Author: lipzoldyck

 

Chloe left the Count’s residence. The reason was that she broke expensive ceramics.

 

Eleanor lived her daily life as if nothing had happened. As usual, she smiled brightly and joked often.

 

However, a scar remained in her heart that no one knew about. The wound of being betrayed by someone she trusted was extremely bitter.

 

“Your wrists are thinner.”

 

Adrian said while looking at Eleanor, who was carefully examining the statement of account.

 

It was true. Perhaps it was because of stress, no matter what she ate these days, she was losing weight.

 

While Eleanor was smiling as if it was really welcomed, she asked.

 

“Really? Do you really think I’ve lost weight?”

 

“Yeah. You’re not starving yourself to lose weight, right? Then you’ll be scolded, really.”

 

Adrian raised the end of his eyebrows. She smiled and shook her head.

 

“It’s not like that.”

 

Eleanor didn’t show hardship to those around her. Her acting was so adept that even Adrian, who knew her well, could have passed by without noticing it.

 

It was difficult for her to reveal what Chloe had done, and she didn’t want to cause unnecessary worry.

 

Although her mind felt like it was going to explode, time flew by. Summer, which was warmer than usual, is coming to an end, and the shadows of fall are starting to fall.

 

***

 

“You’re going down to the territory?”

 

Eleanor was sharing stories with Kaidel on the porch. He sent word to her that he might have to go down to the territory for a while.

 

“Mmhm, for about one month.”

 

“One month…”

 

One month. It wasn’t a very long time, yet she felt a little sad as she saw him so often.

 

“What about Demian?”

 

“Still, that’s why I wanted to discuss it.”

 

Kaidel said, gently rubbing his chin.

 

“I’m thinking of taking Demian with me too. Something happened before, and I’m still too nervous to leave Demian alone.”

 

“It’s probably about a month.”

 

Eleanor nodded her head in agreement.

 

“But the exam is pretty close now. Is it okay if you can’t teach him for a month?”

 

Eleanor thought for a moment. Demian’s passing was a given. The first or second place, that is the only question.

 

“He’ll be okay. Demian is so well prepared. The textbooks can be sent to the duchy, so he has no problem studying on his own.”

 

Eleanor smiled softly as if to tell imr not to worry.

 

She also gave an answer to his question, yet somehow he seemed to have no sign of stepping aside from her. He seemed like a person who was expecting something, also like he had something he wanted to say.

 

Eleanor tilted her head as if asking why.

 

Kaidel asked slowly and cautiously.

 

“Shall we go together?”

 

Eleanor’s eyes widened at the unexpected words.

 

“To the duchy?”

 

Kaidel nodded his head.

 

“I was supposed to teach you horseback riding before. There’s no place for horseback riding like there.”

 

“Riding…”

 

She remembered Kaidel’s first martial arts class and the words he had promised her. She thought it was just a throwaway comment, but she didn’t expect him to remember that promise until now.

 

Kaidel quickly added.

 

“This time of year is when the territory is at its most beautiful. There is a forest I want to show you. I think you would be happy if we walked together there.”

 

Eleanor thought for a moment and asked.

 

“Is this a date request?”

 

Kaidel nodded. A faint blush appeared on his cheeks.

 

“Yes, that’s right, I’m asking you on a date.”

 

Eleanor laughed. If she thinks about it, this was the first time he officially asked her out on a date.

 

“Ask for a first date is a long distance trip… Isn’t that too bold?”

 

Kaidel’s eyes widened slightly at her point. Eleanor could sense confusion in that slight change.

 

Eleanor muttered softly.

 

“Should I say it’s weird…”

 

Kaidel’s face turned red. He immediately denied it.

 

“I swear… I didn’t mean to suggest it. I just wanted to give you some rest.”

 

Eleanor ended up laughing out loud.

 

Contrary to his appearance, he was somewhat innocent. If Adrian and Izmel were closer to a fox, Kaidel was closer to a bear. She enjoyed teasing him.

 

Kaidel’s face turned a little redder when he realized it was Eleanor’s prank. He bit his lip and looked at her resentfully.

 

“Eleanor.”

 

“You should have seen the look on your face.”

 

It was the funniest thing she has seen lately.

 

Eleanor said, wiping away the tears from her eyes.

 

“I’ll use your wish ticket now.”

 

“Wish ticket?”

 

“Are you thinking of saying no because it’s too difficult?”

 

Kaidel narrowed his eyes slightly. Eleanor shook her head.

 

“I’d love to. I guess I’ll be spending a late vacation in the duchy.”

 

Eleanor readily accepted. Kaidel’s face became bright like the sun.

 

She kept the fact that she would have accepted the invitation even if he hadn’t used the wishing ticket, a secret she kept to herself.

 

Still, she needed some fresh air. She wanted to have time to organize my complicated thoughts and take a breather.

 

Kaidel spoke strongly with a slightly flushed face.

 

“I’m sure you’ll like it there, too. I assure you.”

 

***

 

Obviously, the initial plan was to go on vacation. After a week of vacation, she went down to a place with fresh air to recuperate, quietly trying to get her mind and body in order.

 

However…

 

“Whoa! It’s a rainbow!”

 

“Where, where? I want to see it too!”

 

“Guys, you have to stay seated when the carriage is running. If you fall, you’ll get seriously hurt.”

 

Why did it become experiential learning?

