TCBCVF 76

~Chapter 76~

Even after sitting side by side in the carriage,
the Duke still didn’t say a word about the earrings.

And somehow… I felt a little disappointed.

“What? Last time, he even brought them up first.”

I finally wore them, yet he didn’t even notice?
Why make someone’s heart flutter if you’re just going to ignore it?

Sensing my intense stare, the Duke glanced at me.

“Do you perhaps have something to say?”

“No, nothing.”

I pretended to act natural.

At the same time, the Duke smiled softly.

“Actually, I do have something to say.”

“Yes?”

“It’s about those earrings.”

He spoke casually, as if stating an obvious fact.

“They look like they were made for Lady Ansie.”

“Huh? Oh…”

“They suit you very well.”

His voice was calm, but—

“If I hadn’t given you those earrings, I might have regretted it for the rest of my life.”

His blue eyes lingered gently on my earlobes.
His lips curved in a smile.

It was obvious he really thought I was beautiful.

‘Isn’t it unfair to suddenly say things like that?’

I stammered a bit without meaning to.

“Oh, so you noticed?”

“Of course. I knew the moment I saw them.”

“Then why didn’t you say anything…”

“Well.”

The Duke hesitated briefly.

“I thought you might feel pressured if you knew how much I cared about them.”

Ah.

I blinked in shock.
So he was pretending not to notice—for my sake?

“Well, anyway.”

He cleared his throat lightly and looked me straight in the eyes.

“You promised I’d be the first to see you wearing them, and I was wondering when that would finally happen…”

His blue gaze brushed past my earlobes, then he smiled.
It was a refreshing smile, like the clear summer sky.

“It was worth the wait. You look very beautiful.”

“….”

At that moment, my face grew hot.

‘Oh no. What if he realizes I’m conscious of him?’

“To—To change the subject.”

Trying not to show my embarrassment, I quickly asked,

“Lately, the Duke and I have been meeting quite often… What do you think about that?”

It was a genuine question.
Even setting today aside—
the Lady kept canceling, and the Duke kept replacing her.
Wasn’t it strange?

But the Duke instantly looked hurt.

“Do you dislike meeting me?”

“Of course not!”

I shook my head quickly.

“Then why ask such a thing?”

“Well, you’re such a busy person. I wonder if it’s okay for you to spend so much time just on me.”

“It’s fine. I’m doing it because I want to.”

Because he wants to?

I looked at him in confusion.
The conversation felt oddly one-sided.

Then he suddenly furrowed his brow.

“…Don’t tell me.”

The Duke urgently asked,

“Did Eva not tell you?”

“Huh? Tell me what?”

At my question, the Duke looked defeated.

“Phew.”

He let out a long sigh and pressed his temple with a finger,
as if holding back a headache.

Then, with a troubled face, he began,

“The truth is…”

A little later.

After hearing the whole story, I was shocked.

“What?! The Lady asked you that?!”

“I thought Eva had already told you.”

The Duke sighed.

“If it made you uncomfortable, I’ll be more careful from now on. I’m truly sorry.”

“No, please don’t apologize!”

Flustered, I waved my hands.
Honestly, what woman would feel uncomfortable around a man like him?
Well, maybe some—but definitely not me!

‘I’m definitely not one of them!’

So I tried to show my feelings.

“I wasn’t uncomfortable! In fact, I liked—”

And I made a huge slip of the tongue.

‘Ah!’

I instantly shut my mouth and checked his reaction.

‘Did he hear that?!’

The Duke stayed silent for a moment, then calmly said,

“So that’s how you felt.”

At the same time, a slow smile spread across his handsome face.

“Lady Ansie, you enjoyed our time together.”

“….”

I bit my lip, embarrassed.

Then he teased me playfully.

“How much did you enjoy it? Could you explain a bit more in detail?”

“Enough. That’s all.”

I answered shortly and turned to glare out the window.

“Haha!”

The Duke finally laughed out loud.
The sound tickled my ears sweetly.
Once again, my face burned hot.

‘Really… laughing like that should be illegal. It’s bad for my heart!’

Wilson University was one of the Empire’s most prestigious schools.
Maybe that’s why the semester-end party was calmer than others.

Instead of dancing, people enjoyed snacks and light drinks while chatting.
They also watched each other with sharp eyes.

Most were students seeking patrons,
and wealthy nobles hoping to recruit talented individuals.

Among them, one person stood out with exceptional popularity.

“Thank you, Duke.”

Of course—it was Duke Claudius.

A shy student bowed deeply to him.

“If not for your help, I would never have finished my thesis.”

“It’s nothing. Helping talented students is my pleasure.”

The Duke shook his head and looked kindly at the student.

“I heard you ranked second in your department this semester?”

The student’s eyes went wide.

“Oh, you knew?”

“Of course. You’re a scholarship student chosen by Claudius. I must know.”

His blue eyes curved gracefully.

“I also read the paper you sent to our house. It was excellent—especially your unique view on fever and delirium.”

“I-I never expected you would read it personally!”

The student’s face brightened.

“This is truly an honor.”

“No, I should be the one feeling proud. To have supported such an excellent student like you, Simon.”

Then the Duke asked casually,

“By the way, I heard you’re graduating this semester?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Then would you consider joining the Claudius Medical Research Institute?”

The student’s face filled with joy.

“Th-The Claudius Medical Research Institute?!”

“Yes. I won’t force you, of course. But I believe someone like you could greatly help our institute and the advancement of medicine.”

“I’ll come! I promise to visit!”

The student bowed deeply, nearly folding in half.

“Thank you so much!”

Then he left, full of joy.

Watching him, I admired inwardly.

‘Wow… He recruited a talented student just like that. His skills are incredible.’