Chapter 130: Gratitude
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 130: Gratitude
Inside the carriage, Loik had his arm linked through mine as we held hands, his other hand slowly tracing patterns over my palm.
“You were worrying quite a lot because of this.”
“It turned out so well, didn't it? And Cariso is the most famous troupe of all!”
Since my problem had been solved so unexpectedly, I couldn't stop chattering excitedly.
“It was a bit of a shock to find out the Prince of Rondoris is the troupe leader, though. Oh, how did you know that, Loik?”
“I did a little investigation since you seemed so concerned about the troupe, Annette.”
Despite the way he held my hand tightly, refusing to let go, Loik’s expression remained deeply somber.
I leaned my face closer to his and asked, “Loik, did something happen?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Because you look like you’re in a bad mood.”
“I’m not.”
“You can say that all you want, but with a face like a puppy caught in the rain, I’m not convinced at all.”
“A… puppy in the rain?”
“You were certainly full of fire in front of Prince Lucion.”
Loik furrowed his handsome brow. “That bastard was trying to do something shameless to you. I had no choice.”
“It was just a greeting.”
“It was a greeting with sinister intentions.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“You’re only saying that because you didn't see the look in that—that guy’s eyes, Annette.”
“So that’s why you’ve been in a bad mood?”
Loik started to speak, then quietly shut his mouth.
“That’s not it?”
After a moment of hesitation, he spoke in a voice so low it was barely a whisper.
“I’m sorry. For making you leave the theater alone…”
Huh? I left the theater alone?
I was fairly certain I had walked out surrounded by escort knights, being overprotected to the point of excess. Did Loik not see that extravagant display?
Unaware of my bewilderment, Loik murmured in a heavy, suppressed tone.
“If I were a whole man, I wouldn't have left you to be lonely on a day like today…”
“Who said that? That I was lonely?”
I was flabbergasted by his dejected voice. To correct Loik’s absurd misunderstanding, I very kindly explained just how many people had tried to talk to me at the theater. I even told him how much I had been pestered by the noisy Marchioness who chattered in my ear the entire time.
“I really didn't have a single moment to be lonely.”
“Is that so?”
Loik spoke softly, a faint smile playing on his lips. He looked like he didn't believe a word I said.
“And besides, you came to pick me up.”
I met his eyes and said, “It was the perfect timing for a husband to show up.”
Loik gently brushed my bangs away from my forehead.
“Annette, you always say exactly what I want to hear.”
Then, he pressed a soft kiss to my brow.
“You’re going to spoil me at this rate.”
Even his light chuckle felt somewhat drained of energy.
“I’m serious, though…”
His drooping eyes looked pitiful for some reason.
He had this exact same expression when he showed up at the lakeside wearing that hood.
Why was our Grand Duke suddenly digging himself into a hole of self-pity? I tried to guess the reason, but nothing specific came to mind. Should I try to soothe him with a walk by the lake like last time?
Unfortunately, today was the shopping district’s day off. Once a month, they had a mandatory closing day for lakeside maintenance.
Looking out the window, I could see the lake submerged in darkness far beyond the lights of Gold Lane.
Just because the lakeside is closed doesn't mean we can't go in, right?
I turned back to Loik, my eyes sparkling.
“Loik, shall we go there now?”
“Where do you mean?”
His puzzled black eyes blinked.
*
The guards hurriedly opened the lakeside gates upon seeing the unexpected arrival of the Grand Ducal couple.
“Light the lamps.”
At Loik’s command, a guard rushed toward the Management Office. Before long, bright lights flickered to life across the entire lakeside.
Loik smiled thinly at the exclamation of awe that escaped my lips.
This feels like I’ve rented out the whole lake.
The scenery of the lakeside had changed completely since the first time I saw it. Of course, the lake as a pristine forest had been beautiful, but the sight of these charming shops lined up under the lights was also incredibly enchanting.
“Since it’s just the two of us today, we can take our time looking around, right?”
However, no sooner had Loik nodded than someone came running out of the Management Office.
“Jerome!”
“…Jerome?”
Loik narrowed his eyes at the name. “Is that the Jerome who supposedly had even the maids swooning?”
