RTGD 45

Chapter 45

“You’re really all better now.”

Leaving the study, Litricia kept fidgeting with Killian’s arm as they walked side by side.

“Your recovery is impressive, Killian.”

“I’m not fully healed. I’ve just recovered enough to move around.”

Killian kept insisting on that ever since Litricia found out about his condition.

But seeing the muscles in his forearm, now completely free of bandages—not only unaffected but looking even more finely trained than before—his words weren’t all that convincing.

“At this rate, you won’t need my help drying your hair anymore. I guess I’ll have to change the tuition fee for the Braille lessons to something else.”

At her comment, which implied she wouldn’t come looking for him wrapped in a soft towel anymore, Killian pressed his lips tightly together.

His annoyingly healthy arm suddenly felt like a nuisance.

‘Why does he look… upset?’

Litricia, noticing the displeased look on Killian’s face, gently released his arm.

Tilting her head in curiosity, she perked up at the sound of voices coming from the end of the corridor, around the corner.

“Hey! I told you not to handle that so roughly! Like this, hold it carefully, like you would a baby—ugh, never mind! Just give it to me!”

“Young Master, may I suggest you maintain your dignity?”

“But Nero, they’re mistreating my souvenirs! What the hell is all this chaos?”

As they got closer, they saw Peter grumbling while Nero stood beside him with a look of utter annoyance. Peter’s belongings were being carried away in a long procession.

Mark, who was carrying a heavy box at the front, was the first to notice Litricia and Killian. He bowed respectfully.

“My lord, Lady Litricia. I’ll make way for you to pass. Please wait just a moment.”

“No need. Looks like there’s a lot to pack. Just let them be. I don’t remember you bringing this much when you arrived. How did it all pile up?”

Killian crossed his arms, eyeing the seemingly endless line of baggage with a skeptical look.

“These are all items the young master purchased while staying here, Your Grace,” Nero explained, ignoring Peter’s grumbling as usual.

“Here?”

Now that she looked, the items were mostly local—woodwork, gemstones, and crafts all produced in the North.

“I didn’t think there were many unique things worth buying in bulk here.”

“Well…”

“No unique things? There are tons of techniques and styles I’ve never seen before—not something you can find in the capital!”

Peter cut in quickly before Nero could respond. In his hand was a delicately pressed bookmark made from the ice flower that only blooms on the eastern mountains of the North.

“If I’d known how interesting the North was, I would’ve come sooner.”

His lips drooped with genuine regret, then suddenly curled mischievously as he tilted his body sideways.

“Wouldn’t you agree, Duchess?”

Nero sighed, placing a hand on his forehead at Peter’s overly familiar behavior, but Peter just smiled at Litricia.

“The North is a delightful place, isn’t it?”

‘He never used to pay me any attention, but now he keeps starting conversations ever since we met again here.’

Litricia stepped out from behind Killian, puzzled by Peter’s sudden shift in behavior. Still, there was no harm in maintaining a friendly relationship, so she responded politely.

“Yes, it’s a nice place. Are you heading back to the capital now?”

“Yes, it seems I must.”

“I thought you’d stay a bit longer. That’s unexpected.”

Litricia’s comment was innocent—just a reflection of how often Peter had said he didn’t want to leave. But Peter’s face suddenly lit up.

“Why? Are you sad I’m leaving? Should I stay a little longer then?”

“Not really, it’s just…”

As Peter stepped closer, becoming a bit overbearing, Killian intervened.

“I’m glad to hear your time in the North was enjoyable. As the lord of this land, I feel proud.”

He placed a firm hand on Peter’s shoulder, gently pushing him back.

“But all fun must come to an end. Before your father begins missing you, it’s time you return. Don’t you think, young lord?”

“Haha! True, fun must have its end. Still, it’s disappointing, especially since all that awaits me in the capital are dull responsibilities.”

Peter’s theatrical gesture of resting his chin on his palm was irritatingly exaggerated.

“…”

A vein twitched on Killian’s forehead, and though he smiled, his expression was so intense it felt like a storm was about to erupt.

