Chapter 67
Stefan returned home early. It seemed he had made an effort to attend to his youngest brother-in-law’s arrival.
Although Rachel found his formality somewhat distant, she didn’t mind it too much. If Stefan showed care for his in-laws, then Rita and Stella would likely stop ignoring them.
During dinner, Stefan spoke to Remington kindly. It seemed that the information he had about Remington was mostly from Leopold.
“Remington, I heard you’re fluent in foreign languages?”
“I’ve just learned a little, out of interest.”
“Can you speak the language of the Hua’wal continent?”
“Just a little… I can manage.”
Rachel looked at Remington proudly as he humbly answered Stefan’s questions. Remington had always had an exceptional ability to pick up languages, making him a source of pride for the Burke family. Even the former count had often asked him about foreign languages.
Seeing her brother’s attention focused on Remington seemed to irritate Stella, who snapped at him.
“What’s the point of learning foreign languages? There’s no use for them…”
“The difference between knowing something and not is a big one.”
“Besides, you’ll never need to go to the Hua’wal continent in your life.”
“Why do you think I’ll never need to go there?”
“The Hua’wal continent is a barbaric place.”
Stefan’s smile stiffened at Stella’s blunt criticism.
“The Hua’wal continent is an area undergoing rapid development. It’s a continent that will soon surpass the Merwin Empire in prosperity.”
“But it’s a harsh environment, and the people are rude, isn’t it?”
“But it’s rich in resources, and it’s a place of freedom. Everyone is equal, so it’s understandable that some nobles find it rude.”
“I heard the Imperial Academy doesn’t teach the Hua’wal language either.”
Stefan, who was trying to figure out how to address Stella’s haughty attitude, sighed.
“Anything you can learn is worth learning, Stella, except for stealing.”
It was a pointed remark, but Stella didn’t understand it at all.
“A man should be skilled in swordsmanship, not foreign languages, right?”
“Remington is skilled in swordsmanship as well.”
Having failed to belittle Remington, Stella sulkily shut her mouth. Stefan then tried to shift the conversation to another topic.
“I heard there’s an interview the day after tomorrow. Are you both preparing?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Remington, it would be good to emphasize your skills in foreign languages.”
“I’ll prepare in that regard.”
“Stella, what will you be emphasizing?”
“Do I need to emphasize anything? I’m Stella Edmond, after all. They should be grateful that I’m even attending the academy.”
Stefan let out a deep sigh. Stella was a sister with flaws in both her personality and skills, and she would be a source of embarrassment anywhere.
“Didn’t you learn the waltz a bit?”
“Well, I’m better at things that require movement.”
“Then it might be best to emphasize your waltz skills.”
“Brother, do we really have to do that?”
Stefan’s eyes widened at her unexpected question. Thinking she might not understand the purpose of the interview, he asked again.
“Do you really want to attend the academy?”
“Of course. I’m definitely going to get in.”
“Why?”
Her response made it sound like she had a different agenda for attending the academy, and everyone’s attention shifted to Stella.
“I heard the second prince of the Duke of Dae’s family is going to attend the Imperial Academy soon.”
“The… second prince?”
“I’d rather marry into the royal family, brother.”
“…….”
Each time Stella made an absurd comment, all the embarrassment fell on Stefan. He quickly closed his mouth and tried to focus on his meal.
‘I can’t maintain my dignity while entrusting such a reckless person to my youngest brother-in-law.’
As Stella continued to babble, Stefan’s gaze shifted quietly to Rachel, who was subtly smiling at the situation.
Bell, who had stayed at the count’s estate for a while, had once told him that Rachel had taken on the responsibility of raising her younger brother in place of their busy parents.
That memory made him think that he should leave the education of children to his wife, and he felt satisfied with that.
When Stefan’s red eyes met Rachel’s blue ones, he quickly turned his attention to his plate, gripping his fork and knife tightly.
‘Children? I’ll put an end to this curse in my generation.’
