ITIWAFRBIAHS Chapter 7

This body is definitely not sickly. But there's one hopeless aspect. It's that I'm directionally challenged.

"Where am I..."

I sat down on the fountain in despair. Fortunately, the lantern light was bright enough and I'd walked around so much these past few days that I wasn't scared.

But the situation of being lost in this vast garden itself was too awkward. I can't even tell which way the mansion is because it's dark.

If I'm not careful, I'll end up spending the night here.

Wow, what should I do?

Then I heard a sound nearby. Someone humming mixed with the sound of rustling leaves, even cheerful. Wow, one of the workers must be taking a nighttime stroll!

I brightened up and headed toward the sound.

And when I turned around the wall thick with rose vines, I witnessed an unexpected scene.

"Huh?"

Someone was trimming rose vines. Like me, they had hung a shining portable lamp like a gas lantern and were humming while cutting off damaged leaves and such.

The work clothes and work gloves they wore looked like uniforms similar to those worn by people working at the mansion, though slightly different in style.

Only then did I realize.

It must be a gardener! That's why I couldn't meet them no matter how much I searched before—they're working now!

But why are they working this late at night?

Gasp, could it be that they have no choice but to work at this time to avoid encountering the employers who enjoy the garden?

Given that labor rights probably weren't as developed in this era as in modern times, this is quite plausible. Oh dear.

I quietly approached the gardener with sympathetic feelings. I thought I'd offer encouragement and maybe suggest adjusting the work schedule to daytime if it was okay.

But as I got closer, the unexpected facts I discovered gradually slowed my steps.

No, this person is young. I became mentally confused seeing a gardener with a completely boyish face. No matter what, having a minor work night shifts alone outdoors... isn't this a bit too much morally?

"Um, excuse me."

I ended up calling out to the gardener boy with a very unconfident voice.

The boy continued working as if he hadn't heard my voice, but soon noticed the light and looked my way. He probably thought he'd heard wrong.

Because of his hat, I couldn't see above the boy's nose due to shadows, but his mouth wore a faint smile.

"You're Miss Aubert. Good evening."

"Y-yes, good evening."

I almost said "Do you know me?"

The person managing the garden of the mansion where I live would probably know my appearance and such. Or maybe he had some acquaintance with the body's owner before that I don't know about.

The gardener gently touched a round rose bloom on the vine he'd just finished organizing and asked me.

"What brings you to the garden this late at night? Didn't anyone try to stop you?"

"Haha, actually I came out quietly by myself, so they probably don't know."

Wait.

Could this boy be an assassin disguised as a gardener, and since I said other people don't know my whereabouts, he'll attempt an assassination... of course, that's unreasonable so it won't happen.

The boy just nodded.

"I see. Do you have business in the garden?"

If I say I got lost looking for the kitchen, wouldn't that ruin everything?

Instead, let me learn about garden management know-how here. I'm doing this much for your happiness, face-genius fiancé. You'll have to bring a feast next time.

"Just to see the roses. The roses here are particularly beautiful. Ah, is there some kind of secret?"

"A secret?"

The boy looked my way.

"There is. A secret."

"I-I see. As expected, there is a secret."

I asked, but I didn't expect to really hear such a confident answer that there was a secret. Usually the conversation goes like 'Well, not really a secret, but I have my own unique method. Haha!' right?

As expected of someone young, his spirit is no joke. It's admirable.

"That is..."

"That is?"

"Paying consistent attention."

Suddenly the textbook answer came out.

"If you always know what condition the roses are in, you can always care for them in the most perfect state."

What is this, like saying to do well on the college entrance exam, focus on textbooks and study with faithful reading comprehension?

In the end, it's easy to say but only possible for people chosen by the fairy of sincerity to actually practice.

I asked with coldly deflated feelings.

"Is there... anyone who can do that?"

"I'm not sure about that. But I can do it."

What are you, a rose fairy?

No wait. Thinking about it, this is a romance fantasy novel. It's possible. Actually, this could be a world where fairies live in hiding and that gardener is a flower fairy or something.

Then my fiancé could also be a face fairy or something like that. If so, I could understand him bringing that terrible sandwich because he's ignorant about human food.

"Wow, you must be a born gardener."

My imagination stretched endlessly, but I warmly praised the gardener.

It was the vibe from my experience of responding as if full of sincerity when professors wanted engagement, even while daydreaming during lectures.

