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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: The Elegant Noblewoman
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Slowly, very slowly, I made my way to the bench.
The noblewoman sank into the chair as if collapsing.
She let out a slender sigh and closed her eyes. Her face looked pained.
“I’ll call someone. Is there anyone specific you’d like me to fetch?”
Rather than calling just anyone recklessly, it seemed better to ask if she had someone nearby attending her.
“No need to call anyone.”
The noblewoman smiled loosely, as if she’d caught her breath.
‘Wow…….’
The phrase “aging gracefully” must have been coined for someone like her.
Her smile made her look every bit the true noble.
“But you seem like you need help.”
“I feel better now that I’m sitting and resting. A little more rest, and I’ll be even better.”
She looked in bad shape, so why refuse help from others?
A question arose, but since she insisted she was fine, it felt wrong to call someone anyway.
“Are you sure you don’t need anyone?”
“Yes. Thank you for your concern, young lady.”
Was she trying to avoid people’s attention?
Her expression had improved a bit, but her complexion hadn’t fully returned.
“Ah! Would you like something to drink?”
Perfect timing—I had orange juice I’d squeezed myself to go with the tiramisu.
I opened the basket and took out the juice bottle.
The noblewoman looked stunned.
‘She’s probably wondering why that’s in there.’
“I prepared some snacks to eat with a friend. It’s fine, please have the juice.”
Only after my explanation did her expression soften.
“I can’t take what you prepared for your friend. I’ll just appreciate the thought.”
“No, it’s just juice—I can make more. You seem dizzy, so please have some.”
As I insisted, she accepted the juice.
She already looked thirsty.
“I’ll enjoy it.”
Then, the noblewoman took a careful sip.
“It’s delicious. It tastes even better than usual today.”
Oranges have been especially tasty lately.
I couldn’t gush like that to a noblewoman, though.
“Maybe because it’s freshly squeezed.”
“Thank you. I feel much better already.”
Was it really thanks to the juice?
Her complexion was gradually returning.
‘She seems a bit more energetic now.’
Still, it wasn’t as if I could say, “You look better now, so I’ll be off.”
Even someone as willful as me had consideration for the elderly and frail.
So, I simply took the seat next to her.
She must have been really thirsty, as she emptied the glass in no time.
“You drank it all.”
“Is anything hurting?”
“I got dizzy because I hadn’t eaten anything after a long trip. The juice has perked me up.”
Must have been low blood sugar.
“Good thing I happened to bring juice.”
The noblewoman gave a loose smile.
Elegance overflowed even from that single smile.
She was far more impressive than even Imperial Consort Isabel.
She truly gave off the vibe of a “perfect noble lady.”
I hadn’t properly attended any adult gatherings yet, so I didn’t know who she was.
But from her gestures and attire alone, she clearly wasn’t lowborn.
So why was someone like her alone?
And why had she refused to call for anyone?
“Even so, if you’re feeling dizzy enough for that, wouldn’t it be better to have someone to help nearby?”
I chose my words carefully so as not to offend her, offering advice.
“I usually have help. But sometimes, I need time to myself.”
The noblewoman’s smile held a strangely bitter tinge.
‘Time to myself sounds nice.’
Nobles actually had little privacy.
Maids or servants were always waiting nearby.
Being attended to had its conveniences, but it also meant far less personal time.
‘Especially for someone of high status—the inconveniences must be even greater.’
History showed that even kings had people waiting nearby while they handled private matters.
Considering her health and status, she probably had almost no time alone.
Even in her moment of weakness, she’d refused a maid’s help, so this time must be precious to her.
“Got it. I understand.”
As I nodded, a flicker of surprise passed through her eyes.
“You understand?”
“But I’m still worried about your condition, so I can’t leave entirely. I’ll stay nearby—if it gets hard, just call out loudly, and I’ll come running.”
As I stood up abruptly, her mouth fell open slightly.
Just as I moved to a polite distance.
“Young lady, you’re quite thoughtful.”
The noblewoman wore a gentle smile.
“Life’s tough, so that’s how it has to be.”
She seemed to be praising me, but my inner turmoil made my honest feelings slip out.
The noblewoman looked taken aback before suppressing a laugh.
“You’re right. Life is tough. It doesn’t seem like I should be alone today, so I’d be grateful if you’d keep me company.”
It was an invitation to sit beside her.
“Aren’t you wanting to rest alone?”
“Having someone to chat with would be reassuring.”
She’d said it so plainly—I couldn’t leave now.
“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
I sat back down beside her.
