Chapter 137
Translator: Yonnee
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"There should be a big tree here, harmonizing with the surroundings! Yes, raise the roof in a triangular shape, and put a glass window here."
"Put a glass window?!"
One carpenter was surprised and blurted out. Then another person covered his mouth, realizing his own actions to be impertinent, but Ciel responded nonchalantly.
"That's right. Isn't the scenery here too beautiful to block? Why would you want to obstruct the view of the golden reed forest and the lush trees in the background?"
"...That's true, but? Still, it seems too extravagant for a cabin."
"Don't worry about the money and get it done quickly. I heard that today Mark is bringing something amazing as a new dish, so hurry up."
"Ohh! Chef Mark's skills are the best in the empire!"
"Heyyy, Uncle Hans's skills aren't to be underestimated either! He exclusively cooks at the barony now, but haven't you tasted the steak he used to sell in the past?"
"Of course I haven't forgotten! Don't you already know that I consider everyone who feeds me the best kind of people, you rascal!"
Initially, the workers felt uncomfortable after being called by the duke, but they were now comfortably engaging in casual chatter. They even began to like the duke.
Incidents frequently occurred in the village, and every time, he appeared and effortlessly handled the situation. The duke's abilities were such that he could clear gigantic fallen trees in an instant and deal with tasks like burning weeds before officially starting to sow seeds in their fields.
As the empire's citizens were believers of the state religion, there was no reason not to admire an Esper who, as a blessing from the gods, displayed such abilities.
Along with Mark, who led the carriage, Arthur and David arrived.
"Oh, Baron and Young Lord, what brings you here?"
Welcoming them warmly, Ciel accepted their greetings familiarly.
"We heard that a mansion is taking shape, so we came to see how it's going. It's amazing how fast it's progressing since Your Grace is personally using your abilities to help."
"Duke, when you have time later, how about a spar with me! Even if not, you should come to the garrison as soon as the villa is completed!"
In response to Arthur and David's words, Ciel chuckled with a broad smile.
"Sure. We didn't get to spar properly before."
"By the way, it's a bit peculiar for a cabin."
Looking around the roughly formed cabin, Arthur commented. Standing beside him, Ciel explained.
"First, I plan to build one here, and then another at the back. My brother and I want to live together but separately. And I'm thinking of installing large windows in the front. It would be great if we could see all four seasons, from the snow piling up in winter to the sprouting of new shoots in spring."
"Even just hearing the explanation, it sounds like an incredible cabin."
"Ah, Baron. There's another piece of land I'm eyeing."
"At this rate, you'll end up buying the entire domain, Duke!"
"Well, would that be okay? If the Baron permits it, I actually want to buy it all."
"...Why are you taking a joke so seriously?"
"Haha, then please don't make such jokes. I sincerely want to make the Closch Estate my own."
If someone else had said that, Arthur might have gotten enraged. It could sound like a declaration of war. However, now he seemed to understand Ciel's sincerity.
Arthur was still somewhat reluctant, but unlike how things were before, he appeared to be a bit more accepting now, like a lump of clay taking shape.
Of course, his daughter was still more precious to him, but even so, it seemed bearable.
"Father."
At that moment, David subtly called Arthur.
"What?"
"You're smiling so much that your jaw might get dislocated."
"Huh?"
"If you're so pleased, shouldn't you firmly grasp it?"
"What if I'm pleased? Above all, it's not yours but Rin's opinion that matters the most."
"Of course, that's true, but... I also find the Duke likable as a future brother-in-law. This is... Ah, I'm feeling conflicted."
"Hahaha, certainly, it's becoming quite a predicament."
Although Arthur and David spoke very softly, Ciel was an Esper. Even they had been as silent as they could be, Ciel could hear well enough.
One corner of his mouth tugged up quietly, but as soon as the two turned to look, he dropped it.
Clearing his throat, Ciel addressed the two.
"About the lunch that Mark brought today..."
Recently, Mark had happily shouted in pursuit of Ciel's recipes. Although he diligently cooked every day, the duke, who hadn't returned to the ducal manor as of late, suddenly summoned him. So he wondered what was going on, but he didn't expect to be asked to make a dish he had never heard of.
"This is a perfect dish for a picnic. It's called 'kimbap'. Have you ever tried it?"
"Kimbap?"
"Hmm, if you like it, I plan to send it to the Baroness and the Lady... But I would love for you to have a taste of it first."
"Oh, if that's the case, we'll be happy to taste it. I know my wife and my daughter's preferences very well."
Arthur and David naturally joined the dining table as if Ciel wasn't planning to have them over for lunch at all. Ciel watched them from behind and smiled with a sense of satisfaction.
Yes. To defeat a general, you have to take down the horse first!
Remembering the advice given by his wife in the past, Ciel chewed on the kimbap filled with ingredients.
"I've been told that eating kimbap as a whole is the best way to appreciate its taste... And my wife is always right."
