The Imperial Arboretum was a historic park established by Emperor Alexander Bell during the founding of the Empire.

Located near the capital, it was a place commoners visited at least once in their lifetime, and nobles often frequented it for strolls with acquaintances.

Today, a man and a woman walked side by side through the neatly arranged arboretum.

“What a breathtaking sight. It’s no wonder the founding emperor left it behind after falling for it at first sight.”

“I didn’t realize this was your first visit.”

“Haha, I’ve never had a reason to leave the Somerset estate until now.”

The blonde young man and the blue-haired woman conversed as they strolled, their appearance suggesting the intimacy of a romantic couple.

‘I’m the first woman to visit the arboretum with Rupert!’

The woman who thought this, feeling satisfied with her choice of date location, was none other than Amelia.

Amelia, determined to act before others, had boldly suggested to Rupert that they visit the arboretum together—and her courage was now being rewarded.

“I once saw a tree that has stood for over a thousand years in the depths of the arboretum. It was truly mysterious.”

“Is that so? Then we should take a look while we’re here.”

Following the meticulous plans she had made with her maid, Amelia guided Rupert deeper into the arboretum.

So far, everything was going smoothly.

Just being alone with him now seemed to dissolve all the anxiety and nervousness she had felt until now.

‘I never thought he’d be like this.’

Recalling her first meeting with Rupert, Amelia couldn’t have imagined she’d fall for him so deeply.

His cold demeanor and curt manner of speech had given her the impression of someone who found her difficult to deal with. Though she didn’t show it, his attitude had been mildly shocking.

No one had ever treated her that way before—not the beautiful young lady of a ducal family. Rupert had left an indelible impression as a cold, distant person.

However,

Ever since he handed her a storybook that looked remarkably like her, she found herself unable to stop thinking about him.

When those feelings grew to the point where she feared they were her own illusions, Rupert had warmly comforted her.

It was then Amelia realized.

She truly liked this man.

“Rupert, I have something to tell you.”

“…Yes, please go ahead.”

As their casual conversation led them deeper into the arboretum, Amelia confirmed there was no one else around before speaking to Rupert, who answered after a slight pause.

“I like you.”

“….”

“So, please become my lover.”

To Amelia’s confession, Rupert responded neither with surprise nor panic, maintaining a stoic expression and a brief silence.

Yet, to Amelia, that silence felt as if it stretched for an eternity.

Her confidence, which had felt nearly unshakable just moments ago, was long gone. Anxiety and fear of rejection swirled in her mind.

“Lady Amelia, I….”

Finally, Rupert opened his mouth to speak.

“Rupert, you’ve received two marriage proposals. You should decide.”

“Father, I’ve told you before—reject all marriage proposals for now.”

Rupert replied dismissively to his father, Marquis Bradley Somerset, who informed him of the offers.

Since his works had become wildly successful and revived the Somerset family from its fall, Rupert had received an overwhelming number of marriage proposals.

However, Rupert, believing he lacked the time to focus on anything but his work and businesses, had rejected them all.

He had also asked Marquis Bradley to politely turn down any future proposals on his behalf.

“This isn’t something I can handle alone.”

But Marquis Bradley couldn’t deal with this particular matter as he usually would.

“Bluewell… and the Imperial family?!”

Discovering the identities of the proposers, Rupert couldn’t help but be shocked.

The proposal from Lady Amelia of the Bluewell Ducal family and another from Princess Iolin of the Imperial family were enough to leave Rupert stunned.

“What on earth…?”

Rupert couldn’t understand how things had come to this.

While he was indeed considered one of the most eligible bachelors in the Empire, the Bluewell family and the Imperial family were far beyond what Rupert could imagine himself approaching.

The aristocracy’s most prestigious family and the Emperor’s own daughter were leagues apart from even Rupert’s current success.

“Wait, does this mean…?”

Suddenly, memories of his past encounters with Amelia rushed through Rupert’s mind.

Recalling their peculiar first meeting, Rupert involuntarily slapped his forehead.

“This is insane!”

From modeling her for his storybook to receiving invitations to family banquets, and even Amelia visiting him when he was unwell, the events painted a picture that undeniably resembled a romantic entanglement.

Back at the arboretum, Amelia awaited Rupert’s answer.

Her trembling lips and fingers nervously tugging at her clothes betrayed her anxiety.

Even in a medieval-like world, where women confessing to men was almost unheard of—especially for a noble lady—Amelia had boldly done so.

Rupert, struck by her beauty as if seeing it anew, couldn’t help but feel his heart race.

‘Is this Rupert’s body reacting, or is it me?’

The original Rupert had been infatuated with Amelia, trailing after her and seeking her attention.

But this Rupert, knowing this world was no longer just a story, understood that the future could change based on his actions.

After a long silence, Rupert finally spoke.

“Lady Amelia, thank you for expressing your feelings so sincerely. Allow me to respond just as honestly.”

“Yes.”

Rupert hesitated, his heart pounding uncontrollably.

“I….”

Rupert’s feelings leaned toward liking Amelia. Her kindness, beauty, and warmth were impossible to dislike.

But he hesitated for a different reason.

“Is it because you don’t like me?”

“It’s not that, Lady Amelia. I like you.”

Hearing his answer, Amelia’s expression visibly brightened, relieved of the tension she’d been holding.

“Then is there another reason you can’t accept my confession?”

Caught by Amelia’s perceptiveness, Rupert explained.

“I have goals I must achieve.”

His responsibilities had grown far beyond his family. Now, countless people depended on him.

Rupert’s overwhelming sense of duty left him unable to ask Amelia to wait for him.

Amelia’s expression shifted into one of deep contemplation.

“Does that mean you’d accept me when your work stabilizes?”

“I… well….”

Before Rupert could finish, Amelia placed her finger on his lips.

“Liking you is my decision, and waiting is my choice. So, Rupert, just answer me this: Can I wait for you?”

Her firm resolve left Rupert speechless.

Finally, Rupert answered.

“When that time comes, I promise to respond to your confession.”

It was a calm yet resolute declaration.

Hearing this, Amelia smiled through her tears.