Chapter 28
The biggest change, of course, was in the relationship between the Duke and Rahel.
Since that day, the Duke had slowly started spending more time with Rahel.
Sometimes they had dinner together, sometimes tea time, and he even gave Rahel a custom-made sword as a gift.
At first, Rahel found this change in the Duke awkward.
“So that’s why the Duke intentionally invited me to tea or dinner.”
I could clearly see that his intention was to include me and ease Rahel’s discomfort. But I gladly fulfilled my role.
Not only for the Duke, but above all, I wanted Rahel to be happy.
Perhaps Rahel also sensed the Duke’s efforts and my wishes.
At first, she tried to avoid being with the Duke, but now she no longer showed dislike.
“Though she still talks less when in front of the Duke.”
Still, I heard that now she even had dinner with him without me.
And most importantly…
“Rahel seems to be gradually finding her peace.”
Even if she didn’t realize it herself, her usual gaze was losing its wariness.
She was no longer struggling alone to protect herself, but like a real child, someone who had a place to rely on.
It was a miraculous change.
“Going to the basement can wait a bit.”
I quickly added this, worried Rahel might refuse the Duke’s invitation.
Rahel nodded cheerfully to the butler.
“I’ll be there soon. Please prepare it.”
“What would you like to drink?”
“Grape juice, please.”
“I’ll have the same!”
The butler took our orders, offering a polite smile and bow before walking away.
“Then let’s go, Rahel.”
As the Duke was about to take Rahel’s hand and lead her to the parlor where he waited, something unusual happened.
ɻʂʅɿʊʈʓʢʟʠ……
‘Huh?’
A faint buzzing sound echoed—not in my ears, but it felt like it was ringing inside my head.
The sound seemed to come from the window. More precisely…
“…the western forest?”
Beyond the window was the western forest, where monsters occasionally appeared. Villagers had been forbidden from entering.
“It feels like something is calling me…”
As I tilted my head toward the forest, I heard Rahel’s voice.
“Vivian?”
“Mm?”
“Is something there?”
“Oh, nothing. Let’s go.”
‘It must be my imagination.’
Even if someone from the forest was calling, there was no way it could reach here. I shook my head and quickly ran back to Rahel’s side.
“Were you calling for us?”
When we entered the parlor together, the Duke, who had been waiting, greeted us.
“The rain is heavy; it’s better to wait until it eases. Sit down.”
He gestured toward the sofa opposite him.
On the table were tea, juice, and some snacks, probably brought by the butler.
I instinctively took Rahel’s hand as we approached the sofa, but noticing the Duke’s gaze on our hands, I discreetly let go.
‘Holding hands in front of the Duke wouldn’t be proper.’
Even after I let go and sat, the Duke’s gaze lingered on our hands for quite some time.
He finally spoke when his eyes drifted past us toward the window.
“Indeed, the south gets a lot of rain.”
“Does the north not get much even in summer?”
“Not like this. Though it snows heavily in winter… It’s charming to me, but the villagers probably aren’t thrilled with the summer rains.”
“I like rainy days. Listening to rain helps me sleep! But I hope it doesn’t rain on the festival…”
“Festival?”
The Duke showed interest when I mentioned the festival. I had been looking forward to talking about it.
“Yes. Every summer, there’s a festival. People dress up as demons or ghosts, and lots of delicious food is sold, so I enjoy it.”
“Ghost costumes, huh. That sounds fun.”
“So, may I go watch the festival with Princess?”
I subtly sent a hopeful glance at the Duke. He looked at me sharply and asked,
“Is this something Rahel also wants?”
Though I had nudged her, it was true Rahel wanted to go.
“Of course. Princess also wants to go,” I said, lying without batting an eye.
When I first met the Duke, this would have been unthinkable, but now I could shamelessly do so—a change brought by becoming friends(?) with him.
“You’re not just nagging until she agrees, are you?”
Gasp. How did he know?
I froze at his keen suspicion but quickly regained my composure.
“No! She really wants to go.”
Fortunately, Rahel supported me.
Perhaps because our relationship was gradually improving, the Duke watched us with softened eyes and asked,
“When is the festival?”
“Two weeks from now! Oh, Duke, if you’re curious, you—”
“I’ll pass. You two go together.”
“Yay! You’re the best, Duke!”
“You flatter me,” he said, frowning at my excitement but with a faint smile.
Watching me giggle, the Duke took his cold tea and changed the topic.
“By the way, Vivian. Your father runs a bakery, right?”
“Yes.”
“A chef needs an assistant. How about hiring your father?”
I was so surprised that my eyes went wide.
Even Rahel, who hadn’t discussed it with me, looked equally stunned.
“You… my dad? As a chef’s assistant?”
“Yes. Of course, only if he wants to.”
I flinched. If he wanted an assistant, he could easily find one elsewhere. But giving my father this opportunity first meant he thought highly of me.
‘If Dad became a servant of the Duke, he wouldn’t have to travel between the house and the villa on rainy days like today.’
And more importantly…
‘The salary as a servant would be higher than bakery income.’
Even for an ordinary noble family, this would be a huge opportunity, but for the Edelvine Duke family, with wealth comparable to royalty, it was undoubtedly substantial.
Still…
“Thank you for your consideration, but I think we have to decline.”
The Duke, apparently expecting my refusal, asked calmly,
“Why?”
I hesitated, then answered honestly.
“Well… my father isn’t skilled at baking or cooking.”
Even if one is greedy for fame or wealth, conscience still exists.
“Are you being modest?”
“If you love your father, you would naturally boast about him in front of others,” I said, meaning my father’s skills were not something even love could justify.
The Duke laughed heartily.
“I expected a refusal, but the reason is unexpected. It makes me want to try your father’s bread in another sense.”
Then he asked another question.
“Does your father have something else he likes or is good at?”
It seemed the Duke was determined to employ my father somehow.
I paused, thinking.
‘What is Dad good at…?’
