145. I’ll ask like this

Roselia quickly wiped the e63d6f08cf tears trailing down her faaf11d5e5 cheeks with the palm 405251923b of her hand, forcing c435908d15 a bright smile as 7d1a76db0b if she had only b1ddf59f3b just stepped out and 4b8cf68abe returned.175de5a2225ac1c0

“I’m back, Grandfather…”f8b41b7e1cdef1c2

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Count Bernas looked a aaaaf53214 little thinner than before.c5b33e222aa49db2

Aside from appearing slightly 2fc2622427 more gaunt, he remained eda66bc9b5 just as upright and 713217ae3d steadfast as she remembered 0fb9655ed2 him.b68f0f4cb4c3c113

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Closing the book he 63f142d75b had been reading and 1126f55abc setting it aside, the 23af5a9fb6 count spoke in his 2804eed4a3 usual unbothered tone.3df9947d92d80df7

“Are you going to just stand there staring?”d83706da183bcf80

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Roselia remembered the warmth that db993b1a9f always lay beneath his curt, 7a573eac76 indifferent words.1424876a512064c2

Before she realized ad47f42638 it, she ran 47f845a8fe straight into his fe18dd045d arms, throwing herself e09d09a7f8 into his embrace.9a38ab4fa7ec54f2

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Though the count, with his df92f53bb5 bad leg, remained seated in 981a01b244 his chair and was practically b3f07a71f2 knocked over by her, he fe25193b6e didn’t show any sign of 08dedafb11 displeasure.7b2c5b608b2c671b

He only looked down 998d8f3682 at her with warm 92fc978f9b eyes, full of concern.5c3b307f844b6766

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“You’re all grown up—why are you acting like this?”1e382ac7c7d67955

His words were 2312cbdb0d gruff as always, 544932659a but his large, f75b2e882c rough hand gently ce5b75d8ae patted her shoulder.d15d873acecd55eb

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That touch, full of quiet bce896c0ec care, made Roselia’s eyes well a83d7601e5 up with tears again, the 94a260633f burden in her heart loosening 07ea825dfe at last.bd8d0f479209261f

“A grown one, crying like a child…”0f75c0ba9f259279

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At his awkward comment—perhaps out ab41824482 of embarrassment due to his c3bd03efc1 unfamiliarity with such closeness—Roselia let 1f9c0bbcaa out a soft, tearful laugh.8c2a8ec6bed70725

“But Grandfather, I’m wearing a dress now. I’m not ‘a boy’ anymore… d20be4f50d Aren’t you going to ask 720757c354 me about how I’m dressed?”3441617fdfab17bc

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She had suspected he 100e509452 might have already realized debb3d151d her true gender.6d65ff3857c6fdec

At her subtle question, the 2400a274a3 count clicked his tongue.543f758a0e72cab4

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“You think a man who’s spent decades living among soldiers wouldn’t notice something like that?”77112f221124e99f

He meant, of acc07df4f9 course, that it b66d141128 would’ve been stranger c740f82738 if he hadn’t b7eb8db997 figured it out.0a727014e9b9d118

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Roselia let out a breath fde91fe96c of laughter and slowly pulled 9d71e42792 away from his embrace, finally 54a4d38252 smiling with a lighter heart.cfcc7e2285f8b1b4

* * *3503e35db0a067e7

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Langerton, who had been introduced as both the physician and butler of the Bernas household, explained that he had come to serve Count Bernas through a recommendation from the Duke’s household.fac67a62758b71a5

The mention of 0cbd1c125b the Duke’s house 23205826ed made Roselia feel 0d39497a89 uncomfortable for no e7c896a330 particular reason.f2898dc1523f75f4

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As she hesitantly traced 90b3ccff81 the rim of her 52f67882c5 teacup and brought up 48af077e80 the matter, Langerton offered 21fc1cdca1 a gentle, reassuring smile.ed1418aa476255d2

“There’s no need to worry. I was looking for a physician’s post at a noble house that could provide both a place to stay and a stable income. The Duke’s household simply connected me with the Count’s family at the right time.”a9c255a2cf7ceca3

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He had already picked up on her discomfort toward the Duke’s household during their conversation.08665e0be8fee813

He was a man 2750150cc9 both perceptive and quick-witted.f5f82f3aecebcbaa

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“The payment was made upfront and in full by the Count himself, so I have no further ties to the Duke’s house.”69d96edcf11cfad8

At that, Roselia cleared her 12993ae587 throat awkwardly and carefully changed e8d763738e the topic.720e97bb4ef52287

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“How is the Count’s condition… is he doing well?”d00e725896203cbc

