The warm candlelight gently illuminated the surroundings. In the quiet silence of the study, I gazed at the man before me.
“So, what do you have to say, Your Grace?”
The Duke’s face, seen after a long time, was no different. His blue eyes remained as cold as ever, and his sharp features unchanged.
Yes, it was certainly the same face. But why did he seem somewhat unsettled?
“The rumors about you in the knights are spreading. They say your drink is particularly sweet.”
“…And?”
I felt perplexed by the unexpected topic. Whether my drink tasted good or not was irrelevant to others. The Duke cleared his throat a few times before replying with a calm expression.
“Just curious, that’s all. Mind making one for me too?”
“You know I won’t make one for you.”
I interrupted the Duke without hesitation. He frowned slightly, but I had no intention of making him a drink. Why should I indulge him just because he finds it pretty?
“Why did you call me then?”
Surely he didn’t call me just to make a drink. There must be another reason. After staring at me for a while, the Duke sighed briefly and got to the point.
“The Duchess has grown a lot. She has met my expectations.”
He said something unexpected. Well, people do change. His interest has always been solely in the Lady’s strength.
“Yes. The Lady has exceptional talent.”
“It’s only natural, considering her lineage.”
I couldn’t comprehend the Duke’s proud expression. What has he done for the Lady to make such a face? It’s beyond audacious.
“As promised, refrain from sending assassins in the future.”
“Thank you for that.”
I thought it sounded like something a father would say, but knowing the Duke’s personality, I wasn’t surprised.
“I’ll leave it to you.”
“To me?”
I felt puzzled by the Duke’s sudden words. Why would he suddenly leave it to me?
“In three years, make sure the Duchess can surpass the knight commander.”
“….What?”
“Exactly three years from now, I will take the Duchess to the monthly monster subjugation. Train her to survive there.”
“What?!”
What nonsense is this?
I felt absurd in many ways. I’m not a drill sergeant, so why would he entrust the Lady’s growth to me? But more than anything, there was another aspect of the story that I couldn’t accept.
Monster subjugation?
“What do you mean by monster subjugation? The Lady is only twelve years old in three years.”
The North is one of the places where monsters roam freely, it’s essentially the frontline of the war. Sending a twelve-year-old child there?
“I went on a monster subjugation when I was fourteen. There’s no reason she can’t.”
“But why would you send the Lady while you…”
“The princess must grow stronger than I.”
The cold voice of the Duke interrupted my words. Sharp-tongued as he usually was, his face now bore a more serious expression than before.
What the Duke is speaking of now must be about the former Duchess. You can tell how much he loved her just by hearing about it. Perhaps he spent more tormenting days than the lady did.
But what does that matter? The past is the past, and painful scars are to be overcome as we move forward. By using the past as fertilizer, we can build a stronger future. Yet the Duke continued to torment the lady with regrets from the past.
“If you can’t do it, just say so. You can do it my way.”
“….Are you considering changing your mind?”
“No.”
A sigh escaped me at the Duke’s firm answer. There was nothing I could do about his decision. He was the master here, and I was nothing more than a capable maid.
If someone who understood words were to listen, perhaps they could sway his stubbornness. No one could probably break the Duke’s resolve. He would likely take the lady on a hunt for monsters in three years.
“….Alright. I’ll try to make the lady surpass the leader of the knights within three years, but I have a condition.”
“Speak.”
Making the lady surpass the leader of the knights within three years, honestly, I don’t think it’s impossible. Considering the lady’s innate talents, she could achieve her goal even earlier. It’s just that I didn’t quite like the Duke’s intentions.
In any case, in a situation where I couldn’t avoid the Duke’s words, if I couldn’t refuse, I had to extract as much benefit as possible from it. After a brief thought, I looked at the Duke.
“When the lady grows up, send her to the academy.”
“The academy? You mean that school where novices go?”
“Novices? They’re the gathering place for promising talents of the empire.”
“In my eyes, they’re still novices.”
Well, that might seem reasonable to the Duke. After all, he’s a monster who mows down countless enemies on the front lines.
