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Chapter 53
Several ribbons spread out before my eyes.
One, two, three, four, five, six. He had bought six of them.
“Why did you buy so many ribbons?”
The Duke paused for a moment, then answered:
“The orange one looks bright like sunlight. The blue one looks cool like the sea. The green one seems like it would go well with the dress you wore before. The yellow one looks fresh like a lemon. And the white one… suits the shirt you wear. That’s why I bought them.”
Seeing someone so reserved make such a lengthy explanation made me laugh.
Had he felt an obligation to answer my question thoroughly?
The Duke adjusted the black ribbon and continued:
“This black ribbon… I bought it because I wanted to go to the memorial park with you.”
“Go to the memorial park together?”
“Yes. I know you go there alone at night to lay flowers.”
“Did the knights tell you? Hah, that’s why I didn’t bring them along.”
Whenever he had increased my guard, I always traveled with knights, except when going to the pawnshop. That’s how my destination had been leaked so easily.
“You did the same last time. Why do you keep hiding and going alone? Let’s go together in broad daylight.”
“Why insist on this, Duke? I am not someone who deserves to commemorate in my own name.”
“Who decides that? You can do it with the qualification of being the wife of a sovereign.”
The Duke spoke with authority. Beneath his dark gray eyebrows, his eyes shone intensely.
It no longer felt unusual to hear him call himself a sovereign.
Had he begun studying statecraft? Or was he gradually realizing that he was being revered as a ruler?
“…Duke, no matter what I do, people will point fingers at me.”
“As long as you stand by my side, no one will point fingers. If anyone dares, I will consider it an insult to me and reprimand them.”
The Duke clenched his large fist and pressed it to his chest.
As if he were a knight sworn to protect me, ready to kneel and pledge his loyalty at any moment.
While I hesitated to answer, he continued:
“You only do what you believe is right. There’s no need to hide anymore. Let’s go together. I want you to walk proudly beside me, not crouched before me. Whether as a noble or as the Duchess.”
His violet eyes shone brightly, and his resonant voice displayed the boldness of a twenty-one-year-old.
His gaze was like the tip of a well-honed spear, piercing my chest. Looking at him left me breathless.
My heart was pounding so hard I could barely speak.
I suppressed the fluttering in my chest and accepted the gift.
He only asked me to go to the memorial park together, yet my face flushed as if I’d received a love confession.
I had long outgrown my childish crushes on handsome men, yet…
Perhaps it was just something he learned in statecraft class today.
Before my irrational mind added more meaning, I tried to change the subject:
“Thank you, Duke. But there’s no light pink one.”
“Light pink?”
The Duke tilted his head. He looked confused.
Where had the light pink ribbon that Sir Julio mentioned gone? There’s no one else I’d give ribbons to.
I decided to just ask.
“I heard you also bought a light pink ribbon. Isn’t that mine?”
“…Ah.”
Now I was certain the Duke could not lie.
His embarrassment was transparently clear. If he hadn’t bought it, he would have just said so.
“Never mind. You might grow your hair long later and tie it. A light pink ribbon would suit your silver hair nicely.”
“…Perhaps.”
The Duke replied reluctantly, seemingly accepting my playful remark.
Ah, and I should deliver the letter.
“A letter arrived for you, Duke. Seems like it’s from Pardon Island too. It feels quite thick.”
“Thank you.”
He took the letter from me, then returned to his desk and pulled out a knife from a drawer.
Scritch, scratch.
As he focused on opening the seal, he suddenly looked up at me.
“Duchess.”
“Yes?”
“Sorry, could you step outside for a moment?”
“…Alright.”
I wanted to ask if it was some big secret, but his furrowed brows made him look serious, so I complied.
Leaning against the doorframe, I fiddled with the ribbons in my hands.
Thinking that he carefully picked them out while thinking of me somehow lifted my spirits.
I felt a sense of closeness growing between us.
I couldn’t help but puff my cheeks and smile…
Bang!
The door slammed open as if it would break.
Startled, I looked toward it.
The Duke burst out like a bullet. He leapt down the stairs with agility, moving faster than a guardian would. I hurried after him. His pale face leapt four steps at once—his speed was extraordinary.
“Duke! What’s happening? Where are you going?”
Before I could even finish, he had left the main hall.
I stared out the window in disbelief. He dashed to the stables, mounted a horse, and rode out of the manor.
Less than a minute had passed since all of this began.
“…What? At least tell me where you’re going.”
I wandered into his office, the door wide open.
I wondered what letter could make him rush out like that.
Though he wanted to keep it secret, I had to know why this calm, reserved man was so agitated.
Three sheets of paper were scattered across his desk.
The largest sheet was a map of eastern Pardon Island. Areas in dark green were marked as the site of the new royal palace. It seemed Queen Elisabetta intended to clear the entire forest to build it.
The second-largest sheet was a conceptual design of the new palace. The main building was sizable, with only three annexes. It was bigger than expected. Since our royal funds would be used, they seemed intent on making it as grand as possible. Perhaps building a new palace was considered war compensation.
The smallest sheet was a letter written in Queen Elisabetta’s handwriting.
“To my beloved sixth son,
The site for the new royal palace has been decided: the eastern part of Pardon Island.
Considering both location and scenery, there was no better place.
Regrettably, the forest you cherished must be cleared.
I’ve enclosed the map and conceptual plans. One copy has been sent to Levanteia, and another I send to you.
Since you earnestly requested this, I, as a mother, must comply.
I personally surveyed the site to inspect the measurements.
Unexpectedly, I discovered a very charming treasure hidden in the forest.
Just by its appearance, I immediately understood why you circled the eastern forest.
Thank you for entrusting me with your precious treasure.
It will make a fine gift for Count Bogdan, whose side felt empty and lonely.
Beauty can make one forget loneliness. Wouldn’t this be the best gift for him?
You never fail to meet my expectations, my admirable son.
Let us meet again in autumn. I will carefully tend to your beloved treasure so that it blooms even more splendidly.”
