Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke EPILOGUE

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The Grand Duke stood outside the closed doors, unable to leave as the physician and attendants tended to Ed inside.

Even when the castle echoed with the baby’s cries, his heart remained heavy with worry.

Noticing the tension in his brother Ronen, who was pacing nervously nearby, the Grand Duke patted his head gently.

“Ronen, it seems your nephew has been born healthy. Let’s return to our rooms and wait.”

“But, Brother…”

Understanding Ronen’s anxiety mirrored his own, the Grand Duke spoke calmly.

“It’ll be a while before we can see Ed and the baby. I’ll ask the physician to let us meet them tomorrow.”

“Are you sure they’re okay? Both Ed and the baby?”

“Of course.”

The Grand Duke’s certainty was enough to ease Ronen slightly.

The small dragon perched on Ronen’s head let out a soft cry of agreement, its wings fluttering.

It had been hours since the dragon, which had been curled up against Ed’s belly, began acting strangely.

When it suddenly perked up and flapped its wings, the Grand Duke realized the time had come.

He called for the physician and attendants and stayed by Ed’s side, massaging his hands and feet until they arrived.

When the physician asked him to step out, waiting felt like an eternity.

“Congratulations, Your Grace. A healthy son has been born,” the physician finally announced, stepping out with a bright smile.

“And the Duchess?”

“His Grace is also doing well.”

Relieved, the Grand Duke entered the room, his heart full.

“Congratulations,” the physician said again as he bowed.

Yen gently placed the baby wrapped in a white blanket into Ed’s arms.

Noticing the Grand Duke nearby, he greeted him politely.

The Grand Duke, who had been resting with his eyes closed, felt Ed’s presence and slowly opened his eyes.

The first thing he did was take Ed’s hand.

“You must be exhausted.”

“…No, I’m fine.”

However, Ed’s fingers, enclosed in the Grand Duke’s hand, were trembling slightly, drained of strength.

The Grand Duke carefully caressed Ed’s delicate fingers and lowered his head.

Pressing a light kiss to Ed’s forehead, he saw a faint smile tug at Ed’s lips.

Ed then turned his head to gaze at the baby lying beside him.

“So small and beautiful.”

Still holding Ed’s hand with one of his own, the Grand Duke carefully picked up the baby with the other arm, cradling them tenderly.

He shifted his position slightly, making sure Ed could see the baby clearly.

Ed’s eyes never left the child.

A pale face framed by dark hair… and then, as if sensing Ed’s gaze, the baby slowly opened their eyes and looked at him.

Ed’s chest swelled with an overwhelming rush of emotion.

“…Blue eyes.”

The Grand Duke responded with another gentle kiss to Ed’s forehead.

“Yes, clear and stunning blue eyes, just like yours, Ed.”

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The northern lands had entered autumn, the air now thick with its scent.

It was a reminder that the region’s long and harsh winter was not far off.

“You need to dress warmly. The temperature difference between morning and afternoon is getting sharper.”

Ed coaxed the baby, who squirmed and fussed as if displeased, into wearing an extra layer of clothing.

Once a tiny newborn, the baby had grown rapidly under the loving care of the Grand Duke and Ed, their chubby cheeks now a testament to their thriving health.

Initially unsure how to hold such a fragile being, Ed had grown adept at cradling the baby with gentle ease.

Although the baby pouted and resisted the additional clothes, they kicked their feet happily when Ed patted their bottom while holding them close.

Cupping the baby’s tiny, kicking feet in his hand, Ed walked toward the window.

Worried that the sunlight streaming through might be too strong, he shaded the baby’s head with his hand and pointed outside.

“Leo, look. Your father is out there.”

Though too young to speak, Leo seemed to listen intently to Ed’s voice, turning their gaze toward the window.

Outside, the Grand Duke was issuing instructions to the knights.

Ed watched with a soft smile, while Leo observed with wide-eyed curiosity.

Then, knock, knock.

A soft, careful knock came at the door. At Ed’s invitation to enter, the door opened, and a familiar voice filled the room.

“Good morning, Leo Linden. Did you sleep well?”

Ronen entered with a cheerful smile, waving a small rabbit plush toy.

Leo flailed their arms and legs in delight, clearly excited.

The bond between Ronen and Leo was nothing short of remarkable.

Ed, smiling faintly, sat on the sofa with Leo still in his arms. Ronen quickly joined him, settling by his side.

While Ed gently stroked Leo’s back, Ronen lightly touched Leo’s chubby cheeks, then carefully held Leo’s outstretched hand.

The baby’s small, warm fingers brought an endless smile to Ronen’s face.

Even though it felt like nothing much had happened, the day passed quickly.

As night fell, the Grand Duke returned to the room.

He paused at the door, watching Ed, Ronen, and Leo laughing together, their heads close.

Smiling, he took a seat on the sofa opposite them.

“What’s so amusing?”

“Everything, really,” Ronen replied with a sly grin.

Leo waved his arms in agreement, his fingers tangling in Ronen’s dark hair as he focused intently on it.

“It’s time for bed now…”

Despite his words, Ronen hesitated, reluctant to leave.

He groaned dramatically, prompting Ed to suggest they could see each other again tomorrow.

Still, Ronen hesitated before turning to the Grand Duke with a pleading look.

“Brother, can you tell us just one interesting story? I promise I’ll go to bed after that.”

“…An interesting story?”

“Or something curious, anything you know! Please?”

Unwilling to part from Leo, Ronen squirmed in his seat.

The Grand Duke chuckled softly at the sight and finally relented.

“Alright, how about this one?”

“What kind of story?”

Both Ed and Ronen leaned in with anticipation, their eyes sparkling.

Even Leo kicked his legs excitedly.

The Grand Duke, gazing at their eager faces, began to speak in a low, measured tone.

“Once upon a time, by a frozen lake, there were two brave souls. One was the heir of the Zelda clan, and the other was a knight who had lost his way. The knight, wandering in the cold, came upon the icy lake and…”

The tale continued deep into the night, a story that would one day inspire bards to spread its legend not only across the northern lands but throughout the empire, becoming a cherished myth and fairy tale.

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