Episode 25
As I looked at Ian with a hundred questions in my head…
“Grand Duke Consort! Young Master! I was late because I was finding the ingredients—oh my! Grand Duke!”
Seri rushed in with a tray and bowed to Ian.
“It looked like you and the Grand Duke Consort were having a fun conversation.”
Even though Ian smiled, Seri’s face turned pale.
“H-ha ha… S-should I bring yours as well, Your Highness?”
“That’d be great. But I’ll need another teacup. Not two of the same kind side-by-side though.”
“Y-yes, of course!”
Seri hurried to the kitchen to get another cup.
“There’s no need. Can someone bring me that teacup over there?”
Ian asked a servant to bring one of the teacups already on the table. It looked similar to the others but had a slightly different pattern.
“It’s late at night, but this will do.”
Ian placed the mismatched cup in front of Joseph.
Then Seri placed the two matching cups in front of me and Ian.
“You said this is a tea you’ve enjoyed since childhood. I’m looking forward to it. Would you like to try it first, Brother?”
Joseph looked at the different cup placed in front of him. Even though it looked similar, it clearly wasn’t the same.
He gave a small smile and answered.
“Of course. After all, the Grand Duke Consort was kind enough to personally invite me out of concern.”
The air between Ian and Joseph felt tense, like sparks flying.
Even Seri noticed and quickly poured the tea.
The drink was just the right temperature—not too hot, not too cold.
I took a careful sip while watching the two of them.
‘Ah, this flavor. It’s slightly different, but still delicious.’
It was based on Earl Grey tea, mixed with honey, fruit, and herbs. Sweet and calming, it made the body and mind feel at ease.
“It’s just as good as expected from the Grand Duke Consort.”
“…I see.”
But strangely, neither Ian nor Joseph looked relaxed.
Ian replied stiffly and frowned at Joseph’s compliment.
As Seri and I shared a glance, sensing the awkward mood…
“Your Highness! The last carriage has left!”
A knight’s loud voice made me smile brightly.
Good. Our plan worked.
Later that night, Ian walked me to my room, saying it was too dangerous for me to walk alone.
His broad back still didn’t feel real to me.
“Thank you for walking me back, Your Highness.”
“……”
I suddenly felt emotional and wanted to thank him.
He slowly turned and looked down at me without saying anything for a while.
“Well then, I’ll say goodnight—”
As I tried to bow, Ian stepped closer and opened his mouth like he had something on his mind.
“Thank you for caring about my brother. I know something bad happened at the party…”
‘He must be talking about what Joseph said earlier about me being concerned for his Academy admission.’
That annoying Joseph!
“Because of your idea, the people in the Marquisate of Doiton will be saved from the plague.”
“…No, that was your idea, Your Highness!”
I tried to give him credit, but he gently shook his head.
“It’s thanks to you. And earlier…”
“Earlier?”
I tilted my head. Ian hesitated again.
“Earlier was… Never mind.”
There he goes again—just like in my past life.
He always stopped before saying what he really meant.
I puffed out my cheeks in frustration.
Ian laughed lightly at my reaction and nodded toward my door.
“Go inside and rest. It’s too late.”
“Yes! You should rest too, Your Highness!”
I bowed and went inside.
“Miss, let me help you prepare for bed—”
“Shh!”
I put my finger to my lips and leaned my ear to the door.
Ian looked like he had something more to say. Maybe he’d speak to himself if he stayed behind?
I waited, ear pressed to the door.
Nothing. Silence.
Just when I thought I was wrong…
“I’m sorry about earlier.”
Earlier? He must mean when Joseph was around.
I signaled Seri not to listen in. I wanted to hear Ian’s true thoughts myself.
But after that, he didn’t say anything else.
Was that it?
He still hadn’t walked away.
As I tilted my head in confusion, I heard his voice again—soft, like a spring breeze.
“…Why do I keep acting so childish…”
A warm flutter stirred in my heart.
A few days later, at breakfast…
“Astrin has arrived in Borgho and will be delivered across the entire Marquisate of Doiton by noon.”
Ian gave a report to the Grand Duke.
“I’ve made sure no word leaks out before the medicine is distributed, in case the royal family interferes.”
“……”
“I’m also planning to produce more medicine so there’s no shortage.”
Ian had taken care of things even before being asked.
The Grand Duke was silent for a moment.
Only the clinking of silverware was heard.
“…Good job.”
Just that?
He should’ve praised him even more!
‘Still, for the Grand Duke, that’s huge praise.’
Just as I was about to speak, the Grand Duchess beat me to it.
“Thanks to that, not only our duchy but even the people of the Doiton Marquisate will be saved.”
The Grand Duke nodded in agreement.
As I watched, touched, the Grand Duke added one more line.
“The Grand Duke Consort did a good job, too.”
Huh? Me?
I stared wide-eyed at him.
He cleared his throat awkwardly and kept eating.
The Grand Duchess smiled kindly.
“Yes. The Grand Duke Consort and Joseph both helped.”
She made sure not to leave Joseph out.
I secretly glanced at Joseph.
He was eating calmly, unlike before.
‘Hmm…’
Too calm, actually.
Like he was hiding something.
‘Something’s definitely changed.’
Seeing him act so normal made me even more determined.
The one in the royal family who used Joseph’s ambition to destroy the House of Vesperd…
I have to find that person. As soon as possible.
“Up we go.”
It had been a while since I came here.
I looked around with excitement.
This was the library only for Vesperd heirs.
There was no safer or quieter place to focus.
Only the Grand Duke and Ian could enter. All the knights were guarding them.
Because I was Ian’s future partner, I was allowed in too.
‘I used to sneak peeks at Ian here.’
He had kept his distance back then.
But in the library, I could spend time with him.
And…
‘Your Highness, I came here just to read.’
This was also where I had gathered my courage and spoken to Ian, even when he turned away coldly.
‘If you’re uncomfortable… I’ll go back to my room.’
Even though I was scared, I lied, hoping he’d say it was okay.
And he did.
‘Then I’ll just focus on my own work.’
That was the beginning.
The beginning of me carefully watching Ian as he worked, deep in thought.