“You still remember that?”
While I was busy being surprised, Jerome came to a halt a few paces away, having run over in a hurry.
“I—I greet His Highness the Grand Duke and Her Highness the Consort.”
He must have changed in a rush; even his shirt collar was sticking up awkwardly.
“Jerome, it’s been a long time.”
When I smiled in greeting, Jerome spoke with a face much more tense than usual.
“Your Highness, I am so glad to see you looking healthy.”
He, too, must have seen me collapse at the lake last time.
“It’s thanks to your concern, Jerome.”
At that moment, for some reason, Loik pulled my hand closer to him.
“Why… are you here?” Loik asked in a chilling voice.
Even in the yellow lamplight, Jerome’s tense face was clearly visible. He replied in a slightly trembling voice.
“I heard that Your Highnesses had arrived, and I came out in case you required a staff member’s assistance.”
“Do you live here?”
“Yes. I live in the staff quarters back there.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, looking a bit embarrassed. “I didn't mean to disturb your rest.”
I thought it was just a simple request to turn on the lights. Then again, who could sit idly by after receiving a sudden order in the middle of the night to turn on the lights for the Grand Duke and his wife?
“Disturb? Not at all,” Jerome said, waving his hands frantically. “It is my joy simply to be of help to Her Highness.”
Ahem.
Loik cleared his throat at those words. I remembered the strange jealousy Loik had shown regarding Jerome before.
— “Can’t you give me some attention too… so I don’t get jealous?”
Surely he wasn't having those strange thoughts again?
Grand Duke, the boy is only seventeen.
Just as I was about to give him a look, Jerome suddenly clasped his hands together with determination.
“I didn't know I would be able to see His Highness the Grand Duke again like this…”
Loik’s eyes widened slightly. Jerome moistened his lips and spoke carefully.
“A few years ago, when I lost my parents to monsters and thought I was surely going to die, Your Highness saved my life.”
He poured out the words without faltering, like someone who had waited a long time for this moment.
“I was grateful enough that you brought me to Blenheim, but you even built an orphanage for children like me. Thanks to that, those of us who almost died in the mountains have grown up and can now live as proper members of society.”
Oh my.
I turned to look at Loik, moved by the unexpected and touching scene. He remained motionless, simply listening to Jerome’s words.
“We children at the orphanage made a promise. If any of us ever had the chance to meet the Grand Duke, we would be sure to offer our gratitude on behalf of everyone. Of course, I don't mean to take up too much of Your Highness’s precious time…”
Jerome’s voice trailed off. He had started bravely, but he seemed to have lost his nerve when Loik didn't show any immediate reaction.
“Not at all. I’m sure the Grand Duke is pleased as well.”
“Right, Loik?”
When I finally gave Loik’s arm a secret little pinch, he gave a faint reaction.
“…I see.”
Is that one phrase really all you’re going to say?
When I narrowed my eyes to give him a hint, Loik’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he spoke in a slightly thick voice.
“I heard from the Consort. That you do your job quite well.”
At those words, Jerome looked at me with eyes full of emotion.
“…Keep working hard.”
It was a very awkward compliment, but Jerome’s eyes went wide as he bowed deeply.
“H—Hard! I will work very hard! I will do my absolute best to repay even a fraction of the grace you both have shown me!”
I had only wanted to cheer Loik up a bit. I hadn't expected such a confession.
However, Jerome’s words seemed to have provided him with a fair amount of comfort. The corners of Loik’s mouth were curving upward, however slightly.
Well, the goal was achieved either way.
“Do your best starting tomorrow; go in and rest for tonight,” I said, looking at Jerome with a proud expression. “The Grand Duke and I plan to take a walk before we leave.”
Jerome, who was taking his leave with quick wit, suddenly turned back and approached me.
“Your Highness, just in case, please take this…”
“Hmm? What is this?”
Jerome handed something into my hand and quickly backed away.
“Then, please have a wonderful time!”
As Jerome moved away, Loik leaned his head toward my hand, looking curious. I opened my palm to find a bundle of papers decorated in various colors.
They were passes for the play area.