Chapter 18
It looked like I was hitting him.
Zeno’s strength was so overwhelming that after a bit of struggle, I barely managed to push him out of the room.
“Ugh, I’m already so weak.”
I took a deep breath and then pulled the rope to call Rien.
Knock, knock, knock.
“You’re quick.”
I thought it was Rien, so I opened the door, but to my surprise, it was someone else.
“Should I have come earlier?”
He glanced at the clock and grabbed my hand.
“Since you’re awake, let’s go eat.”
“Right now?”
I’m still in my pajamas!
I shook my head in surprise, but he put his coat on me.
“No one will see you anyway.”
With that, he suddenly lifted me up.
“C-Cedric?”
“I know you’re weak. It would be troublesome if you fell while walking.”
“It’s not that bad!”
My face turned red, and I couldn’t even look up.
As we stepped out of the room, Cedric spoke loudly again, his voice echoing in the mansion.
“Everyone, close your eyes.”
I covered my face and gave up struggling after hearing that.
“Oh my, you two seem so close.”
“Since Lady Claire came, the atmosphere around His Highness has changed.”
I had to walk to the dining room, hanging from Cedric’s arms while hearing the whispers of the maids.
“Next time, I won’t do this.”
“Of course not.”
I pouted and took a bite of the warm soup. Cedric smiled without taking his eyes off me.
“…Stop staring and eat.”
“I’m just trying to remember for later. You might be busy today.”
“We can have tea later.”
“Do I not need to go see the animals anymore?”
At his words, I cut some meat and fed it to him.
“I think we don’t need to go anymore.”
“Hmm.”
Seeing Cedric squinting at me, I honestly admitted,
“They’ve all returned on their own. So I think I won’t need to meet the animals at night anymore.”
“Since you lost your friend, I’ll have to make more time for you.”
Only then did he smile brightly in satisfaction.
Looking at him, I realized that Cedric’s personality wasn’t that great. Was it just me, or did his smile seem sinister?
“I’ve prepared something for you, and I hope you like it.”
“…For me?”
“I thought you might be feeling bored lately.”
Screech.
The door opened, and Zeno entered.
“Please tell me the gift isn’t Zeno.”
“I couldn’t get rid of him. What kind of wolf is this cheeky? If he turned human, I wouldn’t have let him stay.”
“Woof, woof.” (I won’t turn into a human in front of you. Look, aside from that guy, I am having fun.
Cedric and I awkwardly smiled at each other.
I felt like he was looking at me with a bit of disdain, so I signaled for him to leave with a wave of my hand.
I was worried when I didn’t see him earlier, but seeing him back didn’t make me feel any better.
“Ugh!” (No.)
Zeno refused to listen. Everything I said about training him was clearly a lie.
“I think the first animal to be sent back to the forest should be this wolf. He’s a divine beast, so the Emperor will recognize him right away.”
Cedric frowned at Zeno, who had boldly entered the dining room. Honestly, these two beasts—no, can I call them men?—were tiring to deal with.
“Don’t worry, I said he’ll hide until my father comes.”
In reality, Zeno should have been by my side, but if the Emperor found out, I would have been forced back to the palace, so I had no choice but to keep my distance.
“So please don’t worry. I’m fine.”
I gave Cedric a big smile, lifting the corners of my lips.
“…If that’s more comfortable for you, then fine.”
“Woof, woof.” (You cheeky human.)
They were both calling each other cheeky. They clearly didn’t realize how alike they were.
Zeno shook his head and tried to approach me.
“But like I said, dangerous animals shouldn’t be kept nearby. Whether it’s a divine beast or a baby wolf, they all look the same to me.”
Cedric stood up and grabbed Zeno by the scruff of the neck. Zeno, who was pulled away from me, bared his sharp teeth and struggled.
“Growl, woof!” (This crazy guy is starting again!)
Zeno, furious, looked like he was about to attack Cedric, but Cedric didn’t flinch. The quiet meal quickly turned into chaos.
“You still haven’t realized that it’s pointless to bite me, huh?”
