TCBCVF 77

~Chapter 77~

The Claudius Medical Research Institute was so famous that even I, who had no knowledge of medicine, had heard of it.

It had been founded about five years ago, yet every year it absorbed brilliant minds like a sponge and produced astonishing results.

In particular, it had great authority in the field of infectious diseases, even collaborating at times with imperial researchers.

For that student, it was the best possible workplace.

‘Well, maybe it benefits both sides?’

As I accepted that, I quietly watched the Duke.

But the most impressive part was something else.

‘I can’t believe he actually read that thesis.’

If he hadn’t read it, he wouldn’t have known the student had chosen fever and delirium as a subtopic.

Knowing how busy the Duke was, I could only admire him.

‘Anyone would think he lives 48 hours in a single day.’

Just then, the Duke glanced at me.

Looking apologetic, he said,

“Forgive me for going on so long. Were you bored?”

“No. It’s just…”

I playfully shrugged.

“I was thinking that even ten bodies wouldn’t be enough to handle everything if one wanted to be as capable as you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I never expected you to personally read theses and recruit talent yourself.”

Normally, such things would be left to staff.
But the Duke answered calmly,

“Well, I suppose it’s only natural.”

“Huh?”

“I’m responsible for the Claudius territory, after all.”

He continued evenly,

“So it’s my duty to hire the most capable people to develop the territory.”

“…Ah.”

“Of course, HR staff take care of many details, but as the employer, I should at least know the basics.”

I looked up at him quietly.

Honestly, with his wealth and power, he could easily leave the bothersome tasks to others and live in comfort.
Most nobles did exactly that.

But the Duke knew his duties and did his best to fulfill them.

That sense of responsibility—
his attitude toward his people and his land—

…was just so admirable.

“That makes sense. You’re amazing.”

I couldn’t help but smile softly.

The Duke’s expression turned complicated for a moment before he gave a bitter smile.

“Actually, it’s not that great a feat.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, I spoke as if I had some grand cause—and I don’t deny there is one—but…”

He trailed off, then murmured almost like a sigh.

“The real reason I founded the institute was because of my parents.”

“Your parents…?”

I blinked.

He spoke plainly.

“My parents passed away from an unknown infectious disease.”

“…Oh.”

I stayed silent, not knowing how to respond.

The previous Duke and Duchess of Claudius had died young, forcing him to inherit the title at a very early age.
But I had never known the cause of their deaths—until now.

“So I founded the research institute to find the cause of that disease.”

“I see…”

“Yes. If we could discover what that disease was, and even develop a cure…”

A shadow crossed his face.

“Then perhaps no one else would have to die the same way my parents did.”

Silence settled gently between us.

Then the Duke lifted his shoulders lightly and tried to change the mood.

“Well, I’ve made things heavy, haven’t I?”

“Duke…”

“Forgive me. I must have made you uncomfortable.”

…Nothing I could say would truly comfort him.

So I simply shook my head and gave him a bright smile.

“Please don’t say that.”

Still, his bitter smile lingered in my vision like an afterimage.

Fortunately—or unfortunately—the heavy air between us didn’t last long.

A lively voice greeted the Duke.

“Good evening, Duke.”

“It’s an honor to meet you.”

They were nobles attending the semester-end party.

“Were you also interested in Wilson’s students, Duke?”

“Oh, I heard the Claudius house sponsors several talented students with scholarships?”

High-ranking nobles, all eager to say even one word to him.

‘If Seraphina were here, she’d be desperate to act close to him.’

I was about to quietly slip away as usual, when—

“Lady Ansie, where are you going?”

The Duke unexpectedly stopped me.

“Oh, I was just going to rest for a moment. Please, continue your conversations.”

“No. You are my partner tonight, Lady Ansie.”

With a relaxed smile, his eyes curved like a crescent moon.

“So of course, I must put you first.”

“….”

I couldn’t take my eyes off that smile.
My heart pounded wildly, leaving me unable to answer.

Meanwhile, the Duke firmly cut off the other nobles.

“So, forgive me, but let’s continue our conversation another time.”

Not only that—
he gently escorted me away from the group!

‘Huh?’

I followed him in a daze, only realizing belatedly what was happening.

‘Is it really okay to leave like this? Most of those nobles are pretty important…’

I whispered urgently,

“Are you sure this is alright?”

“Yes, it’s fine.”

Unlike my panic, his face remained calm.

“In this world, there are things of greater and lesser importance.”

“Greater and lesser?”

“Yes. And tonight, my partner is Lady Ansie.”

He spoke as if stating the most obvious fact.

“So the most important person to me tonight is you.”

“….”

The most important person.

I felt dazed hearing those words.

‘Have I ever been treated with this much respect before?’

One thing was certain—
Gregory, my former fiancé, never treated me this way.

The Duke added playfully,

“Besides, talking with them is rather dull. They always say the same things.”

I forced myself to sound casual and asked,

“Really? Like what?”

“Usually, they ask for investments, or invite me to attend something.”

He shrugged.

“Instead of wasting time on such predictable talk, I’d much rather spend it with you.”

…Even if it was just polite words, hearing them made me happy.

‘Above all…’

I snuck a glance at the Duke.

‘Is it my imagination, or do I feel closer to him than before?’

Just then, the Duke studied me closely—
and suddenly reached out his hand.