~Chapter 69~
After Grand Duke Valtrich and Baron Hayden left,
Killian did not head to his bedroom but returned instead to his study.
On his desk, after only a few days’ absence, piles of documents that Theorn had left behind were waiting for him.
Of course, Theorn had wanted his lord—who had just gone through a great ordeal—to rest for at least a few days. But Killian had no such intention. So Theorn had no choice but to prepare everything in advance, so Killian could take care of the backlog himself.
“……”
Killian quickly began processing the accumulated work: the documents needing approval, the simple reports, and even the intelligence his private soldiers—scattered across places including Aldrosia—had sent.
Hours passed like that.
By the time the pile of papers had nearly disappeared, Killian let out a short sigh, rubbing his temple lightly as though admitting some fatigue.
And then, his eyes fell on something.
It was the chair and desk Aisha always called her “thinking chair.”
He had originally prepared it just to keep an eye on her.
What even is a “thinking chair”?
Does it mean a chair that helps you think? Or was it her way of showing gratitude for letting her keep publishing her magazine? Or maybe… it had some other special meaning?
Lost in thought, Killian naturally recalled the image of Aisha sitting there, furiously writing.
And also the article—no, the scoop—from Sunday’s Exposé that could only be described as remarkable.
“…Ha.”
Rereading her words in his mind, Killian chuckled softly without realizing it.
“I knew she wasn’t an ordinary woman… but I didn’t expect this much.”
Now that he thought about it, Aisha had always been like that. She had never once acted within his expectations. Days with her were a constant string of surprises—in every sense of the word.
So… was that why I disliked her at first?
“Why on earth did you pull this nonsense?”
“W-well…”
“And what’s this? A mask made to look like Killian Winters’ face? With painted lips?”
“You probably don’t know, but those kinds of things actually sell really well… The painted lips were, um… to make it more realistic. Uh… can I be totally honest?”
Yes. At first, he had definitely disliked her.
Of course he had. No sane man would like someone who went around spreading nonsense about him everywhere.
…But now?
He pictured her laughing loudly—so unlike the usual noble ladies. He remembered her pink lips jutting out like a goldfish whenever she got absorbed in writing. Her cheerful voice, always spouting ridiculous words with the most serious expression. Even the angry face she made when she heard about his childhood.
Maybe… I feel closer to Aisha Ashton than I ever realized.
Closer than he should. Breaking his vow to never trust anyone, to never give his heart.
Killian’s expression turned strangely dazed—completely unlike him.
Knock knock.
A cautious knock came from beyond the door.
“Theorn?”
At this hour, it could only be Theorn. He had been staring worriedly at him earlier, so perhaps he had followed to nag him about resting.
“Excuse me, Duke.”
But the voice that followed was not Theorn’s.
“I asked Sir Theorn, and he said you were still shut—I mean, still working in the study.”
It was the very person he had just been thinking about: Aisha Ashton.
“May I come in?”
Her sudden appearance made Killian freeze.
“Strange. Did he already go to bed?”
“No, no.”
Flustered without knowing why, Killian shot up from his chair.
“I was just finishing some work. You may come in, Aisha.”
The words had barely left his mouth when the door swung open. Aisha entered—her messy blond hair falling over a gown draped loosely over her slip.
“Why did you hesitate so long? I almost left.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Honestly! You always have to win every little exchange.”
“And is that something a lady should say?”
“At this point, what can’t I say? I humiliated the most powerful man in Draxion—even more powerful than the Emperor himself.”
…She had a point.
“Well, anyway.”
Closing the door, Aisha walked over and sat on the sofa, then glanced at him as if saying ‘You too, sit down.’
Though confused, Killian obeyed and sat across from her.
“You must be tired.”
“I am.”
“Or are you here to write more articles? Didn’t today’s special edition just go out? I didn’t think you were such a workaholic.”
“Duke, if I weren’t diligent, how would I publish a magazine all by myself? But no—I didn’t come to write.”
Killian tilted his head, curious.
After a few awkward coughs, Aisha finally spoke.
“There are a few things I wanted to say.”
“Go on.”
“First… thank you for taking care of the children.”
Ah. So that was it.
Killian stayed silent, eyes fixed on her.
“As you saw, they only live in poor circumstances. But they’re loyal, warm-hearted, clever, even brave.”
“Of course. Otherwise they couldn’t have teamed up with you to spread the Killian Winters special edition, could they?”
“Seriously, must you keep saying things like that?”
Pouting slightly, Aisha muttered. Killian barely stifled a laugh, then nodded for her to continue.
“Anyway, I had to tell you this. The children really like you. Helen even said—no adult had ever treated them kindly before. But you did. She was so grateful. The others felt the same.”
“……”
“At first they were terrified, thinking you were as scary as the rumors said. But actually, you turned out to be the kindest of all. They truly wanted me to thank you. So… why aren’t you saying anything—”
Then she realized.
Killian wasn’t ignoring her. He was just awkward, fidgeting with his chin and looking away—clearly flustered by the unfamiliar praise.
“So that’s it… No one has ever said such things to him before. Just like Helen said about the adults in her life…”
Now she understood his reaction.
“If the children are happy, then that’s enough.”
At last, Killian murmured softly, staring at the air.
“I’ll continue to support everything they need for living and education. Please tell them that. Is that all you wanted to say?”
“No.”
“Then what else—”
“You said earlier… that you don’t trust anyone.”
Killian stiffened slightly.
“Because no one trusts you.”
“……”
“Then what about me?”
Aisha’s voice trembled faintly as she asked:
“Can you not trust me either, Duke?”
