145. I’ll ask like this

Roselia quickly wiped the c11756f4df tears trailing down her 50e17f0d1d cheeks with the palm 96421f441d of her hand, forcing 0f7cd47549 a bright smile as 1565e85129 if she had only 516aedc355 just stepped out and 4ae73d45a7 returned.a69500a4463ad97c

“I’m back, Grandfather…”fd27723525657fe5

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Count Bernas looked a 398f39fb66 little thinner than before.2ea4250db5421f21

Aside from appearing slightly 9b608b80a5 more gaunt, he remained 8269fc83cf just as upright and f0af414477 steadfast as she remembered 4d110be0f6 him.926f63f0818cbed4

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Closing the book 06d0395165 he had been 871b601b5a reading and setting 7584ab3e82 it aside, the ef803eb8e8 count spoke in 55f36bef2d his usual unbothered a0ad3318cf tone.5c49cadb12093c8f

“Are you going to just stand there staring?”9b1637446615d025

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Roselia remembered the warmth 1007e6133f that always lay beneath b8c7966534 his curt, indifferent words.952d63cf7396bdf3

Before she realized 4bccb33e5a it, she ran 7c441342fe straight into his e3a57cefd5 arms, throwing herself 13f6420f09 into his embrace.d8648a75d0954b45

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Though the count, with d8b106af48 his bad leg, remained 95386526a2 seated in his chair 6f32b0139e and was practically knocked 388915a482 over by her, he 5baed9bc9b didn’t show any sign 1085341c1f of displeasure.f2b625d19dcf0cc0

He only looked down 6b3ba45140 at her with warm f90632f955 eyes, full of concern.3d90e114b2f46de9

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“You’re all grown up—why are you acting like this?”10ea34ec001ec7be

His words were a580d75a0b gruff as always, 31b09c9108 but his large, 0768d5b72f rough hand gently 5d347bf3f8 patted her shoulder.73fca4442717ef2e

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That touch, full of 0fce14af55 quiet care, made Roselia’s 6125377d94 eyes well up with c872d0b252 tears again, the burden 79ae351779 in her heart loosening 2725d18a00 at last.3521220ad740d16a

“A grown one, crying like a child…”ec2a60326b02657c

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At his awkward comment—perhaps e00c465d42 out of embarrassment due 42c66163d7 to his unfamiliarity with cd6cdc565b such closeness—Roselia let out 8ae096027e a soft, tearful laugh.27216781c240cc2c

“But Grandfather, I’m wearing a dress now. I’m not ‘a boy’ bb54beb183 anymore… Aren’t you going c5ae40d913 to ask me about df1722a5d1 how I’m dressed?”5359d52b6d0e578d

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She had suspected he 6a533e4338 might have already realized c8c143cf13 her true gender.7ecf1560263d97bf

At her subtle question, the 6e9995e49b count clicked his tongue.20a15fcc8eb6c1b9

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“You think a man who’s spent decades living among soldiers wouldn’t notice something like that?”ff07e27faec8972a

He meant, of course, that 29f703007b it would’ve been stranger if 7ffb825380 he hadn’t figured it out.613c629b2cd3376a

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Roselia let out a f39c6ba6bc breath of laughter and af474980fe slowly pulled away from 7577aa530b his embrace, finally smiling 6aad77a712 with a lighter heart.887f7e051d0472e3

* * *8a4ab67d9c7720ad

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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.b57e68c4667e58c6

The mention of the 10b8424fa8 Duke’s house made Roselia bcf8752307 feel uncomfortable for no e5358061c8 particular reason.03f021abc4610a00

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As she hesitantly traced the 5904615006 rim of her teacup and 51f31d4aed brought up the matter, Langerton e12c108cdb offered a gentle, reassuring smile.2959ffad4f9a10af

“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.”2e9b3a6857178eb8

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He had already picked up on her discomfort toward the Duke’s household during their conversation.f0dbb4cf1e70ea41

He was a man both 1d59fc0e16 perceptive and quick-witted.ffd61593882d5fbc

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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.”9ff5e8f16434fc53

At that, Roselia cleared her 54151c4614 throat awkwardly and carefully changed 2c6e79aca9 the topic.ec546e62bf328a84

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“How is the Count’s condition… is he doing well?”1346ed087157e21f

“The Count asked me not to notify anyone, so I refrained from sending word, but his dementia has improved quite a bit.”f00f5526d32c3ae6

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Roselia’s eyes widened 04d0b2f35d in surprise at 044d5ab149 Langerton’s words.3cd078b535e2e650