Zeno opened his mouth wide.
Cedric wasn’t someone to be messed with, and the two of them were clearly getting along in their own way.
“Well then, I’ll take him with me.”
“Woof!” (What?)
Zeno barked in surprise, and I stood up after finishing my soup.
“Today, I have things to do too, so please take care of Zeno. I think it’d be nice to take him for a walk.”
“…Of course. I feel like he really likes me.”
“Cedric, that’s not the case. Can’t you see he’s ready to bite you like a wild beast?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. Beasts always try to fight when they meet a stronger opponent.”
“Grrrr.” (You human! I’m a divine beast! You’re nothing!)
Zeno shouted in a frustrated voice.
It was a relief Cedric didn’t understand him. Otherwise, they would’ve been fighting every day.
‘Why did I get involved…?’
I just gave a sorry look. Zeno should have been nicer to his master. If he had, he wouldn’t be in trouble now.
“Woowoo!” (Hey, where are you going? Are you abandoning me again, master?)
“Zeno, then have a good time with His Highness.”
“Woowoo!” (Nooo!)
Even though I heard his desperate voice, I smiled brightly. I kissed Cedric lightly on the forehead, and my steps as I left the dining room felt light.
After changing my clothes, I went to the garden with a refreshed mind.
Although it felt empty without the animals, it was the first time I had a peaceful tea time.
“Looks like you’re alone today.”
“Ah… Sir Aiden.”
As I was enjoying the garden, a distraction appeared. I guess I’m not meant to relax.
He was sweaty, likely coming in after training.
I handed him a handkerchief, but he refused. Slowly shaking his head, he looked around. He was probably searching for Cedric.
“…Is His Highness inside?”
“Yes, I came out to relax alone today.”
If he was just passing by, he wouldn’t have come to talk to me. I raised my head and smiled at Sir Aiden.
“Would you like some tea?”
“If you’re offering, I won’t refuse.”
Sir Aiden stared at me intently.
“If you have something to say, feel free to speak. Have you heard anything about the imperial family?”
“I believe what Caben said is all there is to it.”
I nodded at his words.
His gaze felt so intense, it was like he was staring through me.
“Sir Aiden, is everyone displeased that I became the Duchess instead of Princess Isabel?”
My straightforward question made him flinch for the first time.
“At first, everyone was skeptical. It was only natural since no one had met you directly, except for Caben… His Highness had gone through a lot, and now another weakness is exposed, so who would be happy about it? I’m worried my words might hurt you.”
But he answered right away. He didn’t hesitate at all, and I felt a little disappointed.
“Well, I expected it.”
“But it seems like His Highness now has a reason to live, and that makes me happy. I also feel that the atmosphere in the mansion has changed since you became the Duchess.”
A reason to live? That was unexpected.
“…So, did His Highness want to die before?”
“He seemed to have no attachment to life.”
At Sir Aiden’s words, I closed my lips. I understood. He had to move according to the Emperor’s orders and had to go to battle when needed.
“Is the reason His Highness wants to live is because of me? I haven’t done anything since I came here.”
He must have said that because I became the Duchess, but I didn’t expect it.
“Yes, that’s why. I no longer dislike it.”
“I don’t understand. I know His Highness is responsible, but it wasn’t a marriage he wanted. And he’s said he won’t allow a divorce.”
Sir Aiden stood up and bowed his head to me.
“If you have any complaints, please tell us, Your Grace. We will fix it.”
“Oh, no. There’s no need to go that far…”
“Please stay here. A divorce isn’t possible. You’re someone His Highness absolutely needs.”
I felt guilty. It wasn’t a marriage I wanted, and I was deceived into it. But Sir Aiden probably didn’t see it that way.
“Maybe it would have been better if Princess Isabel had come.”
“I don’t think so.”
“…Why not?”
“I just feel that way. Please don’t go anywhere and stay with His Highness forever.”
Forever?
Why did that make me feel so uneasy?
It seems like everyone in the mansion, like Cedric, shares similar personalities.