“To let the lady rot in such a place for three years. I can’t allow it.”
“Are you planning to make the lady a lifelong loner with no friends?”
The Duke’s eyes wavered for a moment. I didn’t miss that tremor. His intention was to make the lady stronger than anyone else, not because he disliked her. Sure, he’s an irresponsible, selfish, and shameless parent, but at least he pretends to care for the lady.
“While others make friends and spend their beautiful youth, the lady will spend her lonely life here in this cold place.”
“Loneliness is inherent to the strong.”
I looked at him with contempt. It was truly a Duke-like answer. By now, I thought he might be intentionally acting so distastefully.
“Duke, the academy is not such an easy place.”
I exhaled a short sigh and calmly delivered my words. There are so many things I really want to say… but now must be the time to persuade. Asking and reasoning with that stubborn brat would only backfire.
“Every year, so many outstanding talents emerge from the Academy. That means the Academy attracts promising individuals.”
“Why wouldn’t the nobles attend the Academy then? If it were merely a gathering place for novices as you suggest, the nobles wouldn’t even consider it. The Academy is not only an opportunity to gain numerous experiences but also invaluable connections that will support future endeavors.”
The Duke tapped his desk with his finger, contemplating my words solemnly. I addressed him with a pleading tone.
“It will be an unforgettable experience for the young lady, something precious that she won’t encounter again. So, I implore you, Your Grace.”
“Surely, Selena would desire that too.”
The Duke’s eyes widened at the mention of the Duchess’s name. After a while of silent contemplation, he closed his eyes and responded.
“If it’s the Academy, there shouldn’t be any immediate danger… Think it over. The Duchess’s development is a priority for now.”
Well, given the Duke’s nature, that was practically a positive response. If he didn’t agree, he would have likely refused outright. For now, it was best to step back.
“Yes. I’ll take your positive consideration into account and withdraw.”
I bowed to him and briskly turned away, without any lingering hesitation. It seemed like the Duke always drained my strength whenever we crossed paths. It was better to leave as soon as possible.
“…The Duchess referred to me as the Duke.”
I froze in place at his unexpected words. Turning my head towards the Duke with a dazed expression, I noticed his slightly softened face.
“…Yes?”
“It’s nothing significant. Just curious since the child who usually called me ‘Father’ has changed. Wondering if something happened.”
“Come to think of it, I used to visit once in a while, but lately, I haven’t seen her at all.”
I blinked in bewilderment. For a moment, I thought I misheard. No way he would start with that, then expect you to find her, right?
Though I felt the anger simmering within, I forced myself to look at the Duke with a composed expression. It seemed like I needed to enlighten him about reality.
I let out a short sigh.
I tightened my fist and smiled.
“Do you know what? The Duchess no longer seeks you out.”
“Naturally, you don’t even seem curious anymore. It’s been months since you last talked about the Duchess.”
The Duke remained silent, merely listening to my words. To others, he might have appeared his usual self, but my discerning eyes couldn’t be deceived. The Duke is shaken right now.
“Do you perhaps think the Lady is too harsh?”
The Duke leaned back for a moment, staring at the ceiling. Soon, a wry smile appeared on his face.
“That’s a relief. Well… It’s a joyous occasion. Yes… From a position where she must surpass me someday, such unnecessary affection is not needed.”
“Do not pretend to always be on the lady’s side like that.”
I detested the Duke’s behavior. He seemed to be avoiding reality, just running away like a coward. It was so disgusting to think he was doing it for the lady.
“Do you know? The scar on the lady’s back. It’s gone.”
“What did you say?”
Was this unexpected? The Duke’s eyes widened, and he abruptly stood up. It was the most surprised expression I had ever seen on his face.
“T-the scar is gone?”
“Yes. Whether you believe it or not, Your Grace, it was completely erased a week ago.”
“Don’t lie. Even the court physician said it couldn’t be touched.”
“In this world, there are various geniuses and eccentrics, Your Grace.”
The Duke seemed to blink blankly for a while, not believing my words. Seeing such a bewildered expression on him, which seemed quite satisfying. Stubborn fool.
