Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke chapter 63

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When Ed returned to the Duke’s temporary quarters, the sun had already sunk fully into the western horizon.

The Emperor was verbose yet insubstantial, making for a tedious event, though the nobles laughed eagerly at his dull jokes, applauding and expressing admiration to stay in his good graces.

Ronen, who had been left standing alone on the platform, descended the stairs at the Duke’s signal, asking anxiously,

“Was I okay? I didn’t make any mistakes, did I?”

The Duke wiped the sweat from Ronen’s forehead with a gentle hand, replying,

“Mistakes? You were magnificent and flawless.”

Seeing the tension leave Ronen’s shoulders as he let out a small sigh, the Duke chuckled lightly and told him to enjoy the festivities with Tens.

As Tens guided Ronen away, the Duke watched them leave for a long moment before finally turning back.

Ed followed him into the tent.

Inside, it was quiet.

Despite the biting remarks they’d just endured, there was no outburst of anger or harsh words.

‘Is this calm because they’re so used to situations like this?’

Ed fell silent, feeling pained by how accustomed they had become to such treatment.

Just then, the Duke broke the stillness.

“It seems we have no choice but to attend the Hunting Festival.”

The Duke’s eyes narrowed as he settled into his chair.

Ed could sense the myriad thoughts passing through the Duke’s mind.

The Duke’s plans to formally acknowledge Ronen as his brother at the Emperor’s celebratory banquet had been derailed.

Now, he was bound to attend the festival and the subsequent banquet, with no easy way to escape.

Irtel, nodding in agreement, replied,

“We expected this, didn’t we?”

“True, but facing it head-on is even less pleasant than anticipated,” the Duke grumbled, wrinkling his nose.

Irtel chuckled softly.

“I’ll accompany Ronen, Your Grace.”

The Hunting Festival was primarily an adult celebration, though it also served as a chance for young noble children to familiarize themselves with one another.

The festival involved active and rugged pursuits, making it no lighthearted affair.

Even fit adults often wore out over the course of the days-long event, so it was not a place for children.

To accommodate this, the Emperor had set up a tent for young nobles to gather safely.

Ed thought back to the yellow tent he had seen earlier on his way to the quarters.

‘It’s like a royal daycare, really.’

Outside, imperial guards and noble knights were stationed as a protective measure.

“No need; Tens can look after Ronen,” the Duke said, shaking his head slightly.

“Irtel, you’ll accompany me with Jaynon. And Jaynon.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Check in with the northern castle to ensure all is well.”

“Yes, understood.”

The Duke pressed his temples lightly.

With so many matters to manage at once and the northern front to keep an eye on, a headache was only natural.

“And Ed.”

Lifting his head, the Duke looked toward Ed, who had been quietly standing off to the side.

“Would you join me for a moment?”

---

Outside the tent, Ed reflected,

‘This must be for some additional instructions since I’m new to this sort of gathering.’

As he looked up at the Duke’s broad shoulders ahead, Ed steeled himself.

He was determined not to be a burden.

The Duke seemed unusually serious.

When they finally stopped under a large walnut tree, Ed clenched his teeth, ready to obey any orders the Duke might give.

“Ed.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Please look after Ronen with Tens. I’ll return before midnight without fail.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“And…”

The Duke reached out, brushing away a leaf that had settled in Ed’s bangs.

As his hand hovered, casting a shadow over Ed’s face, the soft light filtering through the leaves was momentarily blocked.

The gentle touch and the comforting shade made Ed’s eyes close involuntarily.

When he opened them again, the Duke’s low voice reached him.

“Even if someone else tries to scout you with tempting offers, never leave my side, Ed.”

The unexpected words made Ed tilt his head in confusion.

“Pardon?”

“I thought you’d tell me to watch my behavior…”

Ed let out a deflated laugh. “So… that’s the only thing I need to watch out for?”

“The only thing? That’s all of it.”

“Is that so? I expected warnings like not to speak recklessly or wander around since there’ll be a lot of nobles gathered.”

“Don’t speak? Who would dare demand such a thing from someone under Asnel Linden, the Grand Duke?”

The Grand Duke’s red eyes held a sharp glint as he said this.

Ed scratched his forehead, looking up at him.

“Well, Your Grace, if I slip up and say something wrong, I might cause trouble for you. Or if I misstep, I could disgrace the entire North.”

“Nonsense. If that happens, it’ll be because someone misunderstood you.”

But why would it turn out like that?

As Ed continued to look puzzled, the Grand Duke tilted his head slightly and smiled.

“That’s what it means to be one of mine.”

At those words, Ed laughed dryly again, prompting the Grand Duke to add, “With the name of Asnel Linden, I will protect you, no matter what.”

“…”

“So, there’s no need to freeze up with unnecessary worries. The real issue lies elsewhere…”

Ed, slightly relaxed by the Grand Duke’s sincere words, steadied himself and asked, “What is this problem that’s bothering you?”

“Well…”

“Yes, Your Grace. If you tell me, I’ll do my best to be of help, even if it’s just a little.”

“I was just thinking… If I leave you behind on this night hike, I worry others might approach you. But if I take you along, it might be too strenuous for you.”

“Oh…”

Seeing Ed’s brief sigh, the Grand Duke let out a light chuckle.

Ed’s blue eyes, reflecting the orange lights around the tent, sparkled as they looked up at him.

The Grand Duke’s gaze drifted from Ed’s light blonde hair to the tips of his shoes, which were wrapped in black leather.

‘I need something to mark him as one of the North’s own. As my own.’

After a moment’s consideration, the Grand Duke tore the insignia off his uniform.

The badge, bearing the accomplishments he’d accumulated and a dragon motif symbolizing the North, adorned his shoulders.

Riiip.

Both gold insignias fell from the thick leather with a dull sound. Ed’s eyes widened as he watched this sudden action.

Placing the insignia on Ed’s shoulder, the Grand Duke spoke, “Even if His Majesty questions your conduct, I’ll trust and protect you to the very end. So, don’t worry.”

Since Ed had promised to follow him while watching the fireworks that night, it was time for the Grand Duke to give his response.

---

Back at the camp, after readying for the night hike, the Grand Duke spoke briefly with Ronen.

“Enjoy your tea time, Ronen.”

“Yes, Brother.”

“And if any unpleasant things come up in the conversation?”

“I’ll ignore them, as they know nothing of the truth. No matter what anyone says, I am Ronenkeaz, Brother Asnel’s own.”

The Grand Duke nodded with a faint smile. “Thanks to you, I can leave with His Majesty without worry tonight.”

Ronen’s cheeks flushed under the camp’s lights.

“Don’t worry and have a good time, Brother.”

“I’ll be back by midnight if possible, but even if I’m late, rest early. We have a tighter schedule starting tomorrow, so a good night’s sleep is essential.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Alright, then. I’m off.”

“Take care, Brother Asnel.”

As the Grand Duke mounted his horse, Ronen offered a bow.

This made the Grand Duke pause, dismount, and approach him again.

“…”

“…”

After a brief silence, he gently patted Ronen’s head.

When Ronen tilted his head in confusion, the Grand Duke gave him a slight smile.

“Can you say it again?”

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