WCMP 43

chapter 43

Arban asked for my opinion as we walked from the salon to the carriage.

“If it’s not inconvenient, may I take you directly to the Duke’s residence? Returning to the mansion first would only delay us.”

The offer was tempting, but I hesitated for a moment.

“That would be fine for me… but you won’t have a carriage to return with, will you?”

“I plan to return after taking you home, so one carriage will be sufficient. If it’s agreeable, we can have a quick meal nearby and then head straight to the mansion.”

“To the Duke’s residence? You don’t have to go to such trouble…”

“I want to take you there myself,” he said firmly.

His determination made me pause slightly. After all, I had no important items with me—just a few clothes left at his house. It wasn’t a big deal if I retrieved them later or even discarded them. The borrowed dress could simply be washed and returned.

Besides, Arban was soon to become Amon’s swordsmanship master, so I would see him often enough.

“Then I’ll accept your kindness.”

With my agreement, we headed to a nearby restaurant. Since the journey to the Duke’s residence would take some time, we decided to have a simple meal first.

From the outside, the building looked a little worn, but stepping inside, the high ceilings and ornate chandeliers immediately caught the eye.

The tables were divided by tall partitions, forming semi-private spaces resembling small rooms.

The staff widened their eyes slightly at my attire, but quickly composed themselves and guided me to a table with practiced ease.

I was curious—there shouldn’t have been a reservation.

“Does this place serve meals without reservations?” I asked.

“No. I made a reservation in advance, just in case,” Arban replied.

When did he even do that? I marveled at Arban’s swift foresight. Had he predicted I’d skip the mansion and head straight home?

“And if I had said I’d just eat at the mansion and take my time returning?”

I couldn’t suppress my curiosity and asked. He looked at me calmly.

“Then it would have been no problem—just pay the reservation fee.”

Ah, right. He was a Grand Duke, and I a daughter of a Duke. A restaurant reservation fee was nothing to worry about for either of us.

I reminded myself of this as we began our meal. But having had a hearty breakfast, I was already full by the time the main course arrived. Eating more was difficult.

At that moment, the basket beside me wobbled gently.

“Yullen, stay still,” I said.

“But no one’s coming. Just a little, so I can eat too,” Yullen whined.

“No. You never know who might show up.”

Although the partitions offered some privacy, the space was still semi-open, and staff frequently passed by—so Yullen couldn’t be let out.

Instead, I cut some of my food into large pieces and, while watching for onlookers, placed it in the basket.

Yullen, who had a weakness for tasty things, eagerly nibbled at it. Even seeing how much fit into that small space amazed me.

After finishing our meal, we headed straight to the Robert estate.

Winter hadn’t fully arrived yet, making the daytime weather perfect for a leisurely ride.

I basked in the sunlight streaming through the carriage window when Yullen spoke.

“Are we going to your house now?”

“Yes. I need to return home.”

“And me?”

“Huh?”

“I need to stay with Eli to recover my magic quickly. Do I have to be far away?”

I paused, carefully choosing my words.

“Even so, you’re Arban’s dragon. You need to be with your master.”

“…I suppose that makes sense.”

Yullen looked at me for a while, then curled up in the basket and fell silent. His slightly different demeanor made me curious, but the calmness soon made me drowsy.

‘He must be sad about parting with me…’

I thought about soothing him but was too sleepy. I cracked open the carriage window and dozed off. The sunlight, the chilly breeze, and a satisfying meal made the drowsiness unavoidable.

“Eli.”

“…!”

Someone’s voice startled me awake, and I blinked rapidly. Waking so abruptly made me briefly disoriented, as the vivid dream memories clashed with reality.

As I straightened, something slipped off my shoulders—a man’s coat. Reflexively, I caught it. It must have been Arban, covering me while I slept.

“Ah, did I sleep that long?”

I asked, glancing around. Arban, in his vest, answered calmly.

“Not too long. I wanted to let you sleep more, but we arrived at the mansion, so I had to wake you.”

I had really slept deeply. Feeling slightly guilty, I looked at the coat he had draped over me. It must have been cold for him too.

“It’s chilly—just keep it on. I’m sorry for making you take it off for me.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s better this way,” he said.

Just then, Yullen peeked out from the basket.

“Eli, are we going?”

“…Yes, it seems so.”

It was hard to leave after growing attached to this little one. I felt guilty for not soothing him earlier.

‘After this, I won’t see Yullen as often…’

I almost teared up, but forced a bright smile.

“See you next time, Yullen. Take care.”

Yullen blinked a few times before speaking softly, in a tone unlike his usual self.

“Okay. See you, Eli.”

I concealed my unease, patted Yullen’s head a few times, and turned away. Even though it wasn’t a permanent farewell, it still tugged at my heart.

Arban opened the door and offered me his hand. I took it and stepped out, looking up at the sky. The sun had already begun to set.

The temperature had dropped noticeably. The wind was cold, and my body shivered in contrast to the warm carriage.

Arban draped his coat over my shoulders again.

“No, it’s fine. You’ll be cold too. I’ll be fine once inside,” I protested.

“It’s fine. I’m not bothered by the cold. Please keep it on,” he said, his face peaceful as ever.

I hesitated. Waking from sleep made the chill feel worse. Eventually, I nodded slowly.

Arban extended his arm to escort me into the mansion. I naturally placed my hand on his arm.

At the entrance, the head maid led the staff in greeting me.

‘The Duke must be out today.’

The head maid’s presence meant word of my return had reached the mansion with enough time for the Duke to hear. If he were home, he wouldn’t have missed seeing me.

As we approached, a strange, dark, oppressive energy began to rise, unlike anything I had felt before. A shiver ran from my toes upward.

I looked down, then shook my head.

‘Just my imagination…’

I tried to push the thought aside and focused on Arban. I considered suggesting dinner since it was late. Without the Duke around, I could also introduce him to my younger sibling.

Just as I prepared to speak, a light, rapid tapping sound echoed from above.

Arban’s gaze followed the sound to the staircase.

The footsteps paused briefly, then a quiet, almost silent figure descended.

Even though everyone knew he had already come down, Amon, unaware of us, descended gracefully, cheeks flushed red.

When our eyes met, he smiled brightly, like sunlight.

His innocent expression lifted my spirits. I forgot Arban’s presence in my excitement and hurried toward the child.

In the rush, my coat slipped from my shoulders, and I didn’t notice Arban naturally catching it.

Even though it had only been ten days, seeing him again felt overwhelming, as if we hadn’t met for ages.

Perhaps due to the excitement, I acted in a way I normally wouldn’t. I stood at the bottom of the stairs before Amon and reached out my hands.

Amon hesitated for a moment, then cautiously climbed into my arms.

He looked so cute I couldn’t help but lift him high. Startled, his body jerked slightly. I tightened my grip to ensure he wouldn’t fall.

“He’s a bit heavy, but manageable,” I thought.

“How have you been? The staff looked after you well while I was gone, right?”

“Yes! They took good care of me,” Amon said cheerfully.

I smiled brightly at him, and his round eyes widened even more. Holding him, I turned to Arban, still thrilled, and introduced Amon.

“Ar… Arban, this is my younger brother Amon. Amon, this is Grand Duke Arban Canellowell.”