Even while she 5143c61d8f was in Raphelios, e563439002 the Count’s condition 800d0a0941 had weighed heavily 1d21abb188 on her mind.8d23bf70a3c64c1d

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After all, dementia was a c86edff8b7 nearly incurable disease, even in afae4d01ad the modern world she had 1a60afe554 lived in before being possessed.68b9a654eae47f2c

The fact that his a8d995d39b condition was improving left 000ae09040 her stunned, caught between df031f923e joy and disbelief.59f66a4712b73a94

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Watching her reaction, 9b5112f727 Langerton laced his 01a17607db fingers together on 47ea75ceff the table and 5e29a4f06c smiled.ae93ca98e010ba49

“It just so happens that my field of study at the medical academy was related to dementia. The treatment isn’t perfect yet, c4a5988cb3 but the medication had shown f8aa5e198f promising results, and I was 628285482e lucky enough to be able da09604571 to prescribe it to the c1395742fd Count.”945eef1c020550ce

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Realizing he was 12d7a95adf telling the truth, d30c363331 Roselia pressed a 0fad838a92 hand to her f57bc27331 chest and bowed d8a85bc3c2 her head with 0d57a440b7 sincere gratitude.5cbcf2484d24d043

“Thank you so much.”dcdf3c5ca22b01ed

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To that, Langerton 70d6b67a16 flusteredly waved his 561a249978 hands.7ef675217868ad80

“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.”6c57e82de916d8b6

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He scratched his cheek shyly a469377489 as he added,3034603db279f752

“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.”8c553aba99f2ee02

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His modesty made Roselia ce9e163a3a smile more easily.587d5fc66770abe0

Thank goodness, she thought. The Count had someone f3cc902bf6 trustworthy by his side…93f9ced56ad100b4

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As she had that thought, 35404be13a Langerton stood up with a 7386ae7fa4 sheepish smile.87535a78835b341a

“It’s almost mealtime, so I’ll go check on the kitchen.”bf9bb3f40f27cedf

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Once he stepped 3239a976ff out of the 1df1f574b7 parlor, Eva, who dd5c6191ad had crept closer, 1b6765f4d2 blushed slightly and 7da7bf72b2 spoke in a 3b4a5f6231 coy voice.826ca4967ae4181c

“Don’t you think Butler Langerton is kind of charming?”c6de263d8fc8f3bb

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At her suggestive tone, Roselia da73cc797e looked at her with a 3498c55bef curious expression.8f1dc525a5cb37c1

Startled, Eva rushed 224efbe092 to explain herself.55e517774b6903b6

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“I mean, he’s humble, responsible, and smart on top of being a doctor…”225746236b4ba025

Roselia let out a 80503d7e5f small laugh, sensing Eva 8e030f72b7 seeking agreement.f0e2bdf4d0da1130

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Eva’s family had long 4ec54b5e15 served the Marquis of 22bf51920f Euciliod, known for their bb388a10f1 monstrous combat abilities.155c948917476f31

From her father, the marquis’s 2cbc504425 head butler, to Lognon, Johannes’s 5c66181d8a aide—though called butlers and aides, a88cb48a00 their combat skills rivaled that 5679cda17f of a knight captain.dfcbc5c8dfa24a49

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It was only natural, a4c95e4bf8 since protecting the marquis 6ddd8dc221 family required exceptional martial 383b6b2d38 prowess.d4b12d4453c2a911

Eva herself was practically a aeac91beff master of four martial arts—a d0960d10b4 warrior in her own right.1326966406acfcf8

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So it wasn’t strange that 08d8b8d3a7 someone like Langerton, a fellow 66c87f0270 butler yet modest, intelligent, and 56bed044d2 gentle, stood out to her.984fb02f7bb81f0b

“Want me to ask if he’s married?”c0e45879659252ac

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At Roselia’s teasing ddc0c0da5d voice and narrowed ad4ba2f0a0 eyes, Eva jumped 55aba45bb3 in surprise.03afd9275eb1f606

“My lady!”da54e3e31b108f15

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Blushing and flustered, Eva’s reaction 172ee340b3 made Roselia chuckle behind her cc300c5301 hand.3e20bfbdbf0b8946

Just then, there 0cab4a77a6 was a knock deda7bab44 at the door, b50951a20c and Langerton peeked f2626aa187 his head in.6852703b3fd918d7

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Eva, caught off 2337be6d75 guard as they’d 94930cba9b just been talking bb06b69da7 about him, flushed 1a9db97b87 even deeper and f50ece84d8 fidgeted awkwardly.215a9a78345b3df8

