MLIIWTFL Chapter 146

 

 

 

– I understand the situation. You do know that you must return her before it gets too late, right?

 

“Yes! I’ll make sure to bring her back before 10 o’clock!”

 

Ezkhiel, who had completely stiffened up, shouted at Patrick through the communication stone.

 

After the call ended, tension seemed to drain from Ezkhiel’s body. Letticia patted his back gently and chuckled.

 

“Are you still that nervous around my father?”

 

“Who wouldn’t be nervous in front of their lover’s father? Besides, the Count barely shows any expression, so I can never tell whether he’s angry or not. That just makes it even harder.”

 

“Really? If Father gets angry, the whole atmosphere turns ice-cold. It’s pretty obvious.”

 

“…I’ll do my best to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

 

Seeing Ezkhiel looking so dejected, Letticia gently took his hand to comfort him.

 

Just then, the butler entered the room with a tray carrying a teapot. He quietly set it down and left without a word after witnessing the scene.

 

Since Ezkhiel’s townhouse wasn’t as large as an estate, there were far fewer servants. There were no gossiping maids eavesdropping on their master’s love life like in romance novels.

 

Of course, the butler had initially been surprised to see Letticia, but he now made a conscious effort not to disturb the couple whenever they were alone—something Letticia found rather convenient.

 

Thinking she should visit Ezkhiel’s home more often, Letticia pouted playfully.

 

“Ez, it’s just the two of us right now, so pay attention to me. Judith even went out of her way to set up this date for us, so don’t let your mind wander elsewhere.”

 

“Oh… I’m sorry, Letty. I already feel bad for not making enough time for you…”

 

Worried that he might have hurt her feelings, Ezkhiel apologized in a flustered manner. Letticia quickly dropped her sulking act and smiled cheerfully.

 

“You don’t have to feel bad. You’re working hard on your responsibilities, so I understand. Besides, you made time for me today and even invited me to your home.”

 

“…Because I wanted to spend more time with you. I also wanted to invite you over.”

 

“Hehe.”

 

Hearing that he wanted her to visit made Letticia even happier.

 

Before they started dating, he had expected their relationship to end after three more meetings, so Ezkhiel’s change in attitude was something she wholeheartedly welcomed.

 

“But your house is bigger than I thought! I heard that homes for single noblemen tend to be much smaller than this.”

 

“The townhouses on Belcote Street are usually about this size. I originally wanted to get a place on Picard Street, but due to security concerns, I ended up settling here instead.”

 

“Ah, that makes sense. As the Crown Prince’s chief aide, you do need to live in a well-guarded area.”

 

“Yes. This townhouse is guarded by knights, so I feel safe here.”

 

Letticia took a sip of the chamomile tea Ezkhiel had poured for her and glanced around the living room.

 

Compared to the Count of Sharon’s estate, the living room was quite small. It was fine for private gatherings but wouldn’t be large enough to host a formal tea party with 30 to 40 guests.

 

“It does feel like a house meant for a single man. It’s too small to host any social gatherings.”

 

“Yes. It’s enough for me alone, but if I get married, I’ll probably need to move.”

 

“Then why don’t you just move into my house? We’d welcome a live-in son-in-law.”

 

Even though they were talking about marriage, it didn’t feel strange. In the empire, lovers were practically considered unofficial fiancés, so discussing future plans was not only natural but also encouraged.

 

That was why Ezkhiel didn’t blush and instead answered seriously, despite the topic being about life after marriage.

 

“I think I’d have to discuss that with His Highness first. Once he ascends the throne, I’ll be granted a noble title, and there’s also the matter of receiving a new family name.”

 

“Oh… right.”

 

Letticia struggled to keep her expression neutral.

 

The Emperor’s chief aide was usually granted the title of Count. So, if Matthias became Emperor and Ezkhiel remained in his position, he would receive the title as well.

 

As long as that bastard doesn’t follow the original story, it should be fine.

 

Letticia thought to herself that if Ezkhiel’s already demanding job became even more unbearable because of his superior’s love life, she wouldn’t hesitate to kill a god and call it justified.

 

However, for now, she was only speculating. She hadn’t actually confirmed whether Ariette and Matthias had met yet.

 

“Ez, has your workload increased recently?”

 

“Well… to be honest, there’s always been a lot of work.”

 

Ezkhiel smiled with an expression of resignation—a gentle, almost saintly smile that only made Letticia feel even sorrier for him.

 

“Then has His Highness given you any odd orders? Like today, when he made you write a report on a play you watched?”

 

“No, nothing like that. His Highness is a reasonable person and only gives orders that make sense.”

