* * *
Jaynon rummaged through the papers on the desk and handed it to him.
‘I’ve already reviewed these documents. Stamp and organize everything before I get back.’
Reading the note, Ed remembered the Grand Duke mentioning snacks or light meals earlier.
Without hesitation, he headed to the dining hall.
He moved so quickly that when Jaynon looked up to ask for help, all that remained was the fluttering note.
When Ed entered the dining hall, it was well past the usual mealtime, yet the air was filled with a mouthwatering aroma.
“…But something feels off.”
Noticing the unusual quiet in the kitchen, Ed walked cautiously, keeping his footsteps light.
And then, Ed saw something he never would have imagined.
“His Grace… is cooking?”
The Grand Duke, who looked like he’d never cooked a day in his life, was standing next to the head chef, skillfully handling a large wok.
“Your Grace, you learn so quickly! At this rate, I’ll soon be out of a job.”
“It’s thanks to your excellent teaching. How is it? This should be passable enough to serve to others, right?”
“Oh, Your Grace. You’ve already let us taste it several times, and yet you’re still anxious?”
“I don’t eat much myself, so it always worries me. Lately, though, I’ve been eating more, which is a relief.”
Unable to comprehend the scene, Ed stood frozen, staring blankly.
Just then, the Grand Duke noticed him, offering the same gentle smile he’d shown earlier on the footbridge before focusing back on his cooking with renewed intensity.
As Ed tilted his head in confusion at the Grand Duke’s suddenly sharper concentration, someone tapped him on the shoulder.
“Ed.”
It was Sena.
“Oh, Sena.”
“His Grace said to wait in the dining hall; he’ll be out soon.”
“Got it. But… what’s going on? Could His Grace always cook?”
Walking back to the dining hall with Sena, Ed voiced the questions swirling in his mind.
“Huh? You didn’t know, Ed?”
“Know what?”
The two exchanged puzzled looks.
“All the soup you’ve been eating lately, His Grace made it himself. He even asked me directly what foods you like.”
It felt as if Ed had been struck by a revelation.
“But Jaynon said the chef made those soups.”
Suddenly, Sena clamped her hands over her mouth, realizing it was supposed to be a secret.
She tiptoed back into the kitchen, leaving Ed alone to process what he’d just learned.
He didn’t have long to dwell on it, though, as the Grand Duke emerged from the kitchen, pushing a cart that rattled softly.
“Y-Your Grace!”
As Ed hastily stood, the Grand Duke motioned for him to stay seated.
One by one, he began setting dishes on the table: tender roast chicken that seemed to fall apart at the touch of a fork, rich beef soup Ed often had in his room, and a fluffy omelet made from fresh eggs.
As the table filled with dish after dish, Ed’s jaw slowly dropped.
“Uh… Your Grace, isn’t this too much food? Even if Young Master Ronen and Jaynon joined, we wouldn’t be able to finish this.”
Looking at the spread, the Grand Duke seemed briefly conflicted before glancing at the remaining dishes on the cart.
“Well… if it’s not enough, we can always bring out more. Now, eat up before it gets cold.”
“Uh… all of this is just for me?”
Under the weight of the Grand Duke’s expectant gaze, Ed reluctantly picked up a fork and slowly cut into the chicken.
The moment he took a bite, its tender texture and the savory juices melting in his mouth widened his eyes in surprise.
Compelled by the delicious flavor, Ed reached for the next dish, his movements noticeably quicker than before.
When Ed came to his senses again, not only were all the plates on the table empty, but even the dessert plates on the tray had been wiped clean.
The Duke, sitting beside him, gazed at Ed with a proud smile.
“It’s good to see you eating so well. I’ve already informed the dining staff, so if you’re ever hungry after mealtime, feel free to come by anytime.”
“Ah… this is just for today. I don’t usually eat this much. By the way, Your Grace, were the soups I’ve been having recently all made by you?”
As Ed deliberately changed the subject, the Duke looked at him, pondering whether to let it slide or not.
Caught by the Duke’s gaze, Ed swallowed nervously.
Fortunately, the Duke understood his embarrassment and decided to indulge him.
“You were injured because of me. I couldn’t just ignore that and shirk responsibility. While I can’t heal you, I wanted to do at least this much. Why? Did the food taste strange?”
Ed vehemently shook his head to dispel any misunderstanding.
“No, not at all! It was amazing. In fact, I was thinking of asking the head chef if they could make those soups for me from time to time.”
As their conversation continued, an idea for Ronen’s upcoming birthday suddenly struck Ed.
“Your Grace, I have a favor to ask.”
The Duke, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied expression, looked at Ed—whose face was now glowing compared to when he had collapsed earlier—and motioned for him to speak freely.
“As you probably know, next month is Young Master Ronen’s birthday. Could you entrust me with the preparations?”
“You’ve already got responsibilities, and you’ve only just recovered. I was planning to ask Jaynon to handle it.”
Ed, avoiding the Duke’s gaze, grabbed his hand earnestly and looked up with shining eyes.
“This will be Ronen’s first birthday since returning to the North.”
“That’s true.”
“So, I’d like to make it a truly special day for him. Even if most of the tasks are assigned to Jaynon, could you let me handle some of the finer details?”
Sensing that Ed had something unique in mind, the Duke set a condition.
“Ronen’s birthday will be meaningful for both me and my brother. So… if you’ll let me participate in the preparations alongside you, I’ll allow it.”
Hearing the Duke’s agreement, Ed’s anxiety melted away, and he held the Duke’s hand tighter in gratitude.
“Of course. I was planning to ask for your help in the first place.”
For the next while, Ed and the Duke sat together in the dining room, brainstorming ideas for Ronen’s birthday party.
Their discussion lasted until Jaynon entered the room with an armful of documents, on the verge of tears, and the Duke reluctantly left for his office, burdened by paperwork.
Later, after calming down Jaynon—who had dramatically collapsed to the floor crying—and seeing the Duke off, Ed returned to his room.
Sitting at his desk, he opened his notebook, filled with notes from their brainstorming session.
He reviewed their ideas carefully and then tore a sheet of paper to start listing things Ronen would wish for the most.
Wishes?
1. Playtime with His Grace.
2. A picnic with close friends.
3. Falling asleep while His Grace reads a storybook aloud.
4. Making cookies or a cake together with His Grace.
As he neatly organized the list, Ed scratched his cheek with the end of his pen.
“For now, this should do. I’ll discuss the details with Jaynon tomorrow.”
Looking out the now-dim window, Ed blew out the lamp and went to bed.
Unlike his usual habit of overthinking himself into sleeplessness, he quickly drifted off, overcome by recent exhaustion.
Only the sound of Ed’s gentle breathing and the crackling fireplace filled the room.
Creak.
Clunk.
Ed didn’t notice the door to his room opening slightly as he slept soundly.
* * *
Герцог, заботушка, проверяет