Chapter 31: Shared Moments
On their final day in the capital, Fine and Hawk decided to go out together.
Since they rarely visited, Fine thought it a perfect chance to explore the town.
She guided Hawk along the familiar main street.
A handkerchief in a general store caught her eye.
“These are cute.”
Fine picked up a handkerchief adorned with embroidered flowers—sunflowers, roses, and pansies.
“May I buy some as souvenirs for the mansion staff?”
“Of course.”
Hawk nodded, and Fine selected ten handkerchiefs.
“That’s quite a lot.”
“Yes.
I don’t know which designs they’ll like, so I’ll get every kind.
I can use any extras.”
Fine smiled and nodded.
Next, a stationery shop caught her attention.
“This shop has the latest fountain pens.
My father loved their products.”
“Oh?”
“Would you like to try one, my lord?
I’ll gift it to you.”
Fine smiled at Hawk.
Hawk often gave her things, but she’d never given him a gift.
She wanted to express her gratitude.
“Will you choose one for me?”
“Of course.”
Fine examined the fountain pens in the shop window.
After much deliberation, she chose one with a blue-and-black body and presented it to him.
“Thank you.
This is my first gift from you.”
“You’re welcome.
I’d be happy if you used it.”
Fine beamed.
“With this from you, I feel my work will go smoothly.”
“…I see.”
Hawk’s delighted smile made Fine’s heart skip.
‘Why does my heart race so much lately?’
Spending time with Hawk had started making her heart flutter, though she pretended not to notice.
“This must be a place full of memories for you.”
“Now that you mention it, maybe.
As a child, I loved walking this street with my parents, wondering what they’d buy me.”
“I bet you were an adorable kid.”
Hawk laughed freely.
“Do you have a place like that, my lord?”
Fine asked, suddenly curious.
“Me?
Well… there’s a place in the territory called Laketown, with a beautiful lake.
My family visited a few times.”
“Oh?”
“Want to go there together sometime?”
“Yes, I’d love to.”
Fine nodded, eager to see Hawk’s cherished place.