Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke chapter 48

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Ed followed along with a blank smile, but soon shut his mouth.

It was true that just looking at the Grand Duke’s face could bring a smile to his lips, but this was too much.

How could he laugh so absentmindedly?

Ed shifted his gaze away, glancing out of the open carriage door.

Just then, Jaynon, who had been outside organizing the luggage and chatting with Irtel, entered the carriage.

Ed pulled his legs inward to make space for Jaynon.

It was an unspoken invitation for him to sit across from the Grand Duke.

“……”

“……”

However, Jaynon ignored the space across from the Grand Duke and instead wedged himself into the small gap beside Ed.

He wriggled in, slowly pushing Ed to the side with his body.

Ed wasn’t going to just take it lying down.

He resisted Jaynon’s attempt to shove him toward the window by bracing himself and holding his ground.

But Jaynon, who had picked up a few tricks from watching the northern knights train, was formidable at pushing and holding his position.

Every time Jaynon nudged Ed with his hip, Ed retaliated with a hip bump of his own.

But no matter how hard Ed tried, his strength and stamina couldn’t match Jaynon’s, and he found himself gradually being pushed toward the window.

Gritting his teeth, Ed summoned all his strength, but in the end, he let out a cry as he was pushed to the seat across from the Grand Duke.

‘…It’s as if they’ve decided that I’m the easiest offering to the Grand Duke, isn’t it?’

He recalled hearing a story on the radio before he was reincarnated.

It was about a new employee who had to ride alone with the boss on a business trip.

At the time, as a job seeker, he hadn’t really understood how awkward that would feel, but now, in this situation, he could completely sympathize with it.

Sitting this close to the Grand Duke, with their legs almost touching, Ed felt like his throat was parched.

Even letting out a small sigh seemed impossible.

Every time their feet accidentally brushed in the cramped carriage, he jumped slightly.

At least when they sat across from each other in the dining room, the table had acted as a barrier and helped divert his attention…

Ed wished he could just ride in the luggage cart instead.

At that moment, the Count and Countess of Herins came out to bid them farewell.

“Ronen, take care on your journey.”

“Ronen, stay healthy. Every moment with you was precious and brought us happiness. You have always been a beloved child and a source of pride for the House of Herins.”

Ed scoffed inwardly as he watched the Countess of Herins dab her eyes with a handkerchief.

‘At least moisten your lips before telling such lies.’

He couldn’t believe how shameless she could be.

“Sometimes I really thought you might be an angel sent from heaven. Now that the day has come for you to leave, I can’t express how sad I am. I prayed so hard that this day would never come… Remember, Ronen, I will always be on your side.”

The Countess made sure to meet Ronen’s gaze as she spoke.

“So, don’t hesitate. Whether good things happen or when you’re facing hardship, feel free to reach out. Do you understand?”

The Countess leaned into the carriage to press Ronen for an answer, but Ronen didn’t respond.

The Grand Duke stepped in to smooth over the situation.

“Well then, Count Herins, Countess. Thank you for your hospitality.”

“No, Your Grace. It was our pleasure to host you.”

“We are deeply grateful for the care you’ve shown to the House of Herins, Your Grace.”

“Thank you for saying so. I hope to see you again next time. We have a tight schedule today, so we must move on.”

The Grand Duke nodded as he gave his farewell, and the Count and Countess of Herins stepped back.

“Yes, Your Grace. Please have a safe journey.”

“I sincerely hope we meet again, Your Grace.”

“Indeed, until next time.”

The capital of the Ain Empire, ruled by the Emperor, was shaped like an eagle’s wings, with the royal palace at the highest and central point of the city.

It usually took about five days to travel from the Herins family estate in the southern heartlands to the capital, but the Grand Duke had planned a seven-day journey.

As the multiple carriages and horses began leaving the Herins estate, Ed gazed out the window.

The mansion, the garden, and the pathways of the Herins estate, which he had crossed more than a dozen times a day since his reincarnation, slowly grew distant.

The Count and Countess, who had been seeing them off, became smaller and smaller.

Erin and Sena were leaving with their family to follow the Grand Duke, while Gio had stayed behind to tend the garden.

It was a crossroads for those leaving and those staying.

