Chapter 37
“Wow, you’re really fast.”
Mikael, who had arrived at the villa just a moment after me, let out a genuine exclamation of admiration.
“See? I told you my memory was right. I said you were a good rider.”
I dismounted, brushing the wind-tangled strands of hair from my face and smoothing my clothes, unable to suppress a laugh that bubbled out.
“Are you cold?”
“A little, but it was such a fun ride. It’s a shame we got here so quickly.”
Riding through the crisp night air had been nothing short of exhilarating. I could feel all my stress melt away.
Mikael led me to a corner of the yard once we were inside the villa grounds. There, in a space set up for a campfire, he stacked a few logs and lit a fire.
Sitting side by side in front of the crackling flames, our bodies—chilled from the ride—slowly thawed and relaxed. Soon, the night’s symphony filled my ears: the soft crash of waves against the dark shore, the gentle chirping of crickets, the crackle and pop of burning wood.
“It’s wonderful, Mikael.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
It really was perfect. When I looked at him and said that, Mikael smiled.
“To be honest, I was nervous while planning this date. When I was young, I used to love riding horses, but I’ve gotten older now… and I wasn’t sure if you’d still be as good a rider as before. So, I worried a bit. But I’m relieved you enjoyed it.”
“I really did. Everything feels perfect right now—truly.”
The contrast with the earlier chaos at the gallery made it all feel like a dream. It was as if all the clutter of the past weeks was gently settling and being washed away.
“A lot has happened lately,” I said. “Nick came to find me. Then Duke Fidrian did, too. The third prince and I finally learned each other’s true identities. And when the time came for him to leave, I said my farewells.”
“Yeah, I could tell from your letters that things were hectic.”
“……”
Yes, they had been—chaotic and exhausting. Especially the night I’d gone out to meet Adolf in secret. That had been such a thrilling experience that I would probably remember it for the rest of my life. For someone used to a fixed routine like me, it had even felt like a strange kind of freedom.
While I was smiling at the memory, Mikael asked quietly,
“So, did you succeed in what you promised back then? The promise to live life on your own terms?”
“Oh…”
His words brought back the conversations we’d exchanged through letters while we were apart. I remembered how determined I’d been when I said I’d protect my own way of life.
“Well… to some extent?”
It hadn’t been perfect, but I was satisfied enough.
“Even though things turned out differently than I first planned—like accepting money from the Duke, and not managing to reject Nick when he came closer to me…”
Still, I didn’t regret taking the Duke’s money; I’d done it only when it felt right to take a step back. As for Nick, looking back now, I felt that not pushing him away had been the right choice.
No, I hadn’t completely lived up to my original vow, but the results were enough to content me.
But new worries had begun to form.
“Anyway, the divorce papers are all signed, so things with the Duke’s family are mostly wrapped up. But there’s something else I’m thinking about.”
“What is it?”
“First, what to do with the money I received from the Duke. It’s a fairly large sum, and it feels strange to suddenly have it. And also…”
“…Also?”
He looked at me, waiting. I went on.
“The third prince offered me a suggestion. He said I should come to the capital—to study painting.”
“Painting? Ah.”
Mikael turned to me, as if remembering the artwork I’d once shown him at the gallery.
“He said you had talent, didn’t he?”
“I’m not sure about that, honestly.” I gave a small, self-deprecating smile. “What do you think? Do you think I have any talent for painting?”
“…They’re beautiful works. The ones you’ve made.”
Mikael answered carefully.
“Since I live alone, I’ve taken up the habit of visiting art museums whenever I need a break. Compared to the works of professional artists I’ve seen, yours don’t fall short at all.”
“Really?”
“If you trained properly, I think you could improve rapidly and become a fine artist. But…”
Mikael trailed off, and then turned his gaze to me. Our eyes met.
“I just don’t want to see you hurt or struggling anymore, Kasia. No matter how careful you are, if you go to the capital, that’s bound to happen again.”
“……”
“So, on a personal note, I’d rather you stay here.”
The moment our eyes met, I could feel the sincerity in his voice—he truly wanted me to stay by his side.