The boy turned his head back to the roses and answered quietly.

"I wonder about that."

He's probably being modest. Quite cute. I decided to keep one share of the rose fairy hypothesis stock without discarding it.

"You must really love roses."

When I asked the obvious question seeing how he couldn't take his eyes off the roses, the boy's lips seemed to smile again.

"Actually, I haven't been handling roses for very long."

That makes sense. He's not even an adult yet, so his experience probably hasn't been that long.

"At some point, there started being a lot of talk about roses around me, so I became interested myself."

That was probably when roses started becoming popular here. 'The thing that's about to trend in this field' is great material for connecting with aspiring enthusiasts, isn't it?

"So that's how you came to like roses?"

"Not quite. But it did become a catalyst."

The boy picked up his lamp hanging next to the vine and brought it close to the rose. The rose petals were tinged crimson in the light.

"You've probably seen sunset casting down on dew-covered roses. It's like beautifully shining crystals, isn't it?"

Whether he was imagining that scene, the boy's following words came slightly slowly.

"That's why I like watering roses late in the afternoon."

It was an almost dreamy voice. Is this what you call otaku power?

I felt some kinship and almost patted his shoulder.

Huh, but thinking about it again, there's something that bothers me. Watering late in the afternoon means being in the garden at that time.

"But I don't think I've run into you during those hours..."

I furrowed my eyebrows, recalling how I'd walked around the garden until my feet hurt looking for a gardener around sunset time before.

The boy burst into laughter.

"Haha, liking something doesn't mean I always do it. You shouldn't water roses too often."

"I-I see."

Sorry. I'm quite ignorant about these things.

"Then do you mainly come out to the garden at night like this?"

"Sort of."

"No matter what, that's a bit... It's okay to come out during the day."

Working in this dim time could lead to accidents if something goes wrong. I said this thinking I might even have a meeting with the butler, but the boy shook his head.

"Night is more comfortable for now. But I do come out during the day sometimes. I'd like it if you could greet me then."

Even if you're okay with it, I'm not.

I was planning to talk to the butler first thing tomorrow morning, but I nodded so as not to burden this young friend.

"Of course. What should I call you?"

"Please call me Sunset."

The boy answered without hesitation, and I was shocked.

"S-Sunset?"

"Yes."

"...Do you happen to have a sister?"

The boy tilted his head. I explained about the Sunset I knew. When I mentioned someone my age, a girl working at the mansion, the boy shrugged.

"Ah. Hearing that, it seems like we're from the same family."

"Then an older cousin?"

"Not an older relative. We're the same age."

The gardener boy isn't as young as I thought.

Anyway, understanding their relationship, I sighed.

The Sunset I originally knew said this was a nickname, probably derived from their surname. So this boy with the same surname also asked to be called Sunset.

Wait, hold on.

Then could this side also be an important character in terms of plot development?

A blood relative of the poisoning suspect. This is totally like someone who'll appear as a decisive clue, ally, or obstacle somewhere. And since he's my age, he could be a sub-male lead candidate!

...That somehow seemed too much just from imagining it, so I dismissed it.

"Hmm, it's time. I'll head in now, Miss Aubert."

The gardener boy gathered his lamp and fastened the rose-trimming tools to his waist. I decided to pause my rush of deductions and see the boy off.

"Ah, yes! See you again next time."

"Yes. Ah—"

The boy raised his left hand and pointed to the darkness beyond the garden.

"The mansion is that way."

Geez. How can he tell? I hurriedly turned my head in that direction but couldn't see a damn thing.

What is this. Does this body have night blindness, or is he at owl level?

Given that I saw him working in the garden this late at night, it's probably the latter, right? Anyway, I should thank him.

"Huh? Than... what?"

When I turned my head back, the boy was gone.

He's fast on his feet too.

He must have already gone beyond the wall since I can't even see the lamp light.

I briefly considered going around between the walls to find the boy's whereabouts and give thanks, but I gave up cleanly in case I'd forget the mansion direction the boy told me.

That's right, maybe he really was a rose fairy and went poof and disappeared!

I got a bit excited discovering the 'fantasy' possibility in this romance fantasy for the first time.

I grabbed the lantern and quickly moved in the direction the boy indicated. Kitchen? Let's give up on that. I'll go at dawn. It's okay to sleep hungry for one day.

"..."

And my sense of direction completely failed again.

