.”
As their casual conversation led them deeper into the arboretum, Alia confird there was no one else around before speaking to Rupert, who answered after a slight pause.
“I like you.”
“….”
“So, please beco my lover.”
To Alia’s confession, Rupert responded neither with surprise nor panic, maintaining a stoic expression and a brief silence.
Yet, to Alia, that silence felt as if it stretched for an eternity.
Her confidence, which had felt nearly unshakable just monts ago, was long gone. Anxiety and fear of rejection swirled in her mind.
“Lady Alia, I….”
Finally, Rupert opened his mouth to speak.
“Rupert, you’ve received two marriage proposals. You should decide.”
“Father, I’ve told you before—reject all marriage proposals for now.”
Rupert replied dismissively to his father, Marquis Bradley Sorset, who inford him of the offers.
Since his works had beco wildly successful and revived the Sorset family from its fall, Rupert had received an overwhelming number of marriage proposals.
However, Rupert, believing he lacked the ti to focus on anything but his work and businesses, had rejected them all.
He had also asked Marquis Bradley to politely turn down any future proposals on his behalf.
“This isn’t sothing I can handle alone.”
But Marquis Bradley couldn’t deal with this particular matter as he usually would.
“Bluewell… and the Imperial family?!”
Discovering the identities of the proposers, Rupert couldn’t help but be shocked.
The proposal from Lady Alia of the Bluewell Ducal family and another from Princess Iolin of the Imperial family were enough to leave Rupert stunned.
“What on earth…?”
Rupert couldn’t understand how things had co to this.
While he was indeed considered one of the most eligible bachelors in the Empire, the Bluewell family and the Imperial family were far beyond what Rupert could imagine himself approaching.
The aristocracy’s most prestigious family and the Emperor’s own daughter were leagues apart from even Rupert’s current success.
“Wait, does this an…?”
Suddenly, mories of his past encounters with Alia rushed through Rupert’s mind.
Recalling their peculiar first eting, Rupert involuntarily slapped his forehead.
“This is insane!”
From modeling her for his storybook to receiving invitations to family banquets, and even Alia visiting him when he was unwell, the events painted a picture that undeniably resembled a romantic entanglent.
Back at the arboretum, Alia awaited Rupert’s answer.
Her trembling lips and fingers nervously tugging at her clothes betrayed her anxiety.
Even in a dieval-like world, where won confessing to n was almost unheard of—especially for a noble lady—Alia had boldly done so.
Rupert, struck by her beauty as if seeing it anew, couldn’t help but feel his heart race.
‘Is this Rupert’s body reacting, or is it ?’
The original Rupert had been infatuated with Alia, trailing after her and seeking her attention.
But this Rupert, knowing this world was no longer just a story, understood that the future could change based on his actions.
After a long silence, Rupert finally spoke.
“Lady Alia, thank you for expressing your feelings so sincerely. Allow to respond just as honestly.”
“Yes.”
Rupert hesitated, his heart pounding uncontrollably.
“I….”
Rupert’s feelings leaned toward liking Alia. Her kindness, beauty, and warmth were impossible to dislike.
But he hesitated for a different reason.
“Is it because you don’t like ?”
“It’s not that, Lady Alia. I like you.”
Hearing his answer, Alia’s expression visibly brightened, relieved of the tension she’d been holding.
“Then is there another reason you can’t accept my confession?”
Caught by Alia’s perceptiveness, Rupert explained.
“I have goals I must achieve.”
His responsibilities had grown far beyond his family. Now, countless people depended on him.
Rupert’s overwhelming sense of duty left him unable to ask Alia to wait for him.
Alia’s expression shifted into one of deep contemplation.
“Does that an you’d accept when your work stabilizes?”
“I… well….”
Before Rupert could finish, Alia placed her finger on his lips.
“Liking you is my decision, and waiting is my choice. So, Rupert, just answer this: Can I wait for you?”
Her firm resolve left Rupert speechless.
Finally, Rupert answered.
“When that ti cos, I promise to respond to your confession.”
It was a calm yet resolute declaration.
Hearing this, Alia smiled through her tears.
Reviews
All reviews (0)