Chapter 37
Had this encounter occurred the moment I first woke up in this body—or even as recently as this morning—I likely would have panicked, my eyes darting around in a frantic search for an exit.
Yet, for some reason, the Grand Duke’s stare didn’t spark any terror.
I also realized something else quite late.
The internal conviction that I should speak truthfully had taken root. I felt that revealing this much would be safe.
These reflections had been simmering throughout the entire journey as I conversed with the Grand Duke.
Without my conscious awareness, my reliance on Assis Grand Duke Frazier had grown to this extent.
It was a shock.
It was bizarre.
It was something I never could have predicted.
The deep green of Assis Grand Duke Frazier’s eyes still possessed a predatory intensity that could easily cow anyone in his presence.
But didn’t even the most expansive plains hold both thick, ancient forests and the tenderest of new growth?
That was the nature of the Grand Duke’s gaze in this moment.
Within that immense landscape, the act of focusing only on the softest shades of green pulled a long-buried yearning to the surface of my heart.
“…Indeed.”
The look of someone recalling a person long gone is much like the reverence given to an ancient, distant star.
Wearing that exact look, Assis Grand Duke Frazier finally gave his slow reply.
“You are just like your grandmother.”
“…”
The melancholy of the Grand Duke seemed to seep into me.
A peculiar ache of nostalgia pulsed deep in my ribs, vibrating like the low, steady tolling of a bell.
“Grandmother must have found great joy in being with you, Grandfather.”
Those words weren’t calculated or meant to please; they were entirely genuine.
If a phantom longing could be passed from one soul to another, perhaps words spoken with true sincerity could also be felt by the listener.
Assis Grand Duke Frazier offered a smile that seemed entirely foreign to his character.
It was a sight I had never witnessed before.
The Grand Duke scanned me from head to toe before speaking.
“Once we arrive at the estate, get rid of that dress you wore today.”
“I will.”
Something about my compliance must have amused him, because he let out another short, rare laugh.
[System] Reward Unlocked!
[System] You have surpassed a 90% Affection Level with ‘Assis Frazier’ and have earned a unique reward!
[System] Currency Received!
[System] You have surpassed a 90% Affection Level with ‘Assis Frazier’ and are awarded 1,000 coins!
[System] Assis Frazier’s Narrative Weight: ☆☆☆☆
The mention of rewards or a thousand coins barely processed in my mind.
Among the vibrant notifications hovering in my vision, one figure stood out above the rest.
Ninety percent affection?
This was insane.
My jaw dropped and my eyes widened in pure shock as I stared at Assis Grand Duke Frazier, who had already crossed his arms and closed his eyes to rest.
This was a level of devotion that a player could usually only reach in the final stages of the story, even while playing as Coriko.
“…Grandfather?”
His name slipped out before I could stop it.
The Grand Duke’s eyes snapped open instantly to meet mine.
“Is something the matter?”
“Oh…”
“If this carriage is too cramped, I can arrange for you to travel in your own.”
“No, that’s not it.”
I shook my head vigorously. Even with the meter at ninety percent, he didn’t seem to have changed much.
Still, a sense of security washed over me, as if a sturdy, cushioned wall had suddenly materialized to support my back.
I hadn’t known such a strange feeling of safety was possible.
“I only… wanted to tell you to have pleasant dreams.”
“How incredibly dull.”
Assis Grand Duke Frazier let his eyelids fall shut once more.
“Sleep well yourself, Tulia.”
