this chapter is brought to you by mio
as translator, proofreader and editor!
The loud pounding of a heartbeat from somewhere interrupted his hearing. The moment he realised that heartbeat was his, Leonon almost spat out a swear word without realising it, so he hastily bit his lip.
‘…Crazy. I must have gone crazy.’
Unfortunately, however, the words he had already uttered could not be recovered. Thanks to this, in the drawing room where a friendly atmosphere had once flowed, only an awkward air lingered now.
He couldn’t bear to look Lorella straight in the eye so he looked away. Looking into her eyes only seemed to make him even more embarrassed.
But he had meant it. Those words he had said about her being the prettiest.
Until now, there had never been a time where he had said something unnecessary he didn’t mean in order to impress the other person or for keeping up appearances.
So Leonon really thought that Lorella was very pretty and beautiful.
Even now, he couldn’t take his eyes off her face, which was still burning red like the red roses he had gifted her.
Everything about her was loveable and lovely, from the way the corners of her mouth curled up mischievously when she was joking, her dimples that appeared the moment she laughed, and eyes that widened without fail whenever she was excited.
However, Lorella remained silent for a while, as if she had frozen with her teacup in hand. She didn’t praise him for doing as well as she had earlier, nor did she smile. Did she feel bad after hearing those words? Belated worries filled his head.
In any case, Leonon examined her cautiously, thinking to himself that he should apologise.
No matter how sincere the words are, if they hurt the other’s feelings, then you should apologise.
It was when he was about to open his mouth after coughing awkwardly.
“No way. I’m not accepting it.”
A small murmur came out of the mouth of Lorella, whose head was lowered and had turned red all the way to the tips of her ears.
What was she rejecting?
Leonon instinctively listened to hear her voice.
“Oh, I said not to use the cookie.”
It was an extremely soft voice that would have otherwise been missed if it had been anyone other than Leonon sitting across from her.
However, he was a highly trained swordsman who could catch even the slightest footsteps, not to mention he was also aware of Lorella’s habits as well.
She seemed to have a lot of imagination, and even during their conversations, she was easily lost in her other thoughts from time to time. At times like that, she would talk to herself or thin air. It was a sight he had seen often, so it felt somewhat familiar now.
What could she be thinking of this time? To think that it would be about cookies. No doubt her thoughts were all so cute and pure.
Lorella’s eyes turned to meet his, as if she felt his gaze on her at that moment. Perhaps she didn’t know he had been looking at her, since she seemed shocked as soon as their eyes met.
“M-My apologies, Commander.”
“No, I should be the one to apologise.”
Leonon didn’t miss the timing and apologised with both sincerity and politeness.
“What do you have to apologise for, why…?”
Seeing her tilt her head as if she really didn’t know, he felt relief wash over him since it seemed like she wasn’t offended. At the same time, on the other hand, he felt perplexed.
Whatever Lorella did, whatever appearance she showed him, no matter what, she looked adorable.
‘Just what in the world is wrong with me?’
It was as if he had been possessed by something.
Of course, Lorella had always been a lovely and adorable person, but that fact alone still couldn’t justify why his heart was beating so violently in his chest.
He gritted his teeth and tried to somehow calm his racing heart that seemed to be bucking like a wild horse.
Then, he called out to her quietly in a voice that had been carefully deliberated over, so that it would not be different to how it was usually.
“Miss Lorella.”
That’s right, he had to keep as much of his composure as he could right now. Since there was still something that he hadn’t said yet.
“Oh, yes.”
“Would you be my partner?”
“Your partner?”
It wasn’t until she asked the question back to him with her eyes wide that Leonon knew he had made a mistake. He had been in such a hurry to ask that question that he suddenly brought up the main subject without any context.
“I’d like for you to come with me to the victory banquet. As my partner.”
“You’re talking about the banquet that’s happening at the imperial palace…?”
“That’s right.”
Leonon nodded with a smile.
He had kept thinking about it the moment he heard her talk about the victory banquet from the tea party. To the point where he wondered why he didn’t think of that first.
