OPDPS side story 2

“That serious?”

“Yes.”

Worry clouded Raeler’s face.

“Hmm… I’ve never seen frost sickness myself. I should go talk to the doctor in the outer quarters.”

“When are you planning to go? I’ll let them know in advance.”

“Is the infirmary in the outer quarters that busy? Can’t I just drop by?”

“You’re the Grand Duchess now—you should give them time to prepare too.”

“Oh, right… Then I’d better start by looking through some books in the library.”

Feeling a bit awkward, Aeryl absentmindedly played with his hair.

“So there haven’t been any cases in the inner quarters yet?”

“No. Not yet.”

“Got it.”

Raeler saw him off, and Aeryl stepped into the central hall. He had originally planned to head straight to the library, but a tightness in his chest made him think it might be better to get some fresh air instead. As he walked toward the door, Connie appeared out of nowhere and asked:

“Are you going out?”

“When did you get here?”

Aeryl was startled. He had definitely come to the infirmary alone.

“Just now. You’re the Grand Duchess now—you can’t be wandering around by yourself! Please wait. I’ll go get your coat.”

Connie darted up to the third floor using the central stairs.

“I could’ve just brought it myself.”

And I’m not even the Grand Duchess yet. Aeryl felt that pressure again. What if, like Lady Merel, he ended up being trailed around by a whole entourage of maids?

Still, Connie was a big help. She knew Aeryl was sensitive to the cold and had brought extra layers to wrap him up in, so he managed to endure the weather fairly well once he was outside.

‘The glare off the snow hurts.’

He couldn’t cover his eyes, so they were exposed, but the rest of him was bundled up snugly. As he walked slowly past the central courtyard, a familiar voice called out:

“Sister-in-law!”

“Oh, Sorel.”

Sorel had grown again—it seemed—and dashed toward Aeryl with larger strides.

“Yup, it’s me!”

A few days after returning to the Grand Duchy, Sorel had insisted Aeryl call him by name and speak casually. It wasn’t unreasonable, so Aeryl had agreed.

Sorel clearly liked hearing his name. Aeryl figured it was probably because he was happy to have another adult he could rely on.

“I saw you from far away and thought a bear was walking by. What’s with all the layers? It’s pretty warm today.”

“Warm, you say…”

“All the snow from last night is already melting!”

“I feel like I’m about to freeze solid.”

Aeryl sighed and trudged forward. Sorel walked alongside him, looking at him with sympathy.

“You’re walking so slowly and breathing heavily. Are you sure you’re not sick?”

“It’s just that the North is cold! The reason I’m slow and out of breath is because these clothes are heavy and thick—that’s all because of the cold!”

And honestly, your brother’s got a lot to do with why I’m struggling, too!

Aeryl laughed to himself, swallowing that last thought. Not something to say to a kid.

Sorel was still young, but he had been born and raised in the North. Aeryl was an omega, so his build was slender for a man, but even so, next to Sorel, Aeryl—with his layers of fur-lined coats, scarf, and hat, with only his eyes visible—looked feeble.

Sorel stuck close to Aeryl’s side. Chatting with a child as they walked left no room for boredom.

“After your walk, what are you doing?”

“I’m having lunch with His Grace.”

“Wow!”

Sorel’s eyes sparkled. His consistent affection for his brother was endearing. Things had improved somewhat, but there was still a bit of distance between Sorel and Hiello. Sorel would hit adolescence before long, so it would be good for them to grow closer before then—for Hiello’s sake, too.

“Want to join us?”

“Yes! I’d love to!”

The answer burst out of Sorel’s mouth instantly.

‘Ah… now it feels like I’m leaving Lady Merel out.’

Aeryl remembered how he’d been so wrapped up in Hiello lately that he hadn’t paid attention to anyone else.

“What’s Lady Merel up to? Do you think she’d like to join us for lunch too?”

“I’m sure she would! I’ll go ask!”

Sorel stomped his foot and quickly turned around. His black hair flew as his excited face turned back toward Aeryl. He looked so happy that Aeryl felt glad he’d invited them.

***

Lunch turned into an unexpectedly full gathering of the Grand Duke’s family after Lady Merel accepted the invitation.

