𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒' 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐆 | 𝘷𝘢𝘥𝘵𝘥 𝘹 𝘔.𝘺/𝘯 |

(15) I Hate It.

"........," 

"You're already leaving? Stay a little bit longer!"

Reynold pleaded, his voice tinged with disappointment as he trailed behind me and Derrick.

Unlike his usual bluster, his words carried a hint of vulnerability.

I stopped on the stairs, turning back to face him with a smile.

Derrick remained unusually quiet throughout our walk to my carriage, a stark contrast to his usual stoic demeanor.

"Do you know how much has it been since your last visit?!"

Reynold continued, his voice laced with a pout.

"Come on, Reynold, you know I hate staying cooped up inside for long periods,"

I teased playfully, gesturing towards the open doors leading to the fresh air beyond.

Wait, did the Grand Duke do so as well?

Meh, no one noticed.

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow on the courtyard, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees.

Derrick remained silent, his steps measured and steady beside me.

"Besides,"

I added lightly, attempting to humor to lighten the mood slightly,

"we should give Lady Penelope some privacy."

"At least promise me you'll return soon, you old party pooper!"

Reynold pleaded one last time with a groan before giving up completely.

I turned back towards him, a warmth spreading through my chest.

With a playful glint in my eyes, I ruffled his hair affectionately before waving goodbye.

"Promise,"

I called out cheerfully before joining Derrick who waited patiently nearby.

"You're unbelievable,..."

Reynold released a heavy sigh, shaking his head in frustration at me, a light blush dusting his cheeks before he stepped back to allow us passage.

... [Interest %36].

As I reached the carriage and climbed aboard, Derrick followed suit with an air of detachment that felt unusual to me.

"Umm, why are you coming with me?"

Derrick's face was carefully composed when he settled into the carriage seat opposite mine – but his gaze flickered nervously towards me, a stark contrast to his usual calm demeanor.

"We need to discuss something important,"

He spoke curtly, a hint of concern lacing his gruff voice.

I tilted my head slightly, confused by his cool demeanor. "Important?"

"Yes,"

He repeated without elaboration, resting his arm on the window sill and staring blankly ahead as if contemplating something serious.

"Pfft-... Hahaha."

I chuckled softly, leaning back in my own seat, trying to break the tension between us.

"Are you not done with your interrogation, Derrick? Can't a man have some secrets?"

Derrick interrupted me, his patience evidently wearing thin.