Episode 157: Rudbeckia’s Resolve #2
He asked again.
“…Your house?”
“Yes, my house. The one I live in.”
Rudbeckia averted her gaze slightly and let out an awkward laugh, as if embarrassed by her own words. A faint blush spread across her cheeks.
An invitation to her home.
There was no mistaking what that meant.
‘No wonder she seemed different today.’
It seemed that today, she had decided to bring an end to this ambiguous and delicate relationship.
And it was about time—at this point, they were practically a couple in all but name.
“That sounds like a rather suggestive offer.”
Yohan chuckled lightly, his steady gaze fixed on Rudbeckia.
“Ahem, ahem. What do you mean by that? I just… I simply wanted to treat you to a meal I cooked myself, that’s all—”
Rudbeckia’s voice trailed off as she forced another awkward smile. But she still couldn’t meet his eyes. Her body language betrayed her true feelings, revealing the emotions she wanted to hide.
Since she was clearly flustered, he decided to play along and pretend not to notice.
“A meal personally prepared by Aide Rudbeckia? Now that’s something to look forward to.”
“Hehe, you should look forward to it! I may surprise you with my skills.”
She puffed out her chest proudly and shrugged her shoulders in a triumphant manner. Yohan smirked.
“Wait, I didn’t know you could cook.”
“Oh, I could. I used to do it often as a hobby.”
Rudbeckia smiled bitterly.
That was a lie.
Before her regression, the world had already fallen into ruin. Having a cook prepare a meal was a luxury—just getting something to eat at all was a struggle. It wouldn’t have been an exaggeration to say that the aristocratic society itself had collapsed.
She had learned to cook simply to survive.
And through that necessity, she had naturally improved.
Of course, she wasn’t skilled enough to present elaborate gourmet dishes like a professional chef. But when it came to taste and practicality, she had confidence in her abilities—because her meals had been a matter of life and death.
She had even caught fish herself.
Gone hunting. Learned to farm.
Because if she wanted to live, she had no other choice.
“Hmm, cooking, huh? That’s quite a valuable hobby. And not a common one.”
Yohan stroked his chin thoughtfully and nodded.
Most people born into nobility never learned to cook. They had no reason to. After all, there were servants to handle that.
Besides, there was a deeply ingrained notion that cooking was beneath them—something only commoners did. At most, noblewomen might try their hand at baking cookies or making simple desserts, but that was about it.
In that sense, Rudbeckia was both unusual and exceptional. And yet, that was precisely what made her all the more intriguing.
“Today, I’ve learned something new about Aide Rudbeckia.”
Hearing his words, Rudbeckia smiled, warmth spreading in her chest.
Yes, she had expected him to react like this.
“I’ll show you even more of my hidden sides.”
***
The imperial capital, the largest city in the empire, was divided into four districts—East, West, North, and South.
Each district had its own designated role, and since the city had been meticulously planned, the divisions were clearly structured.
Rudbeckia’s residence was located in the eastern district, within a noble residential area.
Though it wasn’t as luxurious as the estate of Rudella, it was still a prime location where nobles residing in the capital primarily lived or visited. The area was well-equipped with amenities, and the streets were neatly maintained.
Yohan and Rudbeckia stopped in front of a modest two-story house. Unlike a grand mansion, its design emphasized simplicity and practicality.
It wasn’t overly large, nor was it small.
It was the perfect size for a woman living alone.
“You’ve been living here alone?”
“I do have one maid.”
“Just one? That sounds a bit unsafe.”
“Oh, come on—who would commit a crime in this area?”
Rudbeckia giggled. This was one of the most secure residential districts in the capital. The city guards patrolled here first and paid the most attention to its safety. There was no need to worry about crime.
“Come on in!”
He opened the door.
As they stepped inside through the entrance, a bright stone-floored living room was revealed. A sofa and a fireplace were placed within, and beneath them lay a deep-colored rug with intricate patterns.
The windows were arched, and thin, white lace curtains were drawn to allow soft light to filter in. Meanwhile, beside the fireplace, a low sofa and a small table were arranged—perfect for reading or light conversation.
“It’s quite neat.”
“Right? I like this kind of atmosphere.”
Yohan nodded in agreement.
“When we go to Lahart’s territory, it seems best to decorate your room in a similar way.”
Then, he let out a small chuckle.
“Hmm, aren’t we moving a little too fast?”
“Why? You seem quite eager to come along.”
Yohan gently wrapped his hand around Rudbeckia’s slender waist. Beneath her soft skin, he could feel a surprisingly toned figure.
“Huup?!”
Caught off guard by the sudden touch, Rudbeckia stiffened, her entire body reacting as if she were a cat whose tail had just been grabbed.
“It’s not time for that yet…!”
She wiggled out of Yohan’s arms, albeit reluctantly. It was the embrace she had longed for, but she wanted to save it for the right night.
“Hmm, so we’re not quite there yet?”
“We are that close…! But for tonight—”
“Tonight?”
“…”
Realizing what she had just let slip, she hastily averted her gaze. Yohan couldn’t help but chuckle. He had come here fully aware of everything, so what was she even trying to hide?
Still, he found it endearing, so he decided to let it go. She had something planned, after all.
“But do you work out?”
“Work out?”
