Chapter 81
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Vacation Life with the Grand Duchess (1)
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With a faint vibration, the carriage began to move.
As it sped through the streets, familiar shops passed by outside the window, and the massive Academy building gradually shrank before vanishing completely.
Had I grown attached to the place in that time? Leaving the Academy felt strangely regrettable and awkward, even though I knew I'd be back anyway.
Pushing those thoughts to a corner of my mind, I turned my gaze away—only to suddenly lock eyes with Elena.
"Luke, have your clothes gotten smaller...?"
"I was just about to mention it, but it seems my body has grown quite a bit while staying at the Academy."
"I didn't really notice anything like that..."
Elena saw me every day. We even crossed paths on holidays, so she might not have noticed the change. Honestly, I hadn't realized it myself until I tried the clothes on.
She furrowed her brow, seemingly pondering for a moment, then patted the seat beside her with her palm.
"Come here for a second."
"Understood."
Not knowing what was going on, I sat down next to Elena.
Then, out of nowhere, she started feeling my arm with her hand. And it didn't stop there—her hand wandered all over.
"Now that I look at it, you do seem bigger than before..."
"...At any rate, the clothes definitely feel smaller."
"Alright. We'll get you new ones tailored."
"Thank you for your consideration."
"Taking care of you, my exclusive attendant, is part of my job too. It's not really consideration."
What kind of job in the world would tailor new clothes just because the old ones didn't fit anymore? On top of providing room and board, and even educational opportunities—it was truly the best workplace imaginable.
Aside from the two minor drawbacks of being unpaid for life and having zero work-life balance, that is.
Wait, why are there tears in my eyes...?
"Then I'll return to my seat."
As I tried to stand, leaving my soggy heart behind, the carriage suddenly jolted violently—as if it had hit a massive pothole.
I lost my balance because of it but barely managed not to fall.
The problem was that my hand had ended up planted right next to Elena's head. And our faces were awkwardly close too.
In the ensuing silence, our flustered gazes met. I hurriedly looked away and bowed my head.
"...My apologies."
"It's fine. I was just startled too. Tell the coachman the same."
Speak of the devil. The moment Elena finished speaking, the small window connecting to the coachman's seat slid open. The coachman's face, now visible, was filled with worry.
"S-Sorry. I made a mistake."
"It's alright, but please be more careful from now on."
"It's alright" was Elena's sentiment, while "be more careful" was what I wanted to say.
We almost had a disaster there. If our lips had even brushed by accident, I'd be executed the moment we got back to the ducal house.
"Yes, I won't let it happen again. We'll depart once more."
With another faint vibration, the carriage resumed moving.
After I'd sorted things out and turned my gaze back, Elena was staring out the window as if nothing had happened.
Perhaps sensing my look, she turned her head slightly and met my eyes.
"Do you have something to say?"
"No."
Elena shrugged nonchalantly and looked back out the window. I turned to the one on my side.
Her faint reflection in the glass showed her ears flushed red, but there was no need to point it out.
How much time passed after that? Before long, the carriage entered a vast plain. The lush green grass filling the landscape drew an involuntary gasp of admiration.
As I took in the scenery, Elena suddenly spoke up.
"Looks like the bandits are completely gone."
"It seems so."
It was a memory I couldn't forget even if I tried. It was the first day I'd stained my sword with human blood.
This was the very spot where I'd wiped out the bandits who attacked our carriage, and the unpleasant sensation from cutting them down still lingered vividly in my mind.
Come to think of it, if we met them in a field, shouldn't they be called field bandits instead? Bandits have mountain bases, right? That's why they're mountain bandits.
I was lost in such absurd musings when it happened.
"Not that I'm saying it now, but you were pretty cool back then."
"...I merely did what needed to be done."
"If everyone could do what needs doing that well, the world would run a lot smoother. And no, it doesn't mean anything special. It just came to mind."
"Understood."
After that, conversation didn't flow. Only the rumbling of the carriage wheels filled the silence.
That quiet was broken late in the evening, quite some time later.
Elena, who had been dozing off with her head bobbing, slowly lifted her eyelids.
"Luke, if you're tired, get some sleep."
"I'm fine."
"Well, do whatever then."
She grumbled petulantly and closed her eyes again.
