~Chapter 86~
“Should a member of the imperial family personally move just to bring a mere attendant?”
“Wouldn’t it have been easier if one of those many knights had borrowed a knight from the Duke’s household and brought an attendant for Your Highness’s convenience?”
What was he so afraid of, bringing a whole line of knights? And to pass through the gate, he must have gone back and forth with the Crown Prince several times.
Others might find it a rare, special sight, but to Ancia, it looked different.
It was like having only one licensed driver in a car, running back and forth endlessly to carry multiple people.
“Oh my.”
Caelus had expected that when such words were exchanged, Ancia would panic and apologize. He also thought she might act coy, saying she wanted to visit the imperial palace through the gate next time. But instead, Ancia calmly pointed it out, and that made Caelus smile naturally.
“As expected, you are different.”
With no more comments, Caelus picked up his utensils, and Ancia followed suit.
Looking at the corners cut from each dish, it seemed the royal guards had already tested for poison. Caelus ate without hesitation, moving with elegant ease.
‘So, he trusts his knights. Quite bold.’
Although he seemed in a better mood, Caelus said nothing throughout the meal. Ancia also didn’t feel the need to make conversation with the Crown Prince.
The only sounds were the quiet clink of utensils, her crisp bites of salad or fruit occasionally breaking the silence. Caelus didn’t complain about her casual eating; he merely smiled faintly.
Bored and lulled by the stillness, Ancia began to doze off, absentmindedly chewing. She even ended up taking a piece of steak someone offered her, thinking it was Rishar—though he wasn’t even present. The steak was large enough to puff out one cheek.
As she chewed and came to her senses, she saw Caelus looking at her, both amused and a little surprised.
“You eat well.”
Clang.
Her dropped utensil echoed through the silent dining hall.
Unable to speak with her mouth full, she focused on chewing. Chef Harmon’s cooking had improved greatly; the meat was tender, but a piece that size was still hard to swallow.
When she finally did swallow, another piece of steak—smaller this time—was offered to her.
“I like a woman who eats well.”
Caelus even smiled with his eyes, offering the fork naturally. Ancia matched his gaze with a sweet smile.
“I don’t eat much at dinner. But thank you for offering.”
“You refuse so smoothly, it’s hard to believe you’ve never been in high society.”
Smooth? It was simply the truth.
Which royal barges into someone’s home unannounced and feeds the lady of the house steak?
There were plenty of points to criticize, but with power pressing down on her, she kept silent.
“If you’re done eating, let’s have some tea—”
Before she could finish, Caelus popped the steak into his own mouth. Embarrassed, Ancia glanced away and saw the flustered servants and knights, some blushing, some looking uneasy.
Realizing her reaction could unintentionally spark rumors, she adjusted her posture, replacing her warm smile with a polite one, and focused on her salad.
After the tea time filled with meaningless talk, she finally returned to her room much later.
Seeing her tired maids, she checked the organized documents without missing a single one.
Late into the night, she was still working when she felt a familiar scent and relaxed into Rishar’s embrace.
“Duke?”
“Sorry, for making you deal with the Crown Prince alone.”
“It’s fine. Better than both of us being stuck with him.”
“You look very tired.”
Rishar’s rough yet gentle hand rubbed her eyelids, making her smile.
“You too.”
“Then you should rest.”
When he lifted her, she naturally wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
The bed felt full when they lay down together—it wasn’t a couple’s bed, but not too cramped. Being close like this wasn’t bad at all.
In Rishar’s warm arms, she felt reassured. The Crown Prince was no good for Rishar; it was better if they didn’t meet. She resolved to face Caelus herself for now. Then, a warm kiss touched her forehead.
“Wife, with the festival coming, I’m busy, but I need to check the monster defenses. The Crown Prince is already nitpicking for safety reasons, so I may have to leave the mansion for a day or two.”
“Ah, yes. You should check the defenses yourself. I’ll handle the household affairs with the steward.”
“No. I want you to stay in the annex.”
“The annex?”
“Yes. There’s one only women can enter.”
Ah, this was in the original story—Bianca wandering into the annex, Rishar panicking when he couldn’t find her, and eventually closing it entirely. It had been a treasured place for the former duchess.
“You mean the annex your mother loved?”
Rishar looked surprised at her casual question.
“Duke, did I say something wrong?”
“You’re too lovely.”
“Again?”
He tilted his head, eyes filled with affection.
“Seeing you speak of my mother so warmly…”
“Oh. Was it too soon when I’ve never met her?”
“You’re so kind, I want to show you to her.”
“She’d probably think I’m lacking.”
“Impossible. You’re the only one who makes me smile. She’d be happy.”
“Thank you. But if you’re away and I’m in the annex, who will face the Crown Prince?”
“I’ll leave the vice-captain and aide. Two days will be fine.”
“If that’s okay… then fine. I’d rather avoid him.”
Rishar’s sweet words left her feeling light, like floating on clouds. She fell asleep before hearing him call her again.
Rishar left to check the monster defenses but gave her a great gift—moving her to the annex while she slept and clearing all the piled-up reports. His decisions were faster than hers, and by morning, for the first time in a week, she had free time.
Even Bianca lazed by the window like a sunbathing cat, Ellie fussed over Ancia’s hands, and Julie suggested a garden walk.
“Shall we have tea in the garden?”
“Yes! Absolutely yes!”
“I’ll prepare it right away.”
Without a personal maid, Ancia often shared snacks and tea with her maids, who now gladly accepted. They prepared various desserts and tea.
She was delighted to spend this peaceful time with them. Julie left to prepare, Ellie led the way, and Bianca followed, talking about her favorite desserts.
“What a peaceful, lovely day.”
“It’s warm here even without walls. Amazing.”
The annex, decorated by the former duchess, showed care in every detail. Ancia even thought about making her own small greenhouse someday.
Despite the cold season, the glass roof and heating magic stones kept the garden warm enough for flowers to bloom.
“This place is wonderful. So well maintained.”
“The late duchess cherished it greatly.”
While Julie arranged the desserts, Ancia enjoyed the flowers and the calm in her heart.
