Episode 48

“But still, the Grand Duke is a good person.”

Delphia’s eyes widened slowly at my words. But soon, he seemed to resign himself and replied willingly.

“…Well, if you say so, then it must be true.”

“Oh, you believe me so easily?”

It took Abel months to believe me.

“Your eyes are usually accurate. You also said my sister was a good person.”

“……”

Hearing that made my chest ache. If Raiden really was the one who hurt Isis, could I still call him a good person?

It felt like my heart was pricked, as if I had just told a lie.

I glanced at him unconsciously.

Did Delphia know? He was a smart person, so maybe he knew the truth behind all these incidents.

“But… Young Master, how did you come to the Grand Duke’s estate? I didn’t hear anything about your arrival…”

“I came by car.”

His response made me laugh unintentionally. My complicated feelings seemed to ease a bit.

He hadn’t changed, still making unfunny jokes and being kind to me. He laughed along, too.

He shrugged lightly.

“Actually… I heard quite an interesting story from my sister’s doctor.”

“What story?”

“About my sister’s memory.”

Delphia sighed softly.

“My sister has partially lost her memory, right? Like there are holes here and there.”

I nodded cautiously.

“But strangely, she has completely lost all memories related to you and Abel.”

“……”

“The doctor said that meeting you two might bring some changes. Of course, it might be tough for her to regain her memories. She might never recover them…”

My eyes widened slowly. Delphia smiled faintly and continued.

“Anyway, regardless of the outcome, I plan to let Abel and my sister meet. It would be wonderful if her memories return, but… separating them feels too cruel.”

Delphia continued with a bitter expression.

“…I just want my sister to be happy now.”

Having supported their relationship as much as I did, I understood his feelings best.

I wanted Abel to be happy, and Delphia wanted Isis to be happy. And Abel and Isis seemed happiest when they were together.

“But will they be able to meet?”

I was worried about the Marquis of Seville. But Delphia nodded.

“They have to. Before it’s too late.”

He seemed determined. I didn’t know exactly what his plan was, but I decided to trust him.

I nodded firmly.

“I’ll do everything I can to help. I want to see Abel smile like he used to.”

“Yes, let’s do this together.”

Delphia gave a soft smile. Having him by my side was reassuring.

* * *

Isis was someone who couldn’t help but be loved by everyone. Anyone who saw her would surely fall for her. As proof, both Abel and I did.

She was not only beautiful but also had a strong and unwavering spirit that was impossible not to admire.

Abel and I were saved by her, allowing us to live as proper human beings.

Because of that, I felt indebted to Isis. It was a debt I probably wouldn’t be able to repay even over a lifetime.

…And that’s why seeing Raiden was uncomfortable for me.

I knew in my head that without concrete evidence, it wasn’t right to avoid him. But my heart couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

However, showing these emotions would be foolish. As someone employed by him, I had to fulfill my duties as a servant.

I just wanted to get rid of these feelings. I wanted to uncover the truth behind all the events as soon as possible.

Watching Raiden’s tired and weary face, I clenched my fist.

…Is he still having trouble sleeping these days?

Or was he just on edge because all the kingdom’s nobility had gathered at the Akaruth estate?

I cautiously approached Raiden, who was lying on the sofa.

“…Your Grace.”

“Speak.”

“Miss Amy asked if you would join her for dinner.”

“Decline.”

Declining was also an issue.

“Shall I tell her you are busy…?”

I glanced at Raiden, who had his eyes closed. Although he didn’t seem particularly busy right now, being busy was always a good excuse.

Raiden didn’t respond.

“Your Grace…?”

Thinking he might be asleep, I called him in a timid voice. Only then did he finally speak.

“…Do as you like. Saying I’m unwell isn’t a bad excuse either.”

Even though he had been listening, his slow responses were a bit annoying.

Did he notice my irritation? Raiden slightly opened his eyes. The sunlight streaming in from the window made his gray eyes look even more vivid.

“Then I’ll tell her that.”

Raiden slowly rose from the sofa and spoke.

“You.”

Raiden looked at me and let out a deep sigh.

“…Is something wrong?”

“N-no? Why would there be anything wrong with me!?”

I thought I hadn’t shown any signs.

Raiden looked at me with a prolonged gaze and then let out a self-deprecating laugh.

The atmosphere instantly grew colder.

I watched him and cautiously opened my mouth.

“…Then, I will take my leave.”

There was no response. But his silence always signified consent, so I started walking towards the door.

I hurried to push the door open to escape this space.

But strangely, the firmly closed door wouldn’t budge. It had opened and closed just fine earlier.

I struggled with the door, trying to open it with all my might, but it wouldn’t move.

‘Why is this happening?’

Despite using all my strength, the door remained immovable. The sweat on my hands and the dryness in my mouth increased with Raiden’s gaze on me from behind.

But at that moment, something hot touched my back.

Startled, I turned around, and Raiden’s voice resounded above my head.

“…If nothing is wrong-”

“……”

“Are you just avoiding me?”

His voice sounded like he was suppressing his emotions.

Because of that voice, I was afraid to look at his face. I gripped the handle tightly, feeling his gaze on my hand.

Finally, Raiden’s large hand covered mine on the door handle.

He turned the handle with his hand over mine. The door, which had been stuck, opened effortlessly.

But I couldn’t step outside easily. It was as if my legs were glued to the floor.

His chest pressed against my back felt unbearably hot. Every breath he took made the distance between us feel too close, making my face flush with heat.

“…You may go now.”

As his voice echoed from behind me, the sensation of his presence against my back disappeared. Instead, his large hand gently pushed me forward.

It was a very slight push, but it felt like a giant wave had pushed me away.

With a thud, the door closed firmly behind me.

* * *

Peter didn’t need to attend to the new guest. It was because Henry had pointed at me instead of Peter.

“Chase.”

And when I saw Delphia smiling brightly at me, I realized why.

“Welcome.”

It was Delphia who had specifically asked for me.

Even though it was late at night, Delphia’s room was as bright as his smile. He welcomed me warmly and led me to a chair.

“Being like this brings back old memories.”

“…It does.”

If Abel and Isis were here with us, it would truly feel like the old days.

I took a sip of the tea Delphia had prepared in advance.

“By the way, have you seen Brother Abel?”

At my question, Delphia nodded slightly. A hint of joy flickered across his face.

“Was he happy to see you too?”

“Yes. I’ve never seen Abel so excited.”

Delphia, who had always seen the usually emotionless Abel, remarked that it was something to live long enough to see.

“By the way, about my sister and Abel…”

This was the important part. I listened closely to his words.

“I’m planning for the meeting to happen on the day of the banquet.”

“The day of the banquet?”

“Yes.”

Delphia pulled his chair closer.

“I intend for them to meet towards the end of the banquet. So, it should be around midnight. What do you think?”

“I have no objections. As long as my sister and Abel can meet… But may I ask why you chose that day?”

He shrugged lightly.

“It’s the day my sister visits the orphanage. Considering the time it takes to return to the capital, it works out perfectly.”

…Isis still visits the Fennel Orphanage.

“I’ve already told my sister to return to the mansion with me. I asked her to wait in front of the post office. And I’m planning to send an urgent telegram to Abel.”

It seemed he wanted their meeting to happen naturally in front of the post office.

“That sounds good. As long as they don’t miss each other…”

“Let’s just hope they don’t.”

Delphia forced a smile. Noticing my concern, he gently patted my shoulder.