Chapter 49
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Chapter 49
The Gatekeeper hurried me inside with such urgency that I found myself swept along before I could protest.
As I stepped into the Estate—a structure so vast it made our Village's Villa seem like a mere cottage—I caught sight of a familiar face and couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur surrounding me.
Memories of that cherished visage flooded back, and a radiant smile spread across my lips unbidden.
"Butler!"
"It's been a long time, Vivian."
"Have you been well?"
"Well enough. My, the little girl has grown into quite the young lady."
"Hehe. You haven't changed a bit, Butler. You're exactly as I remember."
"Even if it's mere flattery, I'm grateful."
"It's not flattery, though."
What had felt like an unfamiliar space mere moments ago suddenly became warm and welcoming at the sight of that beloved face.
"By the way, where is the Duke? If he's busy, I can always visit another time when he's free."
"He's always occupied with something, but I doubt he'd turn away an old friend who's traveled so far."
The Butler led me to the Reception Room first, then excused himself to inform the Duke of my arrival.
'Even while at the Estate, he must have pressing matters to attend to. It'll probably take him some time to wrap things up.'
I approached the window to admire the Estate's scenery while waiting for the Duke to arrive.
Click—
The sound of a door opening echoed through the room.
Assuming it was the Maid bringing tea, I turned around and my eyes widened in surprise.
"Vivian."
The Duke stood in the doorway.
His face was scarcely different from how I remembered it ten years ago.
Caught between joy and awkwardness, I hesitated, uncertain how to greet him.
The Duke spoke first.
"Ten years have passed, yet you're still so small."
Though not particularly warm, his words carried an unmistakable intention to ease my discomfort.
It was quintessentially the Duke—the same considerate manner he'd shown me a decade ago.
With that single remark, ten years of awkwardness dissolved instantly.
I burst into laughter and replied.
"And you're still incredibly tall, Duke."
"Still not one to lose an exchange, I see."
Though his words sounded reproachful, he couldn't hide the smile playing at his lips.
After our exchange, I sat beside the Duke on the sofa.
The Duke examined my empty hands and surroundings, then asked.
"Did you come with nothing?"
"Oh! I'm so sorry. I came in such a rush that I didn't have time to prepare a proper gift—"
"A gift? Do I look like some corrupt old man who accepts bribes?"
Oh, that's not what he meant?
As I blinked in confusion, the Duke continued his explanation.
"I mean, you arrived without a single piece of luggage. It should have taken days just to reach the Capital, yet you have nothing with you."
"Ah, I left my things at the Tavern."
The Duke's expression darkened, his displeasure evident across his features.
"When you were young, you'd demand a meal without hesitation. Your boldness has withered. How tedious."
"I've reached an age where I understand propriety now."
"I detest tedious people far more than those without propriety. Abandon such notions and come inside."
"But... Princess Isella isn't at the Estate either..."
"Am I not your friend as well? Surely you don't intend to reduce me to a stubborn old man who turns away friends from afar?"
"That was something I said when I was just a foolish child..."
"So you're admitting you toyed with this old man's friendship?"
"T-toyed with it?! That's not what I meant at all, and you know it!"
As I stammered in confusion at the Duke's unreasonable insistence, he shifted the conversation.
"Enough of that. Setting it aside—what brings you suddenly to the Capital?"
"Well..."
The purpose I'd nearly forgotten suddenly surfaced, and my mood plummeted.
"...My father has disappeared."
"Hmm?"
"From the circumstances, it seems he came to the Capital, but I don't know what he's doing or where. So..."
"So you've come to find your father."
I nodded instead of answering.
Seeing my expression grow somber, the Duke furrowed his brow and clicked his tongue.
"I thought he was a decent father, raising you well despite his audacity. Turns out he's a worthless one."
It struck me as odd that he'd call my father, who always wanders about carefree, audacious—but that observation was quickly overshadowed by the word "worthless."
Because I wholeheartedly agreed with that assessment!
"Exactly! A grown man causing his daughter nothing but worry. He's truly a hopeless father. Honestly."
After confiding something I'd never shared with anyone to a trustworthy elder, my heart felt somewhat lighter.
The Duke didn't merely understand my feelings—he readily extended his hand in aid.
"I shall help you find your father."
"Really?"
"There is a condition, however."
...Of course there was.
True to form for a seasoned veteran who'd maintained power in politics for so long, he never missed an opportunity.
The condition would surely be no trivial matter.
I swallowed hard and asked.
"What condition?"
"First, do not let worry consume you."
His words struck home.
They touched precisely upon the concern gnawing at my heart.
"I don't know your father intimately, but he's not the sort to come to harm anywhere. I stake my reputation on it."
The Duke's voice carried an unmistakable conviction.
Of course, knowing from the original story that Curtis Rohan would never return, I remained anxious.
"And second, while you stay here, try learning various things."
At this completely unexpected proposal, my eyes widened in surprise.
"Learning? What sort of things?"
"Anything you wish to learn. Horseback riding, spirit magic, or even academics."
The Duke continued in a serious tone, making clear this was no casual remark.
"I'm not speaking lightly. Long ago, I promised to support you."
That memory remained vivid even now.
Because I had never felt such joy from anyone's recognition before.
"Back then, I intended to raise you as Rachel's aide. When circumstances changed, I couldn't keep that promise."
"...."
"Even if you don't become Rachel's aide, I wish to keep that promise now."
I loved the small village where I grew up, yet part of my heart yearned for the vast world I didn't know.
Still, I remained there because I loved Curtis Rohan and the life he desired in that small village.
What the Duke now proposed was an opportunity to discover a part of the world I had never known.
From my perspective, there was no reason to refuse.
"I'm truly grateful, but... am I really worthy of such kindness?"
"Tsk, you've grown more stubborn and lost your charm."
The Duke replied curtly, then added in a reassuring tone.
"It's fine, Vivian. You changed that child Rachel's life, after all."
Hearing those words, my chest swelled as if I had become someone truly remarkable.
"Well, we can think about that later."
The Duke lightened the heavy atmosphere with a casual tone and rose from his seat.
"Let's go out for a walk."
At this sudden invitation, I looked at him with confusion, and the Duke chuckled, gesturing toward the window with a nod.
"My friend came all this way to the Capital, so shouldn't I show him around my neighborhood?"
* * *
The Duke first took me to the most famous Dessert Cafe in the Capital.
He chose it after hearing that I hadn't eaten a proper lunch yet.
"But Duke, isn't this a place you need a reservation to visit?"
A Dessert Cafe opened by a retired former Imperial Chef!
It was so renowned that even the small rural village where I lived knew of its reputation, and I had always wanted to visit if I ever came to the Capital.
'But with the high prices and difficult reservations, I never truly expected to be able to come here....'
Yet the Duke brushed aside my concerns and led me into the shop.
"Let's go in."
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org