Chapter 84
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 84
Chapter Title: Vacation Life with the Grand Duchess (4)
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The idea of giving Elena a new doll had crossed my mind countless times before.
It was heartwarming that she treasured the doll I'd given her so dearly, but ten years of hugging it every night was something else entirely. It had become an eyesore, patched and sewn up in so many places.
Still, I'd never acted on those thoughts until now.
It'd be a lie to say I lacked opportunities. I could've asked the merchants who visited the castle directly or made up an excuse to head down to the village.
I couldn't quite put my finger on the reason. Perhaps I simply liked that she cherished it so much.
'Well, things have changed completely now...'
Having seen with my own eyes how Elena tossed and turned through the night, I couldn't just let it slide as her attendant. And the fact that it was all because of a mere doll—specifically, the one I'd given her—made it even more urgent.
Elena narrowed her eyes and glared at me.
"...Is it a woman?"
"As if."
From the day I became her attendant at age nine until now, as a full-grown adult, I'd never once left Elena's side.
When would I have had time for romance? Unless I had some childhood sweetheart back in my rural hometown whom I'd promised to marry, it was utterly impossible.
...Man, that stings.
"Then there's no reason I can't come along, right?"
"Don't you have tea time scheduled with His Grace?"
"We can postpone that. Father will understand."
Elena said this casually as she took a sip of her tea.
Of course, as she said, pushing back the appointment a bit wouldn't draw any ire from the duke. He'd just be a little disappointed, that's all.
But I didn't like it. If she came along, she'd figure out I was planning to buy her a doll.
Gifts were always more fun when they came with a touch of secrecy.
'How on earth do I shake Elena off...'
I was lost in these worries when—
"Luke, are you hiding something from me...?"
Elena's sharp words pierced right to the nape of my neck. As her secret friend, lying to her was impossible—this was a full-blown crisis.
The little Lukes in my head sprang into action to reach a conclusion.
"E-mer-gen-cy!"
"Open drawers one and two and grab the excuse list!"
"We've got 19,203 on file!"
"Just cram any of 'em in!"
Operation: Persuade Elena.
I stayed silent for a moment before finally speaking.
"...A man has to keep some things to himself."
"Planning a trip to the red-light district...?"
"Absolutely not! Never!"
"Good. If it was, I'd stop you—even if I had to kill you."
Elena's words were chilling, but her face wore a gentle smile, the complete opposite. She even seemed a tad relieved.
Things looked promising, honestly. Her reaction wasn't bad at all. If I kept pushing like this, I'd be golden. My ten years as an attendant were telling me so.
"It will never tarnish the honor of the Frozenheart Ducal Family or the Grand Duchess. I swear it on my name and my life."
"I'm not doubting you. I was just curious, that's all. But if you don't want to say, I won't press."
"Thank you for understanding."
I never imagined I'd stake my name and life on a teddy bear...
Regret hit me late, but I shook it off. At least I'd successfully shaken Elena loose.
"Three hours. That's all you get. Be back here before then."
"Understood."
"And if you change your mind later..."
Elena trailed off, shifting her gaze to the window before slowly shaking her head.
"Forget I said that. You can go."
"Thank you for your consideration."
I bowed deeply to Elena and promptly left the room.
What was she about to say?
The question nagged at me, but I couldn't bring myself to ask.
Haa—
Elena let out a long sigh as she turned her gaze to the window.
The view outside was the same as always. Except for one thing: Luke, dashing off toward somewhere. Judging by the direction, he was headed to the stables.
'What on earth is he thinking...'
I didn't need to ask why he wanted to go to the village. It was obvious. She'd thrown a fit in the dead of night because she couldn't sleep without her doll—and that someone was none other than Elena herself.
Knowing his personality, he wouldn't disobey her order not to fetch the doll from the Academy. So he must be planning to buy a new one in the village.
He'd probably hand it over nonchalantly with something like:
"Childhood memories got the better of me, so I bought one. But it's a bit embarrassing for me to hold onto it..."
Elena murmured to herself and let out a faint chuckle. Even she had to admit her impression of him was spot-on.
As her laughter faded, she took a sip of the tea Luke had prepared. As always, its flavor was beyond words. She could never go back to tea made by anyone else.
'Secret friend, huh...'
They said you succeeded in life if you met just one true friend. He was thoughtful and considerate, yet always humble. Meeting him was pure luck.
That must be why good people gathered around him. If there was one flaw, it was how popular he was with women.
'Especially those three...'
Erze, Ivi, Shavel.
As a woman herself, she could tell. Their feelings were a cut above the rest.
She couldn't quite explain what made them different, but different they were.
A little more time passed, until her teacup ran empty.
Suddenly, a knock sounded, followed by a voice.
"Your Grace, it's time for tea with His Grace."
It was Yulia, who had served as her attendant before Luke. Her perfect timing suggested Luke had asked her in advance.
Even in his rush, he'd thought of everything. Elena couldn't help but smile inwardly.
'Always said I picked a good attendant.'
Elena rose at once and left the room.
She then headed to the duke—her father's—chambers with Yulia.
"Yulia, you're dismissed."
"Understood."
Upon reaching the duke's door, Elena sent Yulia away. Luke would be back soon enough to join her during the talk anyway.
She knocked, and a voice replied immediately from within.
"Come in."
Elena entered the room.
They enjoyed tea and pastries as they chatted.
The main topic was, naturally, life at the Academy. He praised her grades and asked if she had any worries.
One unexpected thing: far more talk about Luke than she'd anticipated.
"As I mentioned this morning, Luke's grades are quite impressive."
"He worked hard for them. I'd say it's only natural."
"True. He put in the effort, and his talent kept pace. As you know, effort alone has its limits."
Come to think of it, she'd never really considered Luke's talent. With how diligently he worked—like a fool, even—she'd just assumed his success was par for the course.
Maybe Luke was actually pretty capable...?
As Elena pondered this—
"Which is why I think it's a shame to keep him as a mere attendant."
"What do you mean?"
"He has talent and drive, yet the stage is too small for him to shine fully."
In short, shouldn't Luke be assigned somewhere else, somewhere bigger? Close by, that'd be the northern frontlines; farther afield, perhaps the Imperial Knights.
Elena set her teacup down with a sip.
Clink.
The sound echoed loudly in the silence.
"Father, will you reconsider? After ten years together, sending away an attendant isn't easy."
Her response came without hesitation. There was no need to deliberate.
Fortunately, he got the point and nodded.
"Very well. If that's your wish."
"Thank you for understanding."
The conversation stretched on for quite a while after that, as if cramming in six months' worth all at once.
All the while, a thought circled in Elena's mind.
Wasn't refusing to let Luke go just selfishness on her part?
"Then I'll take my leave, Father."
"See you at dinner."
Elena gave a light bow to end the greeting and rose.
As she stepped out, a familiar face greeted her.
"Back before the three hours were up, though I have no proof."
"It's fine. I already knew you'd be here."
"...You did?"
Discomfort flickered across Luke's face.
It wasn't that he was bad at masking his expressions. She'd simply known him too long not to notice.
Elena found it utterly endearing and began walking slowly.
"Escort me back to my room."
"Yes, milady."
Being with him really was the most comfortable.