Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke chapter 112

* * *

“By the way, Ed.”

As the meal wound down, the Grand Duke finally spoke.

Ed set his spoon down and looked at him attentively.

“You seem to be quite close with Erin.”

“Erin?”

“Yes, the two of you looked pretty friendly while moving the trolley earlier.”

At that, Ronen chimed in.

“Ed and Erin have been close since their time at Count Herins’ estate!”

“I see.”

The Grand Duke nodded slightly, prompting Ed to add, “Yes, I think it’s because we communicate well and share a strong sense of camaraderie.”

“Communicate well and share camaraderie…”

The Grand Duke murmured as he stroked his chin, and Ed tilted his head slightly.

‘Did I say something strange?’

It felt like a normal statement, but Ed sipped his water, his head tilted in curiosity.

“Little fox! I’m sorry, but I have to return to the Northern Castle now. It’s time for you to go back home too.”

After finishing their meal, the Grand Duke and the knights prepared to depart.

Ronen approached a fox perched in the bushes, its ears twitching curiously.

“No, I’m not inviting you to play.”

Looking down at the fox, which had darted out and was rubbing against his leg, Ronen lightly massaged his temple.

“That’s odd. It really seems like it understands me.”

Ronen chuckled softly at the fox’s affectionate behavior.

Sitting down, he gently patted its fluffy back and spoke softly.

“When we return to the Northern Castle, you won’t be able to roam around as freely as you do here.”

Whine.

“I’m serious. The castle, surrounded by walls, will feel small compared to the vast Garenda Mountains.”

Despite his words, Ronen’s face betrayed his desire to take the fox to the castle.

Ed, having finished loading the carriage, approached him.

“Young Master, if you’re that concerned, why not bring it along? It might feel lonely staying here alone.”

“Really?”

“Yes, why not ask His Grace for permission?”

“Alright, I’ll do that. Come here, little fox.”

Ronen scooped the fox into his arms and looked up at Ed, patting its bottom and smiling brightly.

“Ed, come with me.”

“Shall I?”

“Yes! My brother always listens to you.”

Ed thought to himself, ‘It’s not that His Grace listens to me particularly well; he just enjoys spending time with Young Master Ronen.’

But watching Ronen busying himself with the fox, Ed decided to hold his tongue.

“Little fox, what shall we do when we arrive at the Northern Castle?”

The fox licked Ronen’s chin, as if answering his question.

“Hahaha, that tickles! I like playing like this too. Ah! I just realized—we need to build a house and a fence for the fox. We don’t want it wandering around the castle.”

Ronen took Ed’s hand and continued enthusiastically.

“Ed, let’s build a grand home for the fox together!”

“What kind of house do you have in mind?”

“Big and grand! It should be tall enough that the fox can jump without hitting the ceiling, and wide enough to give it space to grow. I want it to feel the same freedom and comfort as it does in the Garenda Mountains.”

Looking down at Ronen, Ed nodded and replied, “Understood, Young Master. I’ll help build a splendid home for the fox.”

“Thanks, Ed.”

“And after we get His Grace’s permission, how about giving it a name? While ‘little fox’ is cute, I think it’d be happier with a proper name.”

“Oh, you’re right! I’ve gotten so used to calling it ‘little fox’ that I didn’t think about it. But now that you’ve said it, I can see how a name would make it happier. What should we name it?”

As Ronen pondered, Ed gently guided him towards the Grand Duke’s tent, ensuring he didn’t trip while deep in thought.

“Brother!”

Upon reaching the tent, Ronen darted inside.

The Grand Duke, who was preparing to leave, looked at the fox in Ronen’s arms before shifting his gaze to Ed.

His expression suggested he already knew what Ronen was about to say. Ed offered a sheepish smile.

‘The Grand Duke can never say no to Young Master Ronen.’

“Is there something you’d like to say, Ronen?”

“Well, uh…”

Ronen hesitated, tugging on Ed’s sleeve before responding.

“I was wondering if we could bring Roa to the Northern Castle.”

“Roa?”

“Oh, that’s the fox’s name! I combined my name’s ‘Ro’ and your name’s ‘A’ to come up with it. What do you think? Does it sound good?”

“You’ve already decided on a name, huh?”

“Well, I thought it’d be nice to call it that if you gave permission to bring it to the castle…”

The Grand Duke glanced at the fox in Ronen’s arms before turning to Ed.

“What do you think, Ed?”

“Me?”

“Do you think it’s alright to bring the fox—no, Loa—to the Northern Castle?”

After a moment of contemplation, Ed replied, “If Roa can adapt well to the castle, I believe it’s a good idea. The Young Master has always been fond of animals and will surely take great care of it.”

The Grand Duke listened carefully to Ed’s words and nodded.

“Then we’ll bring Loa to the Northern Castle.”

Ronen beamed.

“See? I told you Brother always listens to Ed!”

The tent filled with Ronen’s lively chatter as he joyfully spoke to Roa.

The Grand Duke watched Ronen happily discuss the journey with Loa and thought back to Ed’s words, ‘Young Master Ronen will take good care of it.’

The fox leapt into Ed’s arms and licked his face enthusiastically.

The Grand Duke chuckled at the scene, a hint of exasperation in his smile. It was then that Jaynon entered the tent.

“Your Grace, I’ve brought the High Priest.”

“Ah, very well.”

Jaynon stepped aside, and the High Priest entered, smiling gently as he saw the fox nestled in Ed’s arms.

“The Duke mentioned that after checking on the injured, he would return to the northern fortress, correct?”

“Yes, with winter approaching and the patients struggling to move, I plan to search for herbs in this area with my subordinates to help them.”

The Duke nodded slightly, then glanced at Ed, who was soothing the whimpering fox.

“Then, I will keep Irtel by my side, and after the task is finished, I’ll have him come with me to the Northern Castle. I will head to the castle first and prepare a feast for those who have worked hard.”

“If I start preparing the medicinal ingredients now, it shouldn’t take too long. I’ll make sure to return to the Northern Castle by tonight, so His Majesty doesn’t have to wait for this old body of mine.”

After hearing the conversation between the Grand Duke and the Chancellor, Ed whispered softly to Ronen as he handed the fox back to him.

“Young Master, I think it’s time to get ready to leave. Take Roa and get in the carriage first. I’ll pack our things.”

“Yeah, alright. Ed.”

Once the conversation between the Grand Duke and the Chancellor ended, Ed guided Ronen out of the tent.

Ronen, holding the fox and lightly bouncing on his feet, approached Tens, who was checking the carriage.

“Roa, say hello. This is Tens, who’ll be pulling our carriage.”

Hehe.

“Oh, I think Roa is happy to see Tens!”

“Is this fox the one going with us to the Northern Castle? Jaynon said His Majesty gave permission.”

“Yep, its name is Roa!”

Ed continued walking, listening to the conversation between Ronen and Tens.

Then, he entered the tent where Ronen had been staying, packed up his things, and came back out carrying two bags in his hands.