Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke chapter 51

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The duke took hold of the reins and asked,

“Are you okay, Ed?”

“Ah, yes.”

“No need to be so tense. Don’t force yourself to sit straight. Just relax and go with the rhythm of the horse’s movement. If you’re too stiff, you’ll be sore tomorrow.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Alright, then we’ll start moving.”

The duke lightly kicked Joy’s belly and adjusted the reins to control the speed.

As they slowly made their way down the garden’s wide path, illuminated by bright lights, the duke gave Ed and the horse time to adjust to each other.

It was a night where light, darkness, and moonlight intertwined.

The cool breeze stirred the leaves, and the scent of flowers drifted through the air as the wind brushed past Ed’s ears.

As Ed’s body swayed slightly from losing balance, the duke quickly took hold of the reins with one hand and wrapped his other arm around Ed’s waist.

With that, the duke’s firm body pressed even closer to Ed’s back, his presence overwhelming.

Ed hadn’t done much, but it felt like his breath was caught in his throat.

He inhaled deeply and exhaled.

Once wasn’t enough, so he repeated it several times.

Each time he did, the duke’s arm around his waist expanded and contracted with his breathing.

A faint chuckle escaped from behind.

“Ed, you don’t have to be so tense. If the horse’s movement feels strange, you can lean into me more. Forcing yourself to stay upright will only strain your muscles and throw off your balance. I’d hate for you to be sore tomorrow and blame me for it.”

“Ah, y-yes.”

There was no way Ed could tell the duke that the real reason for his tension wasn’t the horse, but the duke’s presence behind him.

Staring straight ahead, Ed stiffened his neck, while the duke tightened his arm around Ed’s waist, slowing the horse’s pace.

It was a leisurely nighttime stroll.

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The horse stopped in front of a tavern with an iron sign.

The sign bore the marks of rain and time, but it didn’t look shabby.

Its old history blended well with the not-so-new building, giving it a charming appearance.

“Welcome.”

A staff member came out to greet them, and the duke asked,

“Is there a table available?”

“Yes, we have space inside. I’ll take the horse to the stable.”

The duke nodded, and the staff took the reins.

Dismounting first, the duke held the stirrup steady and placed his hand on Ed’s back to support him as he got down.

Thanks to the help, Ed dismounted without difficulty and bowed.

“Thank you.”

The duke smiled faintly.

“Shall we go inside?”

Ed stared at the light spilling out from the shop window.

The festival night was long, and the village was still buzzing with activity.

Even though it was well past the usual bedtime, the festive energy showed no signs of fading.

The voices of people clinking glasses and cheering were filled with joy.

Ed followed the Duke into the shop.

“Welcome, will it just be the two of you?”

The server in charge of the hall greeted them and asked.

The Duke, who nodded in response, was guided to a table by the window.

“How about a light beer, Ed?”

The Duke asked as he sat down, opening the menu. Ed, sitting across from him, replied,
“Sure, that sounds good.”

“Alright then, two beers, beef stew, grilled shrimp, fried oysters, grilled king oyster mushrooms, and steamed sea cucumber. Oh, and how’s the crab today?”

“The crabs came in fresh this afternoon. They’re really good.”

Wait, didn’t he just say we were having a light beer?

Why is the Duke ordering so much food?

Ed glanced at the server frantically writing down the order and pulled his chair closer, whispering softly,
“Isn’t this too much food?”

“I heard this place is famous for its food in Illa. We have to try everything that’s marked with a star.”

The Duke flipped through the menu, and the server chuckled softly.

“Yes, that’s right. Nox is well-known in Illa for its beer and seafood dishes. We also have a variety of beers, and I personally recommend the beer made from chestnuts marinated in honey. It has a rich flavor and aroma that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, you won’t regret trying it.”

The Duke took the server’s recommendations into account, placing his final order while Ed sipped water to refresh his throat.

As the server left after confirming the last order, the sudden screech of a chair being pushed back loudly caught Ed’s attention.

The hurried footsteps that followed made him look up at the long shadow falling over the table.

Two men, who had rushed over, were now standing in front of their table.

Ed realized,
“Ah, that’s why I felt something when we entered… they’re knights from the Northern Knights.”

It was Walter and Yen.

They bowed deeply to the Duke, speaking in a hushed tone so no one at other tables could hear,
“Your Grace, what brings you to a place like this?”

“Why? Am I not allowed to come here?”

The Duke replied playfully.

“N-no, that’s not what we meant.”

The knights exchanged awkward smiles, their gazes briefly flicking toward Ed.

They were clearly puzzled about why the Duke would come here with someone like him.

Their eyes, slightly hazy from the alcohol, revealed their confusion.

It seemed they were enjoying their drinks when they were startled by unexpectedly running into their superior.

The Duke had a reason for stopping by Illa during the festival.

Along with telling Ronen to enjoy the vibrant celebration, he also intended to give the Northern Knights some time for rest and recharge.

Jaynon had gone to bed early, and Irtel stayed at the manor, but the rest of the Northern Knights were out enjoying the festival.

After exchanging a few more words, the Duke waved them off.

“Go ahead and enjoy yourselves. Don’t sneak out of the shop just because I’m here. As long as you’re not bad-mouthing me, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear anything.”

“We wouldn’t dream of leaving! There’s a turtle race later at midnight.”

“A turtle race?”

“Yes, they have a baby turtle running competition, and if you guess the winner, they give you a bottle of Nox’s famous mandrake liquor.”

“Mandrake liquor?”

Seeing the Duke’s interest, Walter lowered his head, covering his mouth as he whispered secretively,
“There are rumors it’s great for… vitality. The mandrake grown on Illa’s Gardener Mountain is said to be especially potent thanks to the sea breeze.”

“Ah, for vitality, you say?”

As the Duke glanced at Ed with a smile, Ed, remembering their conversation from the carriage earlier that morning, coughed awkwardly and quickly took another sip of water.

The Duke chuckled,
“Well, maybe I’ll enter and win some to share.”

“No way, Your Grace. You should drink it yourself!”

Walter exclaimed, visibly concerned.

“Walter, do I look that weak to you?”

“Pardon?”

“When I think back on some recent conversations, it makes me wonder if I’m starting to look frail.”

“Whaaat?”

“And now you’re recommending mandrake liquor to me, so I’m starting to question if I’ve been overconfident.”

“Haha, who in the world said such nonsense? Your Grace could crush a boulder with your thighs! I just meant that the liquor is too precious to share—you should keep it for yourself.”

Ed coughed again, covering it with another sip of water as the Duke gave him an amused smile.

“Right, I thought so. I’m still in good shape, aren’t I?”

“Good shape? You’re formidable!”

“I was a bit down about it earlier, but Walter, you’ve restored my confidence. I’ll cover your table’s tab. Drink and eat whatever you like.”

“Thank you, Your Grace!”

The two knights practically slammed their heads onto the table in gratitude before excitedly summoning the server to bring them menus.

As beer and steaming dishes of beef stew and grilled shrimp arrived, the Duke noticed Ed’s faint smile and thought,
‘He seems to have a basic curiosity for good food.’

When the Duke served some beef stew to Ed, he thanked him and dug in with his spoon, savoring each bite.

Watching him enjoy the shrimp and fried oysters, the Duke realized that Ed wasn’t someone who disliked food.

His appetite wasn’t huge, but it was clear he liked what he ate.

In the Herins Estate, Ed hadn’t eaten much, probably because he was preoccupied with other matters, but now that they were out, his appetite seemed to return.

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