Episode 32
‘First! Look into each other’s eyes like this, up close. When you exchange glances for a few seconds, it often elicits a significant reaction from someone interested!’
That’s the method Viete taught.
‘A significant reaction?’
‘Well, for example. That’s right, their ears might turn red! Or they might try to avoid eye contact with flushed cheeks… If they’re bold, they might even come forward more actively.’
Viete suggested the so-called “plucking a leaf” as the most reliable method.
By staring intently and subtly creating an atmosphere that draws out a reaction while pretending to pluck a leaf, the other person would reveal their true colors or something like that.
Naturally, I listened with one ear and let it pass with the other.
Despite Viete being renowned as a dating expert in the mansion, his credibility didn’t seem all that high.
But as we rode in the carriage and faced each other, my thoughts suddenly changed.
It was an impulsive desire to try this out as a mere ‘joke’.
I also wanted to know why Nella or Viete were so confident, and if I tried it myself and it completely deviated from Viete’s expectations, there would be no more frivolity between us.
“Please pluck the leaf.”
But this reaction was unexpected.
This person knew they were good-looking.
Actually, it would be more unusual if they didn’t realize it with both eyes intact.
I could feel my heart pounding.
Instead of drawing out the other person’s reaction, I was the one being drawn in.
Awkwardly, I offered a feeble excuse with a forced smile.
“Huh? I swear I saw it earlier, but where did it go? It must have fallen off quickly.”
“Is that so? That’s a shame.”
Ludwig sat back in his seat, raising an eyebrow.
He had returned to his usual relaxed demeanor after being momentarily taken aback by my sudden action.
It was me who was flustered, and I had to suppress my racing heart and wipe the sweat until we reached our destination.
The carriage Ludwig and I rode in stopped in front of a famous restaurant in the city.
Ludwig, who got off first, reached out his hand to help me down the stairs.
As we got off the carriage, the attention of the people passing by focused on us.
Already, with his portrait prominently displayed in the newspapers, it was only natural that Ludwig, who was currently the talk of the town, would attract attention.
And even as he pretended not to, being featured in gossip articles that people subtly read was enough to draw attention with him.
“Isn’t that Duke Ludwig Karsian?”
“Who’s that next to him? I heard the Duke doesn’t have a fiancée or any romantic involvement.”
“It’s Lady Drenihan, isn’t it? Didn’t you see the newspaper today? Well, those two…”
“Really? Is that true?”
Somewhere, a sigh of disappointment could be heard.
“His partner isn’t you guys, nor is it me.”
Even without being overly concerned about gossip articles, when Jenna appears, unclear relationships will be sorted out.
Well, it wouldn’t matter to think as one pleases for now.
Fortunately, Ludwig also didn’t seem uncomfortable with people’s attention.
It’s awkward when one side feels embarrassed due to misunderstandings.
If both sides are indifferent to such matters, it’s actually more comfortable.
“Welcome, Duke Karsian. Let me guide you to your table.”
A staff member soon greeted us and led us into the restaurant.
Ludwig and I entered a private room inside the restaurant.
Perhaps because it’s a restaurant mostly frequented by nobles, instead of an open hall, individual private rooms were available.
The staff guided us to the best room among them.
“I’ve only heard about it, this is my first time visiting.”
“Me too. I hope you like it.”
There must be a reason why this restaurant has been introduced in famous columns.
The dishes that followed were different from the start.
As the master chef personally came and explained each fresh ingredient and cooking process, my mouth watered even more.
As I tasted the food, I couldn’t help but look moved.
Of course, the dishes of Lady Drenihan, the noble chef, were also excellent.
However, the restaurant that accurately grasped and researched the taste of the public had the upper hand.
“I’m glad you seem to like it.”
Ludwig said with a smile.
“It’s beyond my expectations.”
We chatted casually about recent events while enjoying the meal, discussing how I ended up at the waterfall and when Ludwig learned to wield a sword.
In such conversations, words flowed naturally like water.
After finishing the satisfying meal, we walked along the lakeside nearby.
