Chapter 46
In an instant, Hoyeon had devoured one whole sandwich and exclaimed,
“Tasty…! It’s delicious, Master!”
“I’m glad you like it. There’s plenty, so eat as much as you want.”
“Thank you!”
Shouting loudly, Hoyeon immediately began to wolf down another sandwich without hesitation.
The children, seemingly fascinated by him, even handed over their own sandwiches to Hoyeon.
I’d better make more.
Watching Hoyeon eat so heartily filled me with satisfaction, but I couldn’t let the children go hungry. So I pulled out all the bread from the cupboard and made enough sandwiches to go around.
“Aren’t you going to eat, Director?”
Since I wasn’t touching any food and just watching, Edie asked me.
“Mm, I don’t really have an appetite…”
Was it the sense of relief at finally being home? My body had started feeling unbearably heavy a while ago, and my eyelids kept drooping lower and lower.
Come to think of it, I’d been on the move nonstop since leaving for the palace yesterday morning. No wonder the exhaustion was crashing down on me.
As soon as I realized it, my head grew so heavy I could barely hold it up.
I rose from my seat, feeling everyone’s eyes on me.
“Eat slowly. I’ll go take a short nap. Wake me if anything happens. Hoyeon, I’m counting on you.”
Although I worried about leaving since things were still awkward between Hoyeon and the children, my body was at its limit.
Leaving Hoyeon—who glanced around anxiously—behind, I staggered into my room and collapsed straight onto the bed.
Just a short nap, then I’ll look into finding Jack a tutor…
One problem had been solved, but others still remained.
Before long, I sank into sleep, unaware of what was drawing near me.
A month passed quickly. In that time, there had been changes—some big, some small.
After finishing my morning duties, I stepped out to the playground and smiled warmly at the scene before me.
“Hehe, Teacher Hoyeon is fun!”
“Me too! Give me a ride too!”
“Clowan, wait your turn!”
“Tch!”
Hoyeon was running around the playground with Roddy riding on his shoulders, and the other children chased after him, laughing. Jack, nowhere to be seen, was probably still buried in a book.
I’m glad they warmed up to him faster than I expected.
Unlike the wary looks of that first day, the children grew more curious about Hoyeon with each passing day.
Roddy, who clung to him without any hint of caution, and Hoyeon, who awkwardly yet carefully tried to handle Roddy, must have left a good impression on the others.
And when Hoyeon started playing with them using his agile movements, the children clung to him all the more.
That wasn’t all.
He turned out to be far more capable than I’d expected. Starting with washing dishes and cleaning, he even created new dishes on his own once I taught him some basic cooking—dishes that suited the children’s tastes perfectly.
Thanks to him, my workload lightened. Still, a faint bittersweetness lingered as it seemed the children now liked Hoyeon more than me.
Even so, since my chores finished early today, I thought I’d make lunch myself and started heading toward the dining hall.
That’s when Hoyeon, who had been playing with the children, approached me.
“Master, a guest has arrived.”
“A guest?”
I tilted my head. No one was supposed to come. Who could it be?
Better to see for myself—I quickly stepped outside. It could always be someone with ill intent.
But the figure waiting was a familiar face.
“Rick?”
“It’s been a while, Lady Ciela Feyrunt.”
“Do you know him?” Hoyeon asked beside me. I nodded and introduced him, since it would be good for Hoyeon, who was guarding the orphanage, to know faces.
“He’s the secretary to Duke Creyman, our orphanage’s patron. Please, come in.”
I hurried to open the gate. The children stood at a distance, watching Rick, but they were far less wary than before.
Unconsciously, I scanned Rick’s surroundings. Noticing this, Rick spoke.
“His Grace is away on a short trip, so I’ve come alone today.”
“Ah, I see…”
Feeling embarrassed as though he had read my mind, I quickly led him inside.
After asking Hoyeon to serve tea—explaining how to brew it—I offered Rick a seat.
For a moment, we sat facing each other in silence. Once Hoyeon had served tea and left, Rick fixed his eyes on me.
“He’s a beastkin, isn’t he? Judging by his traits, I’d say of the Feline tribe.”
I flinched inwardly. Even though Hoyeon wore a hood to hide his cat ears, Rick had seen right through it. Well, considering his appearance already exceeded human norms, there was no point denying it.
I nodded. “Yes.”