“Most of all, I want to stay with you for a very long time, Kasia.”
“…What was that just now?”
If what I felt wasn’t mistaken, those words carried much deeper meaning. I asked,
“What do you mean by that?”
“That I want to marry you.”
“……”
I stared at him, dumbfounded. Mikael chuckled softly before continuing.
“Even if not marriage—what I mean is, I want to start and end each day with you. To live by your side, through thick and thin, as your husband. I know it sounds crazy, but whenever I see you, I can’t help but dream of that kind of future.”
“……”
“It’s not a proposal, so don’t misunderstand. I don’t want to pressure you. I just wanted to be honest.”
Seeing me frozen in shock, Mikael added the clarification quickly, as if worried his words might come across the wrong way.
I stared at him for a moment—and then laughed softly. Brushing my hair back, I exhaled a small, fluttering laugh. My cheeks felt hot—surely it was only from the fire.
“Why are you laughing?”
“Because… I’m happy.”
Though he’d said it wasn’t a proposal, Mikael’s voice trembled slightly as he replied in a mock-gruff tone,
“You didn’t spend all this time apart just practicing that kind of response, did you?”
“Of course… I did.”
His face flushed red. I tilted my head gently and rested it on his shoulder.
“Thanks to you, this night has become a beautiful ending to my day… Thank you, Mikael.”
As I closed my eyes, his warmth felt even closer. We stayed that way for a long time—leaning quietly against each other.
“…Kasia?”
Mikael looked down at Kasia, who had fallen sound asleep against his shoulder. She hadn’t said a word for a while, and when he glanced over, she was breathing deeply, fast asleep.
“Asleep?”
He whispered, but no answer came—only the weight of her head leaning further against him.
She must’ve been tired.
He wasn’t surprised. She had looked worn out ever since he’d first seen her at the gallery earlier that day. Then she’d gone riding too—of course she’d be exhausted.
He smiled faintly, remembering how she’d ridden like an excited child, racing across the fields after so long away from a horse.
Time to go back, he thought.
The night air was getting colder. Extinguishing the fire, Mikael lifted Kasia gently into his arms.
She made a soft sound, “Mm,” and shifted slightly.
“Sleep well,” he murmured.
Her movements stilled again. Holding her close, he mounted his horse and guided it carefully so she wouldn’t wake.
The destination was Kasia’s house—he remembered the address from their exchanged letters.
The only sound along the quiet road was the rhythmic clop of hooves. As he rode, Mikael thought how dreamlike the moment felt.
Maybe it had all been a dream from the start—meeting her again, by chance, at this villa he’d only come to for some peace of mind.
“……”
He remembered the first time he’d seen her: a little girl who had tripped over a stone in front of the count’s mansion. Her long dark hair tucked behind her ear, her clear, deep eyes looking up at him.
At first, he had just wanted to befriend her—his beloved younger sister’s friend.
But as they grew up, that innocent affection had changed into something that made his heart tremble strangely.
He wanted to get closer, to talk to her, to understand what kind of person she was.
But the more he tried, the further she seemed to slip away.
Even if they met in the academy halls, she would startle, bow quickly, and hurry off before he could say a word.
Eventually, he gave up trying to grow closer. It seemed she didn’t like him, after all—and he didn’t want to burden someone who didn’t return his feelings.
And so, his one-sided love faded away… or so he had thought.
“……”
By the time he finished reminiscing, they had passed the gallery and reached Kasia’s home.
He dismounted, still holding her sleeping form. She hadn’t stirred once.
“She’ll catch a cold like this.”
Worried, he wrapped her more securely in his arms and gently searched her dress pocket for her house key.
Opening the door, he stepped inside and laid her down carefully on her bed.
Her face, peaceful in deep sleep, made him smile softly. He brushed a strand of black hair from her forehead.
“Why did I only realize it this late?” he whispered.
That you used to love me.
If I’d known sooner… would things between us have been different?
He let out a quiet, bittersweet laugh but soon straightened up.
No, he didn’t regret it. What mattered was what came next.
It was a second chance—one he wouldn’t waste.
From now on, Mikael had no intention of ever letting Kasia go.