It was only natural that Leonon, who had made a significant contribution in the war, would receive an invitation to the banquet. However, even if he didn’t receive an invitation, he would’ve another way for them to go together somehow.
…Because she really wanted to go. And of course, he also wanted to go with her as well.
When he heard that it was her first time going to a social gathering, although he hadn’t expressed it, he had still been shocked.
In the harsh North, the things she could have enjoyed as a ‘Duchess’ would have been limited. Social gatherings and banquets with other noble ladies must have been the most important of the few entertainments.
A quiet but not at all small wave of anger welled up in Leonon as he clenched his fists tightly. He finally understood why she had been so desperate to flee from the Duchy.
So, even more so, he wanted to help her enjoy all the things she wanted to do and places she wanted to go.
“Would you come with me?”
“Of course!”
After asking once more, he finally got the answer he wanted to hear. Seeing her bright smile, his heart started pounding again.
“But… are you sure you don’t mind me coming with you?”
“Of course.”
Without any hesitation, Leonon copied what Lorella had just said.
Until now, his attendance at most banquets held at the imperial palace had always just been mandatory. However, he had absolutely no interest in having an accompanying partner. No, rather, it was actually uncomfortable.
Thus, it was actually also his first time proposing to be someone’s partner and escorting them to go together. Perhaps that was why, before he even knew it, Leonon also began to look forward to the banquet.
As they continued to chat happily, it came time for him to leave. His teacup had also been emptied as well.
However… he felt that it was somewhat of a shame.
“Would you like some more tea?”
When the maid standing beside him asked him, Leonon’s guards who were standing by the side of the door gave him a sidelong glance. After this, he also had something scheduled at the headquarters, so he fully understood the meaning behind their eyes.
However, Leonon nodded at the maid, pretending not to understand.
For now, he just wanted to keep talking to Lorella and know more about her.
When the maid went to fetch the tea, he ignored the guards who were restless and asked, “Do you have any hobbies or interests?”
“Oh, I…”
Perhaps because the question was too sudden, she squinted her eyes and seemed to ponder over it. He had thought it would be an easy question, but the reply didn’t come back for quite a while.
Even as the maid returned and filled the cup with steaming tea, Lorella could not easily open her mouth and seemed to groan.
Seeing such an expression on her, Leonon added with a small smile, “Anything is fine. If you don’t have a hobby, tell me a little bit about what you’re interested in these days.”
Lorella, who had been thinking for a long time, opened her mouth shyly, “To tell you honestly, stocks…”
“Stocks?”
“Yes. If you invest in the area you want, they convert it into numbers and issue some kind of certificate. It’s… insanely popular in foreign countries far away.”
Leonon, who looked puzzled by the unfamiliar name, nodded only after hearing her explanation, “There are several cooperative organisations that seek profits from merchants by investment. It must be similar to that kind of thing.”
“Yes, it’s exactly like that.”
Lorella’s eyes, which had been frowning in contemplation, finally softened gently.
‘I see. So she’s someone who’s very interested in economics.’
He was a little happy since this was the first time he knew about her personal interests. He promised himself that he would slowly learn more about her from now on, and at the same time, also swallowed his slightly rising feeling of shame.
As he was expected to become the future leader of the Holy Knights, he graduated from the Imperial Knight School, where talented individuals gather, and graduated at the top of the class from the High Academy, which was rumoured to be difficult to enter.
In particular, he had always been interested in military studies and economics and there was not a single aspect of it that he neglected, but this had been his first time hearing about shares. Albeit he was familiar with the concept.
‘It seems like I’m lacking in knowledge about the latest foreign investment trends.’
Determined to call an economist right away as soon as he returned to his mansion, he asked another question, “Then what ‘stocks’ have you been interested in recently?”
“Oh, that…”
Lorella looked flustered once again, seemingly unable to answer easily.
“Obsessed man… no. That basta… n-no.”
