Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke chapter 125

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“Then let’s just buy all of them!”

With each member holding a different color of cotton candy, they enjoyed the melting sweetness while glancing around.

“Ah, it’s so good.”

“Right, Young Master? I don’t usually like sweets, but I can’t stop eating this.”

As Jaynon murmured, entranced, Tens grinned and tore off a big chunk of his cotton candy.

“Hey! Tens!”

“You’re going to get a stomachache again.”

Bickering, Jaynon chased Tens through the crowd before returning.

“Young Master, the shadow play about the hero you wanted to see is starting soon.”

“Really? Let’s hurry!”

“Tens already got tickets, so we don’t need to worry about seats.”

“Thank goodness.”

Because the play was geared more toward children, the line wasn’t too long.

“Young Master, this way!”

Tens waved them over loudly. Jaynon quickly ran up and poked Tens in the side, covering his mouth.

“Your voice is too loud, Tens.”

“This is fine… mmmph.”

“Young Master, sit here.”

While the two squabbled, Ed guided Ronen to his seat.

Just then, the bright magic lights dimmed, and the shadow play began.

As the flickering shadows captured the audience’s attention, Ronen leaned close and whispered to Ed.

“I wish Brother could’ve come too. He’d have liked the cloud candy and the play.”

Ed, thinking the same thing, squeezed Ronen’s hand and nodded.

“Yes, I think so too, Young Master.”

Though his eyes were on the stage, his thoughts were with the Duke back at the northern castle.

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After the play, they wandered around some more, and before they knew it, the sun had set.

“Young Master, are you cold?”

“Huh? I’m fine. What about you, Ed?”

As the temperature dropped, Ed pulled Ronen’s hood over his head.

“Yes, I’m okay.”

“Then should we stop by just one more place before heading back?”

Ed turned to where Ronen was pointing—a brightly lit stall selling trinkets.

“Are you sure you don’t want to explore the night market more? There are still many places we haven’t seen.”

Tens glanced around, and Ronen scratched his cheek.

“It’ll get colder as the night goes on, so it’s better to head back early. The night market will still be open tomorrow. Jaynon and Ed look cold.”

Though the night was filled with exciting sights and treats Ronen would love, he was more concerned about them.

Tens thumped his chest with a grin.

“Then tomorrow, I’ll guide you around the north again!”

“Me too, Young Master!”

Seeing their enthusiasm, Ronen smiled brightly and nodded.

“Let’s do everything we missed tomorrow!”

As they headed toward their final stop, Jaynon leaned in and asked Ronen.

“By the way, Young Master, why are we visiting the trinket stall?”

“Well… Brother is always busy and doesn’t get to go out. I wanted to give him a little gift.”

“For His Grace?”

“I made memories today, but Brother didn’t. So I wanted to give him something to remember instead…”

Jaynon glanced down at Ronen, who fiddled with his hood, and bowed his head slightly.

“Then I’ll buy a gift for the Duke too. Let’s all give him something!”

“Thanks. I’m sure he’ll love it.”

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Upon arriving at the market stall, the group’s eyes lit up as they eagerly began selecting gifts for His Grace.

“What kind of gift would you like to give His Grace, young master?”

“Hmm, well… I’d like something that he can keep on his desk or table and look at often, a sort of keepsake.”

“How about this? It’s a swan carved from crystal with green eyes. Just looking at it feels calming.”

“Wow, it’s beautiful!”

As Tens held up the small crystal swan for Ronen to see, Jaynon chimed in between them.

“What about this, young master? It’s a music box with a spherical toy inside. When you shake it and set it down, the white powder inside falls, just like the snowy landscapes of the North.”

“This is amazing, too!”

While Ronen picked out ornaments, Ed browsed the variety of brooches displayed in the glass case inside the stall.

‘Will His Grace like the gift I give him, too?’

Ed fidgeted with his wallet inside his coat pocket, hesitating.

Seeing his hesitation, the shopkeeper mentioned that while most items were crystal trinkets, the ones here were made for nobles in the capital and used real gemstones.

The shopkeeper offered a few suggestions.

Ed listened and made up his mind.

‘I’ll get this one… the color that matches His Grace’s eyes.’

He decided on a small brooch set with a red ruby.

Just then, Jaynon, who had already bought his gift, approached Ed.

“A red gemstone brooch is something nobles give to express affection to someone they like. Ed, do you like someone?”

“…Huh?”

“Weren’t you going to give it to someone you like? Oh, you probably wouldn’t know since it was a trend in the Central region a while back.”

Jaynon’s sudden comment made Ed feel his heart race.

Though he now knew the significance of the brooch, he somehow couldn’t bring himself to give up this gift for the Grand Duke.

He brushed off Jaynon’s question, claiming he bought it simply because it was pretty, then held the box containing the brooch close to his chest.

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When they returned to the Northern castle, the Grand Duke was already outside, waiting for Ronen and the others.

“Brother!”

Ronen jumped off the carriage and ran to the Grand Duke, who lifted him into a hug.

“Did you have fun at the night market, Ronen?”

“Yes, it was so much fun!”

“But you came back earlier than I expected.”

“It felt a bit cold. But tomorrow, we’ll go out early and come back late! I’ll bring a thick coat!”

“Was it very cold today?”

“I was fine, but Ed and Jaynon seemed cold.”

The Grand Duke turned his gaze to Ed and Jaynon standing behind Ronen.

“Let’s go inside, then.”

As they entered the castle, the contrast between the chilly outside air and the warmth inside made Ed shiver slightly.

The Grand Duke, noticing this, set Ronen down and took Ed’s wrist.

“You should warm up in the parlor before going to your room.”

The Grand Duke led the way, Ronen trailing behind, giggling.

“Brother! With Ed walking beside you like that, it feels like he’s part of our family!”

Ed’s cheeks flushed, and the Grand Duke turned to smile at him.

“Does that mean Ronen now has a little brother?”

“Wait, what about me, young master?” Tens asked as he followed them.

“Of course, Tens too! But… does that mean Tens becomes Ed’s older brother?”

Ronen’s innocent question made the Grand Duke chuckle as they entered the parlor.

Ed rubbed his warm cheeks with his hands, and when everyone took their seats, he found himself sitting beside the Grand Duke, who still hadn’t let go of his wrist.

The crackling sound of the fireplace filled the room as cheerful conversation continued.

As Ronen excitedly talked about skewers and shadow plays, he suddenly clapped his hands.

“Oh, right! Brother, here!”

He handed over a wrapped gift. The Grand Duke asked, “What’s this, Ronen?”

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