Chapter 6
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: Northern Grand Duchess's Secret Friend (2)
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It was just like any other evening, having dinner with the family.
The gaze of my father, who had finished eating first, turned toward me.
"Luke, come to my study after dinner."
"Yes, Father."
What's this about...?
Though I answered calmly, my mind was filled with questions.
He hadn't called me at this hour in the past month. Evenings after dinner were always my free time.
'No way he's going to lecture me on some boring, pedantic servant philosophy...!'
No, that can't happen. It absolutely can't.
I've been training all day to become an excellent servant. I can't lose my one bit of free time too.
Surprisingly, my wish came true.
In the worst possible way.
"Luke, the Young Duchess wants you by her side right away."
"R-right away?"
I was so flustered that the words spilled out on reflex. My mind went blank, unable to form a single thought.
"I know it's hard to believe, but that's what the letter from His Grace the Duke said."
Father's gaze shifted to one corner of the table. There lay an elegant envelope—clearly from the Frozenheart Duke.
'What in the world is going on...?'
I knew why Elena had made this choice without even asking. Her expression as she boarded the carriage had been full of reluctance. And I'd turned down her invitation to visit.
That said, who goes to such an extreme? But considering she was still just a 9-year-old girl, it wasn't hard to understand.
At 9, you just follow your heart. She probably hadn't even considered how much trouble this would cause me.
"What do you think? If you're against it, I'll try to delay it a bit."
"If that's what the Young Duchess wishes, then it must be so. I'm fine with it, Father."
"I see..."
Father didn't seem thrilled about it either. His expression wasn't great.
But there was no helping it. In a world where titles were everything, having a low one meant having no say.
When a ducal house says jump, a baronial one jumps.
"I'll let you know once everything's settled, so prepare yourself until then."
"Yes, Father."
"Good work today. Sleep well, Luke."
"Yes, good night, Father."
I bowed politely and left the study.
'Elena's exclusive servant, huh...'
They say even a tiger's den is survivable if you keep your wits. I'll manage somehow.
Though, has anyone actually survived a tiger's den and lived to tell? It feels like pure bluff no matter how I think about it.
Learning that nobles win through agitation and fabrication in every era would come much later.
How many days had passed since my conscription as Elena's exclusive slave was confirmed?
"Luke, a carriage from the Frozenheart Ducal Family will come for you tomorrow."
The conscription date was finally set.
That evening, we had a simple farewell party with my parents. Calling it a goodbye party felt off—it was more like a job celebration.
Even if the job was as Elena's slave, a job's a job.
And so, the next day, the Frozenheart carriage arrived as promised.
I stood before it, holding a large bag.
"Father, Mother, I'll send letters now and then with updates."
The time I'd spent as Luke Nineheart was just over a month. Far too short to truly form family bonds, but it hadn't been bad days.
Mother's hearty dinners were delicious, and Father's tales of my childhood were fun.
Sword training with Father was a memory in its own right. They say even hardships become memories in hindsight.
"Luke, don't forget what I taught you. Never be content with your station—always strive and strive again."
"Luke, you're a proud member of the Nineheart family. You'll surely handle everything. But if it gets tough, lean on those around you anytime."
Worried about sending their 9-year-old son to the ducal house—a miniature battlefield? My parents were unusually talkative today.
But all things end. Even their endless voices reached a close at some point.
"Thank you."
With a final polite bow, I turned and boarded the carriage.
Soon, a faint vibration began as the wheels rolled forward.
'Ducal carriages aren't all that special...'
Especially when it's leaking rain from the roof.
I sighed shortly and wiped the rainwater trickling down my cheek with a handkerchief.
How much time passed? The sun had nearly set, twilight settling over the world.
A massive castle appeared amid the ever-changing scenery outside. Where Elena waited—and my new home.
'No matter how many times I see it, it's ridiculously huge...'
As I marveled, the carriage passed the gates and entered the castle.
Inside were various buildings: the banquet hall from Elena's birthday, warehouses, knights' quarters, and more.
The carriage headed for the largest one.
As we neared, it slowed, then stopped completely.
'Here we go—the real start.'
If until now was the tutorial, this was the main game. In webnovel terms, the prologue had just ended.
I steadied myself with a short sigh, opened the door, and stepped out.
Whiiiiiing-!
What welcomed me first as the newest member of the Northern family? A biting cold wind.
The Nineheart Barony manor had been quite chilly, but this was worse. The cold pierced medieval-thin clothes and seeped into my body.
'Whoa—Northern style! It's. Freaking. Freezing!'
I wanted to dash inside, dignity be damned, but I couldn't even huddle up.
Because piercing blue eyes—hallmark of the Frozenheart Ducal Family—were fixed on me.
The owner? Who else—Elena Frozenheart, my lady from today onward.
I hurried to her and bowed.
"Pleased to meet you, Lady Elena. I'm Luke Nineheart, your exclusive servant starting today."
"Wel... no, welcome. To the Frozenheart Ducal Family."
Casual speech, not honorifics. Treating me not as the Nineheart heir, but as a servant.
"Let's go. I'll show you your room."
"You're showing me yourself...?"
"Yeah. Got a problem...?"
Elena's lips twitched like a missile about to launch.
Saying no here would spell disaster on day one of servant life.
Not that I minded, really.
"It's an honor."
"Good. Let's go."
Elena led the way, and I followed.
A maid in uniform trailed us; her red nose suggested she'd been outside a while.
'Was she waiting...?'
No, probably not. Would Elena wait outside for one servant?
We arrived at a small building a bit from the main house. Relatively small, but still comparable to the barony manor.
"This building is mine."
"Understood."
She used this whole thing alone—not even family?
This is a ducal house...?
Amazed anew by their wealth, I entered. A couple servants were cleaning.
They stared curiously before resuming work.
Makes sense—who's seen a 9-year-old servant? Curiosity was natural.
"This is my room."
Elena's room faced the entrance directly.
An exclusive servant must never forget that. Etched in my brain...
"And this is yours."
Exactly ten steps from hers. Right next door.
I knew exclusive servants stayed close, but this was too close.
Of course, I couldn't voice that. Servants obey their lady's word.
If she said sleep outside tonight, I'd do it.
"Put your stuff inside and come out. I'll show you the rest."
"Yes, right away."
I entered to drop my bag as ordered.
'This is my room...?'
It was at least twice the size of my barony room. Bed, desk, wardrobe—all pristine and new.
I knew noble-born servants got private rooms, but this was next-level.
Maybe being Elena's exclusive servant isn't so bad...?
Pushing the thought aside, I exited.
I wanted to explore every corner, but a servant can't keep his lady waiting.
"This is the main house... Father and Mother... This is the knights' quarters..."
Elena mumbled with her back to me.
She held a paper scribbled with childish writing.
'Did she prepare this herself to introduce to me...?'
I don't get why she'd go this far for one servant, but better play dumb.
A child's innocence must be preserved.
Yeah, exactly. Don't risk souring it and burdening my future self.