Chapter 62
｡･:*:･ﾟ★ Translated by Bree ｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
The Duke was probably flustered.
Not money, but a mere hand. Such an uncharacteristic request from Daphne.
But I was quite desperate.
‘I need to know what’s wrong to be able to treat it.’
In fact, I had closely observed the Duke’s condition during our meals together.
I had some suspicions but needed confirmation.
“Please lend me your hand.”
“…”
I repeated my request. The Duke seemed a bit taken aback but offered his hand without protest.
His fingertips trembled very slightly.
I had seen patients like this many times in my previous life.
‘His hand doesn’t move well, and he needs assistance while walking. I was worried, but…’
Fortunately, it didn’t seem too severe.
For someone the Duke’s age, aging is a natural process. It was more surprising that he had remained healthy for so long.
‘But still…’
Seeing this fearsome Duke longing for his daughter reminded me of the elderly customers I had met in my previous life.
‘They would complain about their children not visiting them, yet proudly show their photos on their phones.’
Amila must have been such a presence to the Duke as well.
Someone you wanted to see even with your eyes closed.
A cherished scar etched deep in the heart.
Thinking about it made my chest feel tight.
‘Really, why is everyone in this family so foolish?’
They’re making even me sad.
I let out a small sigh inwardly and released his hand.
“Your hand is quite cold and often trembling. You probably have trouble digesting food and feel a tightness in your stomach. When was the last time you moved enough to feel slightly warm?”
“…”
“Grandfather?”
When I asked again, the Duke slowly opened his mouth.
“I can’t recall.”
As expected. That was the anticipated response.
He probably didn’t even remember the last time he went out. Even a healthy person would develop illnesses in such an environment.
I frowned slightly as I spoke.
“It might be uncomfortable, but you need to move around more often. Even if your muscles are stiff, sitting around will only make it worse.”
“…”
“The garden is spacious, so it would be good to take walks frequently. Get some sunlight, breathe the fresh air, and it will help lift your spirits.”
“…”
“If you take it one step at a time, you might even feel like walking further. When that happens, just go ahead. Gradually. There’s no need to overdo it.”
I continued explaining calmly.
The Duke’s symptoms weren’t as severe as I had thought.
He just needed to move his body more and get glasses for his poor eyesight.
If necessary, I could prepare some herbal medicine for him. However, the Duke had a greater affliction than aging.
‘Longing.’
No amount of money could cure a heart’s sickness. When the heart is sick, the body follows. Even the simplest tasks become daunting.
So the Duke needed to free himself from that emotion first.
“If you find it difficult to walk alone, I can help you.”
“……You’ll help me?”
The Duke asked, furrowing his brow. I was about to nod but then realized my mistake.
‘The Duke probably wouldn’t like walking with me.’
In my eagerness to suggest a proactive approach, I had overstepped.
He might even refuse my treatment. I decided to take a step back.
“Of course, if you don’t want me, Harlan can…”
“I never said I didn’t want it.”
“What?”
Unexpectedly, a response I hadn’t anticipated came back. My eyes widened in surprise.
“Um… So you’re okay with it?”
“Yes.”
“Morning, noon, on nice weather days. Walks. You’re okay with that?”
“How many times must this old man repeat himself to satisfy you?”
The Duke answered brusquely, raising his voice.
But with my years of experience working part-time at a traditional medicine clinic, I could tell.
The Duke wasn’t angry; he was just embarrassed.
So I stood up abruptly.
“Then let’s walk together now.”
“…What?”
“The sun is going to set soon. It won’t be useful once it’s dark. I’ll support you, so let’s walk together, Grandfather.”
My proactive approach seemed to catch the Duke off guard.
But people with a reserved personality, who don’t take the initiative, often don’t reject someone who approaches them warmly. Especially not elderly people like the Duke.
The Duke let out a faint sigh and slowly got up. I quickly moved to support his arm.
“Take your time, no need to rush. We have plenty of time.”
“…”
I said this with a gentle smile. The Duke looked at me steadily for a moment and then,
“…Alright.”
With a gruff response, he stepped out of the mansion.
