IBVFL 78

Chapter 78

And… when did I even fall asleep?

‘Wow, they weren’t kidding about a bed being responsible for quality sleep.’

I must have fallen asleep so deeply that I didn’t even notice it, like someone had sprinkled sleeping medicine on the blanket.

Still, thanks to the maids taking care of me, when I woke to the morning sunlight, I was tucked nicely under the covers.

“I’ll prepare your wash water, Miss.”
“All the luggage from the hotel has been moved to your dressing room. You can check it after breakfast.”

“Ah, thanks.”

I still wasn’t used to this kind of service.

Even though I had briefly lived as a noble, I had fallen quickly, so being waited on like this was almost entirely new to me.

It was convenient since everything was done for me, but having people older than me serving me was still a bit uncomfortable.

‘I should just think of them as friends.’

If I acted too formal, it might make them feel awkward too.

‘At least everyone’s kind.’

It had only been one night, but from the moment I woke, no one had treated me poorly.

Of course, Grandpa wouldn’t have assigned someone unpleasant. Still, I was grateful that they respected boundaries and just did their jobs.

After washing up and putting on almost all of my indoor dress, a maid spoke.

“The master is waiting in the dining room. I’ll guide you there.”

“Thanks.”

Since I didn’t know the layout yet, this was extremely helpful.

The maid looked a little surprised at my greeting, then said quietly,

“Please follow me.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Grandpa usually woke up very early. I also tended to wake early, but Grandpa’s diligence was next level.

If he was waiting for me, he probably hadn’t eaten and was just sitting there.

Even when I dawdled because I didn’t want to wash, Grandpa waited without touching the stew, saying it was better to eat together.

I quickly slipped on indoor slippers and followed the maid outside.

But unexpectedly, someone else was waiting.

“M-M-Master Duke!”

The maid who came out first bowed deeply.

I had just crossed the threshold and looked up at him.

Felix had been waiting outside and now walked leisurely toward me.

“Finally, you’re out.”

“W-Why are you here?”

“Path.”

“Path?”

“You’re bad with directions.”

Felix said it bluntly. I was so stunned I just opened and closed my lips like a fish.

He signaled the maid to step aside and gestured ahead.

“Follow me.”

Time for breakfast.

Step by step.

Walking on the soft carpet, I quietly watched the young duke a few steps ahead.

Honestly, I was a little surprised.

‘I didn’t expect the duke to personally come get me.’

Was this part of a plan to secure a talented person? If so, I had to applaud.

The boss had come to fetch a skilled employee and even guide the way. Honestly, it was more than I deserved.

‘Did he come straight from his room?’

His outfit outside differed slightly from at home. Comfortable shirt and pants, but more relaxed than in the guild.

I clasped my hands together and followed him quietly.

But from the moment we left the room, silence reigned. Feeling the awkward tension, I gathered courage and asked,

“What time do you usually wake up?”

“4 a.m.”

“Really… isn’t that too early?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Ah, but… you’re only seventeen, right?”

By Korean age, he was just a high school freshman. Already practicing a miracle morning?

‘The next master really isn’t anyone you can be casual with.’

It seems that to reach a high position, this kind of discipline is essential.

‘Grandpa probably sleeps longer than him.’

I quietly admired Felix, and he cleared his throat once.

“You wake up early too, don’t you?”

“Yeah… kind of.”

It wasn’t that unusual, just that Grandpa and Felix were exceptionally early risers. I had also gotten into the habit of waking early.

“Grandpa… or, the master has had a huge influence.”

At first, I used to sleep in a bit. But living with Grandpa adjusted me to this early schedule.

Hearing this, Felix casually said,

“Don’t call me master. Just call me Grandpa, like yesterday.”

“Oh, no. You still call me Master, right?”

Even though we were family, I was cautious. I decided to restrain myself in front of Felix.

But surprisingly, Felix didn’t mind.

“I just call it that because I want to. You can call me however you want. I don’t care.”

“Ah… thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

He chuckled softly.

After discussing how the night went and whether to call him that in front of the other staff, we reached the huge dining room door.

A servant who had been waiting pulled the handle quickly.

Creak—

Through the opening, a familiar face appeared.

“My little pup! Did you sleep well last night? Was everything comfortable?”

Grandpa smiled widely, rolling his tongue as usual. The servant pouring water stumbled slightly.

“Cough, cough!”

Other staff quickly bowed deeply.

The people lined up along the wall were so shocked they covered their mouths and swallowed nervously.

“G-Grandpa.”

With everyone watching, I felt extremely embarrassed and bit my lip.

Grandpa noticed and narrowed his eyes.

“Out.”

“Yes, sir!”
“Yes, sir!”

Instinctively, the servants hurriedly left the dining room.