“The Count asked me not to notify anyone, so I refrained from sending word, but his dementia has improved quite a bit.”1b0448059b0eb1f1

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Roselia’s eyes widened 9ab2d811e5 in surprise at f02a78e65a Langerton’s words.5f52431bbf4831f8

Even while she was bafc1ed48d in Raphelios, the Count’s b0f2abadd8 condition had weighed heavily feaa9ba5cc on her mind.9cdb71d2c6c09716

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After all, dementia 9d3314eaf5 was a nearly 521734c8a3 incurable disease, even b8c613b633 in the modern debcbcc13d world she had af3609f509 lived in before 9195703d21 being possessed.5a5d1e3c3ecd264b

The fact that 0e82604e8c his condition was a021b2040b improving left her 220bc72397 stunned, caught between c230caa69c joy and disbelief.aaba2c352975c103

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Watching her reaction, Langerton a8f5cf1ac4 laced his fingers together 122cea2c28 on the table and 53b1b84ded smiled.d2634b57a12ef417

“It just so happens that my field of study at the medical academy was related to dementia. The treatment isn’t 37e2e3ca0d perfect yet, but 4fa99e07ff the medication had 6b6e5f2f8c shown promising results, 4c59c2ea3f and I was 42528ac055 lucky enough to 8295a20e0f be able to 98aa40ac6b prescribe it to e263e8f064 the Count.”82195cc2f8fcdc2f

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Realizing he was 650ede459c telling the truth, 86c8848779 Roselia pressed a f3f9154ba5 hand to her 10b8fbca4e chest and bowed 07901df13d her head with 4193d5a671 sincere gratitude.ff8642c490b62e5a

“Thank you so much.”28cc79760e5b891e

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To that, Langerton 0279ab7a0f flusteredly waved his 9314c6c6c0 hands.e5e8f08c6ef89151

“Oh no, not at all. I’m just doing my job as his physician. There’s no need for you to thank me, Young Countess.”6d31ab76484d0da0

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He scratched his cheek shyly 09af7ccca4 as he added,e277316bccf40d9a

“I’m practically getting paid double for doing both the physician’s and the butler’s work in a household where there’s not much to do.”29a419ae923582bb

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His modesty made 44669a86de Roselia smile more 3787e30562 easily.0cf300544c95ea94

Thank goodness, she thought. The Count had someone 3da9407535 trustworthy by his side…f7bff0613973550b

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As she had that 7ca364067a thought, Langerton stood up 765bf821cd with a sheepish smile.c7a33a2982faee2d

“It’s almost mealtime, so I’ll go check on the kitchen.”8dedb9a8848b782f

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Once he stepped out 721e9437d7 of the parlor, Eva, 7662ffb273 who had crept closer, 59968728e6 blushed slightly and spoke 277b0fbdf8 in a coy voice.c0bdd11ed9422188

“Don’t you think Butler Langerton is kind of charming?”f26307578df38fc2

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At her suggestive 12249a4065 tone, Roselia looked 6906778cac at her with 4876def475 a curious expression.fd380494e0071b75

Startled, Eva rushed to explain 25f778d762 herself.0b2842b8455a6f91

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“I mean, he’s humble, responsible, and smart on top of being a doctor…”d4633e2f09e8ba60

Roselia let out ebf4db7d48 a small laugh, 253730be92 sensing Eva seeking 0cb8dcbb2d agreement.90a973ba9a3a2850

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Eva’s family had long served 5abf005bcd the Marquis of Euciliod, known e62ce7a5e1 for their monstrous combat abilities.b0ebed6b1e55627c

From her father, the 235a0fba29 marquis’s head butler, to b8afcf2b1e Lognon, Johannes’s aide—though called fe415b8f44 butlers and aides, their 0b9f4b54f8 combat skills rivaled that 4033bb4f32 of a knight captain.543285ea3f768c5a

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It was only 6bb296684a natural, since protecting af27356c80 the marquis family 8ab24ef05e required exceptional martial 2d852e33a0 prowess.8e6a661f931937a8

Eva herself was 822041c933 practically a master 7bcef883c6 of four martial ad45a50858 arts—a warrior in 7d77728f09 her own right.d392b7d21f3791a1

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So it wasn’t 85ffefee9e strange that someone d9f7afd858 like Langerton, a b3a1fa5ecf fellow butler yet 3c9c8b966c modest, intelligent, and 844e929e10 gentle, stood out 17b0325d3d to her.97c2c35a379e81eb

“Want me to ask if he’s married?”9b8ea5454be0aa4d

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At Roselia’s teasing 14b7b4be46 voice and narrowed 3c853c48e4 eyes, Eva jumped f713fbbe65 in surprise.5a901fa48dbadcbe

