Of course, it was unclear when that opportunity would come.
It would be a year until the next Amonas festival, and for other occasions, she would have to find an appropriate excuse.
Moreover, making chocolates was quite challenging, so she worried that she might develop an aversion to it later.
"Has his birthday already passed?"
Even though they had many conversations, Hanette didn't know Zion's birthday.
But as she thought about preparing for his birthday, she already felt anxious.
"Making a cake might be too much..."
Even without knowing the recipe, she could tell the difference.
Chocolates just needed to be mixed in the right proportions and set, but a cake required baking the base, adding cream, and using various ingredients correctly.
Making chocolates was hard enough, so anything more complicated seemed daunting.
"I'll just buy a gift. That should be fine."
Zion had also bought her a necklace.
It was a meaningful item, imbued with Zion's magic.
Of course, buying a gift might seem less sincere, but if chosen well, it wouldn't disappoint.
"Does he need anything?"
Money wasn't an issue.
Zion had enough funds to buy whatever he wanted.
While giving a gift might seem nice, she wasn't sure if it would satisfy Zion.
"And making a cake is out of the question..."
Hanette took out a handkerchief and approached Zion.
Zion stopped and looked at Hanette.
"You look like a little kid, with chocolate all over your face."
Hanette wiped his mouth with the handkerchief while meeting his gaze.
Normally, his eyes were calm, but they turned intense during serious moments, battles, or when he was protecting her.
Why did she rely so much on this young boy?
"I must be lacking."
Before becoming an adult, she stuck to her ways, and after becoming one, she indulged in drinking and gambling.
She avoided social gatherings and ignored her parents' advice.
As time passed, her behavior led her to be known as the "Crazy Young Lady."
Perhaps that was where she and Zion diverged.
"I've never talked about this."
Some nobles had approached her with similar lines.
They'd call her beautiful, noble, or try to get close due to her prestigious lineage.
Their intentions were obvious, and she always turned them away sharply.
But Zion never mentioned her appearance or status.
"Maybe he did say something similar..."
Hanette finished wiping off the chocolate and stepped back carefully.
Zion watched her, then closed the chocolate box.
"What's wrong? Don't you like it?"
"Just saving it."
"It's best to eat it before it melts."
"I'll keep it in a cool place."
Zion placed the box in a shaded area.
They could have used a magic-frozen storage box, but those were expensive and mostly found in places like the Head's Room or the kitchen.
Hanette walked to the table, not stopping him.
"I'd give you more, but that's all I have."
"That's perfect. Too much and it loses value."
"What's the value? It all ends up in your stomach."
"Since you made it for me, it has value. The limited quantity makes it even more valuable."
"Sigh... I'll take that as a compliment."
"What else could it be?"
"It could be sarcasm."
"Only if you're twisted enough to see it that way."
"Do you enjoy teasing me? I didn't make it to hear such things..."
Hanette sat at the table, resting her chin on her hand.
Zion wiped his hands and sat across from her.
"Saying it's delicious should be enough. What more do you want?"
"I was just trying to tease you back. Do you get my point now?"
"I'm not sure, but I get that you're quite difficult. How is this teasing?"
"Want me to show you real difficulty?"
"You used the chocolate as an excuse to start a fight, didn't you?"
"Haha! That's ridiculous. Why would I fight with you?"
Hanette smiled, recalling past memories.
When she first met Zion, their conversations were like this.
It was annoying at the time, but his responses were intriguing.
"It's been a while since we talked like this."
"Sigh... I'll be honest. I created this atmosphere on purpose. We haven't talked like this recently."
"Do you prefer this way?"
"It's easier. No need to overthink."
Hanette hated being bound by etiquette and status.
Sometimes she wanted to speak freely, but being a Duke's daughter meant living by strict rules.
Other nobles were the same, but only Zion spoke freely to her.
"Back then, we didn't trust each other. We had a lot of complaints."
"True. It's not bad now, but it was more fun then."
"We were at each other's throats."