It was at that time when Leonon’s head was slightly tilted to the side as she was shaking her head and muttering something incomprehensible.
“To put it bluntly, I am interested in funny stocks…”
“Funny… stocks?”
With a rather red face, she added quickly, “Ah, yes. It’s an organisation created by noble ladies who love reading. Because they are sincere about the kind male protagonist, they do not spare any investment in him. I-I’m investing in that direction too! It’s the stock I’m most interested in these days.”
An awkward smile ensued at the end of her speech.
Apparently, she was investing in the publishing business. It was a wise choice to start with the area you are most interested in and gradually expand upon it.
Her area of interest was economics and her hobby was reading books.
He honestly hadn’t expected it since she has such a bright and cheerful personality. It was because he thought she would have enjoyed running around freely under the bright sun instead.
Numerous questions lingered in his mouth. The more he knew, the more he wanted to know. He was looking forward to seeing what other aspects she was hiding underneath and how it would surprise him.
But now, the time has come when it really has to happen. He stood up, hiding his regret.
“Thank you very much for inviting me today. I’m not sure if I’ve stayed for too long and intruded on you.”
“How could that be? I had a lot of fun as well. Although it would be nice if you could stay longer… Come visit us more in the future.”
“I will,” Leonon nodded sincerely.
On his way out after receiving her send off, he quietly said what had been on his mind for a while, “I would like to give you a gift in return for going to the banquet with me. If it’s okay with you, would you please accept it?”
“Oh my, you really don’t have to. I’m already grateful enough at the fact that you’re taking me with you to the banquet.”
“I really want to do it for you. Is it alright if I send the Berhardt family’s exclusive dressmaker to you sometime soon?”
“Pardon?”
Lorella’s eyes shook slightly.
“It’s a gift from me, so don’t feel it’s too burdensome and just take it.”
In order not to burden her in any way, he also added carefully, “It’s also a courtesy given to the partner you go to the banquet with.”
She seemed troubled for a moment, then replied with a bright smile, “Then I’ll… receive it without any shame. What should I do if I can’t fall asleep from excitement?”
In addition to her giving him permission, Leonon also smiled brightly at her joking words. He was glad that his feelings seemed to have been conveyed well to her.
He made eye contact with Lorella, who was blinking shyly, and took in the full view of her face.
* * *
pls do not share this anywhere or u will always stub ur toe when u walk past a door frame !! this translation has been stolen from mioscorner.com, pls only read there i’m begging u :kneels:
“Pardon my intrusion, Duke.”
With the knock came a familiar voice from behind the heavy door.
Instead of answering, Periot moved his hand, which had paused for a moment, and became absorbed on checking the documents again.
If it was the person whose voice it belonged to, he would automatically sense his permission without having to tell him to come in.
Sure enough. After a while, the door was opened carefully in a cautious manner. The person who appeared was the butler, who had been by his side for a long time.
“The letters that arrived today.”
The box the butler was holding was full of various letter envelopes.
After Periot returned to the estate, there was no shortage of letters to the Duchy. Even if he delivered it day after day, it still piled up like a mountain the next day.
“The important things?”
“That…”
The butler thought for a moment and then carefully opened his lips, “These are mostly letters from the noble families in the capital. And these…”
Then, looking at the luxurious envelope placed at the top, he added with a sigh, “There is also a letter sent directly from the princess of Kallion and the princess of the Besselamo Empire.”
However, Periot’s eyes remained fixed on the documents and didn’t move at all.
For a while, the quiet room was filled with only the sound of a pen moving smoothly across paper as well as the crackling of the fire in the fireplace.
Although it was spring, when flowers were in full bloom, the cold air still settled as soon as the sun set in the northern part of the country, making it difficult to not use the fireplace.
Eventually, Periot, who had completed all the paperwork, slowly got up from his chair.
And without even touching the letter, he glanced and gestured somewhere with his chin.
“I guess we can use it as firewood.”
“…Yes.”
Sure enough, it was the same today as well.
