Chapter : 38
Duke Gerhardt’s Residence
Knock, knock.
“Young Duke, it’s Simon.”
“Come in.”
When Simon opened the door to the study, Lawrence looked at him for a moment before rising from his seat.
It had been two weeks since Lawrence had assigned someone to the Duke of Herarila’s residence.
Patricia hadn’t visited Duke Gerhardt’s residence for two weeks and five days.
“…….”
Simon wasn’t holding any documents.
Reports related to the Gerhardt Duchy had already been submitted in the morning, so it seemed likely that Simon had come for Patricia.
Finally, after two weeks, some useful information had arrived.
“I met the person we sent to Duke Herarila’s residence two weeks ago.”
Simon spoke as Lawrence nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.
“First of all, Princess Patricia seems to be doing well.”
“Well?”
“Yes. I’ve also heard that she no longer gets angry with the servants, shouts at them, or resorts to violence.”
“…And how is she with the Duke and the princes?”
“She apparently went on an outing with the Duke recently. Other than meal times, it seems she rarely encounters the princes.”
“An outing? Just the Duke and Patricia?”
Lawrence frowned slightly.
The Duke of Herarila was not an active man.
He spent most of his days in his study.
Even at banquets, he preferred to remain seated whenever possible.
And yet, he had gone on an outing with Patricia? For what purpose?
Lawrence found it difficult to imagine the atmosphere of such an outing.
“Princess Patricia apparently went flower viewing even a week ago.”
“Alone?”
“She was accompanied by one maid and one servant. I heard that this servant is someone the princess particularly favors these days.”
Lawrence frowned at Simon’s report.
Simon seemed to notice the change in Lawrence’s expression and paused for a moment.
After meeting Simon’s gaze, Lawrence returned to his usual expressionless face.
“Continue. Tell me more about this servant.”
Lawrence moved to the sofa, preparing for a longer report.
“Yes. I heard that the princess often calls this servant to her room.”
Lawrence sat down heavily, crossing his legs and closing his eyes as he listened to Simon’s voice.
Yet a wrinkle appeared on his otherwise smooth brow almost instantly.
“Why?”
“We couldn’t find out what exactly happens there, so the precise reason is unknown.”
Lawrence let out a deep sigh.
It was strange—why would she call a servant, not a maid or handmaiden, into her room?
Simon cautiously observed Lawrence for a moment before speaking again.
“Additionally, I heard that the princess has recently begun learning swordsmanship.”
“Swordsmanship?”
“Yes. The Herarila household has hired an external instructor to teach her. And apparently, she brings the servant along to these lessons as well.”
“Huh?”
A wry smile finally escaped Lawrence.
“Did you find out why the Duke allowed Patricia to do this?”
“We couldn’t determine the exact reason, but after the princess returned, the Duke’s attitude toward her reportedly softened considerably. According to the source, it seems she is unmistakably the beloved youngest daughter in his eyes.”
“…The beloved youngest daughter?”
Given the Duke of Herarila’s character, he would have normally tried to secure Patricia’s favor in society, even through rumors.
Yet he quietly allowed her to do as she pleased and treated her kindly?
The beloved youngest daughter?
Absurd.
Patricia had changed. The Duke had changed.
And the relationship between Patricia and the Duke had changed.
Flower viewing and swordsmanship.
…And the servant.
Nothing resolved Lawrence’s growing unease.
All the waiting had only returned as frustration.
Simply hearing a report was not enough to grasp these subtle changes.
“We’ll send a visit request to Morgan. The reason for the request will be…”
It seemed he would need to confirm things in person.
“The reason will be…”
However, Lawrence was not particularly close with Morgan.
There was neither familiarity nor obligation to meet him.
“Understood. I’ll prepare a small gift to give to Prince Morgan.”
“…Alright.”
Lawrence pressed his palm to his forehead and sighed.
He couldn’t believe what he was doing.
“I’ll be leaving now.”
Simon glanced at the slightly confused Lawrence before speaking carefully.
It seemed best to leave him alone.
Lawrence nodded absentmindedly.
The oppressive summer heat had finally eased.
Whoosh.
The sky was clear, the wind refreshing, and I had a companion to spend time with—perfect.
Life at the Duke’s residence was no longer uncomfortable.
The Duke treated me kindly, and after being reprimanded, Morgan no longer glared at me or acted coldly.
With Morgan easing up, his followers, Milum and Barber, also relaxed.
I no longer had to waste energy on meaningless power struggles.
I leaned back in the rocking chair and ate what might be the last ice cream of the season.
After finishing the bowl with satisfaction, I turned my head and noticed Carlos, ice cream smeared around his mouth.
“Carlos, eat properly. You’ve got it all over your face.”
“…Princess, you’ve got some on yours too.”
“No way.”
I wiped my mouth and shrugged. Ice cream couldn’t have gotten on me—I wasn’t a child.
Knock, knock.
Just as Carlos looked ready to protest, someone knocked at the door.
Perfect timing.
“Come in.”
“Princess! Princess! Did you hear?”
Emma appeared unusually flustered as she continued.
“Today, Young Duke Gerhardt is coming.”
“…Where?”
“To our residence!”
Emma clapped her hands excitedly.
“…Why? Why is he coming?”
“To see Prince Morgan. I’m not sure of the exact reason, though.”
Emma didn’t seem particularly curious about Lawrence’s visit.
“Then why are you so excited?”
“Well, it’s news you’ll like, Princess.”
Emma rolled her eyes.
“Liar.”
“…Actually, he’s handsome.”
Emma finally admitted her true feelings, her slightly flushed face proving her sincerity.
“More importantly, aren’t you excited? You get to meet the Young Duke.”
“I am.”
I nodded lightly in response to her question. Of course, I was thrilled that Lawrence Gerhardt, whom I liked dearly, was coming.
“But you and Morgan… I mean, Prince Morgan, aren’t really close with the Young Duke, are you?”
“No, they probably aren’t.”
I nodded at Emma’s answer.
I was curious why Lawrence was visiting Morgan, but it wasn’t really my concern.
I’d at least have to greet him, though.
“So what time is the Young Duke coming?”
“I heard around 3 o’clock.”
“Right.”
My swordsmanship lesson was at 3:30, so the timing seemed about right.
“Princess.”
At that moment, Carlos, who had been quietly watching since Emma entered, finally spoke.
“Why are you excited about the Young Duke coming?”
“That’s obvious—because the Princess likes him.”
Emma had answered before I could even respond.
“No way. Princess, you like the Young Duke? Last time you said no…”
“Carlos, didn’t you know…?”
I hurriedly raised my hand to stop Emma.
“Emma. No need for unnecessary talk. Go on, leave the room.”
Emma looked slightly taken aback but left shortly after.
I noticed Carlos, looking somewhat confused.
Patricia likes Lawrence? In the novels, that usually ended in death.
It was no longer true, and besides, it wasn’t appropriate for Carlos to know about it.
“Carlos, don’t worry about what Emma said. More importantly, today I’ll greet the Young Duke before going to class.”
“The Young Duke?”
“Yes, just me, not you.”
I reassured Carlos, who seemed uneasy.
“I’ll wait in the room. I’ll greet him, then we’ll go to class together.”
Carlos blinked slowly and then nodded.
“Alright. I’ll wait.”
As he nodded, his orange hair swayed pleasantly.
