Chapter: 1021

On the last day of the year, Gretel simply packed her things and prepared to head down the mountains.

“I’m going to the New Year’s market.”

“Is there a market around here?” asked Fritz.

“It’s not usually there, but there’s a market by the lake around this time.”

The lake below the mountain range is a large lake that straddled the borders of the three towns.

In every town, boats and merchants come and go by the lake every day.

In particular, the village below is where there is a marina over the lake, so there is a small market on special days like now.

Gretel had been waiting for the New Year’s market to open for a long time.

“Do you mind if I come with you?”

“Yes?”

Gretel was taken aback by the sudden offer and asked in a panic, “If you need anything, can I buy it for you?”

Gretel herself thought it was a really stupid question to ask.

There’s no way he, a Duke, would need anything in such a town market, and if he had something to buy, he would have sent his servants a long time ago.

Fritz smiled slightly embarrassed but with a bittersweet look.

“I don’t feel comfortable seeing Miss Gretel go alone.”

Gretel stuttered in surprise at Fritz’s suggestion.

“I-I’m fine…….”

“It’s because you have to go a long way down the mountain path. I’d like to accompany you if you allow me.”

Gretel was always embarrassed whenever he showed this chivalrous courtesy. But she had no intention of rejecting him outright.

She felt bad if she rejected him bluntly when he was worried about her like this, and on the other hand, she was looking forward to going with him.

‘Well, I think it’ll be fine.’

Fritz had been stuck in the mountains for a long time, so he must be a bit frustrated.

It is true that mountain paths are treacherous.

She always moved around cautiously when alone, but it seemed she would be relieved when she was with the Duke.

“Great. It would be nice if you could go with me.”