* * *

“Sir Irtel.”

“Ed, still up?”

“I was just checking on Young Master Ronen’s bedtime.”

“I see.”

Ed, noting the calm expression on Irtel’s face, asked cautiously, a hint of worry in his voice.

“Sir Irtel, is His Grace safe?”

“He returned without incident, so there’s no need to worry. You should rest too, Ed.”

“…Yes, understood.”

Ed, reassured by Irtel’s steady response, bowed politely.

He had more questions, but he knew better than to linger outside His Grace’s room, where rest was paramount.

Casting a last glance at the door, Ed lowered his gaze and returned to his own room.

“…It’s been a long day,” he murmured to himself, sinking into bed.

“I’ll get up early, visit the greenhouse, gather some tea leaves for Ronen, who was likely startled by the monsters, and for His Grace, who must be exhausted… and I’ll bring some food for Erin…”

As Ed reviewed his tasks for the morning, he drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Ed woke early as planned, rubbing his eyes as he got out of bed.

Stretching his shoulders, he headed to the greenhouse to gather fresh herbs and flowers.

“Huh?”

As he opened the greenhouse door, Ed’s eyes widened.

The Duke, who should have been resting in his quarters, was lying on the greenhouse sofa.

Ed quietly closed the door and cautiously approached him.

Sunlight streamed in, illuminating the Duke’s face, but he slept deeply.

‘…Why is he sleeping here?’

Ed put aside his questions, instead moving a potted plant to create shade, protecting the Duke from the sunlight.

Gazing at his now more peaceful face, Ed found himself unconsciously voicing a thought buried deep in his heart.

“I hope His Grace, despite the original story, finds even a little peace and happiness…”

After watching the Duke for a while, Ed turned away to continue picking herbs.

Once Ed disappeared into the depths of the greenhouse, the Duke’s eyelids slowly opened.

“…”

He looked at the shadow cast by the potted plant, recalling Ed’s whispered words.

Although the beginning was hard to hear, he had clearly caught Ed’s wish for his happiness.

A soft smile appeared on his lips.

The Duke gently touched the large leaf of a nearby plant.

This greenhouse, a small retreat near the main residence, was fragrant with fresh, soothing scents—a place of rest.

‘But what is Ed doing here so early?’

Stretching his neck, the Duke rose and glanced at a dark mark on his wrist.

‘The magical strain from the palace is lingering… it seems I overextended myself.’

The Duke rolled down his sleeve, got to his feet, and walked over to Ed, who was busy with the plants.

“Good morning, Ed.”

“Ah, Your Grace, you’re awake. Are you feeling better?”

“Fortunately, there weren’t too many monsters, so I’m fine. But Ed, why are you in the greenhouse at dawn? You should rest more.”

The Duke smiled at Ed’s concerned gaze, redirecting his attention.

“Young Master Ronen seemed quite frightened by the monsters yesterday, so I wanted to prepare tea for him to drink when he wakes.”

“You must’ve been startled too, Ed. Are you alright?”

“I’ve experienced it a few times before, Your Grace, so I’m fine.”

“It’s not something that gets easier with repetition… You’re part of my household now, Ed, so don’t hesitate to come to me if you ever need help.”

Ed’s heart pounded at the Duke’s words, hand instinctively moving to his chest.

‘I’ve never heard words like these before… not before I came into this world.’

Certain his face was flushed, Ed averted his gaze.

Noticing Ed’s lowered eyes, the Duke smiled slightly and spoke again.

“Hmm, so you only prepared tea for Ronen?”

“…Pardon?”

Startled by the unexpected question, Ed looked up sharply.

The Duke gently brushed a stray herb leaf from Ed’s hair, continuing.

“I returned unharmed. Isn’t there a reward for that?”

“Ah…”

In the Duke’s playful request, Ed caught a glimpse of Ronen’s childlike innocence.

Feeling both amused and unsettled, he noticed the dark mark on the Duke’s hand.

“…Your Grace, may I hold your hand for a moment?”

The Duke gently withdrew his arm, his response calm.

“It’s alright. This is common enough. It’ll fade soon, so don’t worry, Ed.”

With the Duke’s response, Ed felt sure of his suspicions.

‘It must be that he personally handled the monsters to meet the deadline.’

Setting down his basket, Ed replied.

“I’m not treating you. I just wanted to confirm you’re truly unhurt before giving you your reward. So please, Your Grace, may I see your hand?”

Recalling how his touch had once eased the Duke’s condition, Ed kept his tone steady, hoping the Duke wouldn’t notice his concern.

The Duke, however, gently shook his head.

“I’m planning to see the physician soon. Instead of worrying, why don’t we prepare the tea leaves together? Which should we pick?”

As the Duke effortlessly redirected the conversation, Ed’s expression turned glum.

‘Lately, it feels as if he’s trying to keep a distance from me. Could it be my imagination?’

Normally, Ed would have dismissed such thoughts.

But after seeing the Duke’s hand, he couldn’t ignore it.

He spoke up, voice quiet.

“Your Grace, may I ask something?”

“Of course, Ed. Ask anything.”

“…Do you find touching me uncomfortable?”

The Duke tilted his head slightly.

“Can I ask why you’re asking that?”

“You know as well as I do that contact with me seems to alleviate the side effects. But since you’re still pushing through it alone, I couldn’t think of any other reason.”

As Ed looked up at him, the Duke ruffled his hair softly.

The warm touch of his hand calmed Ed’s worried heart.

“You’ve already done so much for my family.”

“…”

“I’m always grateful for that.”

Ed listened quietly to the Duke’s soft words.

“As you said, staying close to you does help. But I don’t want you to feel any burden because of it.”

“…”

“Just as magic has its price, I can’t be sure what might happen if I keep relying on your touch.”

The Duke picked up Ed’s basket and spoke again.

“I don’t want to become the cause of your burden, Ed.”

---

“Ed.”

“……”

“Ed?”

Ronen waved his hand in front of Ed’s eyes.

They had been practicing wooden sword techniques behind the North Gate storage for a while now, but today Ed seemed distracted.

Only then did Ed realize Ronen had been watching him intently.

He responded with a quiet “Ah,” and nodded.

“I’m sorry, young master.”

“It’s fine. Is something on your mind?”

“No, not at all.”

Ronen observed Ed, who appeared strangely absent.

‘Is it because of the monster that showed up yesterday?’

As Ed prepared tea for him, Ronen slumped into a chair.

He had been hoping to show off his improved swordsmanship, but today didn’t seem to be the right time.

‘Right… Even though Ed is an adult, monsters are terrifying for everyone, young or old alike.’

I want to grow up quickly and become strong, so I can protect Ed and my brother.

Ronen clenched his fist in determination before loosening it again.

He finished the herbal tea that Ed had picked and brewed for him that morning, not leaving a single drop.

“The tea is really good, Ed. Thank you.”

“Thank you, young master. Would you like another cup?”

“No, I stayed up late last night, so I’m still a bit sleepy. I think I’ll go inside and rest.”

It seemed Ed needed some rest as well.

As Ronen rose from his seat, he fastened his wooden sword to his waist and took Ed’s hand.

“I’m going to take it easy until dinner, so you should rest too, Ed.”

* * *