Chapter 41
Chapter 41
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: Don't Cry
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“Don't cry.”
Theodor's words made Lara freeze mid-pet.
It wasn't a command. Though it might have sounded like one. For Theodor, who had lived without caring how others took his words, this was quite the challenge.
“I mean...”
Theodor hesitated, then lightly nudged Lara's shoulder with his massive muzzle. Lara, who had been hugging him, slowly lifted her head.
Speaking like this felt a bit awkward. But he'd already said so much—might as well keep going.
“I don't want you to cry.”
Theodor pressed his nose under her hand, hoping to feel familiar. Wolves shouldn't be treated so casually, but exceptions existed. He didn't want her to fear him.
Lara tentatively moved her hand over his soft snout. The wolf before her was larger than any animal she'd seen. Riding on his back would reveal views she'd never imagined.
Yet the silver-furred wolf was nothing but gentle. His body heat, far warmer than a human's, seeped into her.
A warmth she'd never felt from Theodor, always in his leather gloves. It was incredibly comforting.
Lara wasn't crying anymore.
Theodor's wish for her not to cry no longer sounded like an order.
“Then... can I keep staying with you, Lord Theo?”
Lara grew a little bolder. The wolf stared at her intently.
One eye burned like a gem in the firelight, exactly like Theodor's. The other was soft, as if made just for her.
Lara was no symbol of misfortune.
“Yes.”
“From now on... forever...?”
“If that's what you want, for eternity.”
Theodor slowly closed his eyes. It was permission unspoken. Lara smiled happily. Theodor felt her gentle strokes.
It was the first time. He'd never allowed anyone's touch before.
Whether in human form or his true self, his heightened senses turned contact into painful torment.
But not Lara. No searing pain—just profound peace wherever her hand rested.
Forever with me.
It was Theodor's dream, too.
The next morning, in the dining hall of Aren Manor’s annex.
Anyone working in the manor could tell the new young lady's tutor was in a foul mood.
“Lighten up. Aren't you supposed to set an example?”
Theodor, legs crossed, tossed the remark at the sullen Claude. Claude bristled immediately.
“You think I slept a wink waiting for you? You told me to wait, Your Grace—surely you haven't forgotten your own words?”
“Ah. Sorry for making you wait yesterday.”
“You... Hah, forget it. No point talking.”
Theodor's straightforward apology left Claude speechless instead. Deflated, Claude poured himself some coffee.
Lara felt a twinge of guilt. She thought part of why Lord Theo hadn't gone to Claude last night was her fault.
She recalled freely petting the huge, soft wolf-Theodor until she unwittingly fell asleep. When she woke, it was morning. Theodor was gone, but his warmth lingered, as if he'd watched over her moments before.
Her peaceful, dreamless sleep must have been thanks to Lord Theo the wolf's fluffy fur. So huge and plush—he was wonderfully warm.
“No way you'd keep a promise anyway. Figures, since you skip family head meetings like meals.”
“How long have I even been family head? You don't have the stats for that claim yet.”
“Do only family heads go to those? I went every time. You never showed your face.”
“Grandfather hated my guts. You know that.”
Claude was stumped by Theodor's casual steak-cutting response.
“If I'd shown up, it would've been quite the spectacle.”
“......”
Oddly, this guy seemed different today. He tossed sensitive topics without hesitation, and even Claude's complaints got a mild reaction. Compared to how he'd treated him at Mason Hotel, this was downright mature.
What's up? Something good happen? He's off his game.
Claude asked suspiciously.
“You’re not planning to make me wait again today, are you?”
“Asking your employer? Even if I said wait a month, you'd shut up and do it.”
“Not in the mood for jokes. If you have something to say, spit it out instead of stalling.”
“You must have a packed schedule. What were you up to last night?”
Claude froze. He glanced at Theodor's face—same old smug, arrogant, icy expression.
“I'm a busy man. Don't need to report every detail to you.”
Claude snapped back sharply. The meal's mood soured instantly. Noticing Lara's discomfort, Theodor ended it.
“Claude. Tomorrow morning, come to the city center with Lara. We'll talk then.”
“City center? Why? What's the occasion?”
“I have business with a priest.”
“What? A priest? You, seeking one out? Got religion now?”
Claude shot back, but Theodor gave no reply. Shrugging it off, Claude said,
“Fine, got it. No rain, snow's stopped—perfect day for an outing. Right, miss?”
Claude sought Lara's agreement, hoping for backup. Already used to his formal speech around Theodor, Lara nodded slightly.
“Yes.”
“The little miss agrees—lucky break! Don't worry, Theodor. I'll take good care of her.”
“Isn't that your job?”
Ignoring Theodor's prickly reply, Claude finished breakfast in high spirits. He'd figured he'd be stuck in the manor the whole time as Lara's tutor, without stirring an inch. He couldn't waste this golden outing.
Wait for me, ladies!
Thinking of Aren's lovely ladies waiting at Mason Hotel's salon made him tingle. If he played it right, he could snag some free time. Lara was obedient, so with her attendant Rin, there'd be no hitches...
“Alright, let's wrap today's lesson quick and prep for tomorrow's outing. Lara, I'll head to my room first?”
Claude bolted from the table like the wind.
Theodor and Lara continued their meal alone. Lara stole a glance at his profile.
Theodor noticed and looked up—their eyes met.
“It'll be cold in the morning. Dress warm.”
Lara's cheeks flushed as she nodded.
Would they stay in the city longer this time? Aren's streets, glimpsed once, were full of wonders. Suppressing her excitement, Lara focused on finishing her salad quickly.
Theodor stifled a laugh at her suddenly quicker pace.
Lara's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
The next morning.
Rin carefully selected Lara's outfit. Having changed into several new ones already, Lara said, a bit embarrassed,
“Rin, this is fine...”
“Miss, what are you saying! Aren's city center will be bustling. Everyone will notice you. You need the finest to highlight your beauty!”
“Uh...”
Lara trailed off, still unused to compliments on her looks. Ignoring it, Rin held up a new dress.
“How about this sky-blue fabric coat-dress with soft fur trim?”
“That one.”
“Yes, arm here...”
Rin seemed naturally skilled at assisting. Lara could dress herself, but since Rin arrived, those chances vanished. Rin looked so happy, it was hard to object.
“What will you wear, Rin?”
“Anything warm is best for me!”
“This cloak suits you better. It'll look great on you.”
“Pardon? B-but it's yours... How could I?”
Lara had never owned clothes before. These were all prepared by Theodor. But she doubted he'd mind.
“It's okay.”
“W-we might get in trouble! I-I'm fine in what I have.”
“That's too thin for outside. Try it on.”
After Lara insisted, Rin finally draped the pretty fur cloak over her shoulders.
Lara now understood why Rin beamed while dressing her.
Lara smiled faintly at Rin's delighted expression in the clothes.
“You look pretty, Rin.”