CH 176

“Anyway, I made good use of that bastard until the time for him to return to the temple. Because I walked around the academy with him, the kids came to me on their own and asked what our relationship is.”

“I see.”

I nodded, half giving up.

So I wasn’t wrong that I saw all the faces of the female students, who were flocking like a group of clouds, were blushing.

“They are still young, so beauty works. They don’t know that in fact, it is futile. Those foolish people.”

I turned my head as I was speechless at Rany’s triumphant words.

Then, I saw Jeremy and Benji who were eating the cookies bit by bit in the side while watching Rany, Abigail, and Liz.

The two people, who were sitting side by side, were blinking their eyes and absorbing all of our conversation like a sponge.

Suddenly, I remembered the Crown Prince’s request to take good care of his brother.

I think he’s already ruined, Your Imperial Highness.

Their eyes were looking at Rany, sparkling.

* * *

I was on my way home feeling tired after being chased by people inside the academy.

When I entered the Duchy, I saw the back of the busy workers.

They were taking down the magic lights that were installed in the garden.

“They are finally taking them down.”

That would be likely the last.

I turned my head when I saw the last lip-shaped statue being carried out.

Orion, who was drenched in sweat as though he trained all afternoon, approached me.

“Welcome, Marianne.”

“Yes.”

The worn out handle that contrasted with his shiny blade caught my gaze.

It made me realize that he was actually a competent knight and is one of the best in the empire in terms of ability.

I have to tell him, I guess.

I did say that whatever I did in the academy had no relation with Miller Duchy.

However, the situation made by Rany was too big.

“Can we talk for a moment?”

“Oh, yeah. Of course. Certainly.”

He, who stiffened at once at the words I said suddenly, nodded flusteredly.

He asked me to wait a moment and I headed to the greenhouse first.

I heard that it was going to be remodeled, but since I was busy, I couldn’t come here, so it felt unfamiliar.

As soon as I opened the door and entered, the thick scent of flowers came to me.

The greenhouse was full with the flower scent that the scent would linger despite staying here for a short moment only.

“This is the flower I like . . .”

The fully bloomed purple flowers caught my attention.

In the middle of the greenhouse, I saw a small table with plain cloth.

Even the prepared fermented tea there was perfectly to my taste.

“Did you prepare this, Orion?”

Orion, who had been by my side, shook his head.

He, who poured the tea for me once I took my seat, shrugged his shoulders.

“It’d be good to hear the compliment, but I shouldn’t claim other people’s work. This greenhouse is a present prepared by Father, not me.”

“. . .”

“He said he felt like he was cutting in between the mother-daughter relationship by taking your mom on trips everywhere. Though, obviously it’s true that we all worked together to help.”

There were a lot of thoughtful considerations placed everywhere that I wouldn’t notice if I didn’t pay attention.

This place was arranged with flowers I like.

Not too much, yet not too simple.

If I had seen this earlier, I’d likely have come here often.

I’ve been losing my cool that much, huh?

I felt refreshed as I took a sip of tea.

It felt like I lost the tiredness from lack of sleep due to the wild dreams.

“I’m glad you like it.”

Fiddling with the teacup, I let out a sigh.

I had unknowingly tormented Lord Duke for these few last days, but the present prepared by said person for me was wonderful.

“Can I ask why you want to talk with me?”

“Ah, erm. About that.”

It was a bit difficult to be direct about the main point.

As there was a lot to tell, I brought up the recent case first.

“There is a lot that I and Rany thought about due to the recent case in the academy. After thinking about it, we’re coming to the conclusion that it might be better if we also make it so that our ‘side’ can deal with the public sentiment.”

Orion wiped off his bright smile and nodded.

“Ah, since last time you took in a right-hand, this time you’re on your agenda of taking in minions to do trifling work.”

“. . .”

It was not my right-hand, but a friend.

The impact left by Abigail, who came and left this mansion like a storm, was enormous.

The words like ‘right-hand’ or ‘minions’ that came out of those fine lips made my heart uneasy.

The goal of my academy life, without doubt, was to be diligent and normal.

However, it seemed like I had already strayed too far from my goal.