***
Before dinner, Remington visited my bedroom and gave me a framed family photo. Although I initially declined, he insisted, saying he’d already seen it plenty and didn’t need it anymore. His mature reasoning left me with no choice but to accept it gratefully.
I placed the cherished photo on the console table, so I could catch even a fleeting glimpse of my father and mother as I moved about the room. After dinner, I returned to my bedroom and sat in front of the console, gazing at my parents in the photo. Just looking at them filled me with joy, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Mom, Dad, this is the Duchess of Edmond’s bedroom. My room, of course. What do you think? Isn’t it lovely?”
As though I were a child chattering to my parents after a long time, I mumbled to myself. Then, there was a hesitant knock at the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
“Come in.”
Still seated at the console, I turned to see Stefan standing at the door, looking awkward. I, too, couldn’t quite suppress the smile lingering on my face, and my expression gradually turned just as awkward as his.
Today wasn’t one of the three nights a month when we shared a bed, so there was no reason for him to visit my room. Rising from the chair in a flustered manner, I greeted him.
“Y-Your Grace? What brings you here…?”
Just then, a bright voice came from behind Stefan.
“Your Grace, do you always have to knock before entering your wife’s bedroom after marriage?”
“Well, I suppose… the Duchess might be caught off guard if I didn’t…”
“Oh, so even married couples must observe etiquette?”
“Well, you could think of it that way…”
Even though Stefan’s large frame was blocking the view, Remington’s clear, cheerful voice rang out. Startled, I quickly approached him and quietly asked,
“What are you doing here?”
“Sister, His Grace showed me his study and even gave me a few books as gifts. I was just escorting him to his bedroom.”
“His Grace’s bedroom is actually—”
Before I could finish, Remington cheerfully chattered on.
“Sister, are you uncomfortable when His Grace enters your room without knocking? Are you still shy around him? Shouldn’t you be used to it by now? It’s been over four months since you got married.”
“Remington, that’s not—”
“Our parents never knocked before entering each other’s rooms. Are you saying the two of you need more time together to stop knocking? That’s too much!”
Having grown up watching our parents’ affectionate relationship, Remington firmly believed that married couples should naturally share everything, including a single bedroom.
“Remington…”
“Oh, am I talking too much? I always turn into a chatterbox around you, Sister. Haha. Well then, goodnight to you both!”
I couldn’t tell if he was overjoyed about receiving books from his brother-in-law or simply delighted to be living under the same roof as me. Whatever the reason, his cheerful demeanor made me let it go.
The problem, however, was that Remington didn’t leave until he saw my bedroom door close.
“Go inside, Sister.”
“Will you be able to find your room on your own?”
“Of course! I’m not a child.”
“…Alright then, sleep well, Remington.”
His bright, innocent face felt particularly overwhelming today. After closing the door, I leaned against it, only to find Stefan standing in front of me with an even more uncomfortable expression.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace. Once the boy returns to his room…”
“…Let’s just wait until then.”
“Thank you.”
Stefan’s wandering gaze landed on the family photo on the console table. Picking up the frame, he cautiously spoke.
“These are your parents?”
“Yes, Count Raphael Burke and Viscountess Sophia Burke.”
“You look just like your mother.”
“That’s probably why Remington clings to me so much. He’s still at an age where he misses his mother.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize.”
As the atmosphere turned awkward, Stefan placed the frame back on the table and moved toward the door to check the hallway. I stepped aside to let him pass.
As Stefan carefully opened the door to check the corridor, Remington’s surprised voice rang out again.
“Your Grace, why are you coming out? Shouldn’t you be asleep?”
“W-Well, and what about you…”
“I’m reading by moonlight right now.”
Remembering the peculiar hobby of the Burke siblings, I couldn’t help but let out an odd sound. Startled by the noise, Stefan closed the door and turned to me.
“Duchess, what exactly is ‘reading by moonlight’?”
“For tonight, perhaps it would be best for you to just stay here, Your Grace.”
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