Chapter 30: The Night Before the Bloom

The tailor and his entourage had left. After even getting the outfit fitted, it finally felt real, there wasn’t much time left until the coming-of-age night.

Four days remained.

Today, Kebel planned to subtly bring up the Crown Prince while talking with Enok. Even if he wasn’t exactly Kebel’s type, he intended to emphasize just how handsome and attractive the prince was.

Kebel took out the small gift box he had prepared in advance. It was plain and unadorned, a simple box containing a modest gift for Enok.

“I hope he likes it…”

Worried that something too expensive might burden him, Kebel had chosen a handkerchief. It was a shade of purple, reminiscent of Enok’s eyes.

Not knowing his exact taste, Kebel had picked something simple, without patterns, but somehow, he felt Enok would be happy to receive it.

After slipping the box into his pocket, Kebel glanced out the window out of habit, and spotted Enok running toward him from afar. There was still plenty of time before their meeting, yet Enok was hurrying as if he were late. Kebel quickly moved closer to the window.

Despite the lingering chill, Enok was dressed lightly. What if he caught a cold? The thought made Kebel frown slightly. But then, seeing Enok fixing his clothes, a small smile formed on his lips.

There was something pure and unpretentious about Enok that reminded him a little of Osh. Maybe that was why Kebel had grown fond of him so quickly.

Still, he didn’t want to introduce him to Osh. Lately, he couldn’t quite explain it, but he found himself wishing that he alone could remain Osh’s only friend.

“…That’s really low of me.”

With a hollow laugh, Kebel tilted his head back and stared at the ceiling. He couldn’t keep indulging his own selfish desires forever.

When the count died… and when he himself eventually left… Osh would be left alone. At the very least, he should have one friend. That was why Kebel had called Enok at a time when Osh would also be around, so he could introduce the two of them.

He had so easily said he would introduce Enok to the Crown Prince, but when it came to introducing him to Osh, his chest felt tight and strangely sore. Staring blankly at the ceiling, Kebel suddenly slapped both his cheeks with a sharp smack.

“Get a grip, Kebel Ilya. You knew what this was from the start, you should’ve been prepared for this much.”

His eyes hardened with resolve as he pressed his lips together. Right on cue, a knock sounded. Kebel answered at once, shaking off his gloom, and put on the brightest expression he could as Bill and Enok entered.

“Shall I bring refreshments?”

“Yeah, please.”

“Yes, sir.”

As soon as Bill left, Kebel moved toward a chair. Sitting down and gesturing for Enok to do the same, he watched as Enok followed and took his seat.

“Did you get home safely yesterday?”

“Yes. Did you sleep well, young master?”

“I did. It must be a busy time, did I call you too early?”

“No, not at all. I’m free.”

Enok shook his head vigorously, his face slightly flushed. The sight made Kebel burst into laughter before he could stop himself. He was clearly laughing because it was amusing, yet Enok looked at him as if he were forcing himself.

Was it because of the lingering gloom from earlier? With an awkward smile, Kebel rubbed the back of his neck. Only then did Enok lower his gaze, as if realizing he had been impolite. Before Kebel could reassure him, a maid entered with refreshments.

Freshly baked cookies and tea were placed on the table, restoring what could have become an awkward atmosphere. The sweet aroma tickled Kebel’s nose as he picked up a cookie.

“The chef came up with this new recipe yesterday. It’s really soft and moist—delicious.”

“Ah…”

“Here, try it, Enok.”

Kebel held out a cookie. As if he hadn’t expected it, Enok’s eyes widened dramatically before he quickly bowed his head. His ears turned red in embarrassment, reminding Kebel so much of Osh from when they were younger that a fond, almost maternal smile crept onto his face.

“Don’t feel pressured. It won’t taste as good once it cools.”

At Kebel’s lightly teasing tone, Enok finally raised his head. Unlike Kebel, who offered it with one hand, Enok accepted the cookie with both hands.

Turning his head slightly, he took a bite. At first, he chewed quietly, but as the sweetness spread, the corners of his lips gradually lifted.

Kebel caught the moment and asked eagerly, “It’s good, right?”

“…Yes.”

“It’s even better with tea. Try it before it gets cold.”

The light brown liquid shimmered in the light. Under Kebel’s bright, expectant gaze, Enok lifted the cup and took a few careful sips. Watching him, Kebel stretched his lips into a wide grin.

“How is it?!”

“It’s good…”

“The softness of the cookie and the fragrance of the tea blending together, it’s amazing, right?”

Like an excited child, Kebel rambled on. Enok nodded, still looking a bit dazed. Only then did Kebel take a bite himself, followed by a sip of tea, letting out a satisfied hum before taking another bite.

Then he noticed Enok staring at him. Kebel stopped humming and quietly set the cookie back on the plate.

“I told them to pack some for you. Make sure to take them before you leave.”

“Thank you.”

“And this… it’s just a small gift. I hope you’ll accept it without feeling burdened.”

Kebel held out the box. When Enok hesitated, he stood up, walked over, and placed it directly into Enok’s hands.

Even then, Enok simply fidgeted with the box. Kebel called his name.

“Enok.”

“…I’m sorry, but I can’t accept this.”

“Why?”

“…”

Enok stayed silent. Seeing his troubled expression, Kebel was reminded of his own past.

‘Was this how the Crown Prince had felt back then?’

Not wanting to pressure him, Kebel gently took the box back.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“That’s not it… I’m sorry.”

Looking as if he might cry, Enok bit his lip. Though he didn’t know the reason, Kebel figured there must be something behind it and lightly patted his shoulder.

“Then how about we go for a walk outside?”

“Ah… I’m fine with anything.”

“Shall we go now? The forsythia in the garden looked really pretty.”

When Enok nodded, Kebel immediately stood, setting the box aside. He couldn’t quite bring himself to take Enok’s hand, so he simply started walking toward the garden. Noticing Ida quietly following, Kebel gestured for her to stay back, and she silently retreated.

The sound of their footsteps echoed softly. Unable to bear the silence, Kebel spoke first.

“Enok, what’s your favorite season?”

It felt like a pointless question even as he asked it, but it was time to bring up the Crown Prince soon. Glancing at him, Kebel saw Enok speak with a gentle smile.

“I don’t really have a favorite, but… I think I’ll start liking spring.”

“Really? I like spring too.”

For Kebel, spring was the season he met Osh. The season he gained a friend. It was when he first opened his heart to someone in this world—and a time filled with warm memories. As he spoke, Kebel slowly closed his eyes.

Like feeling the breeze drifting through the window, he took a deep breath in and let it out. His pace slowed until he stopped—and Enok stopped with him.

“It was just like this… that day.”

Murmuring softly, Kebel opened his eyes again.

“Sorry.”

With a quiet apology, he resumed walking. As they neared the garden, a squirrel suddenly leapt up into a tree. Before Kebel could even finish saying, “Oh! A squirrel-” it had already disappeared.

“Did you see it?”

“Fast, isn’t it?”

“Yeah… I wanted a closer look.”

With a hint of disappointment, Kebel walked toward the tree. The rustling of leaves filled the air, carrying the scent of spring. Pollen drifted on the breeze, tickling his nose until…

“Achoo!”

He sniffled. Lately, he’d been feeling a bit under the weather, maybe he was coming down with something. As he reached for his handkerchief, a coat was suddenly draped over his shoulders.

At the same time, a familiar scent brushed past him.

And in that instant, Kebel’s heart began to pound uncontrollably.

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