“Thank you.”
Still, just sitting there felt awkward, and I was mindful that she hadn’t eaten.
Ah!
“Do you like dessert?”
“I do.”
Had her condition improved even more in that short time?
Her expression had softened into one of grandmotherly affection.
“Then have some of this too.”
I took a teacup from the basket and offered it to her.
She accepted it reflexively.
Her face showed confusion at the sudden teacup, but then she blinked at its contents.
“What’s this?”
The teacup was already full.
Not with tea, but tiramisu.
“It’s tiramisu. I made it in a teacup for easy eating—it’s a bit unusual, right?”
I’d prepared it that way in case Luciano and I ate outside.
Holding it like a tea cup and eating with a teaspoon was surprisingly convenient.
Her eyes turned to my basket.
It was as if she were wondering how I carried so much in there.
Noble children rarely carried their own things like this.
Especially in the imperial palace—these were particularly odd items to tote around.
“Does it seem off in a teacup?”
“It looks appetizing. I’m just surprised you carry something like this around.”
“Here’s a teaspoon too. Use this.”
It was worth packing them so carefully.
She accepted the teaspoon with an awkward smile.
“What if I eat all the ones you brought for your friend?”
“Go ahead. It has coffee in it, so it’s not good for kids to have too much.”
I said it quickly, sensing she might refuse.
I’d made it thinking of Luciano’s tastes, but I still worried about the caffeine.
If his portion shrank a bit like this, it’d be better.
At that, she gave another awkward smile.
“Then, I’ll enjoy this too.”
She hesitated, giving me a troubled look, then scooped some tiramisu into her mouth.
She chewed slowly, savoring it with a serious expression.
She seemed quite earnest about eating.
After a few chews, her eyes lifted slightly.
‘A reaction—yes!’
I watched her mouth intently.
She swallowed what was in her mouth, then silently scooped another spoonful without a word.
Huh?
Normally, she’d say something polite by now, right?
As that question crossed my mind, she swallowed again and took another bite.
My anticipation faded quickly at her silent eating.
‘Her reaction’s too muted…….’
Except for the first three months of cooking, everyone had praised my food.
Not always effusively, but they always said it was delicious.
I had some pride in my skills, so her silence unsettled me.
‘Even Luciano fell for this tiramisu, and she’s eating it without a peep!’
Just as my pride was crumbling.
She set down the teacup she’d been holding.
I peeked inside and could finally lift my nose high.
The cup was empty.
She’d eaten all the tiramisu without a word.
The noblewoman took a handkerchief from her bosom and elegantly dabbed her lips.
“Was it good?”
“I’d want to hire whoever made this as my head chef.”
She was even thinking of scouting me!
As expected of my skills!
Praise the brilliant me!
“Sadly, I’m too young to work yet.”
My nose shot up to the heavens.
“You made it yourself?”
My smug tone made her ask in surprise.
“Yes! My friend only eats what I make.”
Her eyes went wide.
“Impressive for someone so young. And to make something this delicious—truly amazing.”
Her words held genuine admiration and surprise.
Praise makes Espin dance.
“Want another one?”
“Isn’t it for your friend?”
“It’s fine. I have some for him. Have one more.”
Beaming, I pulled out another tiramisu and offered it.
One would be enough for Luciano.
She eyed the teacup with conflict before accepting it.
“Then, sorry, but I’ll enjoy it.”
I felt pleased watching her eat the tiramisu bit by bit.
Her elegance had hidden it, but she was completely smitten with my tiramisu.
She polished it off in no time again.
Was it the sweets?
Her complexion had returned to normal.
“But how did a young lady like you end up here alone?”
Her question brought my complicated worries rushing back.
I’d forgotten.
A sigh escaped me naturally.
“Whew…….”
“Oh my, what’s with the sigh from such a young lady?”
“Life isn’t easy.”
Her eyes widened like saucers.
She blinked slowly before giving an awkward smile.
“What’s so hard?”
She seemed to be holding back a hint of exasperation.
Oh no!
Saying that in front of an elder must seem too cheeky.
“I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”
I glanced cautiously—thankfully, she didn’t seem too upset.
“May I ask what’s troubling you?”
Unexpectedly, she seemed ready to listen seriously.
I rolled my eyes in thought before deciding to seek adult advice for once.
‘I can explain the situation vaguely and just not use real names, right?’
“It’s about my friend.”
As soon as I said that, strangely, the noblewoman’s eyes sparkled as she looked at me.
I Thought I Was the Protagonist
