The Iudex's day off

Chapter 7 - Found out

 Wriothesely's POV

 I came here purely because I promised the girls and not to tease the Chief Justice.

 I came here purely because I promised the girls and not to tease the Chief Justice.

 I came here purely because I promised the girls and not to tease the Chief Justice.

 I had to repeat these words to myself before knocking on the door.

 Honestly, it was far too tempting.

 How can someone not wonder what his reaction would be if I showed him that little note he put in my lunchbox?

 Luckily for me, it wasn't Neuvillette that opened the door.

 "Good evening, Duke Wriothesely!" The little melusine greeted happily.

 "Good evening to you too. What, did the Chief Justice suddenly stop to worry so much?" I asked teasingly.

 My words were rewarded with a chuckle and an even brighter smile.

 "Monsieur Neuvillette said that since it's the Duke at the door, it should be fine if we opened it."

 "We?"

 Only then did I notice the dozen little heads poking around the corner.

 Though, before I could say a word-

 "Come in, Duke Wriothesely." Neuvillette's stern voice sounded from inside.

 I couldn't help but feel that his tone was much colder than last night and from the way the girls flinched, I was probably right.

 I walked into the living room followed by the girls.

 There I found Neuvillette mostly hidden behind a pile of paperwork.

 He didn't even look up as he extended his hand in my direction.

 "Hand it over."

 I took the lunchbox from the bag in my hand and handed it to him.

 Only then did he finally look up from the documents.

 A small frown surfaced between his browns as he set the box down at the other end of the table.

 "That is not what I was asking for."

 I flinched at the look in his eyes.

 "Then whatever is it that you are asking for Chief Justice. The only other things I have on me are some extra clothes for Sigewinne."

 As I spoke I pulled out a few pieces of clothing from the bag.

 He let out a sigh that sounded almost like a chuckle.

 "Just as I've heard, you are indeed an amazing liar, Duke Wriothesely. Had I not known the truth, even I might have been fooled by you. The girls, on the other hand, are not. Now hand over those sweets while I'm still asking nicely and don't even try to hide because I could smell them the second you walked through the door."

 This time I obediently handed him the whole bag.

 ...

 While it was within my calculations that he would notice the sweets, I definitely wasn't expecting to be seen through this soon.

 "You may stay for dinner if you wish, Your Grace. Till then, please busy yourself with the girls." He pointed towards the stairs.

 His face showed none of it, but I couldn't help but feel like he was angry.