Chapter 36

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 36

Chapter Title: The Count's Circumstances (6)

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The desserts the kitchen had been preparing lately came in generous portions. The shock of that pound cake had taught me a valuable lesson. So I'd gone straight to the chef and specially requested extra-large servings.

"Won't that be too much for the Master to eat?"

"He seems lonely eating alone, so he keeps inviting me to join him. Even when I say it's fine, he insists... How could I refuse the Master's request? If sharing it eases his loneliness even a little, I'd gladly eat with him, even if it means being presumptuous."

I placed both hands over my heart and shamelessly spun my lie. The chef was moved and swore to make something delicious. That was the result. Thanks to it, these days I was the one eagerly awaiting his desserts more than he was. Coming here had driven home just how much deliciousness the world had to offer.

The cake plate was empty in no time. Good things disappear fast. Staring at the empty plate, I smacked my lips in regret.

"Eat this too."

Lucas held out the cake he'd only taken one bite of. An angel! I asked in感動 if that was really okay, even as my hand was already snatching his plate.

Vincent's gaze landed on us immediately. His plate was empty too. I pulled the plate closer to my side, wary of him.

"Th-this is from Lord Lucas."

"Who said anything?"

He tossed the words out arrogantly and flung down his fork. Instead, he picked up his teacup. Then he grimaced and pulled it away from his mouth. He turned the cup upside down—nothing. He'd been so focused on the cake that he'd forgotten to pour the tea.

His dissatisfied gaze pierced me. I flinched. Lucas picked up the teapot and poured into his cup instead.

"Here, bro. Drink up."

"Not sure who's supposed to be serving whom."

Vincent brought the cup to his lips. I set down my fork.

"My appetite's suddenly gone. Want more?"

"Don't lie. Finish it."

"Weren't you the one who wanted more? I thought you were sulking because I took it."

"I'm not that petty."

"Of course not."

Vincent loved sweets, and I'd only recently discovered my own sweet tooth, so the portions always left me wanting. Depending on the dessert, the flavor and size varied, which sometimes made the longing even stronger.

That led to these subtle tussles between us over the treats. He always started it, but sometimes I'd snag a bit more. Just a tiny bit, a finger's width, when he wasn't looking.

But with his sight gone and his other senses sharpened, he never let his guard down. He'd shoot me a look that said he knew exactly what I was doing, and honestly, it was a little scary every time. How much did he love sweets?

All the more reason to be bold. Whenever he gave me that look, I'd offer him more, like want some? Of course, I knew he'd refuse. His pride wouldn't let him take back what he'd already given to a maid.

So this time too, I pushed the plate toward him, saying he could have it if he wanted. Vincent waved me off. He wouldn't eat anything with my spit on it. No, how much could there be? I insisted it was just a little as I offered it again, when suddenly Lucas burst out laughing. His eyes were fixed on the plate. Truth be told, it was already spotless.

"The more I watch, the more fascinating she is."

Lucas said something that could have been praise or not. I pretended not to hear and set the plate down. I'd momentarily forgotten we had another guest. Vincent gave a look asking what that meant. I prayed Lucas would shut up.

Fortunately, the still-smiling Lucas changed the subject.

"You two get along well."

"Hardly."

"You've got the wrong idea."

Our replies came at the same time. We both looked at each other. I blinked, and he—unable to see—widened his eyes as if he could.

Lucas added that this was what getting along looked like. Vincent just downed his tea without a word, and I cleared the empty plates. Meanwhile, Lucas's laughter echoed through the garden.

I quietly pulled out a book. I'd decided to ignore the weird noises. Vincent seemed to agree, as the topic shifted naturally.

As I settled into position, Lucas gave me a puzzled look.

"What are you doing?"

"Reading to you."

"A book?"

Lucas's gaze fixed on the book in my hands. I cleared my throat. Vincent calmly sipped his tea. Lucas's eyes flicked to Vincent, then back to me.

"You're going to read it aloud?"

"Yes."

It was obvious. Why ask? I opened the book and began reading fluently. It was sudden, but Vincent listened as if it were routine.

Today's book was a medium-length children's adventure tale. Hard books were tough to read. Long ones broke concentration. I'd recently realized short, simple stories were easier to read and better to share.

It was a carefully chosen one. Lucas was shocked by the story riding on my voice. He stared openly at Vincent, but Vincent ignored him, focusing solely on my voice. That let me immerse myself in the reading too. I had to stay sharp—one slip, and criticism would follow.

Lucas's shock gradually faded as he watched us. Then, at some point, he scooted his chair closer to Vincent.

"Why are you crowding me."

"I want to listen too."

