Uhm…

She couldn’t find the words right away. Even though she should’ve calmed down during the journey, her cheeks started to heat up again. Seeing such an Avril, Dylan seemed even more pleased.

Leaning against the railing of the deck, he told her.

“I love you, Avril.”

“Y-yes… Me too.”

For some reason, Dylan ignored the answer she reflexively came up with.

“I’m aware of how incredibly slow Avril can be. In fact, I’ve come to think that you confuse your feelings towards me with familial love, or even fondness for animals.”

The stars twinkled in the night sky. The atmosphere was very romantic—at least, that was how it was supposed to be. Yet somehow, it was as if she could hear Chris’ laughter reverberating from elsewhere.

Dylan also had a faraway look in his eyes. Even though she was the one at fault, she could imagine the hardships he went through on a daily basis.

I’m truly sorry.

Avril bowed her head.

“I apologize for that.”

“Regardless, about what you said earlier, I feel that something was a bit different.”

“Yes! I was really nervous after I said it, too.”

As she said that, her eyes met Dylan’s. Despite how slow-witted she was, even Avril could tell that was supposed to be a sweet moment. Unfortunately, they had boarded that ship to find Teresa.

Dylan seemed to get the hint too. He caressed Avril’s hair and reluctantly changed the subject.

“…Still, well done. Back in the masquerade, Avril made a name for herself as a villainess. There’s no way that man could’ve imagined that the Avril he saw earlier was the same villainess who had defeated him so handedly in chess. Moreover, this was our first time meeting, so I doubt he’ll even talk to us again.”

“Uhm, is it safe to assume that Mr. Thomas no longer suspects us having anything to do with the masquerade?”

“Indeed. If he suspected us, he would’ve followed us, but he didn’t.”

Dylan looked at the door that separated them from the party venue. There stood Chris, smiling and shaking his head. In other words, no one suspicious had followed them.

“After this, I’ll return to the venue to look for Teresa. Avril, you can return to your room and rest.”

“No, I’ll come with you.”

Afterwards, Dylan spread the coat Avril had just returned and draped it over her shoulders. Her shoulders, cold from the night breeze, felt warm. She caught a whiff of Dylan’s scent.

“Earlier, it occurred to me. I don’t want others to see you dressed so attractively.”

“…I see. I understand?”

Avril tilted her head, blinking rapidly, eliciting more laughter from Dylan.

“We can continue this after the wedding.”

“Yes, Lord Dylan.”

She kind of understood, but she was still unsure. Avril realized that it would be easier for them to find Teresa without her, so she decided to follow Dylan’s advice and quietly returned to her room.

---

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***T/N: LMFAO HAHAHA THEY REAFFIRMED THEIR LOVE ON THE ROMANTIC CRUISE

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