Unaware of the context, 8870e26530 Langerton paid no mind 3debf44c7d to her odd behavior 15f4df5077 and simply delivered his 2f7a6ab34d message.11e57fb3941e6b8e

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“Um… Young Countess, you have a visitor.”f3bd4bbcf7888b83

Roselia’s face stiffened at 6cb6a213e0 the uneasy tone in 5f51d13103 his voice.3078f74caf8d3116

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“The Duke of Valtazar is here to see you.”23085a8a42e4c72b

Langerton added quickly, noticing Roselia’s f6b6352374 silent glare at the table.288949aad0149f63

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“What would you like me to tell him?”7c9553a5e1e633b8

He must have 452fcd63fe sensed her discomfort 78d158a347 toward the Duke c69d6687e7 and refrained from 1f4a7dd0e5 letting him inside.42819fcad12e7344

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Still staring at the 1f18f189f1 table, Roselia replied flatly,4da76db38e9f08c9

“Tell him I can’t meet him. And add that he shouldn’t 7c0c52d697 come here again.”ec7dd28f505f257f

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Langerton swallowed dryly ebd5ca9e99 at her cold 7870b07443 tone, bowed politely, 5d1d5f1434 and took his baea86dbf5 leave.940c6728d8994cd9

Once she confirmed d65c7fe6ee he had exited 516c61d7cc the room, a fa6d95b520 long sigh slipped ee0568e7b8 from Roselia’s lips.75764805c08fe466

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Even with Claucet bedridden, 8347463349 Klaus had responsibilities in fa2ef506bf the duchy that often b1417ed499 took him away from 88b6c8ea06 the estate.2405f26dbf87a3f2

Roselia had made 1da5d01f69 sure to time b1f01e0ab5 her visits carefully, c853689709 asking Melda if 91d1dd5c23 he had left 92ccff9873 before going to b79f3a1780 see Claucet.220372b0d71a1129

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But no matter 14c5e6c15d how much she dc3f431fe5 tried to avoid 66b1a5bb66 him, it was 2d08c1a89a impossible to escape f7480b89b8 completely.0f25929938333fb6

Perhaps realizing she’d 6e648a54e6 been slipping in 2b2c3b0f86 and out, he 6b2ec80f98 had come himself 15e88f5971 to find her.81265e95c2d71d8a

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Roselia turned her gaze toward d3e1f44f06 the window where he might bc9e5ef653 be standing.2b71c13b35e70d62

Thin raindrops were 4c696c2882 now tapping against 599b53c96d the glass and 851225ea0d sliding down.326a9cfe5b3c9542

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“It’s raining… Is it alright to leave the Duke outside like that?” Eva asked, worried, watching her mistress.df593dc61841d4c3

Roselia turned her head indifferently.0273b22bdb254d51

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“He’s a busy man. I’m sure he’ll leave soon.”4f2a0c27fbed8b3c

With that, she picked f4826aed83 up her teacup as 72d103e6e4 if it were nothing, c86410baf1 and gazed absently into 17f7201e42 the cold tea.6d66a8ffc6ff197b

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“It’s gone cold…”d76dc67c295e11d5

* * *44bc0e38552bd30c

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Roselia looked down 585a16fdf4 at Claucet, still 27308e12dc lying quietly with 2b68cfa160 her eyes closed, ca3832146a and offered a 0636725aa5 faint smile.e688873f19e201c8

As always, she had 2deb011553 contacted Melda beforehand to 980e0acfb8 confirm that the Duke 0d39347926 wasn’t present before visiting ddecc2cd14 Claucet.7690302f50684951

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Fortunately, the weather 75664d9e1d was perfect today.cc3462021c4436c6

And just like the clear 66c446875a skies, her mood felt lighter 1179acc87a than usual.a3510d49dc74b677

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Gently stroking Claucet’s 41d575342f pale blue-silver hair, 8ad88b6e2c Roselia gazed at a9fdeb64c2 her with tender 0929ee17c1 affection.948efff37fbf2c39

“The weather is beautiful today. It’s the kind of 569d3da082 day that would be d44ef8cdf8 perfect for the tea 4367f27f31 parties you used to 9a33c71e8e love in the garden.”581dc00e36cbc77c

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She looked at Claucet’s 3f98919548 pale, unresponsive face and 226ede6025 smiled bitterly.ba3aadb27ab93281

“I won’t be able to see you for much longer… Before I go, I just want to see you smile again…”d1a147bdd37d0a7f