The two men sat side by side, ears tuned to my voice. I'd never noticed it alone with Vincent, but reading to an extra listener made me tense. It affected my delivery—my breath hitched a few times. I saw Vincent frown but quickly pushed on, pretending nothing happened.

Lucas's eyes sparkled like a child's. Whether it was the situation or my literacy that amazed him, his stare prickled my skin like pins and needles. It felt like reading fairy tales to little siblings.

And he was fully engaged.

"So what happens next?"

"Oh? Well, what happens is..."

He didn't just listen passively. He'd toss in questions now and then, ask my thoughts, or ramble on with trivia he'd picked up somewhere. Trivial chatter, but he seemed to enjoy it. Vincent frowned but didn't stop him. I was the one left bewildered, stuck as his conversation partner.

"The camaraderie and love gained through adventure. It's a story with a great lesson."

When I finished, he even shared his impressions.

"Yeah. Did you enjoy it?"

"I loved it. The way you read so smoothly made it stick in my ears perfectly."

"You're too kind."

Thanks to someone. I stared at Vincent. The man who'd sigh pointedly at any flaw was leisurely sipping his tea—which must have gone cold by now. He sipped away, ignoring my gaze even though he surely felt it.

And his words, too.

"Better than before."

"Right, right."

I knew it. At this point, couldn't he say I was good now, no more critiques? His praise was so stingy.

But the other one showered too much.

"No resistance to your voice at all, so smooth. I never knew a story read aloud could be this engaging. You could feel the consideration for the listener. Your voice was great too... no, everything about it was perfect."

"I was just reading. If you have any good recommendations, let me know."

"Really? I'll pick the next one."

I laughed haha. Lucas had slyly secured an invite for next time.

"This is fun, bro. Right?"

"Eh."

The problem was the other guest's iciness. But Lucas, used to it, brushed it off.

"I had no idea you liked sweets this much. How'd you hide it?"

"Didn't hide it."

"You didn't eat like this."

"I didn't eat like this, but I ate them."

Lucas nodded. True enough.

"If I'd known sooner, I'd have brought some cakes. I know all the famous spots."

"No need."

Vincent refused flatly. Then added, what makes you think I'd accept from you? The words dripped with implication, but Lucas just laughed. He knew Vincent would devour them deliciously, he countered slyly.

For a moment, a peaceful air settled between them.

"Oh, right—I ordered that tea you like. It'll arrive here tomorrow. Still drinking it? The Noir blend."

"Yeah."

"You'll take that, right?"

"Can't refuse the sentiment."

I'd just run out of the gold-lettered stuff and was about to ask Isabella to get more. Perfect timing. I clearly remembered his disappointment when I mentioned the Noir tea was gone. And I knew the joy hidden behind that gruff demeanor.

Was he acting tough because it was his brother?

Oblivious, Lucas was just thrilled.

"Bro, honestly, I'm relieved."

"What're you on about."

"You look at ease. I'd heard, but I was worried. Even seeing it myself, I doubted. But living here... I get it now. You're really doing well. Thank goodness."

"......"

"I didn't even know you liked sweets. Or that you went on walks like this, listened to books, lived so peacefully."

Lucas chuckled briefly. He seemed happy, but a bitterness lingered. His eyes on Vincent brimmed with emotion, glistening as if one blink would bring tears.

"I'm really relieved."

Relief colored his voice.

Come to think of it, Lucas had said he'd blinded Vincent. So he already knew about Vincent's condition. Maybe even the 'something' Vincent was hiding.

I recalled the two talking in the room. Their conversation must carry more weight than I imagined. That explained Lucas's feelings toward Vincent now. His worry was genuine.

For a moment, this man Lucas looked different. Head down, lost in thought—it was almost touching?

But the感動 shattered quickly. Sadly, his sadness didn't reach its target. Vincent clicked his tongue.

"Gross."

"Is it?"

The sadness vanished instantly. Such a quick shift—I wondered if I'd hallucinated it. No, wasn't the sadness too short-lived?

Seeing Lucas beam again left me flustered.

"Must be thanks to her."

Now Lucas's attention turned to me. Caught off guard by the sudden praise, I blinked. Me?

"Thanks for staying by his side."

"N-no, not at all."

"No need to thank the obvious."

Quick comeback. What? I gaped at Vincent in disbelief. He didn't correct himself. Fine, honestly, it was obvious... but couldn't he be a little grateful?

Hmph! I snorted openly. Vincent ignored it completely. Jerk. Annoyed, I gulped down innocent tea. My throat was dry.

"Makes sense. With such a pretty lady by your side, how could you not perk up."

I spat out the tea.