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~Chapter 20~
As soon as Count Balder disappeared, the Duke of Lauchen threw his ashtray in irritation.
“How audacious! Bragging about a mere pittance of an investment!”
Through active trade with foreign nations, new sea routes had been opened. To expand his trading company, the Duke had purchased a large vessel. In the process, several nobles had invested, and Count Balder held the largest share.
Seething with anger, the Duke soon remembered the gold mine.
Yes… soon an enormous fortune will be in my hands. There’s no need to cling to that trivial investment.
He glared at his aide and spoke.
“Contact the mine. Tell them to expedite the extraction.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And about that woman—have there been any developments?”
“She’s only been running errands for Her Majesty the Empress. She hasn’t gone anywhere else, and all her conversations are solely with merchants, so nothing suspicious has been detected.”
The Duke ground his teeth.
“Keep her under surveillance. And increase oversight of the Emperor as well…”
Knock. Knock.
The sudden sound made the Duke frown. For a moment, his expression stiffened, then softened.
“Father, it’s me.”
A sweet, playful voice came from outside the door, and the Duke’s sternness melted away.
“Ah, come in.”
Soon, a girl with golden hair and sky-blue eyes entered, angelic in appearance—Louisa.
“Father!”
The Duke laughed heartily and scooped her into his arms.
“There’s our Louisa. What brings you to me?”
“It’s almost my sister’s coming-of-age banquet, and I can’t find a dress I like.”
“Then just buy one.”
“Can I really buy it myself?”
Lately, the expenditures from Louisa and the Duchess had been enormous. Still…
That’s a trifle. Once the mining starts, we’ll have gold flowing in.
The Duke nodded cheerfully.
“Of course. Buy whatever your heart desires.”
“Thank you, Father!”
Meanwhile, Izaya sat across from Ern at dinner, unusually flustered.
“Ern, is this really… tasty?”
“Yes.”
Izaya’s eyes flickered nervously. On Ern’s plate were milk, broccoli, carrots, and fish—the very foods he had always despised.
“But you used to hate all of these…”
Indeed, he had despised them. Yet now…
Ern looked at her steadily before speaking slowly.
“I don’t anymore.”
But eating these together… wouldn’t it taste strange?
Izaya sighed quietly. Ah, of course. He’s in his adolescence. That explained his unusual behavior.
Anyway… for the first couples’ banquet, I’ll need to dance with him…
By tradition, when the Emperor and Empress attended a royal ball together, they would signal the start of the festivities by dancing.
Izaya watched Ern as he ate, thinking, I have no idea how well he dances. He’s never attended such events before.
Unaware of her thoughts, Ern frowned at the plate in front of him. There’s still so much left…
All the foods considered good for growth were, without exception, unpleasant in taste. Izaya forced herself to eat alongside him.
“Ern… you’ve never danced at a ball, have you?” she asked.
“Why do you ask?”
“It’s my coming-of-age banquet. I thought we should practice together.”
In other words, she worried he might not know how to dance.
Ern furrowed his brows.
“You don’t trust me…?”
Izaya reached for his hand.
“Just once. Let’s practice together, okay?”
Her tone carried a mix of earnestness and gentle insistence. Normally, he might have scoffed, but instead, he nodded.
“If you insist so strongly, I’ll make a special exception.”
After finishing dinner, the two returned to a room, standing opposite each other. They greeted each other and grasped one hand apiece.
He’s already grown so much… Izaya thought. When they first met, he had been a small boy, always defensive. Now, he stood taller than her.
Will I even get to see the man he’s becoming? she wondered, a wry smile forming.
“Izaya.”
Startled by his call, she realized she had been lost in thought.
I’ll need to lead… wait!
Before she could finish thinking, Ern began guiding her into the dance.
He dances better than I thought…
Izaya’s eyes widened in admiration. She had never seen him dance before.
Looks like we’ll have no problems at all…
Then, Ern suddenly turned his head, causing Izaya to step on his foot hard.
“E-Ern! Are you okay?” she exclaimed.
He remained calm.
“Again.”
Izaya resumed dancing, guiding him gently.
“Ern, don’t look anywhere else—just at me.”
“Just… at you?”
“Yes. You looked away when you stumbled before.”
Ern cast a glance at her before quickly lowering his eyes.
“Okay… I’ll try.”
Despite his words, he still couldn’t meet her gaze directly. Izaya wondered, Does he not want to look at my face?
What she didn’t notice was how red his ears had turned. She felt a twinge of disappointment, then smiled.
This is enough for today.
“Good job,” she said.
“Of course,” he replied confidently.
She leaned slightly closer.
“Shall we stop for now?”
Ern flinched slightly, causing their steps to tangle. Izaya quickly steadied him.
“Ern, are you okay?”
He grimaced, brushing her hand from his shoulder.
“Keep going.”
Perhaps embarrassed by his mistake, his usually impassive face flushed faintly.
But there’s no time to continue too long…
Izaya considered that he probably insisted on practicing to avoid being ridiculed by the nobles. Realistically, he couldn’t perfect his steps in a single night.
“Let’s stop for today. How about practicing together an hour each day?” she suggested.
A satisfied smile spread across Ern’s face.
“Fine. Since you asked, I’ll make time.”
Izaya noted the pleased expression, thinking, He must be happy to continue practice.
She glanced at the clock. Though it was late, it wasn’t yet bedtime.
“Ern, I’m going to the Empress’ quarters for a moment…”
Ern grasped her hand.
“It’s too late.”
“Oh… right. I’ll just go ahead and rest then…”
“How can I sleep when you’re going to the Empress’ quarters this late? I’ll wait until you return.”
Izaya sighed. Knowing his stubbornness well, she quickly conceded.
“Alright… let’s go to bed early tonight.”
After preparing for bed, Izaya lay beside Ern.
“Good night.”
He faced away, replying softly.
“Mm.”
His faint smile went unnoticed by her. Izaya closed her eyes, thinking: If we keep sharing a bed, it might disrupt my plans. I should return to separate rooms starting tomorrow.
The next morning, Izaya spoke firmly.
“I’ll return to the Empress’ quarters today.”
“Why?”
She calmly explained.
“There’s no need for me to care for you anymore. You’ve recovered enough to dance.”
Ern’s brows furrowed deeply.
It’s true… but why does it feel so frustrating?
Izaya was puzzled. I thought he’d just say ‘okay’ as usual… why look so displeased?
She recalled his fragile demeanor from the other day.
Even if he pretends to be strong, he probably still wants to rest and enjoy himself.
Izaya gently took his left hand.
“If you’re tired, you can come to the Empress’ quarters anytime…”
Ern quickly pulled his hand away and turned his back.
“Got it.”
He ran off swiftly, and Izaya felt relieved.
Good… he doesn’t seem to be thinking anything strange.
After sprinting for a while, Ern finally stopped, staring at his left hand—the one Izaya had held.
We just held hands… why…?
He placed it over his chest. His heart still raced uncontrollably.
Chapter 20 ends with Ern’s growing awareness of his own feelings and Izaya’s careful balance between care and independence.
