Chapter 28

Thanks to Dean, I've been able to spend more time in town recently, as the time I need to devote to the estate has been shortened. Being out in town really helps me feel refreshed and it's good for me.

"Ah, Dean! Can we stop by the orphanage on the way back?"

"As you wish, Alice-sama."

By the way, I always invite Dean when I go out into town. He gives me his opinion on the spot about things I think of or come up with, and it's really helpful to have a quick discussion. At first, Tanya was strongly against it, saying, "Taking someone of unknown character along is out of the question." But with my mother's recommendation and my grandfather's agreement to accompany us, we managed to push through.

By the way, I didn't really imagine Dean would be good with children, but he handles them quite well. As a result, he's more popular with the children than I am. ...I feel a bit jealous, but watching him play with the children is a feast for the eyes, so I endure it.

"Big brother, big sister, will you come back again?"

When asked with those big, innocent eyes, I feel a bit dizzy. Oh, how cute...!

"Of course. Right, Dean?"

"Yes. So, please be good and wait for us."

As the sun set, I headed back home after a thoroughly enjoyable day. Hmm, today was fun. I'll try my best again tomorrow.

Since my mother came, I've started taking breaks, but I still don't have any days off. However, recently, I've been going out into town on days when Dean is working, taking a day off.

Actually, thanks to Dean, I finish my work earlier than planned, so I end up with some free time, and it's okay to take a day off. But, days off are really important, aren't they?

"...Alice-sama..."

"It's fine, we're on the estate now, so just call me Alice."

My correction made Dean smile lightly.

"Excuse me, but why does Alice-sama work so hard?"

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, my thoughts paused for a moment.

"You work too, don't you?"

"That's different. I work to live. But Alice-sama, as a duchess's daughter and the daughter of the prime minister, you could live without working, couldn't you?"

Well, that's true. Among the nobility, it's extremely rare for women to work. Managing the household and supporting the family is usually the lady's domain, but in most cases, like in our household before, the butlers and servants manage the estate.

"But I've been given the position of acting lord by Father. Working to do justice to that position is something I should do as a noble, isn't it?"

"Forgive me, but I always thought of nobles as people who just extract taxes from their subjects and live off them. Also, Alice-sama, you could have entrusted the governance to Sebastian-sama just like your husband did."

"I did consider that method. But, I thought, since I was given this job... even though I'm inexperienced, I should do my best. That was the start. But now..."

I gently looked at my hands. ...Such small, small hands. It makes me laugh to think that they are supposed to hold and protect the lives and futures of all the subjects.

"After meeting the children at the orphanage, I realized that there are things I can do... no, things I can do because I am who I am. If my efforts can increase the smiles of the people, even a little... if it can make the people happy, isn't that a wonderful thing?"

"...Yes, it is."

Smiling at my words, Dean's handsome face made me momentarily lose myself. ...Dangerous, dangerous. Dean's smile is incredibly charming, so I really need to be careful. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I returned to my room after thanking everyone and quickly went to bed. Oh, this isn't like me at all.

...Two days later, on the day Dean's contract was supposed to end, I collapsed for the first time since I came here. I've always prioritized my health... why now?

But with a high fever, I didn't have the luxury to think about such trivial matters and just slept.

When I opened my eyes again, the room was already dim. ...Did I sleep all day?

"...Haaa..."

Basic health management is essential for work. To collapse and sleep all day... I still have a long way to go.

"...Tanya"

My voice was a bit hoarse, but there didn't seem to be anything wrong with my throat. ...I'm so thirsty. The sweat made my clothes stick to my body, which was uncomfortable.

When I called, Tanya, who was waiting in the room, quickly came to my bedside. Her expression was a mix of anger and concern.

"...Can I have some water, please? And a towel soaked in water and wrung out. I want to wipe my body."

"As you wish."

She must have been prepared. She immediately handed me a glass of water, which I drank. ...Yes, it felt good to quench my thirst.

Then, Tanya efficiently wiped my body with a damp towel.

...Thinking about how much work will be piled up tomorrow... it's terrifying. Dean went back to his family this morning. I wish I hadn't taken a day off yesterday... but it's too late now. Anyway, I decided to rest well today and went back to sleep.

The next morning, I dragged my heavy body to the study. I thought there would be a mountain of documents... but when I opened the door, the desk had the usual amount... no, even less than usual.

"Oh...?"

Just then, there was a knock, and Dean entered.

"Dean! What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to leave this morning?"

"Are you feeling better, Alice-sama?"

"Yes. I took a day off yesterday. But, this amount of work..."

"I took care of what I could with my authority. What's left here requires your final approval or is just for your information."

"I see... thank you. But, Dean, is it okay? The contract has already expired."

"I couldn't leave you when you were ill. I'll leave tomorrow."

"...I'm sorry for the trouble."

"It's fine. I acted on my own. Please review these documents."

After placing the documents, Dean left the room. Once he was gone, I quickly scanned the reports on the desk. ...There were no issues. The lack of issues was the problem.

"...Haaa..."

I couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh. ...This won't do. If I keep this up, I'll become dependent on him, both in work and in other aspects. ...Even now, I feel at ease because he's here. I rely on him. I wish he would stay by my side.

But, I can't. ...I don't want to. I learned from Lord Ed that people will eventually betray you. That's why I need to stand on my own two feet.

I've always been like this. I accept help and rely on others. I trust them, thinking, "I can rely on this person." But at the same time, I draw a line, thinking, "I can only rely on them this much" or "I can only trust them this much," always preparing for the possibility of betrayal.

...But he tries to break that. He tries to cross the line in my heart and make me want to entrust everything to him. That's why... I'm scared.

I shook my head vigorously to negate that thought. ...I won't think about this anymore. I'll put it out of my mind... and it will disappear eventually.