Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke chapter 59

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“…”
“…”

As Ronen and Ed stared wordlessly at each other, Jaynon set down another dish containing large pills next to the bowl.

“These pills should be taken with the tonic for maximum effect. They’re a bit large, but if you chew them, they’ll go down easily.”

Since when did “a bit large” mean the size of a fist?

Ronen poked at a pill with his fork before lifting his head. “Why don’t you try it first, Ed?”

Ed stared at the clumps of herbs stuck to the fork’s end, then lifted his gaze toward the distant mountains beyond the large window.

“I think it’s only right for you to go first, young master.”

“No, no. I read in a book once that adults should try healthy things first.”

“Well, young master, since your portion is only half of mine, I think it’ll be easier for you to drink it all at once.”

As the two bickered, pushing the responsibility onto one another, Jaynon beamed at them.

“Why not drink it together on my signal? You have to finish it anyway, so it’s the best solution.”

Jaynon counted to three.

Ed let out a small sigh, carefully holding the bowl with both hands, and brought it to his lips.

‘So this is what the Grand Duke was talking about when he mentioned consulting the physician.’

Realizing the meaning behind yesterday’s conversation, Ed knew he couldn’t waste even a single drop of the tonic.

It felt like a sin to leave any behind.

He took a large gulp, forcing it down.

The taste was overwhelming, as though his entire sense of taste had been obliterated.

“…”
“…”

When his eyes met Jaynon’s, the man smiled warmly.

‘Be an example for young master Ronen, Ed. Show him how mature you can be.’

Ed understood Jaynon’s silent message.

‘Ah, so that’s why this tonic was meant for me, too.’

Ed licked his lips, shuddering slightly at the bitter taste, then smiled. “It’s not bitter at all. In fact, it tastes great.”

“R-Really?”

“Yes. Medicine is supposed to be bitter, so if you think of it that way, it’s as sweet as honey.”

Holding his trembling lips firmly, Ed emptied the rest of the bowl in one go.

Inspired by Ed’s determination, Ronen mustered his courage and drank the potion—only to groan as his pupils trembled violently in shock.

But it wasn’t over yet.

Now, the pills awaited them.

Under Jaynon’s expectant gaze, Ed took the first pill.

It was incredibly bitter and astringent, but Ed reassured himself.

‘Just this, and it’ll be over.’

Afterwards, Jaynon handed him a candy to chase away the bitterness, which Ed accepted gratefully.

However, the ordeal was far from over.

As they finished their meal, they spotted Jaynon rolling another trolley toward them.

Ed and Ronen exchanged confused glances.

‘W-What is this? That wasn’t the only dose?’

Seeing Jaynon prepared to stay until they finished every last bit, Ed and Ronen huddled together in quiet despair.

Ed bit his lip before speaking. “Young master Ronen, do you know why we take medicine?”

“…Because we’re not feeling well?”

“Exactly. The Grand Duke must be worried about your health.”

“No way—it’s probably you he’s worried about. I’m perfectly fine.”

The two stared at each other, silently blaming one another with their eyes.

Clearing his throat, Ed continued. “Well then, all we have to do is show the Grand Duke that we’re both healthy, right?”

Ronen tilted his head. “How do we do that?”

Ed leaned in close and whispered, “Like this…”

On an afternoon departing from southern Ila toward the capital, the Grand Duke stood in the garden, watching his subordinates load luggage onto the carriages.

The two-day festival had re-energized everyone, their movements full of vigor as they packed the carriages.

However, it was precisely at times like these that one needed to be cautious—feeling light and overzealous could lead to mistakes.

Mistakes were unacceptable today.

The teams were splitting: one heading to the imperial palace and the other northward.

Even the smallest mix-up in luggage could cause serious trouble.

The Grand Duke scanned his surroundings with a keen gaze.

Next to him, Ronen was hard at work, massaging the Grand Duke’s limbs with hands that felt stronger, perhaps from diligently taking his medicine.

“Asnel hyung, does this feel good?” Ronen asked eagerly.

The Grand Duke gave a faint smile and nodded.
“Yes, very good.”

At the same time, a thought crossed his mind.
‘Should I buy more medicine?’

Though the northern physician claimed Ronen’s growth wasn’t stunted, the Grand Duke felt otherwise.

Ronen was still too small and had little appetite.

‘At that age, kids grow by inches overnight…’he mused. ‘I should stock up on some for Ed, too.’

Meanwhile, Ed stood near the estate’s entrance, waiting for his chance.

Ronen’s increased strength was no coincidence—it was Ed’s idea to have him show off.

“Show the Grand Duke you’re strong enough not to need any more medicine,” Ed had told Ronen.

Ed seized the moment, slinging a fabric-wrapped load on his back like a knapsack and hefting two heavy bags in both hands.

Though they weren’t full, they had enough weight to make a statement.

“See, Your Grace? I don’t need any more medicine!”

Determined to prove his point, Ed strode purposefully toward the tree where the Grand Duke stood.

Just then, a loud whinny pierced the air.

Startled, Ed whipped his head around to see a horse—its mane a fiery red—charging straight toward him, hooves pounding the ground.

“What the—?!”

Before he could react, the horse reared, front legs kicking dangerously close.

The mishap was caused by a knight losing grip on the reins, and everything happened in an instant.

“Ed!” someone shouted.

Then, a powerful force collided with him, sending him flying.

It felt like riding a rollercoaster as his body tumbled along the ground.

When he finally came to a stop, he realized he was cradled securely in strong arms.

Dizzy, Ed squeezed his eyes shut, trying to steady himself.

“Are you okay, Ed?” a low voice rumbled from somewhere close—so close it felt like it was resonating through the back of his head.

Ed blinked his eyes open, gasping for air.

“Huh? Are you alright?” the voice asked again, smooth and warm, as if wrapping around him.

Ed blinked some more and responded shakily, “Y-Yes, I’m fine.”

As he spoke, he noticed the feel of soft, thin fabric pressing against his cheek.

Blinking in confusion, he thought, ‘This shirt feels expensive…’

Then the realization hit him. He looked up—and froze.

“……”

Their eyes locked.

The Grand Duke stared down at Ed, while Ed stared up at the Grand Duke, dread spreading through his body.

‘W-What kind of position am I in right now?!’

Trying to avoid the awkwardness, Ed wished he could just pass out on the spot.

But there was no mistaking it: the firm sensation against him told him exactly where he was.

‘I—I’m lying on top of the Grand Duke…’

No more avoiding reality. Ed opened his eyes wide, gulped nervously, and slowly lifted himself, only to realize—too clearly—how tangled their legs were.

‘I’m not a vine, yet somehow our legs are completely knotted together.’

Mortified, Ed stammered an apology.

“S-Sorry, Your Grace!”

The Grand Duke’s clothes were disheveled from their tumble, and Ed scrambled to free himself.

As he tried to untangle his legs, his knee brushed against the Grand Duke’s stomach, only to feel solid muscle beneath.

‘Why does it feel like I’m just making this worse?!’

“R-Really, I’m sorry! Are you hurt, Your Grace?”

The Grand Duke’s voice remained calm.

“No, I’m fine. For now.”

“Okay! I’ll get up right away.”

Ed braced his hands on the ground to push himself up.

But as his palm landed on something firm, he froze.