“Of course, I had to spend two years’ worth of salary to buy that medicine.”
“That money, I’ll take care of it.”
The Duke hastily pulled out a piece of paper from a drawer, stamped it, and brought it over to me.
“With this, if you go to the Imperial Bank-“
“It’s not necessary.”
The Duke stopped abruptly at my firm refusal. There was no need to hesitate. I would never accept his help. No matter how good the money was, there was money I had to earn separately.
One can discard their pride at any time. It’s not fearful to take risks. But I would never reach out to the Duke even if I died.
The moment I took the Duke’s money, it would be him, not me, who would treat the lady. That’s something I could never tolerate. 1500 gold coins, just two years of work would be enough to pay off.
Opening the cafe two years late wouldn’t be a problem. Using the Duke’s money to open the cafe would be a bigger problem, a disgrace.
“Then I will keep going.”
I gave a polite greeting to the Duke and left. The Duke just stared at me blankly without saying a word. There were so many things I wanted to say to him, but I held them back. It wouldn’t change anything.
I just have to make the lady happy.
‘3 years.’
To become the head of the knights within three years.
In a normal situation, it would be hard to imagine.
But if it’s the lady, it’s entirely possible.
For the lady to enroll in the academy.
That’s my new goal.
What the lady needs right now is affection from others.
“If it’s the Academy, it should be enough to fill it up.”
If it’s the young lady, she will surely attract everyone’s attention. As you create numerous connections at the Academy… before you know it, the young lady will naturally blend in with her peers.
“Perhaps she’ll become close friends with Lucy.”
With determined steps, I descended the stairs again, past my room, to the small bedroom where my young lady awaited.
I vowed to protect her peaceful daily life. I clenched my fists and prepared myself.
Someday, when the young lady matures, she will surely show an even more beautiful side.
.
.
“I don’t like it…!! I won’t eat vegetables!!”
“Young lady!!!”
Now, three years have passed. For some reason, our young lady seems even more stubborn.
The warm candlelight gently illuminated the surroundings. In the quiet silence of the study, I gazed at the man before me.
“So, what do you have to say, Your Grace?”
The Duke’s face, seen after a long time, was no different. His blue eyes remained as cold as ever, and his sharp features unchanged.
Yes, it was certainly the same face. But why did he seem somewhat unsettled?
“The rumors about you in the knights are spreading. They say your drink is particularly sweet.”
“…And?”
I felt perplexed by the unexpected topic. Whether my drink tasted good or not was irrelevant to others. The Duke cleared his throat a few times before replying with a calm expression.
“Just curious, that’s all. Mind making one for me too?”
“You know I won’t make one for you.”
I interrupted the Duke without hesitation. He frowned slightly, but I had no intention of making him a drink. Why should I indulge him just because he finds it pretty?
“Why did you call me then?”
Surely he didn’t call me just to make a drink. There must be another reason. After staring at me for a while, the Duke sighed briefly and got to the point.
“The Duchess has grown a lot. She has met my expectations.”
He said something unexpected. Well, people do change. His interest has always been solely in the Lady’s strength.
“Yes. The Lady has exceptional talent.”
“It’s only natural, considering her lineage.”
I couldn’t comprehend the Duke’s proud expression. What has he done for the Lady to make such a face? It’s beyond audacious.
“As promised, refrain from sending assassins in the future.”
“Thank you for that.”
I thought it sounded like something a father would say, but knowing the Duke’s personality, I wasn’t surprised.
“I’ll leave it to you.”
“To me?”
I felt puzzled by the Duke’s sudden words. Why would he suddenly leave it to me?
“In three years, make sure the Duchess can surpass the knight commander.”
“….What?”
“Exactly three years from now, I will take the Duchess to the monthly monster subjugation. Train her to survive there.”
“What?!”
What nonsense is this?
I felt absurd in many ways. I’m not a drill sergeant, so why would he entrust the Lady’s growth to me? But more than anything, there was another aspect of the story that I couldn’t accept.
