Ch.67Love and War #5

“Why that particular baron’s son? Is it because of his handsome appearance?”

What nonsense.

Of course, even though Zion appears exceptionally beautiful to my eyes, do you think I would fall for someone merely because of their good looks?

I’m not cheap enough to be desperate for a fleeting encounter and pleasure like a mirage.

While I was sometimes angered by others not recognizing his worth, I mostly felt relieved by it and would brush it off with casual answers.

He was a man known only to me, one I could have all to myself.

So I was content being the only one who knew his true value.

However, even that “value” was merely an impressive packaging tailored to others’ expectations.

Of course, I can’t deny that his kindness caught my eye, but the real reason I lost my heart to him was both there and not there.

Yes. There was no reason at all.

I could only explain it by saying I fell for Zion Altram because he was Zion Altram.

That’s why I wasn’t particularly pleased about having to share him with that arrogant Ellen, though lately that discomfort has been fading.

I liked how she maintained boundaries and showed respect after that day, and above all, the benefits of having a natural phenomenon as a guard were tremendously significant.

Of course, I only realized those benefits after somewhat overcoming my jealousy, but I liked it nonetheless.

Sometimes I feel disgusted thinking I would have done the same in her position, but ultimately, I often find myself nodding in acceptance.

“…Thank you.”

After his speech ended, the guests who needn’t have come at all gazed with sparkling eyes.

Among them, some rudely muttered about how arrogant he was for a baron’s son.

I was filled with the desire to behead them immediately and use them as fertilizer for the vineyard.

While I could gladly endure insults directed at me, it was difficult to tolerate hearing Zion being insulted.

However, today was not a day for bloodshed, nor one where blood should be spilled.

Moreover, even if my murderous intent had surged, they hadn’t openly insulted or provoked me, so it was right to let it pass quietly.

But I made sure to remember their faces clearly. With the thought that if an opportunity arose in the future, I would heap my personal grudges upon them generously.

◎◎◎

It’s over.

I stepped into the bedroom, collecting my thoughts that seemed to have aged a decade from experiencing what felt like an eternal moment.

Out of habit, I tried to help with the cleanup, but now that I had become a Grand Duke, I was prevented from doing most menial tasks.

Though unintentionally liberated, I felt somewhat guilty in a corner of my heart.

Fortunately, I could still cook as a hobby. It would have been quite uncomfortable to just sit around.

Perhaps… is this a slave mentality? Have I become so accustomed to serving others that I’ve mistaken myself for a servant?

I’m not sure. I probably can’t give a clear answer myself, but I knew what needed to be answered right now.

That was dealing with Helena, who was waiting with open arms on the bed.

And that dealing only ended when dawn began to break.

Though we took breaks or dozed off in between, it was still essentially a continuation of the act, so fatigue had built up considerably.

It was fortunate that my body was young and vigorous; otherwise, I might have passed out.

“Is this your first time going on a trip so far away?”

After bathing together, Helena looked at me with a bright smile.

Since it was always my role to groom her hair, she had to turn her head like this to meet my gaze.

“It is. I’ve gone outside a few times, but this is my first purely recreational trip.”

“And some of those times weren’t pleasant.”

Since most of those incidents were caused by my own foolish actions, I couldn’t bring myself to look up.

Though they were accidents caused by sudden, unexpected circumstances, my inability to handle them smoothly was clearly a mistake.

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Why is Zion sorry? Whether it was meeting pirates or clashing with Killinear, it was all caused by those who picked fights with us.”

When I think about it, that’s true, but I couldn’t help feeling sorry nonetheless.

All those unfortunate incidents seemed to burden Helena, which made it worse.

Though I tried my best to clean up the mess… it still felt somewhat unsettling.

“Well, they did start the fire.”

“So don’t talk like that. Where in the world is there a perfect answer? Though in my life, Zion is definitely the absolute answer…”

Just when I thought she was going to say something considerate, as expected of a woman with a reputation for thoughtfulness, she ended with a deflating conclusion.

But for me, that deflating conclusion lightened my burden more than any beautiful sentence could.

Perhaps I was feeling down because of the amount we had expended, despite having plenty left.

After realizing this, I smiled slightly and shook off the remaining gloom.

Though it might not be good in terms of suppressing emotions, being able to regain my center so quickly was a benefit of having a steel mentality.

Moreover, today was the day we were departing on our journey.

“Hmm… I should take care of this first.”

I picked up Helena’s and my clothes, thoroughly soaked with each other’s traces, and let out a deep sigh.

Though I had become a Grand Duke, dealing with these intense traces was still my responsibility, and I didn’t want to pass that task to anyone else.

The thought of someone else handling these smelly clothes made my skin crawl. Simply out of embarrassment, nothing else.

“What? Now that you’re a Grand Duke, you can leave it to others. You don’t have to handle it yourself…”

“I just want to do it myself. Please understand.”

I quickly dealt with the soiled clothes, revealing that my habits as a servant still hadn’t disappeared.

Looking at the traces that reminded me of when I had roughly pushed her down, annoyed that she had secretly purchased provocative clothes to stimulate my desire, I felt quite conflicted.

From a physical functionality perspective, it was satisfying, but thinking about what we had done so intensely, I wondered why we had gone so far.

