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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: A Warm Meal and Family Embrace
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I shot up from my seat and held out my hand to Luciano.
“Come on, let’s go.”
Luciano stared at my hand before grasping it.
His hand, slightly larger than mine, gripped it firmly, as if confirming my presence.
“Where to?”
“The kitchen. I’ll make you something delicious.”
Luciano followed me without protest.
We arrived at the kitchen, and I immediately got to cooking.
“Need any help?”
“It’ll be done quick, so just sit tight.”
Today, I turned down Luciano’s offer to help.
I was planning to grill some meat, and I didn’t really need assistance for that.
I whipped up a steak in no time and set it in front of him with a side of vegetables.
“Here, dig in.”
Luciano just stared at the steak blankly.
“Why aren’t you eating? You trained hard today for the first time in a while, so you need to eat up.”
Luciano’s red eyes fixed on me.
“Aren’t you eating?”
I’d planned to eat dinner at home, but with him asking like that, I had no choice.
Worried it might not be enough, I grabbed another steak I’d grilled extra and sat across from him.
As I picked up my fork and knife, Luciano finally cut off a piece and put it in his mouth.
He stopped chewing for a moment.
“Delicious.”
It was a satisfying response.
Seeing his stiff expression soften confirmed it was genuine.
‘Worth making it for him.’
I smiled contentedly and took a small bite.
No matter who grilled it, the taste was top-notch.
“It’s really good!”
Right?
I looked at him as if seeking agreement, and he gave a small nod.
“How’d training go today?”
I deliberately acted like everything was normal.
Luciano flinched a bit before answering curtly.
“No problems.”
Sounds like there were problems.
“No way you got into a fight on the first day?”
I shot him a suspicious look, and he furrowed his brow.
“I said no problems.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
Luciano’s attitude was nonchalant.
If something had happened between them, there should’ve been a more obvious reaction.
Maybe he had some minor gripes but endured them just fine?
‘Didn’t expect no major clash with Cale after all.’
I’d actually worried the two might come back after a huge fight.
Luciano wasn’t the type to warm up to people easily, so I’d anticipated some friction at the start.
That’s why I’d suggested tagging along during training, but surprisingly, it was Luciano—not Cale—who turned it down.
Said just watching would be boring.
“Was the swordsmanship worth learning?”
“Yeah.”
“You must’ve worked hard today. Eat plenty.”
I cut the meat from my plate and piled it onto his.
He chewed and swallowed in silence.
He was acting like it was no big deal, but he didn’t seem to enjoy it as much as before.
“Don’t force yourself if you don’t want to.”
His stomach probably wasn’t settled because of Harrison.
“I’m eating it because it’s good.”
He didn’t seem entirely at ease, but Luciano was trying not to show it.
So I quietly waited until he finished his meal.
I felt sorry that this was all I could do for him.
* * *
“Mother!”
The moment I got back from the imperial palace, I sought out my mother.
“Did you have fun?”
“Yes!”
“Good to hear you enjoyed yourself. Though you’ve been coming home later and later lately. Try to get back earlier from now on.”
Come to think of it, with everything going on recently, I had been staying out late pretty often.
“Yes!”
I answered energetically and burrowed into her embrace.
Mother looked startled for a second before hugging me back.
“What’s gotten into my Espin today, answering so obediently and acting all spoiled?”
Her tone wasn’t displeased.
If anything, she sounded thrilled.
I hugged her even tighter.
Ever since feeding Luciano dinner and returning from the palace, my mind had been a mess.
I felt sorry for his situation.
I was trying to help from the sidelines, but my efforts felt so insignificant.
The bad things happening to him showed no signs of letting up.
It troubled me that he still had so many trials ahead.
At the same time, I deeply felt how blessed I was to have parents who loved me unconditionally.
How reassuring it was to have someone who poured all their affection into me.
‘Luciano doesn’t even have anyone to comfort him like this…’
“Sweetie, is something wrong?”
Mother’s voice grew cautious, as if sensing something from my demeanor.
Not wanting to worry her unnecessarily, I quickly replied.
“No. Nothing’s up.”
“Then why’s my Espin acting like this today?”
As she spoke, her hand gently stroked my back.
“Am I bothering you?”
“No. I’m doing it because I like it.”
Her warm body heat and faint scent lulled my mind into relaxation.
“I like you too, Mother.”
She let out a soft chuckle.
“You like Mama that much?”
Her mood seemed even brighter as she asked.
