Chapter 69
Strikes When You Let Your Guard Down (3)
“During that time, you helped Lucy quite a lot, didn’t you?”
“……?”
“I must express my gratitude for that part.”
Noel’s eyes darkened sharply at the inexplicable provocation. More than anything, the Grand Duke’s audacity to speak of Eluciana as if she were his own possession was extremely irritating.
Her deep purple pupils drew a sharp line toward Aster’s face.
“I see no reason why I should receive such a greeting from Your Grace.”
Aster let out a mocking chuckle, quickly closing the distance and stopping in front of Noel.
“Whether there is a reason or not is for me to judge, not you.”
Noel flinched at Aster’s sudden movement but, keeping her usual composed expression, asked again.
“I fail to understand why Your Grace would intervene in matters between Lucy and me.”
“If I were to answer—”
Tilting his head slightly, Aster stared directly into Noel’s eyes as if piercing her soul.
“You can no longer remain here. Will you still listen?”
“……”
“I shall extend a small courtesy and offer a word of advice.”
Aster gripped Noel’s shoulder roughly, his tone a clear threat.
“Do not covet.”
“……?”
“I have never spared those who have coveted what belongs to me.”
Aster’s red eyes shimmered with a terrifying obsession.
Only Eluciana, who had hurried out to greet them, looked on in bewilderment at the unspoken tension between the two.
In the reception room of the Angel’s House, Eluciana sat facing Aster.
Clink.
Louis, who had arrived with Aster, elegantly poured tea and placed the filled cups in front of both Eluciana and Aster before quietly stepping back.
“Drink.”
Watching Aster calmly lift his cup, Eluciana could not hide her complex emotions.
When had she even mentioned this place to him?
And yet, the Grand Duke and his butler had appeared here unannounced.
“……Your Grace, how did you know to come here?”
“Why would you think I didn’t know?”
Aster smiled faintly, his eyes narrowing charmingly despite his solemn expression.
“Wouldn’t one look into something before allowing a person into their household?”
“Ah… that’s… true.”
Eluciana nodded, quickly convinced.
Aster was correct. It would be foolish not to check thoroughly when bringing someone into a prestigious noble house, not a mere restaurant.
Even the Grand Duke’s power, towering as it was, had its limits and competitors.
Especially for those nobles in the Emperor’s circle, who would view the Grand Duke’s disregard for the Emperor’s words with annoyance.
Just as her own family, the Wyres, had experienced.
‘Ah, but that’s a bit different, isn’t it?’
If the other party were completely untouchable, the Wyres had been a delectable target, easy to devour.
Indeed, when her family fell, the Wyres’ lands and wealth disappeared at an unnaturally fast pace.
Simon had caused it, but anyone with sense could guess someone else had influence behind the scenes.
Even the butler who died in a fall on a familiar path suggested as much.
In any case, using one’s power to achieve what they desire was truly commendable, whether for friend or foe.
“Does it not anger you? In a way, he investigated you.”
“I have no reason to be upset. Your Grace is expected to do so. That position… it demands it, doesn’t it?”
Eluciana’s expression was slightly bitter, and Aster’s usually calm eyebrows twitched once.
“What did you speak about with Noel just now?”
“……Noel?”
Eluciana hurriedly clarified, noticing Aster’s suddenly tense demeanor.
“Ah, that is… Sir Klaus.”
“Hmm.”
“I was worried because he’s not the type to leave without notice, yet he suddenly left.”
“Worried… are you?”
“Yes. Of course.”
He is a generous sponsor from today onward.
Eluciana’s naturally placed smile faltered as she noticed the sudden silence.
Somehow, Aster’s expression seemed to worsen.
‘Is another one of his conditions acting up? His complexion… doesn’t look bad.’
Eluciana carefully observed Aster and asked cautiously.
“Did… Sir Klaus leave any words with Your Grace? I saw you two together at the time.”
“……We only exchanged a brief greeting.”
“Is that so? Then why did he run off looking so pale?”
Eluciana frowned deeply, murmuring to herself. Noel had dashed off right after meeting the Grand Duke, making her even more curious.
‘I’ve never seen him look so startled. What on earth happened?’
Perhaps he was displeased that Aster showed interest. Aster asked, slightly annoyed,
“You seem close to Sir Klaus. Are you very familiar?”
“Noel… yes, they’ve grown somewhat attached.”
“……Attached?”
“Yes?”
“Attached… you say?”
Aster’s tone became sharper, filled with barbed intent.
‘Did Noel make a mistake with His Grace? Why is he so serious?’
Given Noel’s usual lighthearted behavior, it was possible, but surely not in front of Duke Sestein. Eluciana shook her head, pondering.
‘Still, he came here to do something good for our people. I can’t let a small mistake ruin that.’
After carefully gauging Aster’s expression, Eluciana sipped her slightly cooled tea before answering.
“Affection… they call it that. Noel, well, Sir Klaus can be mischievous, but over time it becomes… endearing. Not unpleasant. Occasionally frustrating, though—oh? Your Grace! Are you feeling unwell again?”
Eluciana suddenly leaned forward, bringing her face close to Aster’s. His face, which had radiated a cold air moments ago, was flushed red.
“What… are you doing?”
“You look unwell. Your temperature seems high. Are you all right?”
“……I am fine. Could you step back a little?”
Aster pushed her forehead away with his fingers, frowning.
“Ah… s-sorry.”
Eluciana quickly stepped back, cheeks flushed.
“If there’s any pain, please do tell me. Don’t endure it. Oh, did you bring medicine? No, your butler came with you, right? I’ll get him.”
She rose immediately, but Aster’s low sigh stopped her.
He seemed unusually bothered by her treating him like a child.
“I said I’m fine. I know my body best.”
Eluciana looked at her held wrist, then back at Aster.
Her cheeks had returned to their normal color, and his grip, though strong, was not excessive.
Yet his temperature had been noticeably high just moments ago.
‘Why is he being so stubborn?’
As if being unwell was trivial—or as if indifferent.
Her crimson eyes calmed.
“At least I understand one thing: Your Grace is very stubborn.”
“I… what did you say?”
“You’re acting like a child, throwing a fit.”
“Child… ha, perhaps your words are excessive, Eluciana.”
“The only excessive thing here is Your Grace. Do you know what it feels like for me to watch you like this every time you’re ill?”
“……”
“I am responsible for serving Your Grace. Protecting you is my duty.”
“Meaning… you will protect me?”
His red eyes shimmered with a golden hue, strangely glowing.
There was a hint of excitement, yet also anticipation.
Eluciana, noticing his slight lean toward her, swallowed nervously before answering.
“Yes. It is my duty.”
“……Very well. Today, that answer will suffice.”
Aster nodded obediently and stood.
As he passed by, Eluciana felt his flushed face again, wondering,
‘His complexion looks better… or not? No, that’s not it.’
She spun around and called after him as he opened the door.
“Your Grace! Are you leaving like this?”
Aster, gripping the doorknob, tilted his head slightly.
“Do you have something to say?”
“Of course.”
Eluciana smiled faintly, walking quickly to block him. Her stance, arm outstretched, resembled a wall brace.
“Why… are you doing this?”
Her expression, pretending to be resolute, caused Aster to step back involuntarily.
