OPDPS 140

“It’s strange… I can actually have a normal conversation with Your Grace.”

“I’m surprised myself.”

“What have we even been doing all this time…?”

There was a deep sense of futility in Lady Merel’s voice. The Grand Duke gave a small nod.

Power games, subtle barbs, opposition for the sake of opposition—all of it had been meaningless, as proven by yesterday’s conversation.

He had shaken it off quickly, thanks to Aeryl’s comfort. But Lady Merel had likely spent the night tormented by her thoughts, alone—she couldn’t very well pour it all out to her young son.

Not everyone gets a lover like Aeryl, he thought.

He felt a touch of sympathy for Lady Merel. After all, her so-called husband had been the former Grand Duke.

“Oh, and I heard you’ve manifested as an Alpha.”

“Yes.”

“Then I really can’t win anymore. Are you well?”

“They say I am.”

After their conversation in the basement yesterday, Aeryl had dragged him off for a check-up.

Though his pheromone levels were slightly elevated, considering the lingering effects of his medication, he was deemed to be within the normal range.

“That’s a relief. You’ll need to be in good health to rule the Grand Duchy for a long time.”

It was a continuation of the talk they hadn’t finished yesterday. Regardless of the former Grand Duke’s will, Lady Merel was affirming Hiello’s place as the Grand Duke of Asirion.

And coming from the former Grand Duchess, her words were far from meaningless.

“Will you have no regrets?”

“To be honest… I don’t want Sorel to go through the same hardships Your Grace did. I want him to live a joyful life doing what he wants.”

“…You’re remarkably honest. But I like that. I’ll help you. I am his older brother, after all.”

“Thank you. We should have a meal together sometime. The whole Asirion family is just the three of us—oh, I suppose four now.”

The Grand Duke didn’t respond. Lady Merel glanced at him and smiled knowingly.

“…Don’t tell me you still haven’t won over the doctor’s heart?”

“…He confessed.”

“And the proposal? Rynello’s already preparing for marriage, you know.”

“…”

The Grand Duke fell silent. Lady Merel couldn’t hold back her laughter.

To think the Grand Duke Asirion, who could do everything else perfectly, was fumbling through love! If only others could see this.

“…Is it really that funny?”

“Watching two people stumble around while clearly in love? It’s hilarious.”

She chuckled a few more times, then suddenly recalled a certain rumor.

“By the way, have you heard about the youngest prince?”

“You mean the one the Emperor’s trying to marry off? I know the basics.”

“Well, word is the suitors are growing restless. The prince hasn’t shown his face in quite some time.”

“Really? But wasn’t he always someone who avoided the public eye?”

“Apparently not with the suitors. The Emperor handpicked them and even introduced the prince to them directly.”

“So?”

“Do you really think the Emperor’s knight was just collecting beauties?”

“…Are you suggesting the prince ran away? He was raised in the palace—he wouldn’t know how to survive on his own.”

“True, that would be unlikely.”

“The Emperor’s knight will be leaving soon.”

Lady Merel nodded. She had shared the latest intelligence as a gesture of apology, but the Grand Duke clearly already knew.

Well, of course he would—he’s reliable like that.

Even if he stumbled in romance, he handled statecraft flawlessly.

They ended their conversation and, naturally, both turned their eyes toward their “treasures.”

Just then, Sorel was kicking the trunk of a tree. Beneath it stood Aeryl, looking dazed.

“Oh my, Sorel!”

The tree shook, and all the snow piled on its branches came crashing down on Aeryl.

“Aeryl!”

“Ahahaha! Revenge!”

“That’s not fair! I let you off earlier!”

“The world of competition is cruel. This makes us even, right?”

At some point, Aeryl and Sorel had come up with their own rules and resumed their snow fight.

When Aeryl collapsed into the snow, flailing, the Grand Duke rushed over to pull him out. Aeryl, worn out, leaned into him.

“Sorel! You have to play safely!”

Lady Merel scolded him as well, then swept him up into her arms.

“That’s enough fun for now.”

“Agreed.”

