Chapter 18
Whoever sees this might think I’m hitting someone.
His strength was overwhelming, and it took a struggle to finally push him out of the room.
“Hah, I’m already exhausted.”
I took a deep breath to calm my rough breathing and pulled the cord to call Rien.
Knock, knock, knock.
“That was quick.”
I assumed it was Rien and opened the door, but an unexpected person was standing there.
“Should I have come a bit earlier?”
He glanced at his watch and took my hand.
“You’re up, so let’s go eat.”
“Right now?”
I’m still in my pajamas?!
When I shook my head in surprise, he draped his coat over me.
“No one will see us anyway.”
With those words, he picked me up.
“Ce, Cedric?”
“I know you’re weak. It would be troublesome if you fainted while walking.”
“It’s not that bad!”
My face burned with embarrassment, and I couldn’t lift my head.
As we stepped out of the room, Cedric spoke loudly enough to echo through the grand ducal residence.
“Everyone, close your eyes.”
Hearing that, I gave up struggling and covered my face.
“Oh my, you two seem really close.”
“Ever since Miss Claire arrived, His Highness’s mood has changed.”
I had to cling to him as we headed to the dining room, listening to the murmurs of the maids.
“Don’t do that next time.”
“Of course.”
I ate the warm soup with a sullen expression. He was smiling without taking his eyes off me.
“…Stop staring and eat.”
“I’m trying to look at you now because I might be busy later.”
“We can have tea together later.”
“Don’t we need to go see the animals now?”
At his words, I cut some meat and fed it to him.
“I don’t think we need to go.”
“Hmm.”
Seeing Cedric’s narrowed eyes, I confessed honestly.
“They’ve all gone back on their own. So, there’s no need to meet the animals at night anymore.”
“Since your friends are gone, I suppose I should spend more time with you.”
Only then did he smile broadly with a satisfied expression.
Looking closely, Cedric’s personality wasn’t that great. His smile looked evil, but maybe it was just my imagination?
“I prepared something for you. I hope you like it.”
“…For me?”
“You seemed bored lately.”
Creak.
The door opened, and Zeno came in.
“Your gift isn’t Zeno, is it?”
“I regret not being able to kick him out. What a sly wolf. If he turned into a human, I wouldn’t let him be.”
“Woof woof.” (I’ll never transform in front of you. Look, everyone’s having fun except me.)
Cedric and I laughed awkwardly at Zeno’s appearance.
Feeling like he was looking at me with a slightly pitiful gaze, I waved my hand to signal him to leave.
I was worried when he disappeared after being kicked out earlier, but seeing him back relieved me a bit. Not really.
“Woof!” (No.)
He didn’t listen anymore. Forget what I said about taming him before.
“I think we should send this wolf back to the forest first. The Emperor will recognize him immediately.”
Cedric frowned at Zeno, who confidently walked into the dining room. These two beasts, no, men…can I even call them that?
Anyway, being caught between them was tiring.
“Don’t worry, he said he’d hide before my father arrives.”
He should stay by my side, but if the Emperor found out, I’d have to return him to the palace, so we had to be apart.
“So don’t scold him too much. I’m fine.”
I smiled brightly at Cedric.
“…If that’s what you prefer.”
“Woof woof.” (You sly human.)
They’re calling each other sly. They look the same to me, but they don’t seem to realize it.
Zeno tried to come closer to me.
“But, as I said before, dangerous animals shouldn’t be kept close. Whether it’s a divine beast or a wolf pup, they all look the same to me.”
Cedric grabbed Zeno by the scruff and pulled him away from me. Zeno bared his sharp teeth and struggled.
“Growl, woof woof!” (This crazy guy is at it again!)
Zeno, who was furious, looked like he was about to bite Cedric, but Cedric didn’t budge. The quiet dining room turned chaotic in an instant.
“It seems you still haven’t realized that biting won’t help.”
Zeno opened his mouth wide. I thought the same as Zeno.
Cedric was a formidable person, fighting Zeno evenly. They clearly had grown attached despite their words.
“Then, Your Highness, please take care of him.”
“Woof!” (What?)
Zeno barked in disbelief. After finishing my warm soup, I stood up.
“I have a lot to do today, so please take care of Zeno. A walk would be nice too.”
“…Of course. He seems to like me quite a bit.”
Cedric, I don’t think that’s true. Can’t you see how he’s ready to bite you like a wild beast?
“Don’t worry. Animals tend to challenge those stronger than them.”
“Growl.” (You human! I’m a divine beast! You’re not even a mouthful!)
Zeno shouted in frustration.
Luckily, Cedric didn’t understand him, or they would fight every day.
‘Why did you interfere….’
I could only look at him apologetically. You should have behaved better to your master.
Otherwise, you’d get punished like this.
“Woof woof!” (Where are you going? Master, are you abandoning me again?)
“Zeno, have a good time with His Highness.”
“Woof woof!” (No!)
I smiled brightly despite his desperate cries. I kissed Cedric’s forehead lightly and walked out of the dining room with a light step.
❖ ❖ ❖
After changing my clothes, I headed to the garden with a refreshed mind.
It felt empty without the animals, but it was the first quiet tea time.
It was deeply moving.
“You’re alone today.”
“Oh… Sir Aiden.”
As I was enjoying the garden, an intruder appeared. It seemed I wasn’t destined to rest peacefully.
He looked sweaty. He’s probably on his way back from training.
I handed him a handkerchief.
But he refused, slowly shaking his head and looking around. He was probably looking for Cedric.
“…Is His Highness inside?”
“Yes, I came out to rest alone today.”
If he was just passing by, he wouldn’t have spoken to me. I looked up and smiled at Sir Aiden.
“Would you like some tea?”
“If it’s not a bother, I won’t refuse.”
Sir Aiden stared at me intently.
“If you have something to say, feel free. Have you heard anything about the imperial family?”
“I only know what Kaven told me.”
I nodded at his words.
His piercing gaze made me feel like my face would burn.
“Sir Aiden, do people disapprove of me being the Grand Duchess instead of Princess Isabelle?”
His expression flinched for the first time at my direct question.
“At first, everyone was skeptical. It was natural since no one except Caven had met the Grand Duchess… After all the hardships His Highness went through, who would welcome another weakness? I worry my words might hurt you.”
But he answered immediately. It made me a bit sad that he didn’t hesitate.
“Well, I expected that.”
“But we’re glad His Highness seems to have found a reason to live. The atmosphere in the mansion has changed since you arrived.”
A reason to live? That was unexpected.
“…So, did His Highness originally want to die?”
“He seemed to have no particular attachment to life.”
I pressed my lips together at Aiden’s words. Given his life, following the Emperor’s orders and going to battle, it made sense.
“Is the reason His Highness wants to live… me? I haven’t done anything since I came here.”
It was probably just a courteous remark since I became the Grand Duchess.
“Yes. So, we no longer dislike you.”
“I don’t understand. His Highness is responsible, but this wasn’t a marriage he wanted. He even refuses to divorce me.”
Aiden stood up and bowed to me.
“If you have any complaints, please let us know, Grand Duchess. We will correct them.”
“Oh, no. That’s not necessary….”
“Please stay here. Divorce is not an option. The Grand Duchess is essential to His Highness.”
My conscience pricked me. This wasn’t a marriage I wanted, and I was tricked into it. Aiden didn’t seem to think so.
“Maybe it would have been better if Princess Isabelle had come.”
“I don’t think so.”
“…Why?”
“I just feel that way. So, please stay with His Highness forever.”
Forever?
Why did that word give me chills?
Somehow, it seemed everyone in the grand ducal residence was becoming like Cedric.
