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CHAPTER 80….
“Who Is He?”
Well, in any case, it wasn’t exactly an important conversation.
“Anyway, back to the main point… Is there anything I should be particularly careful about when planning this event?”
As soon as I brought up work, Mikael’s expression turned serious.
The shy, youthful man from just moments ago had vanished completely.
“There’s nothing in particular to be cautious of. I’m sure you’re already well-versed in this, my lady… But there is one thing that might be helpful to know.”
“What is it?”
“This year’s charity bazaar proceeds will go toward teaching literacy to children in the capital’s orphanages.”
That was news to me.
Before I became a duchess, I wasn’t from a family influential enough to be involved in these events.
And after I did become one, the Empress’s health problems had put a stop to the bazaar altogether, so I never got to participate directly.
Mikael seemed to pick up on that from my reaction and quickly added an explanation.
“The reason the Imperial Family decided to support this project was to improve the overall living conditions of the people.”
“Hmm. Well, yes. Just being able to read and write would open up so many more job opportunities.”
Most commoners couldn’t read or write.
Newspapers had become more common, but they were still largely part of noble culture.
Recently, wealthier commoners had started learning to read, but even that was only possible for those with money.
Poorer commoners simply couldn’t afford that luxury.
Surviving each day was their top priority.
“Yes, exactly. After about two years of teaching, one of our children managed to get a job at a newspaper company.”
Mikael looked immensely proud as he said that—like he was talking about his own younger sibling.
“You seem very familiar with how the orphanages operate?”
“Ah, well… that’s because it was a project I started.”
“You started the project?”
I was genuinely surprised, and Mikael scratched his cheek shyly, almost embarrassed.
“Yes. I used to visit the orphanages with my mother when I was young, and I always thought it’d be nice to teach the children how to read and write. That’s how the project began.”
“I see.”
“I didn’t have the resources to teach many, but thankfully, from two years ago, Her Majesty the Empress began personally supporting the program.”
That meant he had been helping these children even before the Empress’s support.
In other words, he’d conceived and initiated the project before entering the administrative office—before he even became an adult.
“It may be a grand ambition, but I believe that the more people who learn to read, the more talented individuals we’ll have. And that, in turn, will strengthen the Empire’s future.”
As Mikael spoke of his vision, there was no trace of the bashful boy from earlier.
Seeing him speak so passionately about his ideals and take action toward them, I began to understand why so many noblewomen were drawn to him.
“If you’re open to it, my lady, I think it would be beneficial for you to visit the orphanage at least once. Knowing how the project operates might help you figure out how best to promote it at the bazaar.”
“That’s admirable.”
At my sudden compliment, Mikael momentarily froze.
“I was only thinking about feeding hungry children through the bazaar, not teaching them how to feed themselves.”
“N-no, not at all! Feeding them right now is just as important. Without that, they wouldn’t even be able to start learning.”
Even while flustered by my praise, Mikael still respected the importance of my work.
Seeing that made me feel guilty for having dismissed him as just an awkward boy earlier.
Because in this moment, he seemed far more mature and admirable than I did.
“I’m sure the previous heads of the Hildes family are very proud to have you as their heir. You’re walking the true path of a scholar.”
Of course, such direct praise made him blush again.
Adorable.
I chuckled and finally gave him the answer he’d been waiting for.
“Then, when would be a good time to visit the orphanage?”
“If we keep up this pace, we’ll be ready for a test flight soon. And if all goes well, we might be able to begin regular operation by autumn.”
As Heather explained, Idris stared up at the massive airship before them.
Ever since they’d secured a supply of mana stones from Leticia’s mine, the project had advanced rapidly.
The technology for operating the airship and utilizing mana stones had already been perfected—it was only a matter of securing enough resources.
Looking at the nearly complete airship, Idris recalled a conversation he’d once had with Aria—no, with Leticia.
“Butterflies are lucky. They have pretty wings, and they can fly far.”
“What’s so lucky about that? They don’t even live a year.”
“Tch, you have no imagination, do you?”
“…Then if you had wings, where would you go?”
“Anywhere.”
“Anywhere?”
“Yeah. Another country, or maybe across the sea, to another continent.”
My world is so suffocating sometimes, I just want to escape…
There had been a bitter edge to Aria’s voice when she said that.
The bright, cheerful girl had revealed a shadow he hadn’t expected—one that was unfamiliar, yet strangely familiar at the same time.
Because he, too, had a similar shadow lurking inside him.
There were times he envied Aria for being so carefree, for being able to smile as if nothing could touch her.
But when he saw that same darkness in her, he felt terrified.
He wished, with all his heart, that she’d never carry a shadow like his. That she’d never have to understand him.
This airship project had started from that memory.
To one day give wings to Aria, who had none.
And now, he and Leticia were truly just one step away from making that dream come true.
I wonder what kind of expression she’ll make when she hears this…
Thinking she’d be the first he’d tell, Idris made his way to the boutique.
But standing outside the boutique, he saw Leticia already there—with a man he didn’t recognize.
…Who’s that?
The stranger was good-looking, which immediately deepened the frown on Idris’s face.
“See you tomorrow, then.”
As Leticia bid the man farewell, Idris’s eyes turned ice cold.
Tomorrow? They’re meeting again?
And what’s more…
“A-ah, yes! See you tomorrow!”
The man looked at Leticia with obvious affection—his eyes soft, his smile wide, even the tips of his ears red.
Anyone could see it. The man was clearly falling for her.
Though Leticia didn’t seem to notice.
Any thoughts Idris had about simply observing the situation vanished the moment he saw that.
He strode directly over to the two of them, who were still chatting warmly.
“Leticia.”
“Idris?”
Leticia looked up in surprise at his sudden appearance.
“What brings you here?”
“What else? I came to pick up my lover, of course. But…”
Idris wrapped an arm around Leticia’s shoulders and looked directly at the man standing in front of them.
“And who are you?”