I had earthquake pupils in front of the huge iron gate and wall at the edge of the garden.

This is the exit gate.

I came completely the opposite way.

At this point, I'm confirmed as a night-blind, directionally-challenged person. I was shocked to discover this body's weakness, but soon overcame it.

This is a special case, and if you have money, you normally don't need to find your way at night. You just stay in a comfortable house.

But how do I get back to the mansion?

This garden is ridiculously large, so it would probably take over 15 minutes even walking straight. Plus, there are maze-like winding wall paths in the middle of the garden, so it might take even longer.

"Tonight is... roughing it."

I solemnly prepared myself mentally.

Then, a voice of salvation reached me.

"Rose?"

"Huh? Sir Moore?"

It was my fiancé's voice. I looked around in surprise but couldn't see him anywhere. What?

"Up here."

"Gasp."

Looking up, I saw a dark silhouette waving from atop the wall next to the gate.

The silhouette lightly jumped down and landed safely. If this were a competition, I'd already be holding up a 10-point card.

But while I'm happy to see him, why is he in the garden at night again? And secretly climbing over the gate too. I don't even know when he went out.

"Were you taking a stroll in the garden at this hour, Rose?"

"Ah, I somehow took the wrong path. But Sir Moore, what were you doing here?"

"Hmm."

My fiancé seemed to hesitate a bit, then approached me.

As he got closer, my lantern light cast shadows on my fiancé's face. By the time he was completely close, I could see the complete smile on my fiancé's face.

It's an expression that reminds me of when we first met.

Wow, a miraculous face that shines brighter than lantern light!

"Actually, I went out briefly to bring this."

Still smiling, my fiancé suddenly held out a wrapped paper box to me. I reflexively took it and my body stiffened as if struck by lightning at the aroma wafting from inside.

This is, this is... beef!

"I was bothered that I hadn't prepared enough for dinner. ...You seemed disappointed."

"Wow."

I bet my eyes are emitting rays right now and it wouldn't be surprising.

Worried about my probably sparkling eyes, I vigorously nodded.

"Actually, I was trying to get to the kitchen but got lost."

"...Looking for food?"

"Well, along with the secondary reason of looking for poisoning traces."

"Secondary reason... I see."

"Yes."

Maybe because I'm hungry and crazy from the delicious smell, I seem to be saying whatever comes to mind.

Eh, whatever, I'm gratefully receiving what's given, so affection won't drop!

"Anyway, thank you so much. Let's eat together!"

The last part I added out of conscience. Actually, I can't say there's no water ghost mentality of not being able to eat late-night snacks alone at this late hour, but the conscience portion is probably bigger.

My fiancé didn't answer for a while. As expected, he probably doesn't eat late-night snacks much to maintain that beauty.

Tsk, going out late at night to buy food he won't even eat for me—could this already be conquered true love without me realizing it?

Goodness, having meat and a handsome man makes my gushing endless.

"...Alright."

"Oh!"

"It's been a long time since sunset, so it might be dangerous to cross the garden and find our way to the mansion on foot."

Sir, weren't you just about to return to the mansion alone using that method after climbing over the wall?

"If it's alright with you, I have my car outside, so how about we go into the city? I'll arrange decent accommodations for you. I'll contact the mansion at dawn."

Wait, is this flirting? Is it flirting?

Ah, no. Stay calm.

Even if it's flirting, there are cases where accepting the option is a trap. Thinking coldly, in terms of narrative, there hasn't been sufficient emotional exchange between us for something to happen.

If my guess that I've entered a conquest romance fantasy is correct, it means there's still quite a bit of buildup left before we reach the point where an event like escaping together at night for a romantic date and him arranging a room for me would succeed.

In other words, this route has enough justification to serve as the starting point for some conflict or discord!

Of course, their relationship could become more passionate through such frustrations.

It's a completely predictable development method. However, I hate frustrations. I will only drink refreshing things!

So my choice is one.

"We have a lantern, so if we walk carefully, won't we get there quickly? We can eat this in the drawing room! I have things to do at dawn tomorrow anyway, so I need to return to the mansion early."

And I was thinking of finishing by suggesting we explore the mansion together at dawn, using it as a stepping stone for relationship advancement... but again, the smile disappeared from my fiancé's face.

Excuse me, expressionlessness is also art, but this wasn't the right timing for it to appear!

"...I understand. Let's do that."

Huh? Maybe accepting was the right choice after all?

