Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke chapter 114

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The grand banquet hall was filled with the soothing melodies of cellos and violins, the atmosphere growing warmer by the minute.

The High Priest and other clergy mingled joyfully with those who had accompanied them on their relief mission.

It’s a relief to see everyone finally unwinding after the tension from the hunting competition.

Ed glanced around, taking in the pleasant sight.

Unlike the capital or southern regions, where people were constantly mindful of their ranks, the northern castle had an air of camaraderie that transcended status.

“Ed.”

“……”

“Ed!”

The sudden, close voice snapped Ed out of his reverie.

As he lowered his gaze, he found Ronen leaning in with his hands cupped around his mouth near Ed’s ear.

“Ah, yes, Young Master.”

“Why are you zoning out? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“If you’re tired, why don’t you rest first? If anyone looks for you, I’ll tell Jaynon or my brother.”

After a moment of hesitation, Ed nodded.

“Then, may I step outside for some fresh air? The hall feels a bit stifling.”

As a servant, Ed was expected to stay by Ronen’s side.

Yet, surrounded by the cheerful crowd, he couldn’t shake off a sense of isolation.

“Sure!”

Ronen agreed without fuss, and Ed quietly slipped out of the hall.

Draping a coat over his shoulders, he stepped outside, surprised to find more people wandering about than expected.

“Ed! Heading back to your quarters?”

“Or running an errand for His Grace?”

Knights stationed outside for facility management recognized Ed and greeted him warmly.

“No, it’s just too crowded and hot inside. I’ll be back after cooling my head.”

“Don’t wander too far. Stick to the garden out front.”

“And don’t stay out too long—it’s chilly. Here, take this spare lantern.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s no trouble.”

After exchanging a few lighthearted words, the knights returned to their duties, leaving Ed to his thoughts.

Lantern in hand, he strolled through the garden, admiring flowers illuminated by its gentle glow.

Rustle, rustle.

A strange noise grew closer.

‘What’s that?’

Ed scanned the area, cautiously lifting the lantern.

‘…Sounds like a small animal, like the ones back in the countryside.’

Following the sound, Ed’s lantern finally revealed a round, white figure.

His heart skipped a beat, and he swallowed hard as he stepped closer.

Suddenly, the white figure lunged at him.

“Ahhh!”

“Eek eek!”

“…Huh? Roa?”

Flat on his back, Ed picked up the lantern and illuminated the creature now snug in his arms.

“Goodness, Roa! What are you doing out here?”

Ed sighed, gently stroking the little fox’s fur, his legs still trembling from the scare.

“Look at your muddy paws! Didn’t Sena just give you a bath? No more sneaking out like this, understood?”

Roa tilted his head, letting out a soft yap before licking Ed’s hand affectionately.

A faint smile tugged at Ed’s lips.

“How did you even get out here?”

He stood, cradling Roa.

‘Sena swore you were sound asleep before the banquet… Pretending to sleep, were you?’

“You’re becoming quite the troublemaker in this castle.”

Ed playfully tapped the fox’s plump rear and mused aloud.

“Tomorrow, I’ll have to make you a proper home.”

Roa, unfazed, wriggled happily in Ed’s arms, letting out contented little squeaks.

“Alright, let’s head back.”

Just as Ed turned toward the banquet hall, a familiar voice called out.

“Is that you, Ed?”

Lifting his lantern, Ed recognized the priest who had taught him about various herbs standing ahead.

“Ah, Priest. You’re out here too?”

Ed approached with a respectful bow.

“Yes, the air was a bit stifling, so I decided to explore the northern castle’s garden. There are so many rare plants here, ones that thrive only in the cold. It’s fascinating.”

“Even plants not seen in the capital?”

“Indeed. No matter how bustling the trade in the capital, most herbs lose potency over time. Cheap medicinal herbs, in particular, aren’t in demand. Plants adapted to specific climates are hard to come by elsewhere.”

“Isn’t there a way to replicate their environment using magic or tools?”

As they walked, the priest patiently illuminated and explained different plants, while Ed jotted down notes, Roa nestled comfortably in his arms.

After a while, the priest looked around, startled.

“Ah, I didn’t realize I’d kept you for so long.”

Noticing they’d wandered deep into the garden, he chuckled and slowly turned back toward the hall.

“Ed, have you ever considered studying herbal medicine formally? If you’re interested, why not come to the capital’s temple and learn properly?”

Caught off guard, Ed paused, his notebook still open.

“Study at the temple?”

Ed blinked in confusion at the priest’s sudden proposal.

“True, last time I learned a little about herbs, and it was enough to make useful remedies for the villagers. If I study properly, it could be a great help to the northern region, where doctors are scarce.”

But for now… Humming softly in thought, Ed replied, “Can I think about it a little more?”

The priest smiled warmly.

“You don’t need to answer right away. Just reach out anytime if you’re interested. I can guide you through the necessary materials and procedures.”

“Thank you.”

After parting ways with the priest, Ed mulled over his words while carefully tucking his notebook away.

“…Herbology, huh.”

Studying at the temple would provide systematic and professional knowledge about various medicinal herbs.

As he pondered, a hand suddenly patted his shoulder.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Ed turned to see Jaynon, panting heavily.

“Ed, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

“Me?”

“Young Master Ronen said you went out for some fresh air, but you were nowhere to be found. I’ve been running around all over—phew, I’m exhausted.”