I watched her quietly for a moment before pulling a blanket from my luggage and draping it over her. The carriage was heading north, and with the sun long set, the air had grown much chillier.
"...Thanks."
Lifting one eyelid, she murmured her quiet gratitude before resuming her nodding slumber.
'To think she can sleep in a situation like this...'
The carriage ride was as uncomfortable as ever. The bumps on the road transmitted straight through the floor, making my back feel like it might snap at any moment.
Maybe an unconditioned body like Elena's was better suited for carriages. The soft flesh absorbing the shocks on its own.
'What kind of nonsense am I thinking...?'
I shook off the pointless thoughts and looked out the window.
By now, the Frozenheart Ducal Castle loomed in the distant horizon. Probably just a few hours away.
'Maybe I should try sleeping until then, like Elena said...'
It wouldn't be easy, but with effort, I could manage. Just like always.
With that thought, I closed my eyes. When I came to, quite some time had passed, and the castle that had been distant was now right before us.
I rubbed my face lightly and turned to see Elena sleeping soundly, breathing softly.
I leaned in close and whispered.
"Milady, milady, time to wake up. We're almost at the border patrol..."
Oh no—.
Out of practice waking Elena, I'd slipped up without thinking.
But it worked perfectly. She woke up, her face scrunched in a full frown.
As expected of Captain Elena—quick on the draw even for reveille.
"Already there...?"
"Almost."
"I see."
As Elena stretched her arms high above her head, her clothes rode up, making a certain area stand out prominently.
From my ten years of servant experience, I could predict...
'They've gotten bigger...?'
It seemed Elena's body had developed. Specifically, in that one area.
How could she grow just studying magic at the Academy? Growth was supposed to be over anyway—did it make sense for only one part to expand? Unless it was a magic pouch or something, that shouldn't be possible.
As I mulled over this, Elena suddenly covered her chest with both hands.
"...Your stare is pretty obvious."
"Th-That wasn't my intent. I was just wondering if your body had matured a bit more and whether that's normal. If it made you uncomfortable, my apologies."
"It's fine since we're secret friends. It's not like it'll wear out from looking."
What exactly did Elena think a secret friend was? Dancing together was okay, looking at her chest was fine, hugging sometimes, stroking her hair...
I couldn't comprehend it at all, but one thing was clear: Her idea of a secret friend was different from mine.
'Who am I to complain...'
I was the one who proposed this secret friend thing in the first place. It'd be like spitting in my own face.
I let out a long internal sigh and turned to the window.
Not long after, the carriage slowed to a stop. We'd finally arrived at Elena's home, the Frozenheart Ducal Family estate.
Stepping out after opening the door, the northern chill stole the heat from my body in an instant. If the central region's Academy was summery, this place felt like autumn.
Just then, the sound of a door opening rang out, and someone emerged.
I bowed politely in greeting.
"Greetings to you, Frozenheart Duke."
"It's been a while, Luke. No need for such formality—lift your head."
The duke boomed with hearty laughter, while the duchess stood beside him, smiling warmly.
Allen's probably asleep. It was deep into the night.
As I exchanged greetings, Elena descended from the carriage.
"It's been a while. Father, Mother."
"Welcome home."
"Welcome back, dear."
Elena curtsied, and her parents responded with smiles.
A light conversation followed between them. How was the trip? Any issues? It was mostly checking on their well-being.
"It's late—head inside and rest. We'll talk tomorrow."
"Yes, Father."
Once the duke and duchess entered the manor, Elena and I were left standing there.
I stared blankly at the now-empty entrance before turning to her.
"I'll escort you, milady."
"Yes, please."
I bowed lightly in acknowledgment and started walking. Our destination was, naturally, the annex where Elena stayed.
Upon arrival, the warm coziness hit me, reminding me we'd returned to the ducal estate.
"Good night, Luke."
"Have a peaceful night."
After a brief exchange, Elena entered her room.
I bowed to her retreating figure and only moved once the door clicked shut.
'Time to sleep, then...'
Things would get busy starting tomorrow, so resting as much as possible was wise. Balancing servant duties with sword training wasn't easy.
With that, I turned in—and woke at dawn, before the sun had risen.
"...?"
What in the world?
Two blue eyes were gazing intently at me.