Duke, Please Repent!

 Chapter 19.2:

Me and Serpence. Now, the carriage carrying three people including Solertia stopped in front of the mansion. There were only the two of us when we left, but there are now three upon our return.

 ‘Isn’t it a bit strange to say this?’

 Anyway, back. Unlike when we went down to the duchy, our early morning departure this time allowed us to arrive around dinner time.

 “Lord Rivelon, you did a good job. You may rest for today.”

 “Thank you, Duke, you should take a good rest too.”

 It might seem like we’ve had enough rest on the train, but it’s different from resting at home. But seeing Serpence smiling softly at my words of rest, it seemed that he had no intention of resting.

 “Don’t be up late, go to bed early.”

 “How do you… Yes, thank you for your concern.”

 Serpence looked at me with a complicated gaze for a moment, then turned his gaze away.

 “And Miss Resserratus. After you and Sir Rivelon finish your meal, the maid will show you to your room.”

 “Thank you for your consideration.”

 In response to Solertia, he gave her a light glance and headed towards the main building alone.

 “Do you think the Duke is gonna eat separately?”

 “That’s right, alone…”

 “He would get a little lonely.”

 “…is that so, yeah?”

 For the past two days, the three of us ate a lot together, and as soon as we came back, he is going to sit alone and eat a dry meal. Even though Serpence is mostly quiet, it’s more lonely?

 “Duke, hold on a second!”

 As he was about to pass the front door, he stopped and looked around. I couldn’t beckon my superior to come and go, so I ran up the stairs at the entrance of the mansion and faced Serpence who’s waiting for me with a puzzled expression on his face.

 “Have you forgotten something?”

 “How about having dinner with the us at the restaurant?”

 “···Yes?”

 As if surprised, he opened his eyes wide and asked.

 “Rid, Ridiculous! The duke has authority, that’s nonsense.”

 When I turned my head to the sudden voice, I saw Hans coughing loudly and staring at me fiercely. No, since when did such a thing matter?

 “Don’t you know the word “Noblesse Oblige?”

 “Did you call it a waste of manpower to serve the Duke?”

 Oh, I made a mistake. I grabbed him impulsively, I didn’t have any idea that someone would intervene in the middle. My answer lacked logic.

 “It’s a mistake! I’m just concerned that the Duke is going to eat alone…”

 “You seem to be unaware because of your new arrival, but the duke is a person who has done his best only by himself. You don’t have to worry about that.”

 What if he did that and what if he’s a Duke? It’s not like being tough is a reason to do things and eat alone.

 ‘Besides, what do you mean by I’m unaware?!’

 I mean, how much does he even know about Serpence?

 I look at him and saw his face wrinkling in front of me.

 “Lord Rivelon.”

 Excited, I opened my mouth to pour out, but Serpence raised his hand and stopped me.

 As usual, he doesn’t show his true feelings.  With a fake smile, he made eye contact with me and slowly closed his eyes and reopened them.

 As I looked at that face, I felt calm in mind and body, even though he didn’t use divine powers. Is it his face working for this?

 “I am grateful for Lord Rivelon’s offer, but I am concerned that others in the position may feel burdened.”

 Serpence spoke carefully.

 Hans looked at me with a funny expression at those words. I’ve been thinking about it since day one, but I really don’t like him.

 “However, the words of the lord have some truth, so I hope that from now on, you will prepare my meals in the same way as them.”

 Hans’s expression contorted upon receiving his instructions. Even though we failed to eat together, from now on, at least, instead of the dull and bleak food, food that can be eaten by humans will be on his table. It was good to talk.

 ‘By the way, Hans, I can’t get along well with this strict guy…’

 I think I’ll fight him hard someday.