Monster subjugation?
“What do you mean by monster subjugation? The Lady is only twelve years old in three years.”
The North is one of the places where monsters roam freely, it’s essentially the frontline of the war. Sending a twelve-year-old child there?
“I went on a monster subjugation when I was fourteen. There’s no reason she can’t.”
“But why would you send the Lady while you…”
“The princess must grow stronger than I.”
The cold voice of the Duke interrupted my words. Sharp-tongued as he usually was, his face now bore a more serious expression than before.
What the Duke is speaking of now must be about the former Duchess. You can tell how much he loved her just by hearing about it. Perhaps he spent more tormenting days than the lady did.
But what does that matter? The past is the past, and painful scars are to be overcome as we move forward. By using the past as fertilizer, we can build a stronger future. Yet the Duke continued to torment the lady with regrets from the past.
“If you can’t do it, just say so. You can do it my way.”
“….Are you considering changing your mind?”
“No.”
A sigh escaped me at the Duke’s firm answer. There was nothing I could do about his decision. He was the master here, and I was nothing more than a capable maid.
If someone who understood words were to listen, perhaps they could sway his stubbornness. No one could probably break the Duke’s resolve. He would likely take the lady on a hunt for monsters in three years.
“….Alright. I’ll try to make the lady surpass the leader of the knights within three years, but I have a condition.”
“Speak.”
Making the lady surpass the leader of the knights within three years, honestly, I don’t think it’s impossible. Considering the lady’s innate talents, she could achieve her goal even earlier. It’s just that I didn’t quite like the Duke’s intentions.
In any case, in a situation where I couldn’t avoid the Duke’s words, if I couldn’t refuse, I had to extract as much benefit as possible from it. After a brief thought, I looked at the Duke.
“When the lady grows up, send her to the academy.”
“The academy? You mean that school where novices go?”
“Novices? They’re the gathering place for promising talents of the empire.”
“In my eyes, they’re still novices.”
Well, that might seem reasonable to the Duke. After all, he’s a monster who mows down countless enemies on the front lines.
“To let the lady rot in such a place for three years. I can’t allow it.”
“Are you planning to make the lady a lifelong loner with no friends?”
The Duke’s eyes wavered for a moment. I didn’t miss that tremor. His intention was to make the lady stronger than anyone else, not because he disliked her. Sure, he’s an irresponsible, selfish, and shameless parent, but at least he pretends to care for the lady.
“While others make friends and spend their beautiful youth, the lady will spend her lonely life here in this cold place.”
“Loneliness is inherent to the strong.”
I looked at him with contempt. It was truly a Duke-like answer. By now, I thought he might be intentionally acting so distastefully.
“Duke, the academy is not such an easy place.”
I exhaled a short sigh and calmly delivered my words. There are so many things I really want to say… but now must be the time to persuade. Asking and reasoning with that stubborn brat would only backfire.
“Every year, so many outstanding talents emerge from the Academy. That means the Academy attracts promising individuals.”
“Why wouldn’t the nobles attend the Academy then? If it were merely a gathering place for novices as you suggest, the nobles wouldn’t even consider it. The Academy is not only an opportunity to gain numerous experiences but also invaluable connections that will support future endeavors.”
The Duke tapped his desk with his finger, contemplating my words solemnly. I addressed him with a pleading tone.
“It will be an unforgettable experience for the young lady, something precious that she won’t encounter again. So, I implore you, Your Grace.”
“Surely, Selena would desire that too.”
The Duke’s eyes widened at the mention of the Duchess’s name. After a while of silent contemplation, he closed his eyes and responded.
“If it’s the Academy, there shouldn’t be any immediate danger… Think it over. The Duchess’s development is a priority for now.”
Well, given the Duke’s nature, that was practically a positive response. If he didn’t agree, he would have likely refused outright. For now, it was best to step back.
“Yes. I’ll take your positive consideration into account and withdraw.”
I bowed to him and briskly turned away, without any lingering hesitation. It seemed like the Duke always drained my strength whenever we crossed paths. It was better to leave as soon as possible.