The butler, who at first expressed concern at the order in which to throw the letters with the seals of prominent families into the fireplace without opening them, now obeyed the order without a word.
The scarlet flame burned even brighter when the last barrel was poured in. Periot, who looked on silently, added a few words, “Apart from that?”
The butler took another letter from his arms, as if he were waiting for him to ask.
“A letter from the Imperial Palace.”
“From the Imperial Palace? Again?”
“Yes. You haven’t sent a reply to the invitation to the victory banquet, so perhaps he sent it again to ask whether you’d be attending.”
At those words, the corner of Periot’s mouth curled up. It was a sneer with a clear hint of mockery.
Up until two years ago, the North had been a place where the capital hadn’t placed any importance on. He had never been invited to a banquet like this.
That had also been the reason why he had voluntarily gone off to war. Though of course, he never would have done it if it had just been him that had to manage the estate…
“This time, will you be sending a reply that you’ll attend…?”
The butler, who noticed what Periot was thinking, hurriedly asked.
For the war hero to be absent from the victory banquet; it absolutely could not be allowed. Rather, if he didn’t go, it would be the imperial palace that would be angry at him for making them lose face.
However, the Duke still had no answer. As if it was offensive, he just loosened his cravat that had been tied tightly.
“And Miss Lorella will be attending the banquet.”
Eventually, the butler showed his second card in a timely manner.
At that moment, Periot’s hand which had been unbuttoning his shirt suddenly paused.
“…How? Did that side get an invitation as well?”
“My apologies. That much, we still…”
Again, a heavy silence fell upon them. The butler quickly turned his gaze towards the fireplace, fearing that an unpleasant voice would be raised.
It wasn’t long before Periot’s lips opened slowly.
“Send a reply saying that I’ll attend.”
“Yes, understood.”
In any case, it was a relief that he decided to attend. It was at the time when the butler, who thought so, secretly sighed and turned around.
“And as soon as the sun rises tomorrow, bring in the best dressmaker in the capital.”
author’s note
our noble ladies who love reading ♡
naver comments
roni
when did i become a noble lady? is it okay if i just say funny things sophisticatedly from now on? i’ve never done it before, so please let me know HAHAHAH funny comments are possible, but noble is a word that doesn’t exist in my life hLGSKJFDS
moo
i’m noble lady 1 of the silly group who loves you commander
HALPPPPP i was legit kicking my feet while tling this BC IF THERE’S ONE THING ABT ME I EAT IT UP EVERY TIME AN AUTHOR DOES SOMETHING IN A MALE PERSPECTIVE LIKE HELLO ??? I GET TO HEAR THEIR INNER THOUGHTS AS THEY KICK THEIR FEET GIGGLING TOO ??? THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD I AM FED. i need to go to the dentist bc of the cavities i got from how sweet this is hGOISJFSDF
ALSO i am for sure feeling second male lead syndrome for leonon MY SWEET BOY HE DESERVES ALL THE HAPPINESS IN THE WORLD MOMMY WILL PLUCK THE STARS OUT OF THE SKY FOR YOU QAQ
the way i legit see him as my son ALL OF THEM ARE MY CHILDREN i’ve tled 20+ chapters of them and i’ve decided im a single mother of six kids now (lorella + 3 male leads we know so far + 1 that’s coming soon + RIVAL SABLE MY GIRL)
i actually got second hand embarrassment from lorella tho GIRL YOU DON’T NEED TO BE THAT HONEST JUST SAY YOU LIKE READING WHY WOULD YOU TELL HIM STOCKS HAGLDSKSF i can just imagine lorella as a finance bro hELP she be mansplaining the stock market and etfs to leonon QAQ
also the author is going to dive into periot more (i almost forgot abt him if the author didn’t remind me tbh)
but tbh who am i kidding I AM JUST CAMPING FOR MORE WINNARD SCENES BC WHEN IS MY MAN COMING HOMEEEEE THE KIDS MISS YOU
Leonon is so sweet 😩
he really is the sweetest 🥹🥹