FTA Ch 30
by winter< Chapter 30 >
“…”
Leonid remained silent for a long time, simply watching Gloria.
His green eyes had darkened, a heavy mix of emotions swirling within them.
It took him quite some time to finally speak the words he had been intending to say.
“When I watched the fireworks, I used to wonder if that child in the imperial palace was truly happy.”
Looking at the dazzling fireworks, Leonid had often imagined what it would be like to live a life celebrated by everyone.
“Yes, I thought. Surely it would be different for her. She must be happy with so many people celebrating the day she was born. But then…”
“…”
“At other times, I wondered if she was also gazing at the fireworks alone, just like me.”
To think he’d worried about that little girl, as if he were in a position to do so.
“But from now on, since you will sincerely celebrate her birthday and always be by her side…”
Leonid cast aside the weight of his memories and fixed his gaze on Gloria.
“She will surely spend happy days here from now on.”
After a brief silence, he spoke again with certainty in his voice.
“Just as I do.”
Gloria found herself unable to respond.
His unreserved trust filled her chest with warmth, though it also made her feel slightly embarrassed.
“You tend to see me as a better person than I really am.”
“No, I don’t.”
“…”
“I’m simply describing what I see.”
Once again, Leonid’s voice rang out with firm confidence.
“It has nothing to do with any ‘tendency’ of mine.”
Gloria was at a complete loss for words.
As she struggled to process his remark, Leonid’s lips faintly curved into the slightest smile before he changed the subject.
“So, I suppose that child will be staying here with us from now on?”
Finally recalling their earlier conversation, Gloria nodded quickly.
“Yes. That’s what’s been decided. You’re not upset about it, are you?”
“Are you worried I might be upset?”
Leonid furrowed his brow in confusion, as though her concern was incomprehensible.
“Why would you worry about that?”
“Well…”
“I’ve told you countless times. Whatever decisions you make, I intend to follow them without question.”
“…”
‘Ah…’
Whether this unyielding trust was a good thing or something to be concerned about, Gloria wasn’t entirely sure.
For now, it just left her feeling awkward.
Avoiding his straightforward gaze, she turned her eyes away.
* * *
The next day.
Gloria arranged a meeting between Leonid and Claude early in the morning.
With Unite’s sudden visit the previous day, the introduction had been postponed until now.
“This is Claude Lisandrus,” Gloria said, gesturing toward the man, who smiled brightly.
“He’s not formally hired yet. I decided on a probationary period to see if he’s trustworthy.”
At that, Leonid, lounging lazily in his seat, tilted his head slightly, his curiosity piqued.
“So, does that mean he’s currently *not* trustworthy?”
“Correct.”
Gloria had no habit of beating around the bush, even with the person standing right in front of her.
She was so blunt that even Leonid, and Claude too, were momentarily taken aback.
But it was only for a moment.
“…If they’re that kind of person, wouldn’t it be better not to bring them in at all?”
Leonid quickly wiped away his surprised expression and returned to his usual neutral demeanor, sitting up straight.
“If you describe him this way, then I can only assume he’s quite suspicious.”
Leonid fixed Claude with a sharp, assessing gaze, his seriousness evident.
“I will do my best to earn my master’s trust,” Claude said with a serene smile
his attention directed not at Leonid but at Gloria.
“…Master?”
Both Leonid and Gloria turned their incredulous gazes toward Claude, who remained unfazed.
“Who’s this ‘master’ you’re talking about?”
The question escaped Gloria, her voice laced with disbelief.
Never in her life had she imagined herself being addressed in such a way.
“Please don’t call me something so strange. Just call me Gloria, as you’ve always done.”
“That won’t do. As a butler, I must maintain the proper demeanor and address my employer accordingly. I cannot compromise on this.”
“…”
“I pledged my absolute loyalty to my master from the moment I stepped into this estate—both body and soul.”
“…”
“So, please grant me the honor, Master.”
‘Body and soul? Loyalty?’
The shock rendered Gloria and Leonid speechless as they stared blankly at Claude.
In contrast, Claude remained utterly composed, as though their reactions were of no concern.
“By the way, will you not introduce this noble gentleman to me, Master?”
With an elegant smile that made his red eyes sparkle, Claude cocked his head inquisitively.
Finally snapping out of her daze, Gloria responded, albeit with a slightly reluctant expression.
“This is the Grand Duke of Iberk, Leonid.”
Gloria gestured toward Leonid with her hand, introducing him. Claude, adopting a seemingly serious expression, fixed his gaze on Leonid.
“As expected of someone chosen by my master, he possesses an exceptionally pure soul.”
‘What on earth was this cult like nonsense?’
Gloria stared at Claude in disbelief.
Whether he realized her reaction or not, Claude soon shifted his gaze from Leonid to her and offered a soft smile.
“I must say, I’m truly looking forward to life in this castle.”
“…”
Gloria glanced at Leonid to gauge his reaction. He was staring intently at Claude, his expression suggesting he had much to say.
It appeared Leonid, too, found Claude’s comment bizarre, akin to something a heretic might say.
‘To hear someone call your soul ‘pure’ upon first meeting you… it’s only natural to feel dumbfounded.’
Gloria privately wondered whether Leonid and Claude would ever get along.
Suppressing a sigh, she shifted her gaze to the window. Sunlight streamed in brightly, illuminating the room.
Regardless, today was yet another peaceful day.
* * *
Since Claude entered the castle, it had been gradually regaining its old, elegant appearance.
He effortlessly completed the work of ten people. He was an extraordinarily competent butler.
It wasn’t just because he was good at his job; it seemed like he was also using his magical abilities in just the right places.
Gloria vaguely picked up on this fact but chose to ignore it, not wanting to pay attention to it.
‘It’s convenient, after all.’
Not only Claude, but Unite and Lorelein also settled naturally into the castle’s rhythms.
Unite, in particular, brought lively energy to the once quiet halls, her cuteness invigorating the entire household.
Gloria found herself growing fond of this new atmosphere. She even dared to hope that she could spend many peaceful days like this with such good people.
But it only took a few days for trouble to arrive.
“…What? Unite is unwell?”
Gloria had been waiting in the garden to meet Unite for their planned lunch.
When Unite didn’t appear despite the passage of time, Gloria had begun to wonder.
That’s when Lorelein appeared alone and broke the unexpected news.
“What’s wrong with her?”
“Well… I believe the stress she’s endured until now has taken a toll. It seems to have resulted in a fever.”
Perhaps the relief of finally being in a safe place had caused the tension in Unit’s body to subside.
She was now running a fever with a case of what seemed to be exhaustion.
“Are you sure it’s just a common fever?”
“There are no other significant symptoms beyond the fever.”
Relieved by Lorelein’s explanation, Gloria let out a small sigh.
“Well, that’s somewhat comforting…”
But Lorelein’s expression remained grave.
It was as though she had more to say but was hesitating, unsure whether she should speak.
Her overly serious demeanor seemed to surpass the concern of a knight worried for her lady.
“So, she has a high fever?”
Gloria decided it would be best for her to personally check on Unite’s condition.
The moment Gloria stood up, Lorelein’s face noticeably brightened.
“I will escort you.”
“Alright, then.”
What an incredibly awkward knight.
‘It’s not like I asked her to slay a monster.’
All Gloria wanted was for someone to check on Unite, which didn’t seem like such an unreasonable request.
Yet here was Lorelein, unable to muster the courage to suggest it herself, hovering indecisively instead of taking action.
Suppressing a sigh, Gloria followed Lorelein toward Unite’s bedroom.