“…The Duchess referred to me as the Duke.”
I froze in place at his unexpected words. Turning my head towards the Duke with a dazed expression, I noticed his slightly softened face.
“…Yes?”
“It’s nothing significant. Just curious since the child who usually called me ‘Father’ has changed. Wondering if something happened.”
“Come to think of it, I used to visit once in a while, but lately, I haven’t seen her at all.”
I blinked in bewilderment. For a moment, I thought I misheard. No way he would start with that, then expect you to find her, right?
Though I felt the anger simmering within, I forced myself to look at the Duke with a composed expression. It seemed like I needed to enlighten him about reality.
I let out a short sigh.
I tightened my fist and smiled.
“Do you know what? The Duchess no longer seeks you out.”
“Naturally, you don’t even seem curious anymore. It’s been months since you last talked about the Duchess.”
The Duke remained silent, merely listening to my words. To others, he might have appeared his usual self, but my discerning eyes couldn’t be deceived. The Duke is shaken right now.
“Do you perhaps think the Lady is too harsh?”
The Duke leaned back for a moment, staring at the ceiling. Soon, a wry smile appeared on his face.
“That’s a relief. Well… It’s a joyous occasion. Yes… From a position where she must surpass me someday, such unnecessary affection is not needed.”
“Do not pretend to always be on the lady’s side like that.”
I detested the Duke’s behavior. He seemed to be avoiding reality, just running away like a coward. It was so disgusting to think he was doing it for the lady.
“Do you know? The scar on the lady’s back. It’s gone.”
“What did you say?”
Was this unexpected? The Duke’s eyes widened, and he abruptly stood up. It was the most surprised expression I had ever seen on his face.
“T-the scar is gone?”
“Yes. Whether you believe it or not, Your Grace, it was completely erased a week ago.”
“Don’t lie. Even the court physician said it couldn’t be touched.”
“In this world, there are various geniuses and eccentrics, Your Grace.”
The Duke seemed to blink blankly for a while, not believing my words. Seeing such a bewildered expression on him, which seemed quite satisfying. Stubborn fool.
“Of course, I had to spend two years’ worth of salary to buy that medicine.”
“That money, I’ll take care of it.”
The Duke hastily pulled out a piece of paper from a drawer, stamped it, and brought it over to me.
“With this, if you go to the Imperial Bank-“
“It’s not necessary.”
The Duke stopped abruptly at my firm refusal. There was no need to hesitate. I would never accept his help. No matter how good the money was, there was money I had to earn separately.
One can discard their pride at any time. It’s not fearful to take risks. But I would never reach out to the Duke even if I died.
The moment I took the Duke’s money, it would be him, not me, who would treat the lady. That’s something I could never tolerate. 1500 gold coins, just two years of work would be enough to pay off.
Opening the cafe two years late wouldn’t be a problem. Using the Duke’s money to open the cafe would be a bigger problem, a disgrace.
“Then I will keep going.”
I gave a polite greeting to the Duke and left. The Duke just stared at me blankly without saying a word. There were so many things I wanted to say to him, but I held them back. It wouldn’t change anything.
I just have to make the lady happy.
‘3 years.’
To become the head of the knights within three years.
In a normal situation, it would be hard to imagine.
But if it’s the lady, it’s entirely possible.
For the lady to enroll in the academy.
That’s my new goal.
What the lady needs right now is affection from others.
“If it’s the Academy, it should be enough to fill it up.”
If it’s the young lady, she will surely attract everyone’s attention. As you create numerous connections at the Academy… before you know it, the young lady will naturally blend in with her peers.
“Perhaps she’ll become close friends with Lucy.”
With determined steps, I descended the stairs again, past my room, to the small bedroom where my young lady awaited.
I vowed to protect her peaceful daily life. I clenched my fists and prepared myself.
Someday, when the young lady matures, she will surely show an even more beautiful side.
.
.
“I don’t like it…!! I won’t eat vegetables!!”
“Young lady!!!”
Now, three years have passed. For some reason, our young lady seems even more stubborn.
