Beast of the Frozen Night - Chapter 102.2

“At ease.”

Daymond motioned with his hand to ease the Marquis’s visible tension. The Marquis, who had stood confused for a moment, quickly realized his rude etiquette and adjusted his demeanor.

“You must have had a long journey. I wanted to visit yesterday, but I thought you might still be recovering from the trip. How do you find Yantilia?”

“The city is vibrant and beautiful.”

Anne said she wanted to stay in such a place for a long time, without setting a timeframe. Her voice that was softly flowing, was as soothing as birds chirping. It was nice to hear it. It eased the Marquis’s initial tension and allowed him to return to his usual demeanor more quickly.

He burst into cheerful laughter, adding to the conversation.

“Can it compare to the north? I’ve heard that the north is renowned for being a great place to live. I would love to visit sometime.”

“Visit in the summer, not winter. The winter might be too harsh for you.”

Anne, who was originally from the capital, had also struggled to adapt to the northern climate at first. Now she was fine, but a southerner like the Marquis would likely suffer a severe cold if visiting in the winter.

“Then I should time it with the festivals. I hope you stay as long as you wish. You probably won’t want to leave.”

Yantilia was known as a city that once people set foot in, they wouldn’t want to leave, the Marquis boasted.

He was a man who had no difficulty speaking in a pleasant way. Even in front of the cool-spirited Daymond, he kept laughing. It was confusing if he was the same person who had been very nervous and hardened a while ago.

Seizing the moment, Marquis Phold tactlessly offered to guide the Grand Duke and Duchess around the city. Despite Daymond’s refusal, the Marquis insisted on at least guiding them through the town square, and ultimately, they couldn’t reject his request.

Daymond sighed for a long time when he saw the Marquis, who said he would wait in the reception room while they finished preparing, instructed the servant behind him to prepare.

“Cheer up. It’s our first time here, and having a guide for the day isn’t so bad.”

This was what Anne, who had finished dressing for the morning sightseeing, said to her husband, who was standing with his arms folded behind the mirror.

Daymond pretended not to hear and turned his head away. He had already been bothered by nobility throughout the journey, and now even there were annoying faces here. He felt it was a waste of time, time that could be spent with Anne by himself.

However, he couldn’t argue against her sensible suggestion. They planned to relax and enjoy their leisure later but he also wanted to indulge Anne who wanted to properly see the new city.

“Why not take a look at me instead?”

Anne twirled slightly, causing her light dress to rustle softly.

Daymond walked up and stood behind Anne. His reflection appeared in the mirror, having shed the northern attire for a shirt and a thin cape suitable for the local climate.

Anne observed Daymond in his casual attire. No matter what he wore, he stood out, but the slightly different ambiance made her feel a curious sensation.

He said that it was a bit stuffy, so the slightly loosened shirt revealed Daymond’s prominent neck. His large frame meant that even clothes that weren’t tight-fitting hinted at the solid muscles underneath. The developed chest muscles were evident even through the light fabric, exuding an overwhelming masculine charm.

Despite his reluctance, Daymond dressed too dashingly, making Anne’s heart pounding. Feeling somewhat shy, she fidgeted with his collar once more and hurried him for a response.

“This is my first time wearing a Southern-style dress. Is it not too awkward for you?”

“No. You’re so beautiful that I don’t want anyone else to see you.”

“Just don’t tear it.”

Anne said with a light smile. Because the situation now made her recall a moment from the past.

“That time… I didn’t know what else to say.”

Realizing what moment Anne was referring to, Daymond awkwardly averted his eyes.

Even on the day of the first banquet at the Grand Duke’s castle, she had asked the same thing. Back then, although he found Anne incredibly beautiful, the words that came out were anything but eloquent.

It was a period when Daymond’s heart was too frozen to even offer a compliment to Anne. He responded curtly to whatever Anne said. He had never managed to sincerely tell her she was beautiful or express his true feelings.

Realizing this, Daymond felt a deep regret for the sadness he might have caused Anne due to the misunderstanding. The bitter remorse seemed like it would never go away. The guilt rose again and disturbed him.

“Oh, you look like you’ve just committed a crime.”

Catching his reflection in the mirror, Anne playfully asked.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Daymond turned her around to face him. Anne’s expression turned serious, sensing he was about to say something.

“I’ll say it again. Anne, you’ve never been anything but beautiful to me.”

Anne’s cheeks flushed slightly at his sweet reply. Anne knew well that Daymond was a man who didn’t make empty compliments.

“Beautiful. I mean it.”

Taking her hand, he placed it on his arm and reaffirmed his words with more emphasis. His gaze while looking at his wife, took a deeper red color.

With a slightly blushing cheek and a shy smile, Anne responded.

“It’s good to hear, so keep telling me as much as you want.”

Daymond nodded solemnly at her generous reply. He intended to say it forever.

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