 

When told that she was planning to enjoy a week-long vacation in the duchy, Adrian and Izmel nodded willingly. With just one condition.

 

“Alright. Instead, go together with Luke.”

 

“Good. Instead, take Enna too.”

 

She refused at first, but it was impossible to win them over with words in the first place. The kids say they really want to see Demian, so what can she do?

 

Eleanor reached a state of semi-liberation and looked out at the scenery outside the window. Now Lucas and Sienna’s chattering voices almost sounded like a lullaby.

 

As soon as they left the capital, the scenery outside the window changed. Just looking at the vast landscape of green wheat fields was an open sight.

 

“How much further do we have to go?”

 

“There are about two hours left now. Get some sleep. I’ll wake you up when everyone gets there.”

 

Lucas, who had been boasting that he didn’t want to sleep, fell asleep quickly at some point, and Sienna also fell asleep lying on Eleanor’s lap.

 

Eleanor gently stroked her soft pink hair and looked out the window. Although there were no separate milestones, at some point she had the feeling, ‘Ah, this is the duchy.’

 

The bumpy road became smooth. The quiet yet well-maintained road somehow gave off the atmosphere of Kaidel.

 

“Hmm, is it still far away?”

 

At that time, Sienna slowly opened her eyes and asked, rubbing her cheek against Eleanor’s knee. Eleanor smiled and patted Sienna’s bottom.

 

“I think we’re almost there now. You can get up.”

 

Eleanor woke up Sienna and Lucas, removed their eye boogers, and wiped their mouths. Perhaps because they were children, their swollen faces when they woke up were cute and lovely.

 

“It’s a castle!”

 

At that time, Lucas shouted in an excited voice.

 

“Castle?”

 

Eleanor looked in the direction Lucas was pointing. Lucas was right. A castle that looked like something out of a fairy tale stood tall on a hill.

 

“I guess that’s Duke castle…”

 

Eleanor’s mouth dropped open. Sienna also couldn’t hide her excited expression.

 

The carriage climbed the hill and passed the first gate of the ducal castle. The sight of the huge door slowly opening became a magnificent sight in itself.

 

“Do you remember that before the country called Bellium was established, it was divided into several kingdoms? I heard it was used as the royal palace of one of those countries.”

 

Eleanor didn’t miss this opportunity and casted history lesson on Lucas and Sienna. The children nodded like gentle sheep as they naturally delved into the class.

 

“It’s also a military fortress that plays the most important role in defending the capital of Bellium.”

 

When she thinks about it, she makes a good decision to bring Lucas and Sienna. When you visit a historical site in person, it feels much more vivid than when you only read about it in a book.

 

Eleanor continued the history lesson until the carriage stopped. Lucas and Sienna’s eyes sparkled brightly.

 

The carriage slowly stopped. The door opened, and the servants of the Duke’s castle were seen lined up in a row.

 

“Hello, Lady Everett. Welcome to the Duke’s castle.”

 

The old butler with a sad expression extended his arm towards Eleanor. She took him by the arm and got out of the carriage.

 

“Prince Lucas, Miss Sienna, it’s nice to meet you too. I’m Roberto Mecaine, keeper of the castle.”

 

“Hello.”

 

“We prepared a meal inside. Young Master Demian is waiting, and His Grace said he would arrive as soon as possible.”

 

Lucas and Sienna clapped their hands when they heard that the meal was ready. It was a present they were looking for as they had come a long way.

 

Eleanor and the children followed Roberto into the castle. As it was a place with a long history, they could feel the age in some places, but overall it was very neatly maintained.

 

“The castle is really nice.”

 

Roberto smiled happily at Eleanor’s praise. The old deacon seemed to have great pride in the castle.

 

“It’s a place that can be said to be a historical treasure in itself. If you spend a few days, you will definitely fall in love with this place.”

 

“I think I have fallen.”

 

Roberto chuckled at Eleanor’s words.

 

“Demi!”

 

“We’re here!”

 

As they followed the delicious smell into the dining room, Demian with a bright expression suddenly stood up.

 

“Luke, Enna.”

 

Lucas and Sienna ran over and hugged Demian. Although they had only not seen each other for two weeks, it was an emotional reunion as if they hadn’t seen each other for two years.

 

Eleanor patted Demian’s head and sat down. As was her habit, she was going to prepare the children’s meals first, yet the maids came and stood next to the children.

 

“We will help you, so you can enjoy your meal in peace.”

 

…It’s the best, though?

 

Her eyes widened. This was her first time being served a full-fledged meal.

 

She wondered if she would have to spend the whole vacation chasing after the kids. But as she watched, it occurred to her that she might be able to enjoy healing and relaxation, just as she had first thought.

 

She came across an endless array of dishes that were a bit different from what she had eaten at the Duke’s residence in the capital, but with different flavors. Just as she was patting her swollen belly, Kaidel appeared.

 

“Eleanor.”

 

After stroking each child’s head, he came and stood next to Eleanor.

 

“Was the meal okay?”

 

“Yes, it was really delicious.”

 

“Isn’t the place you’re staying going to be uncomfortable?”

 

Eleanor shrugged her shoulders.

 

“I haven’t seen the room yet. Still, I’m sure it would be cool. It’s such a wonderful castle that I want to live here for the rest of my life.”

 

“Live your whole life here.”

 

Kaidel’s eyes slightly widened. He stroked Eleanor’s head as he did the children.

 

“That’s what I hope.”

 

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