The sunlit lake sparkled, and unusually, many couples were strolling along the lakeside today.
Due to the good weather, the lakeside was crowded with people.
“It seems like we’re the only friends among them.”
“I’ve heard that couples often come here, but there seem to be more than usual today. If we come this way, it’s less crowded.”
Ludwig took me down a path that wasn’t frequented by others.
Soon, we reached a truly quiet path.
It was a place where the sunlight shimmered brightly on the lake, and the breeze blew refreshingly.
In the tranquil street, we only heard the sound of our footsteps on the fallen leaves.
“How did you know about this place?”
“When I was young and came to the capital, my mother and I used to visit here often. It’s a charming place, not as well-kept as a well-maintained garden, but people don’t seem to know about it.”
“I like it here too.”
We walked along the quiet path together.
“After my mother passed away, I never thought I’d come back here. I couldn’t think of anyone suitable to stroll with.”
Come to think of it, this place seems to hold quite precious memories for Ludwig, although it’s not mentioned in the original work.
Well, the original work didn’t meticulously explain everything about the characters, so either it wasn’t a situation conducive to a leisurely stroll, or there was no reason to describe it in the novel.
“It’s an honor to bring you here, isn’t it?”
A smile lingered on Ludwig’s lips as he replied to me.
“I’m in the midst of a headache regarding succession issues, so this leisure is even more precious.”
“…Is there a lot of opposition?”
I asked worriedly, recalling the newspaper I read in the morning, and Ludwig didn’t deny it either.
“The Council of Elders has absorbed a considerable number of territorial lords. It would be troublesome if they rebelled, claiming it’s immature to entrust them with the governance of the territories.”
Ludwig, just like in the original, investigates the accumulated corruption within the Council of Elders after being crowned as the Duke of Pi.
Actually, for a while, there was undoubtedly a sense of guilt, but there was no progress due to a lack of clear evidence.
However, Jenna happens to visit the Karsian territory and discovers accounting ledgers with extensive embezzlement and corruption.
They were hidden in none other than the secret passage inside the private chapel of the former Duke.
For the Council of Elders to commit embezzlement and corruption, they needed the Duke’s consent through persuasion, so most of the deeds were done within the Duke’s residence.
Furthermore, even if searches were to occur due to the swollen assets of the Council of Elders, they were hidden in the deepest and most secretive place of the Duke’s residence, so there was no need to worry.
That was why, even though Ludwig had thoroughly searched the noble families for evidence, not a speck of dust was found.
Jenna accidentally discovers a secret passage in the chapel and finds the accounting ledgers there.
Thanks to the protagonist’s buff, Ludwig was able to rectify the wrongdoings committed by the Council of Elders.
Perhaps the bribes exchanged while absorbing the territorial lords are also recorded there.
The original story has changed, and the Council of Elders is still alive with eyes wide open.
For Ludwig to securely succeed and ascend to the ducal throne, those accounting ledgers would be necessary.
Rather than sparing them for the original’s sake and being hindered and threatened by the Council of Elders, it would be more efficient to bring them out into the world now.
“But it’s vague to advise to meticulously inspect the chapel out of the blue,” Ludwig said to me then.
“Oh, by the way, the Crown of Purity has arrived. I forgot to mention that we’re bringing it today.”
“The one you mentioned last time?”
“Yes, it’s the crown awarded to the winner’s partner.”
In the Karsian Hunt, not only the winner but also their partner is bestowed with a crown worth more than treasure itself.
I saw it displayed in a crystal case at the banquet last time, and the Crown of Purity was undoubtedly exquisitely crafted, as if touched by the hands of a master artisan.
However, the main jewel, which should emit the most light from the center, was missing.
It was said that once the owner is determined, the most fitting gem for them is selected, and the finishing work is completed.
Therefore, I didn’t receive the crown on the day of the hunt, and it was planned to be delivered later.
“I’ll visit the ducal estate soon.”
“Oh no, you’re very busy right now, and it weighs heavily on my heart to make you take such a long journey.”
I replied with a grin.
“I’ll visit the ducal estate. Soon.”