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The sound of the horses’ hooves echoed softly as they pulled the carriage forward.

Ed kept his gaze fixed on the window.

Partly because every time his eyes met the Grand Duke’s, it felt awkward and uncomfortable, but also because the clear, blue sky outside was mesmerizing.

The deep blue sky, so bright it hurt to look at, was painted with fluffy white clouds, like a scene from a picture.

Beyond the horizon, the sun hung high in the sky.

As they passed down the road, the green leaves of the plane trees swayed gently in the breeze.

The slightly open carriage window allowed a warm breeze to play through Ed’s hair, leaving behind a refreshing sensation.

How much time had passed?

Suddenly, the quiet around him woke Ed with a start.

“……”

“……”

Feeling embarrassed, he turned his head. The warm sun and cool breeze had lulled him into a light doze.

Clearing his throat softly, Ed subtly shifted his body backward.

His thighs were entangled with the Grand Duke’s.

His left thigh pressed against the Grand Duke’s right thigh, while his right thigh leaned on the Grand Duke’s left.

As Ed tried to pull back from the firm sensation through the fabric, the corners of the Grand Duke’s mouth curved up gently.

“Jaynon.”

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“Cover Ronen’s ears for me.”

“Pardon?”

Jaynon, initially puzzled, suddenly understood and reached out.

He covered Ronen’s ears with his hands.

Though Ronen widened his eyes in confusion, he didn’t try to remove Jaynon’s hands, obediently following his brother’s instructions.

The Grand Duke, smiling faintly, spoke again.

“Ed, why are you acting so distant when we’ve even shared a bed?”

There was a misleading tone to the Grand Duke’s words.

After all, they were nothing more than the Grand Duke and a lowly servant.

But from the way Jaynon’s eyes bulged and darted around, the Grand Duke’s words clearly had room for misunderstanding, so Ed quickly responded.

“…Your Grace, I believe there’s been a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding?”

Strictly speaking, they hadn’t exactly shared the same bed.

It was more like they had slept on the left and right sides of a large bed, never crossing into each other’s space.

‘And I didn’t even realize the Grand Duke was sleeping beside me until I woke up.’

It had been the night Ed had passed out after drinking too much wine with Jaynon.

“Yes, Your Grace. I’m deeply grateful for your kindness in moving me to the bed after I passed out drunk. And since it had been a long and tiring day for you as well, I assume you were simply exhausted.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. You probably lay down on the soft bed after helping me because you were tired. It was my carelessness that caused you such trouble, and I’m truly sorry.”

“Hmm, so what you’re saying is that I was too weak to hold myself up?”

“No, no, not at all. People tend to feel heavier than a rock when they’re drunk. And after such a strenuous day, I’m sure you were too tired to rest properly. I apologize again for the trouble I caused.”

“Hmm, it sounds like you’re worried I was too worn out to manage.”

The Grand Duke stroked his chin as he looked at Ed, as if recalling the events of that day. Ed quickly spoke up, sensing the tension rising.

“Of course, Your Highness, it’s only natural to be concerned. That’s why I made a vow to myself. From now on, I will make sure you never have to worry about me losing control of myself again. I am truly grateful for your help that day, Your Highness.”

The Grand Duke, who had been deep in thought while staring at Ed, suddenly called for Ronen.

“Ronen.”

“…”

However, Ronen, whose ears were blocked by Jaynon, didn’t respond and just stared blankly.

The Grand Duke then shifted his gaze back to Ed, but his words were directed at Jaynon.

“Jaynon, find some nutritious food for me. I’ve been feeling a bit weaker lately, not as strong as I used to be.”

Wait, wasn’t he just telling Jaynon not to misunderstand his words?

How did the conversation go in such a strange direction?

Feeling like he had just given Jaynon more work, Ed blinked in surprise.

But Jaynon, with his nose slightly raised, answered as if it was no big deal.

“Understood, Your Highness. But should we only focus on nutritious food? There are also herbs we can prepare for long-term consumption, which could help with endurance and stamina. Should I look into that as well?”

Jaynon didn’t stop there. As he stepped forward with confidence, the Grand Duke chuckled softly.

Considering that the city they were heading to was known for its herbal trade, it was easy to imagine Jaynon raiding every apothecary in sight.

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