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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: The Duke's Acknowledgment
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Chapter 34
A soft, crimson light spread from the dimmed lamp.
By that faint light, the Duke was looking over a few documents.
The way he sat leaning back in his chair with his legs crossed was like a painting, and the silver-rimmed glasses he seemed to wear only for paperwork suited him perfectly, but…
“Um, if you were going to look at documents, why didn't you turn on the lights…?”
My voice trembled involuntarily.
Could it be because I was asleep, and he was being considerate so as not to wake me?
*No, that’s just being self-conscious, right?*
I just couldn't bring myself to believe that I was actively being a nuisance to the Duke.
I desperately tried to convince myself otherwise, but…
“You were sleeping so soundly, I couldn't bring myself to wake you.”
The Duke, smiling with his eyes, set down the documents and rose to his feet.
“It was simply that I didn't want to wake you, so you needn't worry about it.”
How can I not worry!
I struggled to suppress the protest that rose to my throat.
But then.
Thud.
Something heavy slid off my shoulders and fell to the floor.
*Huh?*
I looked down.
That obviously luxurious men's outer coat lying on the floor was…
*Aaaah!*
I let out an internal scream and quickly picked up the coat.
Fortunately, the floor was so clean that it didn't seem to have gotten dusty, but still!
Stealthily glancing at the Duke, I squeezed my eyes shut and asked.
“By any chance, this coat… did you put it on me, Your Grace?”
I knew it was wishful thinking, but I hoped the answer was no.
It wasn't enough that I'd foolishly fallen asleep in the library and made the Duke wait without even turning on the lights.
I didn't want to be the shameless person who also borrowed the Duke's coat and then dropped it on the floor!
But.
“Yes, that's correct.”
The unfeeling Duke gave an elegant nod…
Really, I can’t believe this!
I squeezed my eyes shut and exclaimed.
“Thank you! And I'm so sorry for the trouble!”
“Trouble? Not at all. In fact, I should be the one thanking you.”
The Duke shrugged lightly.
“I heard that Eva left you with the preparations for the vassals' meeting today?”
…No, it wasn't quite like that.
To be honest, while the Duchess did leave the townhouse in the middle of the meeting, she had already finished all the prior preparations.
If I had to say, I merely acted on her behalf with what she'd already prepared…
“It wasn't like that. The Duchess also did as much as she could to prepare.”
I desperately tried to emphasize that point, but.
“In any case, she did leave in the middle of it. Is that not so?”
The Duke simply replied shamelessly.
Wow, he doesn't mince words.
Come to think of it, the Duchess and the Duke sometimes act more like real siblings than you'd expect.
Glancing at him cautiously, I carefully posed a question.
“Um… how was the vassals' meeting today?”
After all, the Duchess and I had worked hard to prepare for it.
And hadn't the Duchess trusted me with it?
I hoped there hadn't been any inconveniences during the meeting, at least…
“It was excellent.”
Fortunately, the Duke gave me a gentle smile.
“I was particularly impressed by the replacement of the chairs with more comfortable ones, and the distribution of documents printed in a larger font.”
“Ah…”
I felt a surge of emotion in my chest.
*Just hearing the word 'excellent' makes me this happy.*
For him to point out the specific parts he liked…
It meant he had paid close attention to today's meeting.
*I've been acknowledged.*
A thrilling sense of accomplishment and satisfaction shot down my spine.
“I should have been the one to consider the age of the vassals, but the thought never occurred to me. Thanks to you, Evanjeline received high praise from them.”
The Duke, nodding in satisfaction, soon added jokingly.
“Her reputation skyrocketed just by having one good friend. Our Eva is quite lucky, isn't she?”
Hmm, how scathing.
At the same time, the Duke showed me the document he was holding.
“And about this personnel management document. Did you perhaps lend a hand with this as well, Lady Ansi?”
“No, the Duchess wrote that document herself.”
“…She did?”
*It's too perfect a document for Evanjeline to have written.*
His eyes were full of such suspicion.
To protect the Duchess's honor, pride, and reputation, I nodded fervently.
“It's true. I didn't touch it.”
*After all, what's the point of doing homework if someone else helps you?*
Hearing my affirmation, the Duke's expression softened considerably.
“Since you say so, Lady Ansi, I suppose Eva truly did write it.”
A bright smile touched the Duke's lips.
“I'm proud of her.”
“…”
His warm voice resonated.
I stared blankly at the Duke.
The Duke glanced at the document with an affectionate gaze, then neatly stacked the papers and placed them on the desk.
“I always thought of her as my little sister, forever a child in my arms… but lately, it feels like she's grown up so much.”
He was simply an older brother who deeply cherished his younger sister.
…To think a man that affectionate would fall for Serapina's schemes and abandon his sister.
*I really don't know what was up with the original story's plot consistency.*
Just as I was clicking my tongue inwardly.
The Duke added nonchalantly.
“However, you don't seem to take any credit for your own achievements, Lady Ansi.”
W-Why bring me into this all of a sudden?!
My eyes widened at the unexpected topic.
“Regarding this personnel document, and the vassals' meeting.”
The Duke gestured to the papers on the desk with his chin, then slowly raised his gaze.
“You always say it's because Evanjeline did well.”
“…I.”
“Of course, as her older brother, I am quite pleased that you think so highly of Eva, Lady Ansi, but…”
His blue eyes, so beautiful and just like the Duchess's, met mine without wavering.
“Still, I wanted to say that you don't need to diminish yourself so much.”
“…”
“Because you are a person with many excellent qualities, Lady Ansi.”
The Duke concluded firmly, speaking to a speechless me.
In that moment, I truly thought.
*This is so unfair.*
For someone so handsome and perfect to look me straight in the eye…
…and tell me I'm an excellent person.
For the first time, I felt like I could understand Serapina's heart.
How could you not feel your heart flutter when facing a man like that?
…But.
*He's Serapina's man anyway.*
Serapina.
The moment.
My mood sank as if doused with cold water.
*Ugh, why did I have to think of Serapina all of a sudden?*
It just ruins the mood!
I fumed inwardly.
*Well, at least it helps me get a grip on reality.*
The Duke is a man destined to receive the undivided love of this world's female lead.
And I want to stop getting hurt for no reason.
…I've had enough of that with Serapina and Gregory.
He's as handsome as a statue, so it's natural to be biologically drawn to him or feel a flutter, but.
*Still, I need to get a grip.*
I'm not foolish enough to mistake admiration for a perfect, ideal person with romantic interest.
“Thank you for saying so. I…”
I paused, about to offer a customary, humble remark.
*Hm?*
Because the Duke was taking off his glasses and pressing firmly on the bridge of his nose.