If she was in a good mood, I might as well make it better.
“Of course. I really like you.”
A girlish smile bloomed on Mother’s face.
“Wanna sleep together tonight? It’s been a while.”
“Yes, I’d love that!”
“My Espin is so lovable.”
Delighted, she rubbed her cheek against mine.
If it had been a kiss, I might’ve dodged out of embarrassment, but I decided to accept this level of affection quietly.
The soft touch of her cheek tickled my heart.
“Me too!”
Just then, a thunderous shout came from behind.
Huh?
I turned to see Father standing there with a face full of grievance, though I hadn’t noticed him arrive.
“Father’s here?”
“Here?”
Seeing our bewildered expressions, Father yelled again.
“Me too!”
As Mother and I just stared at him blankly,
“You two are gonna sleep together without me?”
Father grumbled about being left out.
Not satisfied with that, he approached and wrapped his arms around both Mother and me at once.
He loved me just as steadfastly as she did.
“Oh, dear.”
Mother burst into laughter at his antics.
“You’re just upset because they’re leaving you out.”
Father grumbled at her as if telling her not to laugh.
“If you’re that jealous, beg your daughter for it.”
“Espin, Father wants to sleep with you too…”
His gaze pleaded to include him, and I flashed a grin.
“Father wants to sleep together too?”
“Of course! Obviously!”
Well, if my father wanted it that badly.
I beamed and held out both hands cupped together.
“Pocket money first.”
At times like this, I had to smile as brightly as possible.
Father froze the instant I finished speaking.
Mother tensed up too, but I couldn’t let this chance slip.
It was a golden opportunity that didn’t come often!
I grabbed both of them and shook.
“The father who gives me pocket money is my absolute favorite!”
I even stuck out my thumb for emphasis, and they both shook their heads in unison.
“There she goes again, our greedy Espin.”
Father pinched my soft cheek, looking exasperated but using just enough gentle force not to hurt.
“You’ll give it, right?”
When I pressed for confirmation,
“Yeah, yeah! I’ll give it!”
Father shouted in a tone of utter defeat.
Yes! Pocket money!
I thought I’d gotten all I could for the month, but here’s more!
“Father, I love you so much.”
I hopped up and clung to his neck.
He’d bent down to hug Mother and me, making it possible.
“Only when you want something?”
“Yes!”
“What?”
Oops!
I’d answered too excitedly.
Father raised his voice as if angry, but he supported my bottom with his arm and lifted me up effortlessly.
Up close, there was no anger on his face.
Just bemusement and affectionate worry for his troublemaker daughter.
“My girl won’t go hungry no matter what happens.”
Despite his grumbling tone, his rocking motions were all pampering, and I burst out laughing.
“Of course not!”
With resigned expressions, my parents hugged me tight.
Sandwiched between them, I soaked in their complete love.
As their warmth enveloped me, thoughts of Luciano’s plight resurfaced.
I’d have to work harder to share even a bit of this happiness with him.
* * *
I hoped things would work out between Luciano and Harrison.
I believed time would sort it out.
“Why do you keep coming when I’ve said I don’t want to see your face?”
But hearing Luciano’s cold voice from beyond the door weighed heavy on my heart.
Lately, Harrison had been visiting Luciano with utmost dedication.
He must’ve taken my advice to heart, persistently showing up.
“Please, just let me serve you, Your Highness.”
“This is getting tiresome. I told you I don’t need you.”
Loathing dripped from Luciano’s voice.
He seemed to think he’d rather go without anyone’s help than accept yours.
Harrison was no doubt kneeling and bowing his head right now.
This was the scene every time I visited Luciano recently.
The original story began after this period.
It picked up after Luciano had accepted Harrison and made him his escort knight.
Their conflict wasn’t depicted directly.
‘To me, Luciano and Harrison were always meant to be together.’
Witnessing this made my heart uneasy.
The fact that it showed no signs of resolving easily was the real issue.
Harrison had briefly mentioned it to the original heroine, explaining their past.
He’d said it was incredibly tough getting permission to stay by Luciano’s side at first.
Back then, I’d glossed over it as just emphasizing the sub-male lead’s hardships.
But seeing it firsthand made my chest ache.
From the looks of it, Harrison was in for the exact same ordeal I’d gone through.
A full year of it, no less.
Or maybe even worse than mine.
‘At least I never heard “I don’t want to see your face.”’
“Go home. And don’t come back.”
It was too painful to keep listening, so I knocked.
