Praise? Still caught up in my bewilderment, my mind wasn’t working very well. 

“I planned this surprise trip just for you, after all. I worked hard, investigating the southern region and everything. Me, personally.” 

Edwin’s eyes gleamed like an eager puppy waiting for its master’s praise. I almost imagined an invisible tail wagging furiously behind him. 

It was hard to adjust to seeing the usually fierce dragon acting like a puppy, and I had no idea what kind of praise he wanted. But under the pressure of his intense gaze, I had no time to overthink. I just said the first thing that came to mind. 

“Um… well done?” 

Edwin’s smile disappeared. 

That wasn’t it? Then… 

“Th…thank you?” 

“Just words?” 

“Is there something you want?” 

For some reason, I felt a growing sense of unease as I asked. 

“Right here.” Edwin tapped his cheek, eyes sparkling expectantly. 

‘What would happen if I said no?’ 

I imagined the warm summer breeze suddenly turning into a biting winter chill. 

I took a small breath, preparing myself mentally. 

‘Well, he is taking me to the capital, so I suppose I owe him this much.’ 

He even brought me all the way here just to show me the sea. 

I began rationalising my decision by recalling all the things I should be thankful for. 

“Angelina?” 

His eyes narrowed as if I had taken too long to respond. 

Steeling myself, I quickly pecked him on the cheek and immediately pulled away. 

Edwin, who had briefly widened his eyes in surprise, soon smiled warmly. 

“Worth the wait,” he muttered softly as he began to walk. 

Unlike my flushed face, his steps were light. 

“Where do you want to eat? Pick a spot.” 

Looking around, I saw smoke rising from several places where fish was being grilled. 

“Let’s go over there.” 

There were not only regular shops lining the streets but also stalls decorated in yellow. I pointed toward the place with the most smoke, and Edwin obediently headed that way. Beryl and the Wolf Knights followed close behind us. 

People had occasionally glanced our way in the West, but here, it was even more pronounced. Some of the women even blushed when they looked at Edwin. 

‘So, he really hasn’t left the West before. No one recognises him here.’ 

Even back in his own territory, few people had recognised Edwin. Like last time, there were no family crests on the carriage, and the Wolf Knights were dressed in plain clothes. 

‘Edwin’s looks are really something.’ 

I hadn’t yet seen the crown prince, who was hailed as a divine masterpiece, but I could bet Edwin was a level above. 

“Everyone’s staring at you, Ed.” 

Although the attention made me feel a bit self-conscious, I didn’t mind since it was all in admiration of Edwin. 

However, it seemed that Edwin did mind. His smile, which had been so wide that his eyes nearly disappeared, now signalled his displeasure.

“Why? I'm just walking, so why are you so angry?"  

I glanced at Edwin cautiously, and his red lips moved slowly.  

"They're not looking at me; they're looking at my bride."  

Huh? Me?  

Sure, Angelina's appearance was pretty. But whenever I was with Edwin, his striking looks overshadowed mine.  

Even now, look at the people blushing—all women.  

It seemed like there was some misunderstanding, but even so, I didn’t fully get it.  

When we went out last time, he boasted about me. So why now?  

"Do you dislike people looking at me?"  

"Yeah, it really bothers me."  

"But last time, when we went into town, you said you wanted to show me off."  

"That was different."  

"How is it different?"  

"The way they look at you—it’s irritating." 

I looked around again.  

The way people were looking at us was just like the reaction when a celebrity passed by in my past life.  

There was nothing particularly bothersome about it.  

"Should we head back to the hotel?"  

"…No. I need to make sure my Lina eats her grilled fish."  

Edwin, who had been staring at me, shook his head.  

"I can’t let those fools stop you from eating what you want." 

A sharp glint passed through his eyes as he scanned the surroundings.  

"What can I do? My bride is beautiful. As her husband, I have to put up with it."  

Thankfully, Edwin's gaze softened, and he gently stroked my face with his large hand as if to show everyone that I belonged to him. 

'Sigh, I’m already exhausted.'  

Forget the sea and grilled fish—I just wanted to go back to the hotel.  

But it felt like such a waste to give up on this festival, the first I’d ever seen in this world.  

"I’m hungry."  

I placed a hand on my stomach, trying to distract Edwin, and he chuckled.  

"Before that cute little belly of yours starts growling like last time, we should get you fed."  

Luckily, my strategy worked, and Edwin quickened his pace.