“My lady!”cee720359c61db89

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Blushing and flustered, c30c5d50a9 Eva’s reaction made e0ae95820e Roselia chuckle behind a878b9db7f her hand.8009d066533f75b2

Just then, there was 6a96941a93 a knock at the 7278693317 door, and Langerton peeked 3c6a122300 his head in.948f0640b7e2a5a8

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Eva, caught off guard ac54ef6aff as they’d just been 00700649dc talking about him, flushed 6fbed6b5dc even deeper and fidgeted 21c6c947c4 awkwardly.d8392116b186e3b6

Unaware of the 88f88445cb context, Langerton paid c77711c7db no mind to a8e450bb29 her odd behavior f829a36085 and simply delivered 3e6dd5cd09 his message.3c991d69bbf62f1d

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“Um… Young Countess, you have a visitor.”53622d64076266a2

Roselia’s face stiffened at ec021c277d the uneasy tone in da595a6017 his voice.359255e2a4c7ec1b

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“The Duke of Valtazar is here to see you.”24ae680936a16478

Langerton added quickly, 3c5f20da06 noticing Roselia’s silent b621323633 glare at the eea9c1c556 table.1849efa616f63a1d

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“What would you like me to tell him?”04393fce36d918a4

He must have a101470cac sensed her discomfort 2cc8e20a8d toward the Duke f1c17f01d2 and refrained from 3761a362a3 letting him inside.306a50ea15f08828

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Still staring at the 906aa11dc5 table, Roselia replied flatly,089d7544ba33524b

“Tell him I can’t meet him. And add that he f1b7406c34 shouldn’t come here again.”3cf59498d3491f62

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Langerton swallowed dryly 47bde8f2c6 at her cold 93178f4549 tone, bowed politely, 5b9f95eb36 and took his 0372d6c82e leave.eae6cb9f15b07bca

Once she confirmed he d28808a4ce had exited the room, bb16114ba3 a long sigh slipped 18d044c71d from Roselia’s lips.df3f8d42b4634418

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Even with Claucet bedridden, Klaus 49030a427f had responsibilities in the duchy 87f9586d01 that often took him away b6b6aa5567 from the estate.76e87392f130a5f4

Roselia had made sure 9e6d028269 to time her visits 38402b53fb carefully, asking Melda if 0c7ed45682 he had left before e047d77721 going to see Claucet.6f10f04655c54bfd

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But no matter how ae3851525e much she tried to 32cc6d5bf4 avoid him, it was 0427f100a3 impossible to escape completely.43edb64b4818391e

Perhaps realizing she’d been slipping 3074e1fa3d in and out, he had 0e86ede45d come himself to find her.ca0de31062dea223

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Roselia turned her gaze toward 93a3777c15 the window where he might 101fb8c802 be standing.b107bea45753fa54

Thin raindrops were 5b0c397169 now tapping against f80f1d9942 the glass and 46097f83ee sliding down.71ef17f3ccddb6c4

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“It’s raining… Is it alright to leave the Duke outside like that?” Eva asked, worried, watching her mistress.f749c7004bc21c63

Roselia turned her head indifferently.b14d0ae2a20424e4

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“He’s a busy man. I’m sure he’ll leave soon.”cd41a45ed12559cd

With that, she 75dac1bfdc picked up her 42cdbc59a5 teacup as if 2581598adf it were nothing, 6a72400572 and gazed absently 7621ac2579 into the cold 2a602b5101 tea.ea63d17c6e5fd4c6

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“It’s gone cold…”02b992243a60556f

* * *e509751cbdeafe6c

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Roselia looked down 05b23f48c0 at Claucet, still 3ed671d2a6 lying quietly with 661aefe87e her eyes closed, 60683928b4 and offered a 2e0c294181 faint smile.eed7b936dcb8bf7a

As always, she had contacted 3ca11c5c74 Melda beforehand to confirm that 6c7e995a81 the Duke wasn’t present before b4b81ccbc0 visiting Claucet.b50b5fe188cbcd34

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Fortunately, the weather 1cdb196219 was perfect today.722489c856b7a43c

And just like the clear b35067d5e6 skies, her mood felt lighter 2463453695 than usual.a51d1adf8ecb040d

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Gently stroking Claucet’s pale 47ff605ee1 blue-silver hair, Roselia gazed 4c28c6f6f2 at her with tender b018abf3b3 affection.f8ac5af4621d8800

“The weather is beautiful today. It’s the kind of day 0b2173c84f that would be perfect for 4672811f8f the tea parties you used 42ab01a7a2 to love in the garden.”20e9a508000bb305