“I see. Beastkin are rare indeed. You’re fortunate.”
“…That’s all?”
“What do you mean?”
Wasn’t he being far too accepting?
As Rick said, beastkin were a race one might never see in a lifetime. They avoided humans, traveling only in groups through remote lands.
The only time they revealed themselves was when captured. Anyone else would at least be suspicious, but Rick showed none of that.
Sensing my gaze, Rick smiled faintly, savoring his tea.
“The Feline tribe is known for their superior physical abilities among beastkin. I don’t believe Lady Ciela could have forced such a being into service. Surely he follows you of his own will. Isn’t that right?”
“…Yes.”
My worries suddenly felt empty, and I sipped my tea awkwardly.
Watching me, Rick spoke again.
“Come to think of it, Lady Feyrunt, you seem to possess a curious charm.”
“…Pardon? Where is this coming from all of a sudden?”
“Well, that beastkin who should never coexist with humans is by your side. And so is my master.”
“…The Duke?”
I widened my eyes at the unexpected name. Rick did not miss my reaction.
“Yes. Right after returning from the banquet, he began earnestly advancing the teabag business. That is also why I came today.”
Rick handed me the envelope he had been carrying. Startled, I accepted it.
“These are the business plan and contract. Would you like to review them?”
“Ah, yes.”
I hadn’t expected things to move so suddenly, and I fumbled the papers out of the envelope. Inside were detailed outlines of the project.
“Please read them carefully, and let me know if you have any concerns.”
Though abrupt, I heeded his words and read with care.
Most of the clauses were favorable to me. What especially caught my eye was that 80% of the profits would go to Baron Feyrunt.
Perhaps it struck me because the title “Baron Feyrunt” still felt strange.
“Hmm, I see the primary export market is listed as the Western Kingdom?”
“Yes. We determined it would be more profitable than beginning sales within the Empire, given the Creyman family already maintains exclusive trade with the Western Kingdom. Furthermore, their tea culture is less developed, so teabags should gain easier traction there.”
“Ah, I understand.”
“Of course, we will operate domestically as well, but the Western Kingdom will be the main focus. If Lady Feyrunt has other preferences, we’ll gladly adjust.”
“No, I think this makes sense too.”
After all, the Imperial family was already involved in the domestic tea trade. It was better to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Just as Rick said, starting with the Western Kingdom seemed the wiser choice.
Still… 80% is incredible…
The business might fail, of course, but regardless, I could feel how much the Duke was accommodating me.
After carefully reviewing one last time, I stamped the Baron Feyrunt seal where indicated. The Duke’s seal was already present.
Rick gathered his copy and looked at me.
“With that, the contract is complete. I’ll provide regular progress updates. And if you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Yes, thank you.”
As I spoke, I brushed my fingers over the papers, then parted my lips slightly.
“Though late, please also thank His Grace for me—for helping me at the banquet. I don’t think I ever expressed my gratitude properly.”
“What happened at the banquet?”
At Rick’s question, I nodded.
“I was in a difficult situation, and he helped me.”
“…That is unexpected. He usually avoids the public eye…”
Rick murmured softly, his gray eyes dimming before refocusing on me.
“Perhaps Lady Feyrunt is the one changing my master.”
“…Me?”
“Yes.”
Surprised, I asked again, and Rick slowly nodded.
But then I noticed—his condition looked poor.
Dark circles shadowed his eyes, his gaze was unfocused, and his lips were dry and cracked.
I asked gently, “Rick, is something wrong? You don’t look well.”
“…Ah, it’s nothing. I’ve just been suffering from insomnia lately…”
Looking weary, Rick adjusted his monocle with a finger.
Concerned, I quickly stood, fetched several teabags I had prepared in advance, and handed them to him.
Rick blinked in surprise. “What are these?”
“I made them from herbs I read about recently—ones with good effects. These are especially helpful for fatigue and insomnia. I don’t know how effective they’ll be, but steep them in hot water, and they should at least help you feel a little better.”
“…Thank you.”
Rick accepted them, still looking dazed. As he gazed at the teabags, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
“A most unexpected and welcome gift. Should you ever need counsel yourself, Lady Feyrunt, please don’t hesitate to ask. I may not be of much help, but I’ll gladly share your concerns.”
“Yes, thank y—”
I began to thank him, then stopped.
Because, come to think of it, I did have a worry weighing on me lately.
