Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke chapter 95

* * *

Ed knew it too well—that this smile was a bit forced.

But he kept his cheerful expression, knowing that even a single frown would worry the Duke.

Ronen then asked his brother, “Which tea did you like better, the one from yesterday or today?”

The Duke took a sip and replied, “Anything Ed makes with care tastes wonderful.”

At this, Ronen took another sip and looked up at Ed.

“Ed, it was really delicious. Thank you.”

“I think it’s tastier since it was brewed with the herbs you picked, young master.”

Ronen beamed and answered, “Let’s come back to the greenhouse tomorrow to pick more herbs. And Ed, come sit with us.”

“Yes, young master.”

The Duke, listening to their conversation, turned to Ronen once Ed was seated.

“What are you planning to do with Ed today?”

“I’m going to teach him how to play chess.”

“Chess?”

“Yes, Ed hasn’t played before. But he’s a quick learner, so I think he’ll pick it up in no time.”

The Duke glanced at the chessboard on the table and nodded.

“Shall I join you, then?”

Ed watched as the Duke and Ronen bent their heads together over the chessboard, deeply focused.

“Brother, wouldn’t it be better to move this piece here?”

“That’s one way, but if you move the Queen like this, you’ll secure the advantage faster.”

“Oh, I see!”

What had started as Ronen teaching Ed had turned into an intense chess match between Ronen and the Duke.

Ed looked on, smiling softly.

When the Duke glanced up and met his gaze, Ed quickly cleared his throat and sipped his tea.

“Ronen, I just realized Ed might be getting a little bored.”

Ronen, who had been lost in thought over the chessboard, lifted his gaze at his brother’s words.

“Oh, right.”

“So, shall we teach Ed something fun?”

“Something fun? Like what?”

“Hmm, what do you think, Ed? Is there anything you’d like?”

Ed tilted his head slightly, considering.

“I have more than enough already. My room is full of gifts from Your Grace.”

It was true.

He had so many gifts from the Duke that they were practically overflowing his room.

“Well, I guess it does feel a bit cramped in Ed’s room.”

Cramped?

As far as Ed knew, he had one of the largest rooms any servant could have in the northern estate…

The Duke finished his tea and stood, prompting Ronen to jump up as well.

“Brother, where are you going?”

“I want Ed to experience the joy of having even more.”

“The joy of having more?”

The Duke gave a gentle nod, turning to Ed with a soft look.

“Shall we go for a walk, Ed?”

‘What could he mean by the joy of having more?’ Ed thought, his face a mix of curiosity and uncertainty as he rose to follow.

Once they stepped outside, the cool breeze hit them after the warmth of the greenhouse.

Ed pulled his coat tighter around him, catching the Duke’s attention.

“Cold, Ed?”

“No, it’s fine. I just felt the chill a bit after being somewhere so warm.”

“It does feel colder today than yesterday.”

The Duke took off his own coat and placed it over Ed’s shoulders, positioning himself so Ed was shielded from the wind as they walked.

Ed paused briefly, the Duke’s scent lingering on the coat, before hurrying to catch up.

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“The northern spring breeze can be deceiving. If you catch a cold, it won’t be pleasant, so wear it, even if it’s a bit big.”

‘But Your Grace might be cold too,’ Ed thought, glancing at him with concern.

He looked for a chance to return the coat but paused when the Duke stopped walking.

“Wait, where is this?”

Ed found himself standing in front of the northern warehouse he often visited with Ronen.

However, unlike a few days ago, the place was now much more tidy and organized.

“Since you and Ronen seem to come here often…”

The duke opened the warehouse door as he spoke.

“I thought it could serve as a special treasure room for you both.”

Inside, the warehouse was also neatly arranged.

“A treasure room?”

Before Ronen even got a reply, he dashed inside, smiling brightly, like a child running into a cozy attic.

Ed, looking into the warehouse, turned to the duke and asked, “Isn’t this warehouse originally meant to store supplies for the northern estate? Are you sure it’s alright for me to use it so freely?”

“It used to be a place to dry and store tea leaves from the greenhouse, so there’s no need to feel burdened.”

“…”

“So go ahead and make it your own with Ronen. Enjoy it.”

Hearing this, Ed realized something.

This was the very spot where, in the original story, the duke’s parents used to dry herbs and flowers from the greenhouse.

Turning to the duke, Ed began to speak.

“Ronen seems really happy with this. It seems he truly likes it. I’ll make sure to turn this place into a warm space for him.”

Then, he took off his coat and offered it to the duke.

It seemed the one who needed warmth now was the duke, not himself.

The duke looked down at Ed, his hair lightly tousled by the breeze.

“You should keep it on, Ed. The wind’s still a bit chilly.”

“But Your Grace could catch a cold…”

The duke gently shook his head, smiling before Ed could finish his sentence.

“Yesterday, I thanked you, Ed, but when I woke up this morning, I realized it wasn’t nearly enough.”

“…”

“When we held hands and slept together in the palace… if you had seemed unwell, I would have been worried. But seeing you so lively now, I feel at ease.”

“I’m truly glad I could be of help to you, Your Grace.”

The duke placed Ed’s coat back over his shoulders and spoke softly.

“Taking care of you now feels like taking care of myself. So if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“…”

“From now on, I’ll make sure to take even better care of you.”

After receiving permission to decorate the northern warehouse, Ronen and Ed were busier than ever.

“Ed! How about we put a table here?”

“It’s too close to the door—won’t a lot of wind come in every time we open it?”

“Oh, you’re right. Let’s place it over here, then.”

Ed and Ronen moved a small round table together, looking around the warehouse.

Though it was supposed to be their ‘treasure room,’ it was slowly turning into more of a hideaway.

“Then let’s set up some chairs next.”