Afternoon in the city.
Children ran through the streets, laughing and playing, while others strolled leisurely, browsing shops or simply enjoying the warm day.
However, some people couldn't help but cast lingering glances in their direction. Understandably so—Adeline was walking alongside two unusually attractive individuals, despite the veil of disguise magic concealing their true features.
Duke Darwin wore simple townsfolk attire: a plain shirt, dark trousers, and sturdy boots. His usual jet-black hair was disguised as a soft brown, and his piercing ruby eyes had shifted to a clear green. Dane matched his father's look, donning similar clothes and the same enchantment. Adeline, meanwhile, remained as she was—her natural beauty unmasked.
"Your charm still seeps through the disguise," she sighed for what felt like the hundredth time, shaking her head in exasperation.
As they walked, Dane's gaze caught on a familiar boutique for the second time. Since he was now the duke's heir, he had the means to purchase something special for his mother.
He tugged lightly at the hem of her skirt. "Mom, let's go into that boutique."
Adeline glanced at the storefront, brows slightly raised. "Why?"
"I want to buy you some dresses!" he said enthusiastically, his eyes bright with excitement.
"H-huh? There's no need—"
"I promised myself that if I ever got the chance, I'd buy you something nice. Can't I do that now?" Dane asked, his eyes earnest.
Adeline hesitated. She didn't want to take advantage of her son's new position. Accepting extravagant gifts just because of his status felt wrong to her.
Darwin glanced at the boutique and spoke casually, "Since you're going to hold a noble title soon, buying some proper dresses isn't a bad idea."
Dane nodded eagerly. "Mom, please don't worry about it. I just want to give you a gift. Please?" He clasped his hands together, his expression full of hope.
Adeline let out a long sigh, finally relenting. She ruffled Dane's hair affectionately. "Alright, do as you wish."
Beaming with excitement, Dane grabbed her hand and pulled her into the boutique.
Darwin, who had been observing them silently, found the scene unexpectedly endearing. Especially Adeline—despite knowing Dane was his son and the future heir, she never once tried to exploit it. She treated Dane like any ordinary child and, even here in Darwin's manor and in his presence, she never fawned over him or sought favor. Instead, she constantly challenged him. They bickered over both trivial and serious matters alike—they were like cats and dogs.
With an amused shake of his head, Darwin followed them inside.
Dane eagerly selected dress after dress for his mother to try on. No matter what she wore, Adeline looked stunning.
"Mom! Everything looks amazing on you. It's hard to choose!" Dane grinned brightly. "I'll just buy everything here."
"S-stop!" Adeline quickly intercepted him. "Dane, don't spend money so carelessly. Haven't I taught you better than that?"
Dane nodded sheepishly. "Yes, I remember, Mom. It's just… I want to spoil you. It's always been my dream to buy you beautiful dresses." His shoulders drooped and he looked down, like a scolded puppy.
Adeline's heart ached at the sight, but as his mother, she knew she had to stay firm.
Darwin raised a hand to catch her attention. "Don't worry. I won't go bankrupt just because my son bought you a few dresses. And besides," he added with a faint, amused smile, "you did say you respected your son's decisions as long as he's happy, didn't you?"
Adeline sighed, knowing she couldn't argue with that.
In the end, they bought everything. Adeline was exhausted after trying on so many dresses for what felt like hours.
"Mom, I'm hungry. Let's eat some barbecue!" Dane tugged on her skirt, his eyes sparkling with energy despite the long day.
Adeline chuckled and nodded, following him as he eagerly led the way. Darwin trailed silently behind them.
They spent the rest of the day exploring the city—shopping, eating street food, and even visiting a small park where Dane fed birds and played games. Surprisingly, Darwin willingly went along with everything Dane asked, no matter how trivial. Adeline felt a little awkward about it at first, but eventually, she let her worries go and enjoyed the day.
By the time the sun began to set, painting the sky in warm hues of orange and gold, their carriage had arrived to take them back. Dane climbed into it sleepily, his energy finally spent. Adeline was about to step in herself when a hand reached out to her—it was Darwin's.
"Your Grace?" she asked, blinking in surprise.
"You're getting in, so I'm simply doing my part as a gentleman," he replied smoothly.
Adeline hesitated only for a moment before awkwardly accepting his hand and stepping into the carriage. The wheels creaked into motion as they left the bustling city behind.
A few minutes later, Dane had drifted off to sleep with his head resting comfortably in her lap. Adeline, too, felt her eyelids grow heavy. She rubbed her eyes in an attempt to stay awake.
Darwin noticed and spoke softly, "Go ahead and rest. I'll wake you both when we arrive."
She gave a small nod and soon drifted off, her breathing soft and even.
Darwin glanced at them quietly. His life had taken an unexpected turn. He had a son from that long-forgotten incident—and the boy came with a mother who constantly argued with him, challenged him at every turn, and never bowed to his title or status. It was… unsettling, but oddly refreshing.
When Adeline's head began to loll towards the hard wall of the carriage, Darwin swiftly raised his hand to block it, preventing her from bumping into it. The gesture felt strange and unfamiliar. He wasn't the type to show such casual care, especially not to women. He had always kept others at arm's length, indifferent to their presence.
Yet somehow, this woman made him act in ways he normally wouldn't. Spending the day in the city, doing ordinary things like an ordinary person—it was all because of her stubborn persistence. Dane was certainly part of it, but if not for her relentless arguments earlier, Darwin wouldn't have even considered coming along.
After a brief moment of hesitation, he switched seats and sat beside her, carefully resting her head against his shoulder.
Just this once, he thought, glancing down at her peaceful face.