Chapter 39 – Those Who Hide Secrets (1)
Wait… maybe I’m talented at this acting thing? Should I switch careers…?
No, no, focus! This wasn’t the time for nonsense.
I didn’t have the luxury to sit here daydreaming.
Right now, I had to figure out how to break this frozen, tense atmosphere.
After a moment of thought, I suddenly sprang up from my chair like a flying squirrel spreading its limbs.
“Wow! I’m all better now!”
“…What?”
“Miss Bloomhire?!”
Ignoring everyone’s bewildered stares, I darted to the physician’s side.
“Doctor, I’m fine now, so could you check that maid instead?”
“Huh? Who?”
“That one over there. Her complexion’s been terrible for a while now—I’m worried she’s about to collapse.”
The physician finally noticed the pale maid and immediately hurried over to her.
The moment he saw her face, his expression turned grim.
I quickly rushed to whisper in his ear.
“She told me she’s been unwell since this morning. She usually gets headaches, but today it got so bad it felt like her head would split. She even had dizziness, and at one point her vision went completely white.”
The doctor’s expression grew even more serious. He turned to Eclipse and bowed deeply.
“Your Grace, I must apologize for misdiagnosing the patient. I have no excuse.”
Well… it wasn’t a misdiagnosis. I faked it…
I wanted to explain, but the atmosphere was so heavy I didn’t dare interrupt.
Straightening, the doctor bowed again.
“However, with your permission, may I examine the maid first? The lady herself requested that another patient’s treatment be prioritized.”
I glanced at Eclipse silently.
I didn’t try to persuade him—I already knew what kind of person he was. Surely he’d say the same as me.
“…You did it wrong.”
“…Pardon?”
Wait. That wasn’t the answer I expected.
But then Eclipse’s sharp, frightening gaze softened.
“Before worrying about my reaction, you should have gone ahead and treated her first.”
“Your Grace…”
“Go on. See to her. And stop apologizing so much. If there’s any fault here, it lies with me as well—for failing to notice my servant’s condition.”
“Thank you for your generosity, Your Grace!”
The doctor’s face brightened with relief.
Since the maid looked ready to collapse, Eclipse and I willingly stepped aside to give them space.
I pretended to watch the examination, but in truth, my eyes kept drifting to Eclipse’s profile.
That’s Eclipse for you. Just as I thought.
I couldn’t help grinning, pleased that we were on the same wavelength.
And though Eclipse kept his gaze fixed straight ahead, I was the only one who noticed the tips of his ears turning faintly red.
***
Meanwhile…
“You seem to be in a very good mood today, Lady Saint.”
Ash chuckled, watching Linette hum to herself.
Teaching her was always pleasant. He was supposed to be instructing her in etiquette, but he never scolded or pressured her. In truth, lessons with Ash were practically just relaxation time.
“Do I?”
“Yes. Did something good happen?”
“Well, actually…”
Linette leaned by the window, peeking outside.
“Look over there. Don’t they look good together?”
Ash followed her gaze.
In the gazebo, which was usually empty, sat two figures.
“His Grace… and Miss Bloomhire?”
“Mm-hmm.”
Linette giggled.
“They’re taking a walk together.”
Her heart was fluttering with joy. When she first saw them strolling side by side in the garden, she nearly screamed from excitement.
The moment she realized they were heading toward the gazebo, she had ordered a servant to bring them tea and desserts.
“By the way, Ash, you mentioned that pastry yesterday. Is it really that delicious?”
“Ah, do you mean the specialty pastries from Butter Snow?”
“Yes, that’s the one.”
It had been just the day after Linette had felt suspicious about Elsie and Ash’s relationship.
She’d gone straight to him to ask.
“What exactly did you and Miss Bloomhire talk about? I’m curious.”
“Oh? You’re interested in that? Well… it wasn’t much. We’ve only met twice, after all. We’re hardly close.”
His answer matched Elsie’s words perfectly.
Good. So it was just my imagination. I was worried there might be… something between them.
Ash’s tone was casual, without a trace of affection or hidden meaning. Relieved, Linette let out the breath she’d been holding.
“Well, I suppose it’s three times now,” Ash added with a laugh.
“She returned a ring I dropped, and to thank her, I shared some pastries. Butter Snow’s specialty. Though, to be honest, she ate the entire bag by herself—I didn’t get a single bite.”
Elsie had mentioned loving those pastries, so Linette had sent her servants to buy as many as possible—seven whole bags.
I could’ve bought more, if only they hadn’t sold out.
Butter Snow had a rule: only one bag per person.
So she had dispatched ten servants, but the supply had run out right before the eighth.
Still, seven bags was impressive. Linette even rewarded her servants with gold coins for their trouble.
She had then ordered the chef to store them carefully. After all, she was collecting everything Elsie liked, planning to use them to win her favor.
“Yes, they’re truly delicious. But difficult to obtain—the time and quantity change every day. You were lucky to get some.”
“Lucky indeed.”
Linette thought back to earlier.
During etiquette class, she had looked outside the window and nearly fainted.
Am I seeing things? My brother… is taking a walk?
She had doubted her eyes, until she noticed who was with him.
Wait… that’s Elsie?!
The two of them, walking together.
She had no idea how it happened, but one thing was certain—
I mustn’t interrupt.
This was a historic moment: the two of them drawing closer.
Excited, Linette had quietly ordered her servants to prepare refreshments and slip a note to Eclipse.
It read simply:
“A small token from me. Enjoy your time.”
She hadn’t signed it, of course. Eclipse would surely recognize her handwriting anyway.
Though knowing him, he probably won’t realize the meaning behind it. He’s so dense about things like this.
When it came to work, Eclipse had the sharpest instincts in the world.
But when it came to feelings, he was utterly clueless.
“For His Grace to actually come outside and relax… This is the first time I’ve seen such a sight.”
Even Ash was surprised.
He had only ever seen Eclipse holed up in his office, working through the night. The Archduke never came outside unless it was strictly business or for Linette’s sake.
But now, here he was… taking a walk. With nothing more than a mere tutor.
It was nothing short of extraordinary.
