Chapter 144
Translator: Yonnee
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"Rin! Hurry up!"
When Dad called out, I immediately turned to him. However, it was Ciel who responded with a bewildered voice.
"Where are we going?"
"What? We need to find an inn before it gets any later."
At Dad's words, Ciel wore a disappointed expression.
"No, why are we looking for separate accommodations? Considering the favor I owe to you, Baron, of course we should go to my townhouse."
"Oh, that would be too much-we'll be imposing on you, Duke."
"How can that be? If you've incurred a debt, shouldn't you repay it naturally?"
"I never asked for a repayment. So, it's too..."
"Not a chance. I have no intention of sending you all to an inn! Rouman!"
Rouman, who was quietly standing nearby, reacted swiftly as if he had already anticipated the situation.
"Baron and Baroness, Young Master and Young Lady. His Grace's residence has already prepared to welcome you. Please consider our efforts and come along."
As they were empathetic to the servant's perspective, the expressions on Mom and Dad's faces changed. It seemed like Ciel had quickly figured out what my parents were weak to.
"Then, it can't be helped."
At Mom's words, Dad immediately agreed.
"If you say so, Honey."
Then Ciel's expression brightened significantly. Without letting go of my hand, he spoke.
"Welcome to the Leopardt ducal residence in advance."
Seeing his cheerful expression, it seemed like he had planned this from the beginning.
Really, this man... Why did he become so easy to read?
Even inside the carriage, he couldn't hide his joy. We arrived shortly.
The ducal residence was much grander and more elegant than I had imagined. If the city residence was like this, I wondered how the estate residence would be. I became slightly curious.
"You can stay here."
The room Rouman guided us to was described as guest chambers, but it was exceptionally good.
Mom and Dad shared a room, and David and I each had our own rooms.
As I explored the room, Ciel followed closely behind.
"How is it? Do you like it?"
"...I haven't seen it all yet."
"Okay. Take your time and look around."
He seemed like an eager puppy wanting praise. I deliberately took a leisurely stroll around the spacious guest room.
"There's a terrace attached. If you feel stuffy, you can even enjoy tea here."
Ciel explained, following me around.
"Here's the walk-in closet. It might be a bit small, but it's perfect for unpacking for the meantime. Oh, and that's the bedroom. Want to check the bedding? I asked for a cool material in case it's hot, but I'm not sure if it suits your taste."
Without responding, I continued to roam and explore. The room was quite spacious. Calling it just a guest room seemed inadequate. It had a bedroom, a living room, a terrace, a walk-in closet, a bathroom, and more.
"How is it? Is it okay?"
After checking even the terrace, I couldn't hold back my laughter any longer.
"Pfft, yes, I like it! Do I have to say it out loud for you to know?"
My response melted the stiffness from his expression. His face, like flowers blooming on a peak, softened beautifully.
It seemed I had momentarily lost my words, and I was reminded of how I had fallen for this face of his the first time around. Those sentiments, from then and even now, were hardly any different.
Seriously, can a man be this beautifully handsome?
I turned my back slightly to hide my face, which was blushing with a hint of excitement. Hurrying my steps, I spoke without looking at him.
"I'll be resting now."
"...Huh? Oh, I understand. If you need anything, just shake this silver bell."
"Yeah, got it."
Without looking at his face, I entered the bedroom. Even if I heard him hesitating in the living room and eventually going outside, I remained seated on the bed, covering my face with my hands.
I couldn't bring myself to lift my head until the servants of the residence arrived.
"Surely, you saw, right?"
How often does one get to witness a moment when two people are mutually enamored with each other? Moreover, there might not be another moment when they fall for someone else again.
The feeling that I had thought had died out completely began to tinge with a rosy hue. Although I couldn't ignore the signs of what this might mean, for a moment, I wanted to pretend not to know.
I tousled my hair with a slightly irritated gesture, trying to distract myself.
For some reason, I felt terribly embarrassed.
