TPBDN 18

Chapter 18 

I never thought he would step up to learn swordsmanship himself, especially since he had avoided it because of trauma. And the news that he had gone directly to the Grand Duke to ask to be taught shocked Eloise even more. It was a completely different side of him compared to the cautious figure who had tried to avoid the Grand Duke’s arrival.

He sat down heavily, putting the wooden sword aside, and bit into a sandwich, looking utterly exhausted. Yet, contrary to his tired, slumped body, his eyes were clear and unhesitating. Eloise watched Cailian blankly, captivated by him.

“Cool…”

It was different from the day she had treated his wounds. This was someone completely unlike the boy who had collapsed in despair. Seeing Cailian striving to break free from the cage of his trauma was truly impressive.

“Cailian.”

“Hm?”

“You’re really cool.”

“…W-what did you say?”

Cailian’s eyes shook violently, startled—did he not hear her correctly?

“I said… you’re really cool.”

Eloise repeated it carefully, enunciating each word. Why did she do that? For some reason, Cailian’s shoulders dropped as if disappointed.

“You just meant I’m cool?”

“What do you mean? Is there some deeper meaning to ‘cool’?”

Cailian hesitated, blushing, then averted his gaze.

“Uh… no.”

What’s with him lately? Eloise stared at him, trying to read his thoughts.

“Then what is it?”

So frustrating! If you want something, just say it! Is it that the sandwich she brought isn’t enough? Or is it because of the whiskey chocolate he stole from the kitchen?

“Ah, it’s nothing!”

Cailian’s voice trembled as he turned away, face bright red. Stammering too! There’s definitely something going on! Wait… is it because of that incident?

“You!”

Eloise’s eyes flashed, and Cailian flinched in surprise.

“You didn’t… notice, did you…?”

His voice quivered nervously.

“You took the chocolate we hid in the drawer from the kitchen!”

‘It’s obvious! There’s no other explanation!’

Eloise recalled the chocolate she had hidden deep in the drawer, tied with a ribbon and handkerchief for extra security, which had vanished the next day.

“…Chocolate?”

Cailian’s voice weakened completely, and Eloise blinked. Was it really because of this?

“Then what else could it be?”

“Never mind…”

Cailian’s shoulders slumped like a deflated balloon, his voice weak. Eloise looked at him, bewildered.

‘…Huh?’

As she studied him, Eloise suddenly noticed something different about his height.

“You’ve grown a lot!”

“Really?”

Cailian clenched his fists and nodded, triumphant.

‘Come to think of it… Cailian has changed a lot.’

She recalled the first night she had met him. He had been trembling in the shadows like a frightened cat, frail and fragile like a sapling easily broken by strong winds.

But now, standing next to her, Cailian looked very different. His body had strengthened through sword training, and his height was increasing rapidly. The description “frail, pretty boy” no longer suited him.

“Now you really look like someone who’s learning swordsmanship.”

“Really?”

Cailian’s eyes shone brightly, no longer flickering.

“Yes. Your body’s getting really strong, and you’re growing taller quickly.”

“My… body? How do you know that?”

Cailian jumped as if struck by electricity, stammering in embarrassment.

‘Was there anything in what I said that should’ve embarrassed him that much?’

Eloise tilted her head and replied lightly.

“It’s obvious from the outside.”

Cailian’s face flushed even more. Not knowing what to do, he quickly changed the subject.

“Y-yeah! Bella! Your new maid… is she a good fit?”

“Shouldn’t you be the one answering that? Ryan’s been looking for you constantly these days.”

There was a small change around Cailian as well. His previously empty personal attendant position had been filled.

“Well… how should I put it, she’s… uncomfortable.”

Cailian muttered, looking tired, probably thinking of Ryan.

“Uncomfortable?”

Eloise tilted her head, recalling Ryan. The former mercenary’s huge frame—twice that of a normal adult male—was even more imposing next to the young Cailian. Add in his muscular build, and every time Ryan moved, it felt like a giant shadow stretched across the world.

“That’s understandable…”

Eloise nodded, imagining how overwhelming such a presence could be.

“Uncomfortable, and she’s so tall…”

“Why is that?”

Not his size, but his height? Eloise was puzzled by his unexpected answer.

“Being with Ryan makes me look so small.”

“Anyone would look small next to Ryan.”

‘Did Cailian always care about that?’

Lately, it was hard to understand his behavior. Just then, heavy footsteps approached behind Eloise and Cailian.

“Even if uncomfortable, having her nearby will help. She can assist with sword training now that you’re physically capable.”

“I know.”

Cailian’s surly reply made the Grand Duke smirk and glance at Eloise. He tried to greet her but froze mid-motion, and Eloise was no different.

“…You came early despite being tired.”

The Grand Duke tried to speak lightly, but his words came out awkwardly, like a bad actor delivering a stiff line.

“Ah! Yes! R-right…”

Eloise’s response was equally awkward.

“You forgot her name?”

Cailian’s face twisted as if he heard something strange. The Grand Duke raised his voice, clearly flustered.

“Not at all…!”

Cailian turned to Eloise and commented, as if to say he wasn’t the only strange one.

“And why are you acting like a wooden doll?”

“When did I ever!”

Eloise shot back, voice rising. The two exchanged uneasy glances, neither speaking further.

“You’re both weird.”

In the stifling silence, the Grand Duke suddenly remembered his line and spoke.

“You seem recovered now. How about some physical training with Cailian?”

Attempting to switch from command to suggestion because of his position, he glanced at Eloise.

‘Physical training?’

Eloise’s eyes lit up. She had been at the Reston Manor for quite some time. From winter into spring, all she had done was lie in bed recovering. She had grown accustomed to the north, but her anxiety had grown as well.

“Sure!”

If she did physical training, she’d recover quickly. She needed to be useful soon; otherwise, she was just wasting money.

“Then, since you’re dressed comfortably to move…”

Eloise stepped forward for the first time in a while, and the Grand Duke brightened.

“No! It’ll be too hard.”

Cailian quickly intervened, cutting off the sudden turn in the conversation.

“It was only a few days of being out after being kidnapped! She’s not weak!”

Eloise raised her voice, venting the frustration she had held in.

‘Just a few days of being knocked out!’

She couldn’t endure staying idle, especially knowing why she had been adopted. What made her even more restless was the helplessness she had felt on the day she was kidnapped.

‘I don’t want to go through that again.’

She vowed firmly to herself, determined to grow stronger, as memories of that day resurfaced.