Chapter 70
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Secret Actions Are Bound to Be Discovered (1)
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Secret actions are bound to be discovered.
Elena and I were less than a handspan apart.
If a stranger saw us, they might misunderstand the situation, but unfortunately, it wasn't a positive atmosphere at all. The proof was Elena glaring at me with narrowed eyes.
'What on earth should I say to resolve this?'
To tackle that issue, the little Lukes in my head held an emergency meeting.
The first to speak was the bored-looking Luke slumped over his desk.
"Just throw out some half-baked excuse. It's worked so far, hasn't it?"
"No, we can't do that. It could shatter the trust between us."
The glasses-wearing Luke immediately countered his opinion.
Then, the golden-haired Luke beside him flashed a smile.
"How about this? Just kiss her."
"What about the aftermath?! We wouldn't have the face to see the Frozenheart Duke!"
"Don't worry about it? Elena will handle it."
"How can you say something so irresponsible..."
The glasses Luke let out a deep sigh. His expression looked like his soul had fled his body.
The meeting dragged on for a while longer, ultimately settling on the first suggestion from the bored Luke.
Letting out a long sigh in my mind and steeling myself, I gazed steadily into Elena's eyes and spoke.
"Dancing with Lady Ibi was merely part of socializing. Besides, as you know, Grand Duchess, I'm just a servant, so I never get the chance to dance. I simply wanted to try it once."
It was undeniable that dances between men and women were often used to find marriage partners, but that wasn't always the case. They were frequently just for social purposes.
My situation was the same. I'd only danced because Ibi suggested it—nothing more than that.
Romance? In this situation where I was barely holding onto my own rice bowl?
"If that was the case, you could have asked me."
"How could I possibly make such a request of you, Grand Duchess?"
"You and I are secret friends before we're servant and master. Dancing is something we could do anytime."
In short, Elena was upset that I'd danced with someone else when she, my secret friend, was right there.
Considering the position secret friends held for her, it wasn't incomprehensible. I just felt a bit wronged.
'If only she'd suggested it first, I would've danced with her in a heartbeat...'
Of course, I couldn't voice that thought. If Elena was in a bad mood—even if I wasn't at fault—it might as well be my fault.
"I'm sorry, Grand Duch..."
"Elena."
"I'm sorry, Elena Gran..."
"Elena."
She was cleverly using the situation to get me to call her by name. To put it nicely, it was strategic.
And I was the type of person who had no choice but to fall for her strategy. Better to close my eyes and go along than risk her taking a dislike to me for refusing.
Duke, Duchess, I'm truly sorry.
"I'm sorry, Miss Elena."
"It's fine, Luke."
Elena smiled and released her grip on my necktie.
Seeing that smile, I was certain. She'd gotten angry on purpose for exactly this reason.
That said, her behavior lately was eerily similar to Erze's. Maybe Erze had given her advice.
'This feels like committing a sin...'
My heart pounded, and my lips went dry. Well, it was only natural—I had actually sinned, after all.
Elena, oblivious or not to my feelings, was grinning from ear to ear.
"Grand Duchess, are you feeling a bit bett..."
"Call me Elena for the rest of the day. Punishment for acting on your own as my servant."
"...Understood."
If the goal was mental torment, it was a brilliant choice. My mind had gone completely blank because of it. Though no one in history had probably ever given such a punishment.
I sighed inwardly and said,
"...Then, Miss Elena, the guests will arrive soon, so you should prepare yourself."
"I'm already fully prepared."
Probably more guests than she expected...
Well, she'll be fine. It's Elena, after all.
It didn't take long to realize my hunch was spot on.
"Luke, I'll handle two sandwiches, so you brew the tea."
"Yes, Gran... No, Miss Elena."
"Oh, and we're running low on treats, so I'm making more dough. I should be able to keep them stocked before they run out."
"Understood."
Is this what makes the protagonist of this world different?
From checking inventory to serving and even cooking—Elena handled it all with the ease of a seasoned veteran. It was hard to believe this was her first time.
Especially her use of magic to knead dough, bake cookies, and serve simultaneously—it was nothing short of miraculous. The guests showered her with praise.
"Excuse me for a moment."
Thanks to her, I could catch a slight breather amid the rush. It was a huge help.
And so an hour passed, then two, then three...
Word must have spread about Elena's magic show, because even more guests flooded in than yesterday. Before I knew it, lunchtime was upon us.
No matter how many guests there were, this was all for earning a living, right?
I apologized to the waiting guests and flipped the sign at the entrance to "Closed."
A bit more time passed, and lunchtime arrived. As the last guest left, only Elena and I remained in the clubroom.
I approached Elena, who was standing there dazed.
"You worked hard, Gran... No, Miss Elena."
"More guests than I expected—I was surprised. Anyway, you did well too."
After handling that many people, her only reaction was surprise? Even with magic, she'd dealt with them personally, so her mental fortitude was impressive.
"I'll handle cleanup, so rest. I'll prepare lunch once it's done."
"Hmm..."
Elena furrowed her brow and beckoned with her finger. A cookie from a glass jar floated over into her hand.
"We'll clean up together. No point pretending to be a grand duchess now."
With that, Elena pushed the cookie into my mouth.
The sweet, nutty flavor filled my mouth, followed by her slender index finger gently brushing my lower lip.
That strange sensation blanked my mind for a moment.
"What are you doing? Not moving?"
"N-No."
I snapped out of it at her words and started gathering the empty plates from the tables onto a cart, heading to the kitchen.
"Now, Luke, watch closely."
"Yes, I will."
With a gesture from Elena, the plates floated into the air, and any residue was wiped clean. They gleamed so brightly it hurt the eyes.
'Should I just ask Elena to stay in the kitchen...?'
I knew as a servant I shouldn't even think it. But what could I do? The performance of this state-of-the-art dishwasher was too superior.
With just Elena, no dishwashing for me? Irresistible.
After neatly stacking the cleaned dishes, Elena puffed out her chest proudly.
"How was it?"
"Splendid."
"Just words?"
"I don't have any money..."
Not pleased with my answer, Elena gave me a blank look, as if she couldn't believe it.
She let out a long sigh and leaned her head forward slightly.
"Here, now do you get it?"
I knew exactly what she meant—she'd done it countless times when we were kids.
But that was back when we were children. Stroking the head of a grown woman—let alone my lady—was something I couldn't do.
"Luke, I said I'm not acting like a grand duchess today."
"That's true, but..."
"And I worked harder than anyone today."
"That's true too, but..."
"So I deserve a reward, don't you think?"
Don't rewards usually go from superior to subordinate...?
Even so, I extended my hand. Elena's words rang true without exception.
My hesitating hand inched forward, finally touching her head.
Her snow-white hair swayed softly under my touch, releasing a fresh herbal scent.
Was it the illicit thrill of stroking my lady's hair? My heart thundered like it would burst, and my face burned.
'How long am I supposed to do this?'
The question had just surfaced in my mind when—
"My, what a rare sight."
A voice came from the kitchen entrance.
I knew who it belonged to without looking—playful as ever.
Lately, every sneaky action of mine was getting caught. My luck couldn't be this bad.
'How many days will this one haunt me...'
Imagining becoming Erze's new teasing material, I let out a hollow laugh.