Rudbeckia tilted her head in confusion, and Yohan gestured toward her waist.
“You seem more muscular than I expected.”
“Ah…!”
Finally understanding his words, Rudbeckia instinctively wrapped both hands around her stomach.
“How could you notice something like that…?!”
“It’s hard not to, when I can feel it.”
“Ugh…”
She looked at Yohan with a pout, almost teary-eyed. Her plan was ruined. She had wanted to surprise him tonight by showing a completely different side of herself!
“Honestly…”
Sighing in disappointment, Rudbeckia murmured,
“I’ve always worked out diligently. Of course, part of it was for maintaining my figure and health, but more than that, I realized just how crucial physical ability is in emergency situations.”
Of course, the biggest reason she trained her body was for Yohan. Even if theirs had been an empty-shell marriage, they had spent five years together. She had a good grasp of his preferences.
But that wasn’t the only reason.
“When you’re in a desperate situation, when there’s no one you can rely on for help—having a strong body can be the key to survival.”
The post-apocalyptic world she had once lived in had been pure chaos. If you couldn’t protect yourself, you wouldn’t survive. That was the reality of her past life.
Although Rudbeckia had been a first-class mage with privileges even among government officials, basic physical endurance was a completely separate matter.
“Is this because of your past experiences?”
“My past?”
“When you encountered the mages in training.”
Rudbeckia smiled faintly and nodded.
“In a way, yes.”
“Hmm.”
Yohan narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Seems like I should put in more effort.”
“Huh? Why so suddenly?”
“I can’t let you feel that way again.”
Then, he slowly smiled.
For a moment, Rudbeckia’s body stiffened.
That bright, unexpected smile struck her heart with overwhelming force.
“Ahem, ahem.”
She cleared her throat unnecessarily and turned her gaze away. She had been fine just moments ago, but after hearing those words and seeing Yohan’s smile, her face felt strangely warm.
“Didn’t you say you had a maid?”
“Ah, she’s not here today. I gave her a day off.”
“A day off, huh?”
Yohan smirked.
“What reason would you have to give your maid a day off?”
“W-well, she hasn’t been able to visit her family lately… Since she came to the capital with me, she hasn’t been able to return to her hometown either…”
“And that’s the only reason?”
His deep blue eyes gazed intently at Rudbeckia. She felt her breath hitch. At times like this, there was only one solution—changing the subject.
“Ah…! You must be hungry! I’ll serve the food now!”
Using a clumsy excuse, Rudbeckia quickly moved toward the kitchen, narrowing her eyes as she did.
“Honestly… Yohan, you’re so mischievous.”
“Sorry. It just happens when I see you.”
“Well, I suppose I’ll let it slide. Since I do have my adorable moments.”
Rudbeckia puffed out her chest with confidence, lifting her chin proudly.
“You’re quite self-aware.”
Yohan responded with a calm smile. Rudbeckia blinked, momentarily dumbfounded.
“…I didn’t expect you to agree so readily.”
“How could I not when it’s true?”
“Ugh…”
Why did it always feel like she was losing? Had Yohan always been like this? Thinking back, he had shown this kind of straightforward boldness even before her regression.
Although, back then, he hadn’t directed it at her very often.
“…”
Then, a thought suddenly crossed her mind. Her eyes, which had been curving in amusement, subtly narrowed. The reason Yohan had become so much more relaxed and free-spirited compared to before was probably—
Francia Fervache.
That woman.
She no longer intended to resent Francia Fervache, but it still stung to think that Yohan had been completely influenced by her.
‘No.’
Rudbeckia shook her head. She had to remember the past, but it was time to let most of it go. What mattered now was the present.
“Anyway… I’ll serve the meal now. Please take a seat at the dining table and wait.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Yohan watched her intently as he waited for the meal.
Rudbeckia found his gaze a little overwhelming, but not entirely unwelcome. In fact, she liked it. It meant that he was focused on her.
***
After the meal, the two leisurely sipped tea, enjoying the lingering flavors. The gentle aroma of tea filled the room, and the soft clink of teacups subtly broke the silence.
“How was it? It was delicious, right?”
“Quite. You’re really skilled, Rudbeckia. I doubt I could find a meal like this anywhere else.”
Receiving the compliment so casually, Rudbeckia lifted her chin proudly and smiled.
“Hehe, I practiced a lot, you know?”
“For this day?”
“W-well… yes?”
Yohan smiled gently.
“You must have been looking forward to it a lot.”
“W-well… yes?”
“That’s the same answer as before.”
“Ahem, well… it is true…?”
Feeling embarrassed, Rudbeckia covered her mouth with her hand and cleared her throat. Her gaze avoided Yohan entirely, instead fixating on the wall.
“A-anyway! Does your stomach feel comfortable now?”
“Hmm, everything has settled. Why?”
“Because I still have one last thing to serve.”
“The last thing?”
Yohan tilted his head.
Was there more?
“Now, it’s time for the real main course. It’s a specialty of the House of Count Freeche.”
Rudbeckia smiled, her fingers slowly tracing along Yohan’s hand. Her touch was soft. A delicate fragrance of scented oil mixed with her own scent, making his head feel slightly hazy.
“…And what might that be?”
Yohan blinked.
Rudbeckia’s smile deepened.
“Me.”