IGMDSML 29

 Chapter 29

“Sit there.”

Morgan arrived at the table right on time, having finished his work promptly.

Not long after sitting down, tea and snacks were served.

Maricel had come expecting, as always, that she would have to wait.

But instead of waiting, everything was prepared on time, including the tea, leaving her momentarily bewildered.

He had changed. Perhaps it was from the day of the outing—something about him had become more mischievous or sly. Whatever it was, he was different from before.

However, he hadn’t uttered a word about the proposal, acting as if nothing had happened.

Of course, it was possible he simply hadn’t encountered anything related to it, but even so, Morgan could have summoned Maricel at any time regarding that matter.

Even the library incident earlier had been like that. He had been so calm, as if there had never been a proposal.

For a moment, Maricel felt confused.

“Sir Lino seems to have left work early today.”

Morgan’s expression stiffened instantly.

Maricel’s question was merely casual curiosity, with no particular intent, but Morgan couldn’t take it lightly.

He tensed, wondering if Maricel’s question implied an interest in Lino.

Maricel noticed his stiff expression and felt puzzled.

‘He did it last time too… now again.’

She didn’t know why he reacted that way, but she resolved not to ask about Lino’s leaving next time.

“Your Highness, please don’t misunderstand. I asked only out of courtesy, since the person who usually accompanies you wasn’t around. I didn’t mean anything by it, and there is no intent from Sir Lino either.”

Morgan’s previously tense expression gradually softened.

‘Ah, finally, his expression is more bearable.’

Morgan didn’t know how quickly the atmosphere could sour whenever he frowned.

Even if he knew, he likely wouldn’t bother to change it.

Once the tea had steeped, Morgan sent the maids away, just like last time.

Reluctantly, Maricel poured the tea herself.

This time, it was herbal tea. Inhaling its aroma and taking a sip, she felt warmth spread through her body, easing away her fatigue.

“Did you choose the tea yourself, Your Highness?”

“Do you like it?”

“Yes. It’s perfect for drinking at night. It feels like it relieves fatigue.”

“Good.”

Morgan took a sip himself.

“Alright. Why did you ask to see me?”

He always got straight to the point, which Maricel liked. At first, it had been unfamiliar, but now it saved time for both of them.

“I requested this meeting for three matters. The first is that Gongja is now stable enough to begin his heir training, so a private tutor is needed.”

“Wait. There’s no need for a tutor. He’ll enroll in the Imperial Academy’s September term.”

Morgan set down his teacup, rejecting the first request.

Maricel expected this and continued calmly.

“Your Highness, enrolling in the academy is too soon. Therefore, my second request is to postpone his admission by one semester.”

“Why?”

Even if Fleur went now, he would adjust just fine. He was loved by many.

But the problem was that attending now would involve him in the kidnapping incident.

Clearly, Marquis Zelkova would be scheming something.

Any plan would have to be thwarted in advance to prevent the opportunity for the scheme.

Maricel, as the Grand Duke’s governess, could prevent the Manua family from being implicated in the crime.

Alternatively, they may have already sought a substitute family. The key point was that if the Manua family got involved, their trail would be traced.

Since Maricel became the Grand Duke’s governess, the Manua family would be under close scrutiny, which the schemers knew.

Therefore, using the Manua family as part of a crime would be too risky.

For Maricel, it was vital that Fleur’s safety and the Manua family’s non-involvement were secured.

She could not reveal the real reason for postponing Fleur’s academy admission.

Thus, she had to negotiate based on Fleur’s condition while leveraging her position as the governess closest to him.

“Interacting with unfamiliar people is too risky. The Grand Duke’s household is inherently friendly and safe. But the academy is different; there will be adversaries. Gongja is recovering well, but not enough yet. Therefore, a period of preparation with an external tutor is necessary. Consider it a transitional phase.”

Morgan folded his arms, closing his eyes, lost in thought.

Even with his eyes closed, he looked handsome.

‘Even with his eyes closed, his handsomeness doesn’t hide.’

Maricel decided it was the perfect moment to admire his attractive silhouette.

‘If not now, when else would I?’

At that moment, he opened his eyes halfway, looked down at her, and lifted the corner of his mouth.

“Is peeking your hobby? Or a specialty?”

His low, slightly amused voice, paired with the curve of his lips, created tension—it could have been laughter or mockery.

She wanted to argue that it was a misunderstanding, but this time, it was true—she had been peeking.

“I’m sorry……”

“Since you don’t deny it, I guess you really were peeking this time.”

“……”

“Honest. Anyway, your first and second requests—I’ll trust the governess’s judgment. Getting a tutor and postponing academy admission aren’t major issues. And Fleur is a bright child.”

Morgan’s response carried pride in Fleur.

More importantly, he trusted Maricel’s judgment.

She cared for Fleur above anyone else, so he knew she would decide in Fleur’s best interest.

Morgan was genuinely impressed—he realized how completely he trusted someone.

And Sir Lino’s advice played a part: if you can grant a request, do so quietly and earn favor.

Maricel found Morgan’s calm response unusual.

He was no longer the same as before—no nitpicking or splitting hairs.

Maricel felt as if she were speaking to someone entirely different.

“Your Highness? You’re not too tired, are you?”

She worried that if he were too tired, he might dismiss her requests or change his mind later, so she carefully watched his expression.

Morgan looked at her as if she were being trivial.

“Suddenly?”

“…That you might change your mind later……”

“What do you take me for?”

Morgan frowned sharply.

“And the third request?”

“Hm.”

Maricel straightened her posture and spoke with resolve.

“The third request is for Your Highness to participate in Fleur’s upbringing, for the sake of both him and the Grand Duke’s household. Of course, not every day.”

Morgan paused at the word ‘upbringing.’

“You handle that duty yourself. Why would you ask me to participate? Do you think that makes sense?”

His reaction was cold.

But Maricel had anticipated it and continued.

“Your Highness, I don’t mean full responsibility. I mean giving Fleur the chance to bond with you, so he can admire and emulate you.”

“Emulate? You mean resemble me?”

“Yes. People naturally replicate what they observe. Take the example of the Youngest of the Geranium family. Despite hating his father’s violence, he ended up ruined by violence himself. That was because he internalized what he witnessed. Therefore, it’s crucial he has good examples to observe.”

Maricel’s reasoning made sense. A child’s model was important.

She continued firmly.

“Your Highness, as a ruler, you are an excellent example. There is no better teaching material for an heir’s education than you.”

Morgan inwardly shrugged.

‘Crazy… shrugging at such praise…’

He joked to himself, but he didn’t dislike it. In fact, he secretly wanted more praise from her.

‘They say love makes you foolish.’

He never imagined he’d feel that way.

“Then… how would I participate in this upbringing?”

Maricel cautiously gauged his reaction.

“Well… you’d need to set aside some time……”

She hesitated, knowing that time was Morgan’s hardest constraint.

As expected, his expression stiffened.