“Done.”

“Good job. In return, though it’s not much, I’ve packed our luggage, so take a rest.”

After quickly and discreetly handling the clothes like secretly washing sheets soiled by a wet dream, I returned to find Helena smiling brightly, holding a bag with our luggage.

It was difficult to say anything since the very person who had told me not to do menial work because I was a Grand Duke was doing this.

“Alright. Thank you.”

Since it was clear that my workload had decreased, I expressed my gratitude and sat down on the bed beside her.

“By the way, our room will change a bit while we’re away. You’ll sleep in the same room as me, and your current room will be tidied up and kept as a guest room.”

“Really? Why don’t I remember hearing about this…?”

“I secretly told Andy yesterday without you knowing. So it’s natural you don’t know.”

I stared at Helena, who was smiling as if she had wanted to tease me, and unconsciously pinched her cheek gently.

It felt soft, smooth, and also like stretching a piece of chewy rice cake.

“Well, thank you for that. Thanks.”

“Ah, ahh…!”

Despite being a woman who could reject my touch anytime, Helena acted like a fragile noble lady.

Originally, I had no intention of prolonging this, though it was somewhat enjoyable, but seeing her surrender to my touch, I hastened the end.

“You should have told me about moving rooms. I’m also involved.”

“I’m sorry… Did you… dislike it? Many couples use separate rooms even after marriage… Would you prefer that?”

I placed my palm on Helena’s flushed cheek as if caressing it, and she placed her hand over mine, showing a dejected expression.

This made me realize anew why rumors spread that I was manipulating the Duchess and wielding her power as I pleased.

Sad but true. It was hard to deny that I was manipulating Helena, and I secretly thought so myself.

“Not at all.”

I had already thought about sharing a room, and if I really disliked it, I would have firmly suggested keeping some distance.

Rather, I was pleased at the thought of being able to embrace her freely without being self-conscious.

“Not at all.” “Really…?”

“Really.”

I showed that my affection hadn’t cooled by lightly kissing Helena, like a bird pecking at food.

Stroking her left cheek and exchanging a few kisses, she visibly calmed down.

Her expressions shifted between joy and sorrow with each word I uttered.

“Well, I’ll go prepare breakfast now. The coachman will have to work hard today.”

Since we had already announced that we would depart early in the morning, several servants were also making appropriate preparations.

Usually, I would leisurely prepare breakfast to give the servants a bit more rest time, but today was different. It was the result of prioritizing Helena, who was thoroughly excited.

Since most people were still asleep, I carefully headed to the kitchen.

To prepare breakfast and lunch boxes.

“Hmm hmm~.”

Helena, who had followed me, hummed a tune and settled in a corner of the kitchen.

Originally, there was no need for chairs in this place, which included the food storage, but due to Helena’s eccentricity, a space had been set up where one could have a simple meal.

A decent table with chairs. Even a container with tableware. There was no better place to eat quickly and without burden.

“Hungry? It’s breakfast, but shall we eat something substantial?”

“Yes, that sounds good.”

Need to eat after intense exercise.

I suppressed my growling hungry stomach and took out a few ingredients from the storage.

Starting with rice for a simple risotto, along with tomatoes, pork, and some basic vegetables.

I also needed to prepare lunch boxes, but breakfast came first. Perhaps because I was so hungry right now, I couldn’t spare any thought for lunch.

“Ah, it smells so good…”

Helena, pleased with the smell of the meat being grilled after being steamed, raised the corners of her mouth with her eyes closed.

Of course, I too was captivated by the smell, swallowing dry saliva.

It was truly torturous, but the smell of grilling meat was always right.

The reason for steaming the meat before grilling was simple.

In my opinion, it made the meat more tender, gave it that unique chewiness of grilled meat, and above all, it tasted better than just grilling it.

Simultaneously, I diligently stir-fried the tomato risotto and prepared a vegetable salad, completing a hearty meal.

“Huh…? Did you notice?”

Helena widened her eyes at the sight of three bowls of risotto placed on the table.

If I had noticed, it was only natural that she knew as well.

“I might not have noticed on a normal day, but perhaps because I’m hungry today, my senses are sharper.”

“Still, judging by the lack of immediate entry, it seems she’s being quite considerate. As always.”

This is why I can’t simply dislike her, which makes it all the more concerning.

Helena muttered this and called out to someone who was quietly waiting beyond the kitchen door.

“Ellen, come in. Zion has prepared a portion for you too, so let’s eat together.”

As expected. There weren’t many people who would be outside the kitchen at this hour, but Helena’s call turned my suspicion into certainty.

As she had said, the person quietly opening the kitchen door was none other than Ellen.

“You knew? There was noise, but I thought you wouldn’t notice because you were focused on the Grand Duke…”

Looking at Ellen, who expressed surprise as soon as she entered, Helena nodded as if it were obvious.

“I know. Zion didn’t know exactly, but he sensed someone was there. Anyway, you’re coming with us, so eat together.”

“…Yes. Excuse me.”

She sat down quietly next to Helena, looking deflated like a child caught trying to play a prank.

Looking at them like this, the two seemed like mother and child. Even though, considering their ages, Ellen would be the ancestor.