 

“If, at any point, he starts acting strangely or giving you ridiculous tasks, you have to tell me. I’ll ask Her Highness the Princess to intervene if necessary.”

 

“It’s really fine. But thank you, Letty.”

 

Ezkhiel shook his head, but he couldn’t hide the slight upward curl of his lips. He seemed genuinely happy that Letticia cared about and looked out for him.

 

Letticia felt a bit guilty, knowing she couldn’t just tell him outright, ‘Your boss is about to become obsessed with some woman, and he’s going to dump all his work on you.’

 

“I’m used to having a heavy workload. As long as I take short breaks when I’m exhausted, I can hold out for a few days.”

 

“Just short breaks? Is that really enough?”

 

“Yes. Sometimes, just smelling tea or the scent of baking cookies helps…”

 

Ezkhiel suddenly paused and clamped his mouth shut. His face turned pale, and he bit his lip as he averted his gaze. It was the same reaction he had the first time they talked about tea at the ball.

 

But this time, Letticia wasn’t as caught off guard. She didn’t panic at his sudden change in demeanor.

 

“The smell of cookies baking is nice, isn’t it? When I was little, I used to go to the kitchen and ask the cooks to bake some for me. I’d just sit there and enjoy the scent.”

 

“……”

 

“The smell of freshly baked bread makes me hungry, but cookies have a different effect. They make me feel happy. Maybe it’s because they’re full of sugar and butter? And if there’s a hint of fruit in the mix, it’s even better.”

 

“…So that’s why you like tarts.”

 

Ezkhiel cautiously responded as Letticia continued speaking casually. As the color slowly returned to his face, she fought to keep her expression neutral and spoke as naturally as possible.

 

“Yes. Pies are great too, but tarts have jam or fruit on top, so the fruity scent stands out more. Sight and taste are important, but you can’t ignore the role of smell either.”

 

“I agree. Sometimes, just taking in a scent can be comforting, even without actually eating anything.”

 

“Right? Ez, what kind of cookie scent do you like the most? You eat lemon-flavored things often, so is it lemon tarts?”

 

“…Actually, I like cookies the most. Shortbread or butter cookies.”

 

Letticia was slightly surprised by his answer. In all the times they had shared desserts together, Ezkhiel had never once eaten cookies.

 

“Really? I never saw you eat cookies before, so I didn’t know.”

 

“The last time I had one was over ten years ago.”

 

As he spoke, Ezkhiel’s hands trembled slightly. It seemed to be a story similar to the time he forced himself to drink coffee.

 

I need to know. I have to, so I can do something about it.

 

Before, she hadn’t asked because they were practically strangers. But now, they were in a confirmed relationship.

 

Determined, Letticia didn’t hesitate.

 

“Why haven’t you eaten cookies in over ten years? Is there a reason?”

 

“……!”

 

Ezkhiel’s body stiffened at her question.

 

Letticia calmly poured another cup of chamomile tea and handed it to him.

 

“If you’re not ready to talk about it yet, you can tell me another time. We have plenty of time, and there will be many chances to talk.”

 

“……”

 

“But someday, I hope you will. I’m not asking out of simple curiosity—I want to know you properly, Ez.”

 

“…It’s not a pleasant story to hear.”

 

Ezkhiel ran a hand over his face. For a brief moment, his green eyes flickered with exhaustion, old wounds, and fear.

 

“That doesn’t matter to me. Whether it’s a happy story or a painful one, I’m ready to listen as long as it’s about you.”

 

“…Letty.”

 

“If you’re ready, I’d really like to hear it. But if not, would you rather wait until another time?”

 

“…I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can do it today.”

 

Ezkhiel lowered his head, avoiding her gaze.

 

Letticia felt a brief pang of disappointment, but then his trembling voice broke the silence.

 

“It’s not that I don’t want to tell you… I just never really talked about it before. It’s a messy, difficult story, even for me. I don’t know how I’ll react while talking about it… So, today isn’t the right time. We’re short on time, and the Count will be worried… and…”

 

“Then, will you tell me once you’ve sorted it out in your heart?”*

 

Letticia looked at him directly as she asked.

 

Ezkhiel, still trembling slightly, remained silent for a moment before finally lifting his gaze.

 

“…Yes.”

 

His green eyes, fragile like the leaves of a delicate plant, wavered with emotion. But his resolve was clear.

 

“It’s not an exciting story. It’s exhausting and miserable… But if you want to hear it, Letty, I’ll tell you.”

 

 

 

 

🍓; *She’s asking Ezkhiel to tell her once he has come to terms with or fully understood his own feelings.