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Coming into the b879a14dbd duke’s mansion like 34693783a1 this, in secret, a11062299d felt like a d85124e0b9 betrayal toward Claucet, 1c430c9cc9 and it made b9d4075de2 her chest ache.6e422c0acbaf5844

Hiding her troubled 9d9335e763 expression, Roselia slowly c758de73b7 rose to her ad39346f0f feet.a34f6a53bdfa289e

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“I’ll come again tomorrow.”609d524021a75f4b

She left that de584ad5af farewell for the 10f127c675 one who could 25f2442b1c no longer respond b0e6883f38 and kissed Claucet 5dc48bfca3 gently on the d68abfb1cd forehead before walking d3dea31d01 quietly toward the 748ea9a705 door.ef19608c2772cb8b

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Melda stood just 48413c89d6 outside, her expression e2a450e0db just as heavy f667abe35b as Roselia’s.13ec23cdb636b018

Roselia gave her a faint 3113a93d99 nod of acknowledgment before stepping 6a4e854467 out with slow, heavy footsteps.3063b8315b251f3e

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And there, standing at the 99bdd76228 door, was Klaus.e07098f042623d7f

He seemed to c6b2c1abb6 have been waiting d36cd6a0b1 for her to 367fd63626 come out. Roselia’s body instinctively tensed.3b4364fc4f4fc084

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Melda must have deceived her.b8ce9395b3c4f60d

As a maid of 2ae78f4b5a the ducal household, it 2d624f2e93 wasn’t as if she 529816ee1b had the choice to 71a8ec68ed disobey the Duke’s orders.5803ba29043d854f

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With a sigh of b2766ddd51 resignation, Roselia looked up fff4e2d58b at him.62a8fedf24a88e8b

“You’ve become difficult to face…”6ce234122b0fd352

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In just a few days, eb8f95aaf8 he looked almost like a 6764f23b0c different person—emaciated and worn.1a3d4e9c6e2f9503

She had thought he was 974011a082 too busy to even stay 55d61c3b29 in the mansion, but maybe e8cd4e8188 this was why.e0a20166b2d55441

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Or maybe it c94790d399 was because of ade8ee22c5 Claucet, still lying ec9ccfb438 unconscious in bed…232c1547aa6166a4

From his appearance 9024ea6d1d alone, it seemed 5a540c3d38 like he should 323db6c50e be bedridden beside 4098851774 her.c53058d676df8a24

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His cracked lips, 99b6a8112a the dark shadows fbe52da004 under his eyes—he 23e2a58f38 truly looked unwell.252ceac350e9f359

His disheveled state, afe5753189 so unlike him, 0adb57d852 made an uneasy 8cfe433017 weight stir in e95b02ed04 Roselia’s chest.e8657520da1801b4

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She tried to ignore 97e477e9b0 the feeling and walk 8419da875b past him as calmly 9f737a1546 as she could.002c7310440cda2c

But his large hand 8fc63ac9c2 gently caught hers as 0b5cc81206 she passed.26b1caee23d1c04d

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It wasn’t a forceful grip. It felt desperate.7112a1080aa9acca

Startled, Roselia looked at him—not f7ee96976f because he had grabbed her, 4dae41a857 but because of the unnaturally 387cc2f349 high heat of his hand c7f8e440b6 around hers.f0b096d90825edcb

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Now that she 46f5b9a138 looked more closely, d631fd784e even his breathing 90857ffb30 was rough and cc51ced248 uneven.bb1b7094e7617a34

Could it be… the day 4f268cc6b9 he had come to the 049955e9ee Bernas estate, had he stood 03a18b87ed outside in the rain all 8325d80740 that time?47ab4cf7e59a7069

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As her uncertain eyes fa1d7ba1b5 met his, Klaus spoke 6af1b795bf with a voice hoarse 396df5da93 and cracked.a1daeda507d3c471

“Roselia, please.”5d7043eb05980159

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His gaze, as it looked b7b239e8d6 down at her, was clouded 1ef13325b7 with pain.66535c5f7b5338e7

Those once-vivid indigo eyes had 6cbb593619 dimmed, dull and blurred, as 0dcd701b33 Roselia’s own eyes began to 53d75382b1 tremble.e599444190cfe56f

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“My situation is already painful enough as it is, even without you making it worse…”bc6b683bfd9897a2

His scorching hand a17fcc6ddb clung to hers, 97979783ac pleadingly.cb39c825f0ae127a

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“I’m asking you like this…”709acb2c3dc88981

His foggy, unfocused eyes looked 740dc3d34a as though they might cry.8b9a88f08d6fb77b

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