Chapter 69

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 69

Chapter Title: Why Am I So Restless?

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The comic book publishing business was going smoothly.

The blackout curtain operation, which Mrs. Rainy had taken full charge of, had now solidified into a proper factory system—no need for me to keep tabs on it anymore.

The same went for the tumbler and thermos business with the Magic Tower using Partanium.

Everything seemed perfectly fine up to this point.

But... surely, there had to be a but...

Why did I feel so suffocated!?

"Uwaaaah!!"

Burying my face in the bed and screaming didn't ease the clogged-up sensation at all.

Me—the one who found pure bliss in never stepping foot outside!

Me—the one who was thrilled just sitting on the bed all day and trying a new dessert!

How had I ended up in this state, staring endlessly at a closed door...?

Of course, I'd given it some thought myself, figuring out the reason.

After all, time was the one thing I had in abundance lately.

And the conclusion I'd reached was this:

'Turns out, I'm actually someone with a strong sense of responsibility.'

Having unfinished business I couldn't touch was driving me insane.

It was proof enough that, both in the past and now, I'd thrown myself into every task like a slave.

"It's not a bad trait, exactly..."

In fact, when it came to my body, it felt like I'd finally started recovering properly, as if it should have been this way ages ago.

My shoulders, which had felt haunted day by day, were lightening up.

The problem was that mentally, I still felt chased, anxious even as it happened.

'If I relax like this, all the postponed work could come crashing down at once.'

I desperately wanted to kick the door open and bolt right now, but I couldn't.

Because just a few days ago, unable to stand the impatience, I'd tried sneaking out and run straight into Ian standing guard at the door.

Ian had blocked my path with an unprecedentedly stern face.

"No escaping."

"W-wait, I was just going for a walk...?"

"Your personal maid stepped away, so wait."

"Even for a normal walk!?"

That sharp gaze he fixed on me was still burned into my memory.

And this from the guy who'd begged for part-time shifts—now he was always posted at my door. It was downright bizarre.

Yes, we'd agreed to extend his hours, but that didn't mean 24/7 shifts. How was this possible!?

'Did he quit his main job or something?'

But... come to think of it, Ian had lost a friend to something similar, so maybe my situation was triggering his trauma.

'Yeah, let's go with that.'

Anyway, lately everyone—including Bonita—was treating me like fragile tofu that might crumble any second.

But I couldn't live like this forever.

"Sigh..."

Even for a breath of fresh air, I had to wait for Bonita.

Still, knowing this overprotectiveness(?) stemmed from genuine worry, I decided to stay put obediently.

'Just hang in there a bit longer!'

.

.

.

That thought had crossed my mind barely an hour ago.

"So, how's the tea aroma?"

Why had my peaceful walk turned into tea time with the Duke!?

"Y-yes, it's... of course."

I forced an awkward smile and sipped the warm tea.

Sure, I'd been dying for Bonita to return, and leaving the room together had been great.

But no sooner had we taken a few steps than we bumped into the Duke near the hall.

"Out for a stroll, I see."

Before I could even speak, he'd jumped in as if waiting, offering his arm to escort me.

And Bonita, who usually stuck to me like glue...

"Hee hee hee! Have a nice time!"

She'd ditched me with the Duke.

Thus began my torturous walk. But why had it dragged on into this awkward tea time?

...I had plenty to say, but it all started with my slip of the tongue.

"While rereading our old letters, it crossed my mind—how about using Golbro's mercenaries again for the wall construction project in the duchy?"

"...I don't recall mentioning the wall project to you, Princess. How did you know?"

"Oh, I overheard your aides talking as they passed by. So I gave it some thought."

I'd answered casually, but the Duke's expression turned peculiar. Like he was annoyed or something.

"...Ha, looks like you can't get work out of your head, Princess. You love it that much, huh."

"Pardon?"

"Then why not dive into it properly."

"Y-yes!?"

In the end, dragged into tea time by the oddly offended Duke, I opened my mouth again to break the awkward air.

"Um, but... this is about work...?"

"Tea first."

"Yes, sir."

What the employer says goes.

I picked up the freshly set teacup and soothed my parched throat.

This tea... it was pretty good?

"The aroma is exceptional. Do you import or distribute it regularly?"

"A gift. They say it's especially good for fatigue."

"Ah, I see..."

Silence fell after my words.

With nothing to say, I snuck glances at the Duke's face, pretending otherwise.

'His expression seems a bit better than before.'

But starting a conversation felt even harder.

Plus, I'd thought his complexion had improved since installing the blackout curtains...

'What happened to him?'

His dark circles had deepened noticeably.

His skin looked rough, like he hadn't slept in days, and his pupils were slightly dilated.

The exhaustion was obvious... like staring at a workaholic pulling double shifts—office drone by day, dawn delivery by night!?

'Is it just because he's a workaholic?'

According to the aides, the Duke was a relentless workaholic with no breaks.

I'd never seen him rest, either.

He only left his office for meals or to head out against monster waves.

"Um, are you okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"Your complexion looks poor..."

"Just a bit tired lately. I'm fine."

Maybe the one who needed rest wasn't me, but the Duke.

As I pondered seriously, dessert arrived right on cue.

"Wow."

The sweet aroma wafting from the tray before the desserts were even served made my mouth water.

The real thing was even better. The elegant vanilla flan, studded with whole vanilla beans, looked mouthwatering just to behold.

"Dig in."

"Yes!"

At the Duke's urging, I swiftly speared my portion with a fork. The texture was divine, melting gently in my mouth—a flavor impossible to forget after one bite.

"D-delicious."

Forgetting all awkwardness in dessert heaven, I heard the Duke's voice.

"They said it'd be to your taste, Princess."

"M-my taste?"

Who?

I looked up at him across the table. He hadn't touched his tea or dessert, just stared at me.

"We analyzed your tastes based on desserts you've reordered twice or more. This vanilla flan is the culmination."

Listening quietly, I quickly spotted the oddity in his words.

"Thank you. But... why analyze my tastes?"

"To take better care of you."

"Why go to such lengths for me...?"

I was just a guest, right?

No, not exactly—a paying lodger, strictly speaking.

Either way, analyzing a mere lodger's preferences flew in the face of common sense as I knew it.

"And you even cut my lodging fees because I've been sick and using fewer services."

Was it yesterday?

The bill Liam brought included a 40% discount on monthly room and board.

"Due to your illness, Princess, service usage is low. Poor condition might stem from inadequate home care, so His Grace ordered a temporary reduction in lodging fees."

Recalling that made the Duke's kindness feel even stranger.

He, who should treat me with icy detachment dripping from every word...

He, who should be desperate to squeeze every penny from me...

Why was he treating me so well?

As my expression grew weirder, the silently watching Duke finally spoke.

"Is that a problem?"

His counterquestion furrowed my brow.

His face looked genuinely clueless.

"It's not a problem, but why would you, Your Grace...?"

"You worry me."

His serious answer left me speechless for a moment.