My fiancé, whose tone became somewhat chilly, walked toward the garden. I followed my fiancé and asked.

"Are you hurt?"

"Not at all."

"Are you angry?"

"Of course not."

"You're sulking."

"Sulking..."

My fiancé stopped walking and looked back at me. I got it right.

"I haven't felt such emotions."

"Oh my, yes. I understand perfectly."

He's completely sulking. Sulking. I tried hard not to let my giggles show.

Even though I failed to choose the right option, I was very happy. It feels like we're having a conversation without formalities for the first time?

I feel like we've gotten a bit closer somehow.

Great. Then should I suggest a date in reverse now!

"Um, instead, I was thinking of wandering around the mansion at dawn tomorrow—would you like to come with me?"

"...What's the reason?"

"As you know, there are many places I don't remember well. I thought I'd take this opportunity to check where things are. I figured it would be better to do it at dawn since it might be too conspicuous during the day."

"..."

My fiancé covered his face with one hand and didn't answer.

He's embarrassed to accept right away. I know everything. Sure enough, when my fiancé lowered his hand, a gentle, light smile was settled on his face.

"Alright. Thank you for requesting my company. I'll help you check everything thoroughly so there's nothing lacking in your tour."

"Wow, thank you!"

"It's only natural as your fiancé."

The barrier that had dropped slightly seems to have risen again with his polite demeanor, but there's no problem.

Anyway, once enough affection is built up, his unguarded side will appear again with each event, as I know from years of indirect experience. Let's enjoy the handsome period drama male protagonist attribute until then.

Either way, it's so delicious that I'm enjoying myself. Hahaha!

After that, following my fiancé who silently charged through the garden, I was able to arrive at the mansion entrance in surprisingly quick time.

What kind of human navigation system is he, moving so well in this darkness?

We carefully opened the front door and crossed the quiet mansion to slip into the drawing room as I had mentioned.

While my fiancé turned on the lights, I quickly placed the paper box I'd been carrying on the table. Then, confirming my fiancé was approaching the table, I opened the box.

Even though it had cooled and become lukewarm, the delicious smell suddenly hit my nose.

"Wow."

Inside was a stir-fry dish made with beef. Shiny brown sauce and white sauce wrapped around mushrooms, potatoes, and beef, sparkling.

With its street food-like appearance that I'd rarely eaten in this house, I suddenly felt intense hunger and appetite.

Wow, they even included skewers to eat with. I quickly grabbed one in each hand and handed one to my fiancé. My fiancé took the skewer with awkward hand movements.

"Actually, I wanted to find a place where you could eat more, but since it was so late, only places like this were open."

"Huh? This is incredibly delicious. The sauce is no joke."

I answered while chewing the beef in my mouth. Having stimulating flavors touch my tongue after so long, I couldn't come to my senses.

This taste that would probably make you gain weight and be bad for your health—the best. I bet this was a bar snack that used to be sold with beer. It automatically reminds me of a hearty pub you'd stop by after work.

Speaking of which, I'm curious what kind of other world unfolds outside this mansion. From reading books, it felt like modern America, but I don't really know what kind of place this region where the mansion is located actually is. At most, the only information I have is that the edge of this region borders the sea.

Hmm, how about learning more about this place in the study this afternoon? I hate studying, but since this is inside a romance fantasy novel, I could read it with the feeling of reading a fantasy novel, right?

"...I'm glad it suits your taste."

"Yep. Ah, please make sure to tell me how much money you spent buying this. I'll definitely pay you back."

So please only buy hearty and delicious things from now on!

But of course, a refusal came back.

"I couldn't allow that. Since I suggested it, please accept it as my courtesy."

Right, you're rich. I knew you'd say that. Actually, what I said earlier was groundwork for this line!

"Then next time I'll definitely treat you to a meal. Several times at the most delicious restaurant among the places you've bought from!"

So thinking about that, you have to make sure to buy delicious things, right?

Fortunately, this one worked. My fiancé showed a subtle expression for a moment as if unable to control himself, but soon answered with a comfortable face.

"Yes. I'll look forward to it."

He must have been moved. I decided to pass over my fiancé's expression that seemed to be hiding his emotions and not mention it.

Instead, I urged my fiancé to finish the beef together.

My fiancé ate quite well despite his first few polite refusals.

Thanks to bringing plenty, the sad incident of fighting over the last piece of meat didn't occur.