Chapter 70

7/8

"You seem to have taken quite a liking to my cousin, don't you?"

He asked with a sly smile. ...So that's what he wanted to say.

"You, on the other hand, have quite large ears."

"Well, we are family. Besides, there's no one else who has been in and out so many times on a short-term contract and has been involved so deeply. It must be you."

He said with a casual laugh. ...He's enjoying this.

"Really, I was surprised. You've been going to the orphanage multiple times, and even taking care of the children. And that's not just for Lady Letty, right? It seems you've been going out with Iris from time to time and providing detailed support in your official duties. Even without the mask you wear in public, I couldn't help but think, 'Who is this person?' when I heard about it."

As the list of things he mentioned rolled out, I couldn't help but click my tongue. Since he knows and is saying it, it's really bad.

"…Actually, I only intended to do it once at the beginning."

It started with my interest in the rapidly growing Duchy of Armenia. Especially since it was being led by Iris, who had been expelled from the academy. I had seen her once at the academy, and at that time, she was truly terrible. She was bluntly insulting Lady Yurie Neumann right in front of everyone. Not only were her words frowning material, but even if it was due to her brother's change of heart, there had to be a better way to handle it.

And yet, she was managing the duchy. I couldn't help but wonder what the Duke of Armenia was thinking. Seeing the steady growth of the duchy, I thought the people under her must be exceptional. When I infiltrated with the intention of poaching that person, I was shocked to find out that she herself was leading the charge. The shock at that moment was immense.

"It was interesting. I've never felt a burden from anyone outside my family, nor have I ever thought it was unreasonable. That's why I never felt a sense of achievement or found anything interesting. …But being with her is very interesting. Unexpected proposals, unexpected reactions. Everything shatters my existing thoughts and brings new discoveries each time. Being with her, I wonder what will come out next. Thinking about it is also very interesting… I really don't get bored. I even want to keep watching her."

Before I knew it, I wanted to pamper her to the point of being sickly sweet. I even thought the rather malicious idea of making her show her weaknesses only to me. But she doesn't allow it. Her stubbornness makes her even more endearing, which is a serious problem.

"Everything, from the people to the finances and the administration, was all resolved on paper. Numbers were just numbers, nothing more, nothing less. People were just pieces on a board, and I only thought about how to move them. …But going to that land made me realize that it's different."

"…Yes. I think you've become much more rounded than before, to be honest."

"You're telling me."

"…That's why I'm worried."

Suddenly, Rudy's tone changed from casual to serious.

"Your becoming more rounded is good for you, but I'm worried that from now on, your plans will be thrown off by your emotions."

"…Are you saying that after thanking me for helping your cousin, you think it's right to involve Iris? Rudius Jib Anderson"

"One, I believe she won't be crushed by something like that. Two, …more than anything, I will always choose you, Alfred Dean Tasmere."