Chapter 78
Meanwhile, the Winterlen mansion was peaceful as always.
Lennox woke up with the now-familiar stiffness and aches in his body.
He had been sleeping in awkward positions every night, watching over Estelle, so the pain was unavoidable.
“Still, it’s better than not sleeping at all.”
It was very early, before sunrise.
Turning toward Estelle, Lennox quietly looked at her.
He suddenly remembered the scene when she had faced Count Bellonsa.
Dark energy, Magi, had swirled around her, as if it were alive.
“They call those who control Magi… witches.”
His long nights of insomnia had all started because of Magi.
If Estelle truly knew how to control it, then maybe the reason he could finally sleep was really thanks to her.
At last, one of his biggest doubts was answered.
“But if she leaves one day…”
Just imagining it made his hand tighten.
Thud—
It wasn’t the sound of his heart sinking.
He had pressed too hard against the bed frame, and one side of the bed broke.
“Mm…”
The loud sound made Estelle stir.
Flustered, Lennox quickly pulled the blanket up to her chin.
“Shhh. It’s fine, nothing happened.”
“…Mmm.”
Estelle frowned slightly, then turned toward him again.
Soon, her breathing became steady—she had fallen back asleep.
Phew.
Relieved, Lennox froze in his uncomfortable position.
If he moved even a little, he was afraid she’d wake up.
“Come to think of it, I used to be so worried she’d report me to the temple.”
But no matter what, Lennox would never be the one to let her go first.
That was their contract.
Pat-pat-pat-pat!
While he was staring at her, light footsteps ran down the hall.
“It’s already that time, huh.”
Bang—!
“Mom! Dudu woke up!”
The door flew open and Duren ran in, his hair a complete mess.
“You’re awake?”
“Mm-hm!”
Hearing his voice, Estelle opened her eyes. Still half-asleep, she smiled and opened her arms wide.
Plop—!
Duren jumped into her arms. He was so happy that a fluffy tail appeared on his back, wagging so fast it was almost invisible.
“She said before that his ears and tail appear less often now.”
“Not because he’s less happy, but because he’s learning to control himself.”
Estelle gently fixed his messy hair. At her touch, his ears popped up.
“Shall we go eat breakfast?”
“Yes! Carry me!”
“I’ll take him.”
Worried Estelle might hurt herself, Lennox stepped forward and easily picked up Duren.
The moment he was lifted, the boy’s ears and tail vanished with a soft pop.
A sign his excitement had suddenly cooled.
“……”
“……”
“Hmm? I think one side of the bed is broken. Or is it just me?”
Estelle blinked wide-eyed at the uneven bed.
“…It’s old. Time to replace it anyway.”
Lennox quickly avoided her gaze.
The three of them went down to the dining room, where they joined Glesia.
After enjoying breakfast with Duren’s cheerful chatter, it was time for a walk.
After the walk, each person usually went about their own day.
“So quiet.”
Today, Duren had gone out to play with friends, leaving the mansion oddly empty.
“…Feels emptier than usual.”
Rubbing his sore back, Lennox leaned on his hand and stared out the window without realizing it.
“Your Grace. We caught the broker from the fake heir scheme, but there’s no sign of Bellonsa’s involvement.”
“He’s very skilled at cutting ties.”
“The Count has been lying low lately as well.”
“Even so, keep digging into him. Anything at all.”
Lennox had planted a spy in Bellonsa’s household, but the timing of the last incident hadn’t been enough to destroy him completely.
He clenched his jaw. This time, he planned to wipe out the Bellonsa family for good.
A few hours later—
Puha-ha-ha!
Duren’s unique, loud laugh echoed through the mansion.
“He’s back.”
Without realizing it, Lennox’s lips curved up.
The house instantly felt alive again.
But just as quickly, it grew quiet.
After all, it was nap time for Duren, who had played to his heart’s content.
Lennox stood and went to find Estelle.
“Estelle. Do you have a moment?”
“Eh? Y-yes, what is it?”
She was putting away her jewelry box when he entered.
She shut it in a hurry, and he got straight to the point.
“I brought Alex from the estate.”
“Alex?!”
At the familiar name, Estelle’s face lit up.
“After you left for the capital, he refused to eat. Will you go see him?”
“Of course!”
Lennox hid a smile at her childlike excitement and led her to the stables.
Neigh—
The big black horse, Alex, immediately perked up when he saw Estelle, showing his joy with his whole body.
“Alexander Hyper Kaiser Soje really loves the Madam,” the stable master said proudly, using the horse’s full, ridiculous name.
Both Estelle and Lennox froze.
“…His name is even longer than mine.”
“His Grace gave him that great name himself!”
“…I was young and foolish back then.”
Suppressing his embarrassment, Lennox suggested,
“You seem to like Alex. Why not try riding him?”
“M-me? But I don’t really know how to ride…”
“You said you’d never learned to dance either, yet you danced beautifully. You might have talent for this too.”
He hadn’t forgotten her confession at the birthday ball.
“You won’t fall, even by mistake. He’s a gentleman, and I’ll be right here to help you.”
“Yes, Madam! And Alex does want to stretch his legs. It’d be perfect if you could help!” the stable master added quickly, siding with Lennox.
Hesitant but persuaded, Estelle nodded.
“Then… Alex… Hyper—”
“No need for the full name.”
“…Can I ride Alex?”
Neigh—!
Alex nodded vigorously, as if he understood.
“This horse likes her too much.”
Feeling a little jealous, Lennox ordered,
“Alex gets too excited. Not the best for a beginner. Bring a calmer horse.”
“He’s plenty gentle, but… no, you’re right. It might be dangerous for Madam. Luckily, we have a beautiful white mare that’s very gentle!”
The stable master quickly changed his words, sensing Lennox’s mood.
Soon, Estelle appeared in riding clothes, looking slightly nervous.
“…Hmm.”
The first challenge was mounting the horse.
The animal was tall, and the stirrup wasn’t adjusted to her height.
Standing awkwardly, unable to climb up, she glanced at Lennox.
He knelt down on one knee and offered both hands.
“Step on me, like stairs.”
“Eh? I can’t. Your Grace, your hands will get dirty.”
“I’m wearing gloves. It doesn’t matter.”
She blinked. This was the same man who wouldn’t even shake a freshly washed hand, yet now he was offering his own for her to step on.
“And his knee’s already dirty from the ground…”
“I’ll be heavy.”
“My wife thinks I’m that weak? If I told you I once broke a bed frame with one hand, you’d faint.”
“…Was that this morning…?”
“The new bed should be here by now, so let’s forget that. Well? Will you step on me? My knee’s starting to hurt.”
The man who had broken a bed now whined about his knee, but Estelle had no choice but to smile.