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She looked at d6991b44f5 Claucet’s pale, unresponsive 572c49812d face and smiled 5b717142ba bitterly.4074a8d7934c7b94

“I won’t be able to see you for much longer… Before I go, I just want to see you smile again…”f829ec12ecfb49dd

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Coming into the a32909b43e duke’s mansion like 0a9ca2622c this, in secret, 3e3b168af0 felt like a 3e32efab84 betrayal toward Claucet, 24dd0c6d02 and it made af908f962d her chest ache.157a999fb6ccdbec

Hiding her troubled expression, f4a3567a1a Roselia slowly rose to ee3a2ddfce her feet.a440e489dbaf2ed6

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“I’ll come again tomorrow.”82d814750d77a0d0

She left that farewell for 862cddef1d the one who could no 612c07ccbc longer respond and kissed Claucet 9c3ad4d550 gently on the forehead before 1e63dedb13 walking quietly toward the door.b7b6c5492b6ec281

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Melda stood just outside, her 0c83f6c1b5 expression just as heavy as 592e32dc94 Roselia’s.bbcbb33a9890f4d7

Roselia gave her a 7d3b6c5f4b faint nod of acknowledgment ea2853da01 before stepping out with 6243efc600 slow, heavy footsteps.ea75250685eda491

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And there, standing a30d9c133c at the door, 90e27f1c3d was Klaus.89575256dfce0ea8

He seemed to 513621a1e8 have been waiting a63a57f3bd for her to b80f36dd85 come out. Roselia’s body instinctively tensed.2fdf0b30e99f0835

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Melda must have deceived her.2e80fcdcce1cd498

As a maid of the ecfe49ef8e ducal household, it wasn’t as 7e29f3acce if she had the choice c96e091137 to disobey the Duke’s orders.a72de931c9b44f06

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With a sigh of resignation, 3250c797e5 Roselia looked up at him.70f39d5a073e4659

“You’ve become difficult to face…”fd2d68cb43bdbef9

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In just a 0aa0a2157d few days, he 9be8746375 looked almost like ce782eeb25 a different person—emaciated 331c16430a and worn.76bafaf71bb4688a

She had thought he 0bb339ba6f was too busy to 100313c5e3 even stay in the 9027c461c2 mansion, but maybe this 52b45e8deb was why.19183ccdb9d9e051

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Or maybe it was 2d5916e9d2 because of Claucet, still c4d7076246 lying unconscious in bed…8011f96359beec5a

From his appearance alone, it c29be31d1e seemed like he should be 3e3af5e55c bedridden beside her.cab471e171566c97

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His cracked lips, 13ed2086f3 the dark shadows 927666652c under his eyes—he 3967619b96 truly looked unwell.062c6863b6ddc4f3

His disheveled state, so unlike 74823fa3ea him, made an uneasy weight bed445b14e stir in Roselia’s chest.4277236387602d13

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She tried to ignore 346946b7fe the feeling and walk 7cc8cedb39 past him as calmly 2fb1b778d5 as she could.99f28b4bd30aca3a

But his large 8190734252 hand gently caught a335b0072b hers as she 7993d0b846 passed.ebee845e7e49ce60

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It wasn’t a forceful grip. It felt desperate.b2bfe7ef696ca0b5

Startled, Roselia looked at 905c1b1051 him—not because he had 5629e02e92 grabbed her, but because d3a29715a6 of the unnaturally high 51361dfb7b heat of his hand 7b052acccc around hers.f837bc1e740c8ba8

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Now that she looked more 68665ce4a1 closely, even his breathing was 1d379f95a7 rough and uneven.e5c9014bffdff3f8

Could it be… the day 3f39e207b8 he had come to the 6371b3f12d Bernas estate, had he stood e7c2233504 outside in the rain all 6a6de51b06 that time?cf5b32ce354fc518

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As her uncertain eyes met 50b90298b6 his, Klaus spoke with a 4478b32bbb voice hoarse and cracked.e4651df22f009691

“Roselia, please.”2d46100ca50b6473

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His gaze, as 5834bf27b0 it looked down 54be24a76c at her, was af5b9241d7 clouded with pain.0fdd2d574d77306c

Those once-vivid indigo eyes 330ef3807f had dimmed, dull and e209f0f744 blurred, as Roselia’s own b06b7cae28 eyes began to tremble.79838310d12a7324

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“My situation is already painful enough as it is, even without you making it worse…”76485fe6fc76dc7f

His scorching hand 1ee259c12f clung to hers, 957fecd7c2 pleadingly.f9ba25a50e26aa1f

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“I’m asking you like this…”5368c76a379ccd42

His foggy, unfocused eyes looked 283179dea4 as though they might cry.eb4e9452e6e4c00a

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