“Litricia. So graciously, the young lord has decided to set off immediately to deliver the antidote recipe to the Esta family. Isn’t that right?”

“Uh…”

“So if you want to say your farewells, now would be the time.”

Litricia blinked and rolled her eyes slightly.

‘So they’ve decided to go with Killian’s plan for the antidote after all.’

That much made sense. But she had just heard Peter indirectly say he didn’t want to leave, and now Killian was twisting it the opposite way.

‘Killian can be surprisingly shameless.’ Litricia thought.

“Then please travel safely, young lord. And thank you—both for offering the tetrad and helping during the plague.”

“Haha. With you both speaking like this, I really have no excuse to delay any longer.”

Seeing Litricia also support Killian’s version of the truth, Peter rubbed under his nose with a defeated sigh.

“Actually, I should be the one thanking you. Because of you two, I was able to handle my foolish brother’s mistake in time, and I discovered such fascinating goods here as well.”

Peter straightened up, and his preparations for departure were nearly complete.

“I guess it’s time for me to really go now. Once this plague situation is handled, you’ll invite me back to the Grand Duchy, right? We’ll be doing business together frequently anyway.”

“Well… for business, I think meeting in a neutral location will suffice.”

“Ouch. That was cold. You didn’t have to shut me down so bluntly.”

Pretending to be wounded, Peter clutched his chest, then bowed.

“In any case, it was a pleasure meeting you, Your Grace.”

After addressing Killian, he turned to Litricia and, as nobles do, reached out to kiss the back of her hand.

“Duchess, may I take your hand?”

“I think that’s quite enough goodbyes.”

Of course, Killian wasn’t about to allow that.

He intercepted Litricia’s hand mid-air and boldly interlaced their fingers.

Peter awkwardly scratched behind his ear, sensing the unspoken “hands off” warning.

“Haha. You two really do seem close.”

“Young Master. Everything’s ready. We can depart now,” Nero informed him.

“Got it, Nero.”

Peter double-checked his carriage to ensure nothing was left behind, then took a deep breath.

“Whew. Then I’ll return to my duties. I hope you both stay well until we meet again.”

With that farewell, Peter disappeared from the Grand Duchy as swiftly as he had arrived.

***

“Why? Do you really feel sad about the young lord leaving?”

As Litricia continued staring after the departed carriage, Killian pulled her hand toward him.

His voice seemed lower than usual.

“Not exactly sad, but it does feel quieter now that he’s gone.”

“Quieter, huh.”

Killian brought their clasped hands up next to his face and rested his cheek on the back of hers.

“Am I not enough for you? Even if that’s the case, thinking of someone else’s absence in front of your husband… it doesn’t feel very pleasant.”

“That’s not what I meant! It just feels quiet because the young lord talked so much!”

“Is that so? Then I suppose I’ll have to talk more. So you don’t have any time to think about him.”

“Ugh.”

Litricia covered her face with her free hand. Seriously, why did Killian say things like that?

It almost sounded like he was jealous. Which couldn’t be true… right?

“Don’t joke like that.”

‘I’m not joking.’

Killian wanted to say, but seeing how flustered she looked, he kept it to himself. He had no intention of making her uncomfortable.

Still, maybe his sulky expression showed, because when their eyes met, Litricia gave him a soothing smile.

“Anyway, even though a big concern is out of the way, I’m still worried. The antidote needs to be distributed before the plague spreads further. Do you think it’ll happen in time?”

But once he realized it, he could instantly tell her smile was fake.

“Killian? Are you listening?”

“…”

‘So she’s not going to smile at me like before anymore?’

Seeing her barely curved lips, Killian felt a strange thirst. He already knew the taste of a full, refreshing gulp of water—and now it felt like he was just wetting his lips with a few lukewarm drops.

His throat bobbed as he swallowed dryly.

‘If I give her something she likes… maybe she’ll smile again?’

On impulse, Killian flipped Litricia’s hand in his.

“Litricia. I have something for you.”