* * *
Chaser was swinging his sword in the training hall.
Under a clear and blue sky, bright sunlight streamed down onto his shining black hair.
The sharp sound of a blade resonated quietly through throughout the training grounds.
His red eyes were focused on the sword in his hand, and every time he moved, the sound of the blade cutting through the air could be heard.
The stunning combination of wide shoulders and firm chest muscles looked like something out of a famous painting.
The thick arms exposed by the rolled-up sleeves had blue veins and sturdy tendons bulging out.
Chaser continued to hold his stance and swing his sword, seemingly without feeling tired.
He was unaware that Casey, who was nicknamed ‘Sparrow’, because she chirped non-stop, had come to the mansion.
“Haaa…”
His face betrayed how tired he was as he exhaled rapidly.
Chaser hasn’t been able to sleep well at night lately.
He’d lost count of how many times he’d woken up in the middle of a good night’s sleep and drank some cold water.
It started after he saw Wilhazelle singing.
Although he’d thought of her randomly from time to time before, this was the first time that thoughts of her had invaded his mind to the extent that he couldn’t sleep.
‘Why on earth is this happening? Why did Lizelle look so pretty that day?’
No one could answer those questions for him.
He couldn’t even figure out the answers himself.
The sword that had been drawn horizontally suddenly stopped in midair.
Because of that bright smile that came to mind again.
“Shit.”
The sword fell to the ground with a loud thud as Chaser nervously tossed it away.
His eyes were fixed on one of the mansion’s many windows.
That was the guest room where Raphel and Lizelle were staying.
She had annoyed him from the very first meeting.
He was strangely bothered by her confident attitude and the look in her eyes that said she wouldn’t lose, even though she was accused of committing fraud.
However, as he continued to watch Wilhazelle, he realized that her actual appearance was completely different from the image he’d first had.
She was sweet and loving to the child.
There was no sign of any attempt to take advantage of Raphel.
Rather, she took risks and even rushed in to save the child when he was in danger, she also taught the child, who loved stars, a song she made herself.
The child also liked her very much and followed her everywhere.
“Is that why I’m behaving like this?”
Because she’s different from what I expected.
Was he uncomfortable because he felt guilty for having misunderstood her?
It was quite a reasonable guess.
He nodded vigorously at the plausible thought.
Only then did he feel like his nauseous stomach slightly settled.
Chaser’s face began to brighten as he discovered the cause of his feeling of discomfort.
He won’t have to toss and turn tonight.
“My Lord.”
Rohan appeared holding a soft, dry towel.
Chaser took the towel and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
“Lady Casey has arrived.”
“Where is she?”
“Well… She is now with Lady Wilhazelle and Sir Raphelion.”
“What?”
He almost dropped the towel he was holding. Why is that foolish girl…
“… Has she already met the Lady?”
“Yes. It seems like they are talking in the Lady’s room at the moment.”
Chaser rushed forward in an instant. He was moving fast.
His expression was panicked.
Casey, who usually spoke without thinking, really enjoyed talking about other people.
For example, a story from the past, a shameful tale from his childhood, or a dark history he wanted to erase.
Casey would certainly be able to talk freely to someone she met for the first time.
He didn’t want Wilhazelle to discover his private moments.
Chaser accelerated his pace and entered the mansion.
* * *
Chaser’s instinct was accurate.
“Zelly! Do you know what the Duke’s nickname is?”
Wilhazelle had moved from her seat in the dining room and was talking with Casey in her and Raphel’s room.
Because their personalities matched better than expected, the two were chatting continuously without realizing how much time had passed.
“Nickname?”
Lizelle tilted her head as she looked at Casey, who was looking at her full of anticipation.
The only nicknames that went well with the Duke that came to mind were cold-blooded and cheap…
“Well? Do you know?”
“Um, no. What is it?”
“Skills!”
What does she mean by Skills? It seems like it stood for something, but she couldn’t quite figure it out. After thinking for a while, Lizelle asked back.
“Skills?”
“Since his only skill is his looks!”
Gasp…
She almost burst out laughing when she heard that, forgetting about her noble aura.
Fortunately, she was able to hold onto a string of reason and prevent her face from distorting.
Skills. What a great nickname. Isn’t it really fitting as well?
As Lizelle couldn’t hide her sly laughter anymore, Casey’s eyes sparkled.
“It’s funny, right? It suits him well, don’t you think? I came up with it!”
Casey, proud of herself, puffed out her chest.
Wilhazelle grinned and gave her a thumbs up.
“Hehehe. He’s handsome but as soon as he opens his mouth… You know, right?”
She knew. It was a shame that she knew it well.
