TL: Zimming

Editor: bodyinthefreezer

I went to my room and opened the book, but I couldnt focus at all.

While I was away for seven years, Blake spent all his time at Amoria Palace, without ever attending the festival.

If your curse is lifted and youre tall enough to not get lost, then lets go to the festival together.

Yes, well definitely go to the festival together.

It must be because of that promise

It was because of me. If I had known this would happen, I wouldve never made such a promise.

According to Chelsea, Blake didnt attend the imperial ball unless it was an important event. Even then, he would just show his face and leave quickly. He never danced with another woman.

I guessed that it was because of me again.

I shouldnt have given any meaning to our first dance or festival

Once the curse was lifted, he shouldve had fun and been happy. He shouldve attended festivals, enjoyed parties, and lived a happy life

Tears rolled down my face and blurred my vision. I couldnt make out the words in the book, but It wasnt because of the tears.

I felt dizzy. How long could this body last?

I had to leave before I caused Blake any greater sadness, but I hadnt built up the courage yet.

I had the confidence to survive alone outside the palace. It was the same in Korea.

After my grandmother passed away, I had to live alone. I had already experienced it once, so there would be a way to make money again somehow.

But if I left now, I would never see Blake again. So, I still hadnt made up my resolve.

I wasnt ready to leave him yet.

Rose.

I heard Blakes voice following a knock on my door. I wiped my tears in a hurry, but Blake still saw it.

Rose, whats wrong? Whats the matter?

From the sound of his voice alone I could tell how worried Blake was.

I quickly scribbled in my notebook.

The story in this book is sad.

Is it really because of that?

I nodded my head as Blake pulled out a handkerchief and wiped my tears himself.

It must be very sad.

I nodded again.

Shall we go outside and get some air?

I looked at him in surprise. He wants to go outside? I heard Blake rarely went out unless he was going to the valley of chaos.

If I said I wouldnt go, so would Blake. I hope he forgets our promises, becomes free of all traces of me.

Blake smiled brightly as I nodded.

Actually, I prepared this.

Blake gave me a white box. It contained a simple mask made of silver. It was the same shape that Blake used in the past.

I dont mind it, but if you want to, try this.

He spoke cautiously, as if afraid that Id hurt.

Blake was once cursed. He didnt feel repulsed by my appearance, because he was also despised and hated for being a monster back then. As a person who had experienced the same thing, he was very considerate of me.

Thank you.

I expressed my gratitude silently.

***

Even if the founding day celebration had yet to begin, the square was already buzzing with a festive mood.

There were many stands that sold various local foods, and there were many more people than usual.

No, I wasnt sure if it was more than usual. All I remembered was the square from years ago. Anyway, the square was crowded with a lot more people than it was seven years ago.

Theres a lot of people.

I know. The festival hasnt even started, but theres so many people already. Are you alright?

I nodded. My scars werent visible because I wore a mask and white gloves. Besides, there were many people who wore unique costumes because of the festival, so no one paid any attention to my mask.

My Rose, I have to make sure you wont get lost.

He held my hand tightly.

Was it because of what I said before?

Seven years ago at the Festival of Lights, I once said that I was afraid I would get lost in the square.

Did he still believe I was Ancia? Or was it just because there were a lot of people?

Are you really okay? You have to tell me if youre scared because there are so many people.

He checked over and over again. He was overprotective to the point that I wondered if he saw me as a child.

Its alright. Im glad there are so many people.

Thats a relief then.

He smiled.

I was afraid of the square. Of course, not right now, but when I was young, I thought it was a really scary place. I was cursed and couldnt get out of the palace.

He confided in me in a calm voice.

So I learnt about the world only from books. Every time I read a novel, there were always problems happening in the square. So I thought it was much more dangerous than the valley of chaos. Its stupid, isnt it?

No, not at all.

I smiled and shook my head.

When my wife went to the square, I felt very scared and restless.

I wish wed gone out together like this.

He looked at me. His eyes were filled with sadness and regret. I couldnt face him and turned my head away.

If he kept looking at me like this, I felt like I would really cry.

We walked with our hands clasped together.

Even though the festival hadnt officially started yet, there were plenty of things to see. There were many unique foods, and many people performed, song and dance filling the streets.

How long had it been since I laughed so freely? Even after living in Korea and returning here, I had always felt uneasy.

As soon as I woke up in the morning, I always checked to see if Blakes curse had spread, whether he had a fever or if he was sick. I was nervous and often couldnt sleep well because I couldnt find a way to lift his curse.

Now that I looked back, when I wandered through the pitch-black door of darkness, I felt that it was painful and arduous, but I didnt feel as anxious.

I looked at Blake. His appearance and growth made me smile.

Even if my life would end soon, it was enough as long as Blake wasnt sick.

As I was looking at his flawless left face, Blake turned his head.

Dont make that kind of expression.

?

I didnt know what he meant so I looked at him puzzledly. Suddenly, Blake came closer.

You look like youre going to leave.

I just smiled. Even if I didnt want to, I had no choice but to leave.

Now I couldnt even tell white lies.

Im hungry.

okay. Lets get something delicious to eat.

Blake was heading toward a restaurant, but I shook my head and pointed at a food stand. Since we came out like this, I wanted to try dishes that I couldnt usually eat.

We ate traditional food from the Canua Empire. It looked just like dumplings on the outside, but its insides were like pizza. Overall, it tasted like pizza bread.

It was quite delicious. I bought a refreshing candy apple to eat for dessert. While I was eating it, it somehow fell into the ground.

Ah, thats too bad

As I stared at the dusty candy apple in despair, Blake burst into laughter.

Im sorry, but youre so cute.

What me?

You look like a little kid who just dropped their candy. You didnt do that even when you were a kid.

The moment I heard him, my heart sank.

how do you know whether or not I did it when I was a kid?

Although I denied it quickly, Blake just smiled.

Why are you so sullen?

Its a shame.

I can buy you a thousand more if you want.

No need.

If someone dropped something in the middle of eating it, they would certainly experience a mental shock.

When I lived in Korea, I accidentally dropped a watermelon. At that time, I couldnt stop thinking about the shattered watermelon.

I didnt get in trouble with my grandmother because I was young, but thinking about it even now, I felt it was such a waste.

As I looked at the big candy that fell to the ground with eyes full of lingering emotions, I could hear Blakes voice.

My Rose is so cute. What am I going to do?

I looked at him in surprise. He was looking at me as if I was really cute. I still felt shocked by how much Blake adored me.

Do you want to get one more?

I shook my head. The candy was just easy to eat and pretty to look at.

Ill buy it for you.

I wont eat it.

Okay. Ill stop teasing. Dont be mad.

Im not mad.

Really?

Blake bent his knees and looked up at me. His eyes glistened like an innocent boy and he looked breathtakingly beautiful. Even if I was really angry, I couldnt get mad at him anymore.

I think he knew very well that he was handsome. I burst into laughter.