It was the first time they had all ate together since Aeryl returned to the Grand Duchy. Fortunately, the inner quarters servants had anticipated such a moment might come soon, and prepared the meal without panic. Maybe they were a bit too enthusiastic, though—the table was lavish enough to pass for a formal dinner.

Hiello looked a little caught off guard, though he didn’t show it outwardly as always. Only Aeryl noticed through his pheromones.

Aeryl and Hiello sat side by side, with Lady Merel and Sorel across from them. As the meal began, silence lingered over the table.

‘I knew it would be like this.’

Lady Merel and Hiello said nothing, and Sorel sat between them, nervously watching. Clearly, leaving this family to sort things out on their own wasn’t going to work.

“How’s the food? Does it suit your taste?” Aeryl asked Lady Merel.

“It’s fine. A bit much for a lunch, though.”

“They must’ve put in extra effort because someone important was joining us.”

“Hmph. You really know how to flatter.”

Lady Merel smiled faintly at the light compliment.

“I’m nothing compared to people from the Imperial Palace. They’re true masters of sweet talk.”

“…The way they speak is like butter. Smooth, overly rich, and quick to melt away.”

Noticing Aeryl’s effort, Hiello added a dry comment. Under the table, Aeryl tapped his knee in silent praise.

“I don’t know about the palace, but I’d like to visit the capital at least once,” Lady Merel said.

That opened the way to a conversation about the capital. Aeryl carried most of it, with Hiello chiming in once or twice. Of course, Aeryl had mostly been confined to the palace, so what he knew came secondhand.

Even so, the mood at the table gradually warmed, and soon the meal drew to a close. Sorel looked at Aeryl with eyes full of reluctance.

‘You can’t grow closer if you just eat and part ways.’

Aeryl had one last trick to keep Lady Merel around.

“Shall we get up?”

“Yes.”

As he stood, Aeryl casually tossed out bait.

“Oh, right—Lady Merel. I saw there’s a piano in the family lounge.”

“Is that thing still there? It’s been around since before I was married.”

There was indeed a small piano in one corner of the family lounge. Aeryl had heard it was brought in as a decorative piece by the Grand Duke’s grandmother.

It must’ve been shoved into a corner before, which was why Lady Merel hadn’t noticed it. All the better—it gave them something to talk about. She likely hadn’t had time to look around while arguing with Asirion.

“I checked it recently—it still seems playable.”

“Is that so? I always thought it looked like a fine instrument.”

Lady Merel showed interest.

“Would you like to go see it? Maybe even try playing it? You can’t really judge an instrument just by looking.”

“Can’t you play, too?”

“I only learned because I had to—I’m not very good.”

Aeryl had been made to learn, so he was solid on theory and could play from sheet music, but he intentionally downplayed his skill.

“Well, then…”

Lady Merel glanced at Hiello, then accepted the offer. Her expression remained reserved, as if she weren’t too keen, but her hands fidgeted unconsciously.

“Wow! That means I get to hear Mother play again! I can’t wait!”

Sorel’s delight was unfiltered. He also seemed genuinely happy to have more time with his family, his eyes shining with excitement.

Just as Aeryl had hoped, the four of them moved to the family room. As they entered, each of them recalled the last time they had all gathered here and felt a quiet stir of emotion.

Thanks to the attendants’ quick judgment, a small table with refreshments had been prepared near the piano. Hiello and Sorel sat while Lady Merel and Aeryl approached the piano.

“It’s been very well maintained.”

“Right? I’m sure it’ll sound beautiful if you play it. I’m glad we get to hear you again, Lady Merel.”

“People in the North aren’t much for music. Unless it’s a marching song or a work tune.”

“But drumbeats and horns sound good too.”

Music hadn’t failed to develop in the North, but it leaned more practical—meant to rally spirits rather than stir the heart. It didn’t seem to be to Lady Merel’s taste.

‘But isn’t practicality better?’

Aeryl actually preferred Northern music but didn’t voice that thought aloud.

“Let’s see, then.”

Lady Merel sat on the piano bench. She exhaled softly, raised her hands—and began to play.