DHDF 05

chapter 05

I was finishing my drink and feeling a little regretful that it was gone, when the steward brought a fresh course along with the food.

“Ah, thank you.”

“Enjoy your meal.”

The food itself caught my attention immediately. I couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement.

“Wow… all of this is food?”

Every dish was arranged in tiny, intricate shapes of various animals. I thought I was past the age of being enchanted by cute things, but cute things are a whole different matter.

Even though I had boldly picked up a fork and spoon, I found myself unable to touch the food.

“It’ll get cold if you just stare at it.”

The Grand Duke, who had been quietly watching me, spoke up casually.

“But it’s such a waste…”

“Then I’ll eat it for you.”

Hmm, that wouldn’t do. I immediately went for the bear-shaped steak first. It melted softly in my mouth even before I had chewed much.

The other dishes were the same. They were just as delicious as they were pretty. The ingredients were top-notch, but the chefs’ dedication and care were evident in every bite.

‘I’m glad I insisted on coming.’

My legs shifted almost without me realizing it. Meals at the orphanage, no matter how nicely presented, were never satisfying, and I had only eaten enough to fill my hunger.

I realized today, for the first time, that I really do have a hearty appetite.

“You sure can eat.”

After finishing my portion, my stomach was noticeably fuller than usual. The Grand Duke stared at it intently and asked seriously,

“May I poke it once?”

“Oh… no.”

“That’s a shame.”

Whether he was joking or serious, the Grand Duke gently wiped my mouth with a napkin.

As I accepted the touch quietly, I thought it would be wonderful if I were his daughter.

‘Even in my current situation, he’s being this kind.’

No. It’s pointless to let myself get greedy.

“I’m worried I might get full before dessert.”

“I can still eat.”

After all, dessert has its own special place. I proved that statement true with ease.

Perhaps in my previous life, I even made money from eating.

“I said I’d pay, right?”

At the counter, I said confidently,

“Yes.”

“How much is it?”

“1 gold and 8 silver.”

I had braced myself, but the price still made my head spin. Shaking, I took two coins from my pouch and handed them over. My first expenditure.

Honestly, I wanted to just tell them to keep the change, but money is precious.

As I carefully put the change back into my pouch, the Grand Duke spoke generously:

“Since you’ve received such a nice gift, I should repay it. Steward, the meals for today’s guests are on me.”

Is this what they mean by a Grand Duke flex…?

There was a phrase for moments like this, but I only remembered it after getting into the carriage.

‘Absolutely stunning.’

No need to feel intimidated unnecessarily.

If you compare finances, the money I paid is nothing compared to what the Grand Duke spent.

No, it’s probably even more insignificant than that.

‘I hope he isn’t criticizing me for showing off with such a small amount. Maybe… it’s his way of showing pleasure?’

If not, it’s unfortunate; if so, it’s a promising start. My heart felt light.

“Thank you for the wonderful meal.”

“Wasn’t I the one being treated?”

“Oh, right. Then, thank you for accompanying me.”

“Not at all.”

Had I come alone, I would have probably been too awkward to enjoy myself, just watching the time.

Now that I was full, I noticed details I hadn’t before: the Grand Duke’s jacket, shirt, and trousers.

‘He must have had them made at a place even more expensive than the tailor shop in our city.’

At first, money had only been a means to meet the Grand Duke.

Suddenly, I found myself wanting to earn a lot of money. To have plentiful meals like today, and wear comfortable clothes that don’t itch.

My “curse” earned me well enough, but I planned to stop once I reached adulthood safely. It seemed I should think of another path.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Hmm… just that I wish I had more money.”

“Money? How much?”

“…Well, at least one house, I think.”

“What?”

The Grand Duke laughed in disbelief.

“Are all kids these days like you?”

“Probably not.”

Well, I had a “curse” and vague memories from my previous life.

“I think so too. If it’s a house, you wouldn’t even have to earn it; I can give it to you, Berry. I can add this and that as a gift.”

It was hard to tell whether he was joking or serious. I hadn’t expected him to let me go without marrying him.

“Thank you for just saying that, Your Grace.”

After all, it’s six years later, so there’s no rush to decide.

“You said you’d take me as… your daughter-in-law, didn’t you?”

“Indeed.”

“Then how do you plan to take me? I don’t think it’s easy to leave the orphanage unless it’s through adoption.”

Not just difficult—it was practically impossible. Surely he wasn’t suggesting a midnight escape.

I felt anxious, but the Grand Duke answered casually:

“I’ll take care of that, so you don’t need to worry.”

I nodded readily. Of course.

There was nothing I could do here but cause confusion at the orphanage by killing the director.

“When you’re ready, I’ll let you know. Until then, it’s better to say goodbye to your friends. Once you leave this city, who knows when you’ll return.”

I had no luggage to prepare, and no friends anyway.

Still, instead of voicing that, I nodded quietly. I wasn’t friendless due to lack of social skills.

Maybe I even had friends in my previous life.

“Oh, I forgot to ask the most important thing.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“Why did you choose me, Berry?”

I was completely caught off guard by the Grand Duke’s sudden question.

“It was just… a coincidence.”

My expression faltered, and I stammered my words…

“A coincidence? No. From my perspective, you deliberately targeted me.”

Of course, that was true. I had even pointed him out to the branch manager and sent a letter.

But I couldn’t honestly reveal everything.

‘How could I say Dalvta’s poison doesn’t come from the toxin but from my body?’

He might use me again. I quickly regained my composure.

“…Because, among them, the Grand Duke is the strongest.”

“Why didn’t you say that from the start?”

“I thought you might find it unpleasant. That’s why.”

I meant it.

I hadn’t explained my situation at all, only asked for help. I realized that might make me seem like a brat aiming for social advancement.

“It doesn’t bother me.”

The Grand Duke looked slightly frustrated, though I couldn’t tell why.

After a pause, I asked,

“Does that mean what you said earlier didn’t count?”

“No.”

“Then that’s a relief.”

I rubbed my now ice-cold hands nervously.

Looking outside, we were nearing the orphanage.

“Could we stop a block away from the orphanage?”

“Of course.”

The carriage stopped, and I got out, bowing politely.

“Thank you for bringing me back.”

“We’ll see each other again, Berry. As soon as possible.”

As the carriage left, fatigue hit me hard.

I slouched for a moment before finally standing up.

‘I need to get back and sleep…’

I ignored the sleepiness and trudged back to the orphanage, only to find the director standing at the main gate.

Then I remembered the orphanage rules:

Dinner must be eaten together.

I must have been tense. Forgetting such a well-practiced rule entirely proves that.

“I… got lost.”

“I see. I was worried since you’ve never been late before, but it seems nothing happened. That’s a relief.”

I still found the director’s pretense both disgusting and confusing.

Having already confirmed her past dealings, I wondered if there were circumstances I didn’t know about.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“No, I’m fine. I’m tired, so I’ll go up first.”

Of course, that didn’t change the fact that my future of being sold off was still the same. I quickly composed myself.

Without waiting for an answer, I went inside, only to find Margaret standing in front of my door.

“You saw everything! With a man, no less!”