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Chapter 30
Maricel quickly suggested a way before Morgan’s expression could harden further.
“Your Highness? There’s absolutely no burden on you. Just one hour a week! That’s enough. For the first few sessions, I’ll stay by your side to guide you on what to do. If needed, I can assist anytime.”
Morgan took a sip from his teacup, giving himself time to think.
One hour a week. It wasn’t exactly light, but it wasn’t overwhelmingly burdensome either.
Maricel had thought this through cleverly—both the timing and framing it as necessary for the heir’s education. She had set up a situation that would be difficult to refuse.
And once a week would also allow him to meet regularly with Maricel.
Morgan hid his inner thoughts and spoke as if he were granting a great favor.
“Since it’s you saying this, Maricel, I’ll trust you and participate.”
Maricel’s half-doubtful heart melted at his acceptance.
At the same time, she felt a boost of pride at being acknowledged by someone known for high standards and strictness.
She awkwardly rubbed the tip of her nose with her fingers and said,
“Thank you, Your Highness. Truly, Your Highness has an exceptional ability to make the right choice.”
Morgan recalled a similar remark from the day he had hired her as a governess.
He chuckled quietly.
‘She really does think highly of herself.’
“You seem to rate yourself quite highly, if I may say,” he remarked.
“Hahaha. Is that so? But isn’t it because Your Highness agrees with me and trusts me?”
Maricel’s retort implied, “See? You agree too.”
She was certainly not an ordinary woman of the Empire.
If she were, even living in the Grand Duke’s mansion, she wouldn’t dare to face the Duke so candidly without makeup.
Tonight, Morgan noticed something different about her compared to usual. He studied her face carefully throughout their conversation.
Upon closer inspection, it was her dress, simpler than usual, and her bare, makeup-free face.
Even without makeup, her flawless, fair skin shone beautifully.
‘I’m probably the only man who has seen Maricel’s bare face.’
To see a woman without makeup, he thought, was something usually reserved for the bedroom between spouses…
He imagined her stepping out of the bath, wrapped in only a sheet, water glistening on her skin as she entered the room toward him.
In his mind, he pulled her waist close to him, holding her in his embrace.
As his imagination ran this far, Morgan chastised himself silently.
‘Crazy… how far do you plan to let this imagination go?’
At that moment, Maricel asked with concern,
“Your Highness, are you feeling unwell? Your face is red… should I call the physician?”
Morgan felt embarrassed, like someone caught doing something wrong.
“No, it’s just a bit warm. No need for a physician. Instead, when shall we start participating in the child’s care?”
He hurriedly changed the topic, downing the now-cold tea in one gulp.
“How about starting next week?”
“Then let’s set a schedule from next week, and for any changes, we’ll notify in advance.”
“Yes. Very well.”
Feeling pleased that things had gone more smoothly than expected, Maricel smiled broadly, revealing her white teeth.
Morgan found her expression so lovely that it stirred a warmth in his chest.
Second Floor Living Room
“Gongja, this game requires balance. It’s simple, so you have a chance to win too,”
Maricel was giving Fleur some final training to prepare him to beat Morgan in Jenga.
The Jenga set requested from Por had been completed a few days ago, and Fleur had been practicing with Maricel daily.
The blocks came in various sizes, and they focused on the smaller blocks that suited Fleur’s little hands.
Morgan, with his large, clumsy hands, would find it disadvantageous.
Knock-knock-
“Governess Maricel, Your Highness has arrived.”
Maricel and Fleur jumped up to greet the entering Morgan.
“Welcome, Your Highness.”
“Three-second hug~”
Fleur’s voice rose in excitement.
“Susanna, can you prepare some drinks and snacks here?”
“Yes, Governess,” Susanna smiled and hurried off.
This week, Susanna was assigned to attend to Fleur.
The maid attending Fleur changed weekly to help develop his social skills.
Since each person had different temperaments, Maricel judged this would aid Fleur’s social development.
While Fleur was still adjusting, Maricel handled most of his care herself. As he stabilized, new attendants were gradually introduced.
At first, Fleur was wary, but his caution gradually eased, and he adapted well, just as Maricel had predicted.
Morgan had heard that the maids rotated regularly but had never seen Fleur so comfortably at ease.
“Uncle, this way—”
Fleur pulled Morgan toward the Jenga set.
Maricel followed his lead.
“Yes, Your Highness, come here and play together. This is a game Gongja really enjoys lately.”
She beckoned Morgan to join.
“How do you play?”
Morgan plopped down on the floor following Fleur.
“You explain, Gongja,” Maricel signaled.
Fleur nodded confidently.
“Uncle, you stack these small sticks carefully. Then you take turns removing one at a time. If the tower falls while you’re removing, you lose.”
Fleur beamed proudly at Maricel after explaining.
‘Did I do well?’ His adorable chubby cheeks made her want to pinch them.
“Oh my! Gongja, your explanation was perfect!” she said, giving a high-five.
The crisp ‘clap’ echoed throughout the living room.
Morgan watched them with a stunned expression.
“Oh? Uncle wants a high-five too? Then spread your hand like this.”
Fleur, thinking Morgan envied him, demonstrated the high-five.
Morgan raised his hand awkwardly.
Fleur slapped his palm against Morgan’s with a strong, cheerful smack.
The sharp ‘smack’ resonated through the room.
Fleur was already exhilarated, laughing brightly like he owned the world, and Maricel felt a quiet sense of joy deep in her heart.
“Uncle, let’s start now.”
At Fleur’s signal, the game began.
Fleur went first, then Maricel, and Morgan last.
Maricel expected Fleur to win the first game. She had secretly set a tricky move for Morgan’s turn.
But Morgan broke through every obstacle and won.
He continued to win the second, third, and subsequent games.
Fleur, losing for the first time, steeled himself. Losing the second, he steeled himself again. By the third, he tried, but his energy waned. By the fourth, his face flushed. By the fifth, his eyes glistened with tears.
Maricel decided it was time for a special measure.
She quietly called Morgan aside.
“Your Highness, could we have a brief conversation over there?”
Her voice was gentle and her eyes kind, but her mouth did not smile—an unusual expression.
Morgan was startled by her demeanor.
“Why?”
He blundered, unaware.
“There’s something I meant to tell you but forgot… it will only take a moment.”
Maricel slightly bit her lip, subtly signaling her seriousness.
“Gongja, I’ll step away for a moment.”
She gave Fleur space so he could secretly wipe away his tears.
Fleur sniffled and quietly wiped his eyes with his sleeve.
Maricel moved to a corner of the living room, narrowing her eyes as she began to speak to Morgan.
