DHDF 09

chapter 09

I gazed silently at the boy. From his neat forehead down the high bridge of his nose to his lips, exhaling in a spectrum of colors.

No matter how closely I looked, it was clear he resembled the Duke, and that he was his son.

“I don’t know why you’re here…”

Maybe he felt my gaze, because his eyelids twitched slightly, and soon the eyes hidden behind them appeared.

We stared at each other without a word. I couldn’t wait and broke the silence first.

“I want to know why you’re doing this.”

“Doing what?”

“Climbing onto my bed and holding me like this.”

“Well, when you’re sick, your body should be warm.”

His tone implied it was obvious, as if asking the question was unnecessary.

It wasn’t wrong, but it was not an answer that would satisfy me.

“So that’s why you’re holding me like this?”

“My body temperature is higher than others. I thought it might help.”

It showed just how loved he was in this household. Someone was always there to take care of him, so he naturally felt he should do the same for others.

‘But we just met today.’

We hadn’t even introduced ourselves properly.

It was already more than mere kindness—it was generosity beyond formalities. Clearly, there was no sense of distance between us.

“Why? Do you dislike it?”

When I remained silent, the Duke rubbed his head against my shoulder. Then he tilted his head and looked straight at me.

The smile on his face was fresh and tender. It felt as though, if I touched his lips, I would sense moisture.

Not only did he have delicate, exquisite beauty, resembling his father, but he also knew how to use it effectively.

“I don’t dislike it…”

“So, you like it, right?”

“…You don’t have to go this far just because of the medicine.”

When asked if I liked it, I couldn’t honestly answer. I was actually worried that something might happen to the Duke, even if I seemed fine for now.

I knew the Edendale family built immunity to poisons from childhood, but still…

I tried to twist my body away belatedly, but oddly, I couldn’t escape.

“I hope you recover quickly.”

“…”

“I want to ask you something.”

I didn’t expect such a mischievous intention. But honestly, this made him easier to deal with.

I had never experienced pure goodwill, so it felt awkward.

Having already woken, I decided to answer the Duke’s curiosity willingly.

‘The Duke never told me who he intended to pair me with.’

It meant he was well aware that this boy, wandering under the moonlight like a cat on a night stroll, could potentially become my fiancé.

I thought it would be better to be kind, even now.

“It’s okay to ask now.”

The Duke’s eyes immediately brightened. His face showed innocent anticipation.

“It’s extremely rare for a guest to come here. It’s the first time someone my age has visited alone. And you even came with your father. That means you’re a very important person.”

“Is that so?”

“Who are you? Why are you here?”

I wondered why he hadn’t asked from the start, but I quickly understood. Nobles often spoke in complicated ways.

“Has no one told you about me?”

“No. I came right when I saw you enter the mansion.”

That made sense. The engagement was a sudden proposal, and I accepted quickly, so there was little chance for discussion.

“I’m sorry, but nothing has been properly decided yet, so I can’t tell you.”

“When will you know?”

“Well… maybe you should ask His Excellency?”

He pouted, seemingly displeased. Instead of poking his soft-looking cheek, I added,

“I think he’ll tell you soon.”

“That’s not certain.”

“But I can’t tell you without permission. Will you be angry?”

He seemed not to like that idea either. His expression relaxed slightly.

If that’s the case, I smiled, unconsciously amused by his yielding tone.

“Can you at least tell me your name?”

“Bergene.”

I said awkwardly. It was a sophisticated name for a commoner, given to me by a mother I had never met.

“Bergene? That’s your name?”

“Yes.”

“It suits you.”

I had never expected a compliment when asking like this.

“My name is Ritema.”

“Ritema… suits you too.”

Ritema means “freedom.”

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who thought so. Ritema nodded enthusiastically, saying that people often commented this way.

It probably wasn’t just a simple compliment.

“Hot?”

Ritema rubbed my nape, and I flinched.

I had been thinking it, but he was far too casual.

“Should I open the window a bit?”

“No, just Ritema…”

Before I could finish, he jumped off the bed.

I blinked in surprise.

He unlocked the nearby window with a grin.

And like a shadow, Ritema disappeared outside. I tilted my head but closed my eyes again, enjoying the soft breeze.

Soon, I seemed to drift back to sleep.

By sunrise, the doctor arrived.

“How’s your stomach, Miss Bergene?”

“After sleeping well, it’s better.”

“Not because of the medicine?”

I involuntarily remembered the taste of the medicine and gagged.

“…I don’t know.”

The doctor chuckled at my answer.

“You do seem better, but let’s observe you for a few more days just in case. You should eat foods that won’t strain your body. I’ll inform the kitchen about your diet.”

Thanks to that, my first meal at the Duke’s mansion was corn porridge. It was tasty, but still a little disappointing.

I blew on it to cool it and ate it all, feeling uneasy about Rosalyn’s smile.

“Sadly, it’s time for your medicine.”

Once again, I was forced to take medicine. This time I almost threw up, but Rosalyn quickly gave me something to put in my mouth.

A strawberry-flavored candy.

“Sweet things aren’t good for stomach aches.”

Half of it.

“…Thank you.”

I quickly expressed my gratitude, appreciating what she gave.

I slowly let the candy dissolve, carefully removing the lingering bitterness, when I heard footsteps and the door opened.

The Duke himself had come. Sitting on the small chair beside my bed, my face flushed.

“You struggled through the night, didn’t you?”

He finally realized how pitiful I must have looked.

I hadn’t sought the Duke’s care for comfort. I was worried my value in his eyes might have dropped.

At least until I had another option, I couldn’t be dismissed.

I quickly bit the candy and swallowed it.

“I’m usually healthy, Your Excellency. You might not believe me, but it’s true. In my whole life, I’ve only had a light cold once or twice. Even the principal said I’m strong.”

Embarrassed, my eyes briefly stung, but I forced myself not to cry.

“I won’t show this side again. I promise.”

“That’s not something you can control.”

The Duke, who had been quietly listening, spoke bluntly, arms crossed and head tilted.

“You’re young, so it’s natural to be weak. If you’re sick, it’s my fault.”

…Why his fault? I didn’t understand.

Seeing my confusion, he sighed and ruffled my hair.

“The youngest is always lacking, so I thought it would be fine for you, Miss Berry. Of course, it’s different. I’ll pay more attention from now on.”

I was stunned. I hadn’t imagined anyone would say they’d prevent me from getting sick over the same incident.

The principal and assistant teachers had only provided basic care. This was a unique, personal kindness.

It was the kind of tenderness only someone with parents, like Margaret, could experience.

Though initially flustered, I quickly composed myself.

‘The Duke said he’d protect me from the start.’

There was no need to search for hidden motives.

“Thank you for your concern. I’ll be careful too. I’m fine now.”

Some part of my body itched—a bad sign. If I got too attached, I would suffer later.

Even if he left safely, I’d miss him constantly, and if he tried to hold me, I wouldn’t be able to resist.

There was no need to reject his kindness.

‘I just have to avoid keeping it in my heart for too long.’

Of course, I knew that wouldn’t be easy. I was thirsty for it.