Thus, the Duke and I walked around the yard for about 30 minutes.
There was no warm conversation between us, but the gentle sunlight and breeze filled the gap between us. That alone was satisfying.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
The Duke had followed Daphne’s suggestion to walk, but he didn’t think it would last long.
“Grandfather, I’m here.”
But Daphne came to visit him at the appointed times.
“How’s today’s meal? I thought your meals were too bland, so I asked them to season it just a bit more.”
She even shared meals with him.
Moreover, she read aloud all the letters that were sent to him, in place of Vanie.
If it had been the usual Daphne, she would have quickly gotten bored and annoyed, but she showed no sign of irritation.
In addition,
“…What is this?”
“It’s a magical device I specially commissioned. I ordered it a while ago, and it seems it’s finally completed.”
She brought some strange, large item and placed it on his bed.
“If you sleep on this, you’ll be able to sleep warmly and comfortably.”
“…”
“Wow, it’s so warm. You’ll sleep well. Try lying down.”
Though suspicious of her nonchalant response, the Duke lay down on the bed without further comment.
Even though his body had weakened, the Peregrine family had monitored and handled magic for generations.
If there was anything suspicious about this magical device, he would notice it right away.
But what welcomed the Duke wasn’t magic or fatigue that came with it.
It was a good night’s sleep.
“…”
The Duke looked bewildered for the first time in a long while.
It wasn’t uncommon for him to toss and turn uncomfortably in bed.
A good night’s sleep had become someone else’s story, and naturally, his fatigue had increased.
But how was it today? There was no muscle pain, and his head felt clear. He could open his usually heavy eyes comfortably.
‘Was it really an item for a good night’s sleep?’
Thinking back, his body had been lightened thanks to the walks with Daphne and meals suited to his constitution.
There had been so many changes, yet he hadn’t realized and had doubted Daphne. How foolish he had been.
‘…Yes.’
Daphne was trying so hard, so he couldn’t continue to build walls around his heart alone.
The Duke got up and spoke to Harlan, who was approaching.
“Call Daphne here.”
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
The Duke’s sudden call had me running in a hurry.
‘Did something go wrong with the magic stone heated bed?’
The heated bed I had commissioned from Luciel was miraculously completed at the perfect timing.
I had set it up for the Duke to both win his heart and ensure he could get a good night’s sleep.
Of course, I didn’t forget to test it myself before giving it to him. Naturally, there were no problems.
‘In fact, it worked so well that waking up in the morning was a bit of a struggle.’
I hid my anxious feelings and sat down in front of him. As always, the Duke had a stern expression.
I was wondering how to greet him when,
“Daphne.”
The Duke’s call made me stop short, forgetting to speak.
It was the first time the Duke had ever called me by my name.
While I stood there, stunned, the Duke spoke again.
“For the first time in a long while, I slept deeply. As you said, the warmth helped me sleep well.”
“…”
“Moreover, my body feels much better. It’s all thanks to you.”
The Duke spoke in a gruff voice, but his sincerity was palpable.
“You must have a reason for doing all this. So, what is it you want?”
“As I said, I want you to be healthy, Grandfather.”
“Besides that. I’m asking what benefit you seek to gain.”
The Duke sharply probed into my true intentions.
He didn’t seem to be pressing me to reveal my motives out of suspicion but rather genuinely curious about what I desired.
‘I need to answer carefully.’
I clenched my sweaty fists tightly and slowly began to speak.
“What I want is…”
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before continuing.
“What I want is for us to become a real family, to understand and support each other. I don’t want anything else but to mend the broken bonds and bring back the warmth of a family that we’ve lost. I know it sounds idealistic, but that’s truly what I wish for.”
The Duke’s eyes softened slightly, showing a hint of understanding, but he still held a firm expression.
“Is that all?”
“Yes, Grandfather. That’s all.”
For a moment, there was a heavy silence between us, filled only with the unspoken emotions and years of distance. Finally, the Duke nodded, a subtle acceptance of my earnest words.
“Very well, Daphne. We shall see.”
Happy Holidays!!!
