Chapter 83
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 83
Chapter Title: Vacation Life with the Grand Duchess (3)
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Elena's arm shot out from under the covers, wrapping tightly around my neck.
In that awkward position, my upper body pressed close against hers. A fresh herbal scent wafted over me, and the warmth of her body, heated by the blankets, slowly seeped through our clothes.
Honestly, I could have held out if I'd wanted to. Overpowering Elena physically wasn't all that hard.
But stiffly resisting my lady like that would have been ridiculous. As her attendant, I couldn't bring myself to do it.
After all, rolling backward three times when your lady pokes you with a finger is the mark of a true servant.
That was when it happened.
"Mm..."
Elena squirmed a bit, rubbing her face against me. She even mumbled something strange in her sleep as a bonus.
Her skin felt just as soft as it had when we were kids. It was so delicate that even touching it made me hesitate.
Not that I had any intention of doing so, of course.
'Is she really asleep, though...?'
Elena had been resembling Erze more and more lately. There was a chance she was pretending to sleep just to mess with me. Especially since this was happening in the early morning hours—it only made me more suspicious.
As if to shatter my suspicions, Elena didn't move after that. She just breathed steadily, deep in slumber.
She seemed even more soundly asleep than when I'd first entered the room. Or maybe that was just my imagination.
Anyway, I needed to sort this situation out somehow.
I didn't want to ruin the traditional family breakfast on the first day back from the Academy.
"Milady, it's time to wake up."
"Just a little longer..."
"Milady, the Duke will be waiting..."
When I persisted in trying to wake her, Elena hugged my neck even tighter. My airway constricted, cutting off my words mid-sentence.
Now that I thought about it, it wasn't just her skin—her behavior was exactly like when we were kids too. What on earth had she been up to at the Academy...?
Haa...
I let out a long sigh and grasped Elena's arm around my neck. Then, I slowly began prying it off with gentle force.
Normally, you shouldn't lay a hand on the person you serve, but this was an exception. If we missed breakfast, it wouldn't just be Elena getting scolded—I'd catch heat too.
And if she complained, I could always play the secret friend card as an excuse.
That was when I'd almost fully detached her arm.
"..."
"..."
Elena suddenly opened her eyes. Her blue eyes were filled with bewilderment.
And of all the timing, I was holding her arm. Our faces were close enough to touch, with much of our upper bodies overlapping.
It was no wonder she was flustered. In fact, it was only natural.
"Milady, I swear I had no impure intentions. You just pulled me in while half-asleep..."
"I haven't said a word yet."
"I still felt like I should explain."
"...Well, for someone who turned me down at dawn, that was pretty bold."
I told her it wasn't like that.
She seemed to be taking my words as mere excuses.
To be fair, I probably would've thought the same in her shoes. Anyone would look like a guilty criminal making excuses.
"So, when are you going to let go of my arm?"
"My apologies."
I immediately released her arm and straightened up from my awkward position. The warmth I'd felt on my cheek and body faded away, along with the faint herbal scent.
Elena let out a short sigh and sat up.
But there was something oddly captivating about her. Even in her thick pajamas, they couldn't fully hide her figure. Certain parts stood out quite prominently.
It hit me anew just how much her body had developed. I hadn't noticed it this much at dawn—honestly, it surprised me a bit.
"Luke, we need to head to breakfast, right?"
"Yes. If you're too tired, I could pass along a message..."
"No. I can't do that on my first day back."
With that, Elena swung her legs over the side of the bed.
But something must have gone wrong in the process. As she tried to stand, she suddenly lost her balance and started to topple over.
"Milady...!"
I hurriedly reached out to steady her. She was safe thanks to that, but unfortunately, an even bigger problem arose.
My hand, wrapped around her lower back, had ended up in a rather awkward spot. Specifically, the tips of two fingers brushed against something soft.
"Luke."
"I didn't mean to. I'm truly sorry."
At Elena's icy tone, I apologized without hesitation. Even if it was an accident, touching your lady's body was unforgivable.
No matter how wronged I felt, there was nothing to be done. That's the relationship between servant and master.
But her next words completely threw me off.
"...Have you ever touched another woman's chest besides mine?"
"I swear I haven't."
I was innocent. I'd even turned down Erze when she teasingly suggested it, so no further explanation was needed. Of course, I couldn't exactly tell Elena about that.
"So I'm the first, then?"
"Yes, but..."
"Then it's fine."
Was my answer to her liking? A soft smile curved Elena's lips.
'What part of that pleased her? No, is this even okay in the first place?'
It was the best possible outcome for me, but at the same time, I worried about Elena. It felt like she'd forgive anything just because we were secret friends.
Not that I'd ever do anything harmful to her, of course...
'No need to overthink it...'
As long as I behaved myself, it would be fine. No reason to worry about her.
Though, worrying about Elena was laughable given my station anyway.
"Luke, I'd like to change now."
"Shall I call another attendant...?"
"No. I'll change myself. It's not that difficult."
"Understood."
I bowed my head and quickly left the room.
Who would've thought she'd insist on changing alone? Must be a positive influence from the Academy. There, nobles handle everything themselves without servants.
I couldn't help but admire the founding emperor's wisdom in establishing the Academy. It was probably why the empire's nobility turned out somewhat decent.
If there'd been no Academy? I didn't even want to imagine that world.
Not long after, Elena emerged from the room, now dressed in her day clothes instead of pajamas.
"Then let's go."
"Yes, milady."
I stepped out alongside her. We soon arrived at the main building's dining hall, where the Duke, the Duchess, and Allen were already seated, waiting for Elena.
"Good morning, Father, Mother, Allen."
Elena gave a light greeting and took her seat.
The breakfast spread was more lavish than usual, clearly an effort to celebrate her return.
Of course, the real celebration would be at dinner, so this was just a taste.
The meal began amid light conversation.
Having been apart for so long, they probably had a lot to catch up on. Questions flew nonstop.
Elena's plate barely diminished amid the barrage.
That was when the Duke's gaze suddenly turned to me.
"Luke, come to think of it, my congratulations are overdue. Well done topping the Swordsmanship Department."
"You've already sent your congratulations by letter—how could they be late? Besides, I owe this achievement entirely to Your Grace's benevolence."
It might sound a tad over the top, but it wasn't wrong. If the Duke hadn't sent me to the Academy, there'd be no top spot for me.
"I also heard a rumor you beat a giant wolf beast."
"I didn't beat it—I just dodged around and bought time."
"What else was there...? Ah, yes. They say His Majesty the Emperor greatly enjoyed the tea you served."
"During this year's Academy festival..."
The Duke unleashed a flurry of questions on me too.
Unaccustomed to such attention, I wanted to bolt right then...
But seeing Elena's plate finally emptying, I couldn't bring myself to.
Not that I'd planned to run in the first place.
The questions kept piling up one after another, and the meal only wrapped up quite some time later.
Back at the annex, Elena spoke up.
"Luke, I'd like some tea."
"Right away."
I moved swiftly to prepare it. After ten years of practice, the six-month gap was easy to shake off.
As I poured the tea in her room, I broached the topic very carefully.
"Milady, may I step out to the village for a bit...?"
"Is there something you want to buy?"
"Yes."
"Then let's go together."
"If it wouldn't be rude, could I go alone...?"
Elena's expression gradually hardened, turning icy.
She set down her teacup silently and said,
"Why...?"
Why what...?
Didn't you say you needed a doll?