They made eye contact at the same time and nodded. They didn’t touch hands, but it felt like they did a high five.
There was someone who thought the same way as her. It made Casey feel better.
Knock, knock, knock
“It’s Chaser.”
Chaser’s voice came from outside the door.
Lizelle and Casey gasped and closed their mouths at the same time.
They were talking about Chaser, and suddenly he appeared outside the door…
The two soon put on a calm face, it was just a nickname anyways.
“Yes. Come in.”
As soon as Lizelle gave permission, the door opened and Chaser entered.
He came in wearing light clothes, showing off his muscular forearms like he’d been training.
Although he had a nice face, his body was also as sturdy as she expected.
Lizelle, who has always had a taste for muscular men who exercise, unknowingly fixed her gaze on Chaser’s forearms.
“Lady Casey.”
“Brother… No, Duke Chaser.”
Casey stood up and smiled calmly at Chaser.
“What’s going on?”
Chaser’s eyes were sharp as he looked at Casey.
He then looked at Wilhazelle’s expression to see if Casey had said something strange, but there was nothing special.
“Ah, I came to see the Duke.”
“Then let’s go to a different room.”
Chaser glared at the sly Casey and bowed to Wilhazelle.
“Excuse us.”
“Zelly, see you next time!”
“Yes. I had a good time, Lady Casey.”
Wilhazelle smiled softly at Casey, when she cheerfully said farewell.
What was supposed to be a boring day became enjoyable thanks to Casey’s visit. She felt good, it seemed she’d made a like-minded friend.
“She’s a fun Lady, right, Raphel?”
“Yes!”
Raphel smiled brightly and hugged her. Casey seemed like she would be a good friend for Raphel.
* * *
As he entered the parlor, Chaser turned around with a frown on his face.
“Why are you here.”
“Why? I came all this way to see you and that’s all you have to say?”
As soon as they disappeared from everyone’s view, the two people began to talk comfortably. They had been together since childhood and were like siblings.
“You didn’t say anything unnecessary about me, right?”
Casey tilted her head towards Chaser, who was asking questions sharply with his arms crossed.
“Well, uhm, no~? Why would we even be talking about you? I absolutely did not!”
Casey denied it.
Her conscience was pricked because the topic of conversation had been about her brother.
“Casey.”
The low voice was harsh.
He just asked her if she said anything useless, but she said she didn’t mention her brother at all.
It was clear that she had told a story about him without needing to look further into this.
How on earth did the two of them even start talking about him?
He was annoyed, but at the same time he was curious about Wilhazelle’s reaction. Did she laugh the whole time they were talking?
“…”
What was he thinking now? Chaser frowned. He stopped his train of thought before getting any deeper.
“Oh, I really didn’t say anything…”
Casey’s voice became quieter. Looking at her brother who had a grim expression on his face, it was clear that he was angry.
“Oh! Did you find Raphelion? Zelly says she didn’t even use the potion! It’s unfortunate that he can’t remember anything due to the shock of the accident…”
Casey quickly changed the topic.
It was because her brother’s nagging was too much and she didn’t want to listen to it.
Chaser glared at Casey and frowned.
She would always change topics like this to get out of an unfavorable situation.
Chaser didn’t say anything because he knew she was doing it because she didn’t want to hear his nagging.
“We have to use the antidote to know for sure.”
“You don’t trust Zelly, brother?”
Since when did Lady Wilhazelle start to go by the nickname Zelly?
Although he was puzzled, he didn’t think it was a big deal. Casey’s specialty is making up nicknames.
“I just want to make sure.”
“Brother. Zelly is a really nice person.”
Did she decide to take Wilhazelle’s side after meeting her just once? Chaser shook his head subtly.
“I also made a mistake after hearing the rumors, but she kindly understood and let it go.”
Casey could not forget how Wilhazelle looked as she resolutely dismissed her mistake with a relaxed smile.
She also liked the beautiful face that one couldn’t easily forget after seeing it once.
“And she’s so pretty.”
“That’s true.”
Chaser nodded in agreement. When he opened the door and entered, the sight of Wilhazelle combined with the red sunset that filled the sky behind her was very beautiful…
“What did you just say, brother?”
“What?”
The two people looked at each other in surprise.
Chaser didn’t even realize what he was saying.
“Do you think Zelly is pretty, too?”
“Nonsense.”
“Okay? Did I hear wrong?”
As Casey ignored it, Chaser let out a small sigh.
He almost got caught.
Anyway, he’d had a strange thought again. At this point, Chaser wondered if he had a problem with his brain.
He thought he should at least call the doctor to check his health.