“Then next time, I’ll issue a formal invitation.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

They exchanged polite bows and, each carrying their precious one, returned inside.

For the first time in over a decade, warmth and harmony had settled over the Asirion’s household.

Aeryl was carried in the Grand Duke’s arms all the way back to his room.

Those who saw them along the way offered respectful bows—but couldn’t help smiling.

“Is it really okay to be this obvious?”

Aeryl whispered to the Grand Duke with a serious look on his face.

“It’s fine,” the Grand Duke replied, though his expression was somewhat complicated.

People outside the inner quarters already believed the two weren’t just dating, but engaged. The general rumor was that they were simply waiting for warmer weather and a better season to announce it.

The Grand Duke had known about the rumors for some time but didn’t bother correcting them—partly because he rather liked them. With that on his mind, he gently set Aeryl down in the bath.

Thanks to Connie, who had already filled it with warm water, Aeryl could bathe right away.

“You should warm up and eat something hot.”

“Yes. Aren’t you eating, Your Grace?”

“I’d like to, but I have to head out for an inspection.”

“To the town?”

“The festival has started.”

“The winter festival!”

So it’s finally begun! Aeryl’s face lit up.

He had never once been to a festival and was genuinely excited.

Just as he was getting giddy with anticipation, he suddenly remembered the Emperor’s knight. He hadn’t even dared leave the inner quarters—how could he go all the way to the village?

When Aeryl’s expression darkened, the Grand Duke noticed and asked gently,

“Would you like to come with me?”

“Today? Would that really be alright?”

“It’s just an inspection. It won’t be much fun.”

Aeryl considered for a moment.

If he wanted to meet Derbas, he would have to go to the town. With the snow piled up, using the same route as before didn’t seem feasible.

He didn’t know whether he could slip away to meet Derbas while accompanying the Grand Duke, but it was better than staying cooped up inside.

“I’ll go. Please take me with you.”

“Alright. Then we should get you ready to come along.”

“I’ll hurry and get ready!”

Instead of answering, the Grand Duke leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Aeryl’s lips.

Unfortunately, he happened to catch sight of Connie in the corner, eyes gleaming with sudden, intense interest.

Given that they were on a schedule, Connie would likely stay within reason—but Aeryl’s idea of “hurrying” might not go quite as planned.

***

The town was buzzing with a faintly chaotic energy as it celebrated the first day of the winter festival.

Despite some snowfall overnight, it was nothing to the northerners—experts in snow management. The obstructing snow had already been cleared away, and some even suggested using the shoveled snow to create new decorations.

How grand and dazzling a town’s winter festival was had become a matter of prestige among the well-known cities.

And the town below the Grand Duke’s castle had gone all out in their preparations.

Above all, the locals had an extra special reason to put their best into it:

His Grace the Grand Duke is coming to see it!

Though intimidating, the Grand Duke was deeply respected. The thought that he would personally view the festival they had prepared was a rare and enviable privilege—not something other cities could claim.

Unlike the former Grand Dukes, who would sometimes come in disguise and mingle, this Grand Duke had never attended outside of official inspections. That was a little disappointing—but not enough to breed discontent.

“He’s coming, he’s coming!”

At someone’s shout, the street suddenly sprang into motion. Shopkeepers who had been outside arranging decorations scurried to clear the way. Those with nowhere else to go tucked themselves between buildings or into corners, and in an instant, the street was emptied.

It was nice that the Grand Duke was visiting—but no one really wanted to be seen by him. He was scary.

Soon, with the sound of hooves on stone, the Grand Duke appeared.

Riding a black warhorse, he exuded his usual overwhelming presence.

His black hair whipped in the wind, and his cold gaze swept across the village. The people bowed with a blend of awe and fear.

“Raise your heads. I’m just passing through. Be at ease.”

At his command, they slowly lifted their heads.

He told them to relax, but who could relax under the Grand Duke’s gaze?

Everyone stiffened, moving awkwardly like dolls with loose joints, eyes darting nervously.

And then, a clear voice rang out through the silence.

“Your Grace, Your Grace! Isn’t that outfit beautiful?”