"Which is why it's a bit regrettable. Did we have to go that far? We could have gotten along."
"......"
Zion somewhat understood Hanette's feelings.
Despite the childish exchanges, they weren't unpleasant.
They sparked a strange curiosity and mild interest.
But hidden beneath was hostility and suspicion, preventing them from going further.
"Hanette, one last time. Once we marry, there's no turning back. Are you sure about this?"
Even Zion feared marriage.
In modern society, he never dated or even talked to women.
Without preparation, he didn't know if he could maintain a marriage.
Even if Hanette accommodated him, he couldn't shake off his anxiety.
"...I've already decided. You're someone I can trust with my future."
Hanette questioned herself countless times.
Should she marry Zion Laird?
They weren't together long, and their bond was forced.
But in that short time, she learned about Zion Laird and gained trust.
"If you're so sure, I should be prepared too."
Zion calmed his turbulent mind, renewing his resolve.
Hanette not following the protagonist bothered him, but he decided not to dwell on it.
Having her by his side was enough.
"Since we're together, we should make some plans, right?"
"What kind of plans?"
"Um... like starting a couple's knight order?"
"...Why are you bringing up a knight order all of a sudden?"
"Well... I want to do something meaningful?"
Hanette silently watched Zion.
Zion met her gaze with an awkward smile.
"Explain from the beginning."
"You seem interested in joining the knight order?"
"Should I let you go alone? Who knows what trouble you'll get into..."
"Hanette, just so you know, I won't cheat."
"That statement makes you more suspicious. Hurry and explain."
Hanette replied coldly, her eyes sharp.
She had some expectations but didn't think he'd mention a couple's knight order.
It meant starting a knight order with just the two of them and planning something.
"At least he's not leaving me behind. Should I be impressed or think he's reckless..."
Duke Ternein's mansion, ballroom.
Few noble families had ballrooms.
The royal palace had one, and they were mostly found in Duke and Marquis families.
Having a ballroom required vast land and construction costs, followed by maintenance and regular use funds.
Thus, only the royal palace, Dukes, and Marquises had ballrooms.
"Ours is bigger, though."
Zion sipped from his glass, observing the ballroom.
It was grand and elegant, befitting a Duke.
Comparing it to Duke Adelaira's ballroom, there wasn't much difference.
"The master and mother should be here."
Today marked Duke Ternein's founding anniversary, celebrated in honor of the first Duke.
The first Duke was the first king's loyal retainer and friend, significantly contributing to Alain Kingdom's foundation.
Hence, the Duke title, capital territory, funds, and privileges were granted.
"Too many people."
And this was with a limited guest list.
King or direct royals, those close to Duke Ternein, other Dukes, Marquises, and some Counts.
All invited by Duke Ternein, they were esteemed guests.
Direct royals, Dukes, and Marquises were invited out of respect for their history and status.
"But I must see that knight..."
Zion attended as Marquis Laird's son and Hanette Adelaira's fiancé.
But it was mainly for appearances; he had no interest in expanding his connections.
He already knew who mattered.
He aimed to recruit a future talent.
"Not a knight yet, though."
Zion sought someone who would become an active knight in a year.
She'd secretly train in swordsmanship, then flee after the anniversary.
In a short time, she'd hone her skills and earn the nickname "Monster Hunter."
"She must be here somewhere..."
Zion scanned the crowd.
Having Hanette by his side was comforting.
Being with her made him feel more secure.
"Ah, is that her?"
He spotted Duke Ternein, followed by a lady.
Radiant golden hair, bright green eyes, melancholic yet lethargic.
Duke Ternein had three sons and one daughter, confirming her identity.
"I want to talk to her, but..."
"What are you looking at?"
Hanette whispered, leaning close.
Zion turned slightly, speaking softly.
"I was looking at Duke Ternein."
"Don't lie."
"...Lie?"
"You were looking at the Duke's daughter."
"...?"
Zion frowned, fully turning to Hanette.
She stared at him coldly.
"You said you wouldn't cheat. But your actions suggest otherwise."