Chapter 54
Lennox had to admit that, at least when it came to seducing one’s opponent, Olivia was one step ahead of him. Whether she intended for it to be that way or not, the outcome was the same.
He always ended up being the one possessed.
Touching his forehead, he let out a dejected laugh.
’I wonder if I can achieve my goal like this.’
For the first time in his long life, he doubted the effectiveness of his plan.
“There’s a delicious lemon sorbet shop near here that I want to go to.” Olivia slipped her hand into his, driving all the thoughts from his head. “Also, don’t even think about looking inside that paper bag,” she added, glancing at his other hand.
“So, you’re asking me to be your personal porter today, huh?”
“Didn’t you say you wanted to help me out?”
“I need to know what kind of stuff I’m carrying.”
“Then open it. I simply won’t wear them in that case.”
She was an indomitable opponent. Lennox readily admitted defeat this time, knowing that there were many days ahead.
“Alright, but you have to wear them for the rest of our honeymoon.”
“…!”
“You won’t break our agreement, will you? You said you’d wear them for me, so you have to keep your word.”
After several more teasing jabs, he managed to get an affirmative answer from her.
They soon arrived at the store, which was so popular that the entrance was crowded with people.
He didn’t like having to stand in line amongst others, so Lennox gave her a look of disapproval. “Why are there so many people?”
“Of course! Waiting in line is part of the experience.”
“This?” He frowned.
Being the sort of person who preferred to use a large transportation portal alone, he was displeased, but he kept his silence.
Olivia felt a strange sense of superiority and shrugged, pleased that he gave in so easily.
Fortunately, the line moved quickly and they were led inside. They were shown to a small table next to a round window with translucent curtains. Through it, one could see the beautiful coast. The sea sparkled like a blue jewel.
“Here are the lemon sorbets that you ordered.”
“Thank you.”
She lifted the glass lid and found a hollowed-out lemon filled with ivory sherbet. “Wow…”
Her mouth watered just from looking at it. When she put a spoonful into her mouth, the fresh, citrusy flavor burst from within.
“It’s delicious!”
Lennox smiled. “Is it that good?”
“Yes. The taste makes me appreciate being alive.”
“Where the hell do you learn such expressions?” he asked, evidently amused.
“I don’t learn them, they just come out on their own.”
After the sorbet came a small lemon tart.
It wasn’t until after she had cleaned the plate that she sat up, satisfied.
“So, what’s next on the itinerary?”
“Walking around and looking at the small shops?”
As it was a tourist destination, there were many places selling cute souvenirs. Unfortunately, they were just pretty things with no practicality or utility, the kind of things that were bought and then eventually forgotten.
But despite knowing all that, Olivia had to battle with temptation.
A guy waving a glowing stick and calling for customers caught her eye. “Wow, isn’t it cute?”
“If you like it, why don’t you buy one?”
“Hey, when and where would I even use it?”
Lennox looked on in mild confusion as she looked around and refused to buy anything, but once again kept his mouth shut.
They moved farther away from the commercial district, the shops becoming smaller and more modest. Just as they were about to head back…
“Lennox, see that sign over there?”
His gaze moved in the direction of her finger. His eyebrows twitched.
“The store is called ‘Lennox’!” She unlinked their arms and walked briskly towards it like an explorer who was about to make a great discovery.
The small letters on the signboard came into view.
“An antique store?”
It seemed old and plain from the outside, but the polished door and window frame, the clean surroundings and the flower arrangements lined up along the wall, all had a charm that caught Olivia’s eye.
It felt like she could see into the owner’s mind.
She looked back at her husband. “How do you like it, Lennox? Don’t you want to enter ‘Lennox’?”
“What are you waiting for? You were thinking of going in regardless of my answer.”
“Haha… was it that obvious?” She laughed awkwardly.
A large hand lightly touched her cheek, soft and cool against her skin. She blinked rapidly.
“It’s written all over your face,” he answered plainly before dropping his hand.
In the end, it was only Olivia who got flustered. She cleared her throat and, with much effort, schooled her expression.
At that moment, the door of the shop opened wide with the sound of a tinkling bell. A well-dressed middle-aged man came out and greeted them with a bright smile.
Lennox reacted quickly, casually wrapping an arm around her shoulder and nodding at the shopkeeper. “Let’s go in.”
The atmosphere inside the store was unique, perfect for an antique store. There were brown display cases that looked decades old, but they were all well-maintained and clean, and the items were all in order.
“There are a lot of rings.”
There were many types, but more than half of the jewelry on display were rings.
The shopkeeper blushed at the comment. “Ah, our shop has been passed down from generation to generation, but originally, it was a ring crafting shop even during my grandfather’s time. Right now, I can’t make a living from that alone, so I buy and sell a variety of items.”
“I understand. Then, by any chance, can I know what the store name means?”
“Oh, you mean ‘Lennox’?”
Olivia glanced at her husband, who, sure enough, had a deep wrinkle on his forehead.
The owner continued with a smile, “Actually, my daughter is a scholar-in-training. She works in interpretation at the temple.”
“Of what?”
Lennox explained, “The New Language was used in Elysium until about a thousand years ago, before the imperial language we have today.”
“Yes, that’s right. A thousand years ago, the Vagan Empire was still in power.” The man shook his head. “My daughter told me that ‘Lennox’ in that language means ‘promise’. A ring is an accessory that promises eternal love, so I thought it would go well with our store.”
“Promise…” She poked Lennox’s elbow and held onto it. “Does your name have that meaning as well?”
“No,” he flatly denied. “It doesn’t.”
Olivia went on her tiptoes and whispered into his ear, “Then, what does your name mean?”
He stared at her for a moment. “It means nothing.”
“Hm? But…”
“It’s just a random name, without anything in particular behind it.”
She’d been about to ask how a person’s name could have no meaning, but there was a melancholy in his voice that prevented her from pressing him.
“Then, shall we take a look at the wares now?” Hurriedly trying to disperse the sudden, subdued atmosphere, she turned in the opposite direction.
Necklaces and scarves hung on hangers on the wall, and the earrings were on a revolving display mechanism, winking in the light. There were also trinkets and colorful bracelets, but the rings truly were the most intriguing things in the room.
Perhaps because they were all the works of generations of master jewelers, there were many that had vintage and unique designs. Some had intricate craftsmanship, and others were so thick that they seemed unwearable. There was a large variety of settings and gems.
It was a pleasure to see so many beautiful things.
“Oh?”
A ring in the corner of the case caught her attention.
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