The Duke’s Companion

Lebonnet shyly greeted him while holding the hem of her dress.

“My name is Lebonnet Serpent, the eldest daughter of the Serpent Family.”

Lebonnet raised her head slightly and looked at the Duke of Cadellarot. As she looked up, his sharp jawline caught her eyes even more.

The corners of her lips rose.

Six years after inheriting the title from the previous Duke. He was a man who didn’t have a fiance until he turned twenty-three.

As the only heir to the current imperial family, this man could be said to be by far the best groom in terms of his bloodline. 

Although he had some flaws that everyone avoided in the past, he’s now willing to take the risk and gamble.

〈It seems that the relationship between the Duke of Cadellarot and the imperial family has become amicable again. How devoted Her Majesty the Empress was to the Duke’s family.〉

‘I can get more if I marry him…’ Lebonnet thought inwardly.

Isn’t his dazzling beauty enough to make up for any flaws?

A low voice was heard, as neat as his appearance.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Serpent.”

Lebonnet said with blushing cheeks, “It’s really an honour to meet the famous Duke.”

Lebonnet looked at his reaction slightly. Idylos’ smile was still there without a single flinch.

Lebonnet was relieved and slowly brought out the words she had prepared.

“Duke, as you may have heard, rare northern flowers are blooming beautifully in the garden of the Marquis Serpent house. I’ll invite the Duke to visit next time.”

“Marquis Serpent.”

At that, Lebonnet stopped talking.

Lebonnet, who still hadn’t gotten to the point, looked up at him without closing her gaping mouth. The brief glance she had received had vanished.

ldylos asked in a rude tone pretending to be kind, still smiling, “Now that the introduction is over, Can I go? I’m not that free.”

“Well, your highness…”

Ansel, who had been by his side like air the entire time, almost flew like air between them. 

It was difficult to be the best man while watching some young noble ladies express their interest in the Duke, but it was more than that.

Ansel hastily set out to rectify the situation. He smiled and spoke to the Marquis Serpent and his daughter.

“Haha, we currently have a business to attend to and it’s difficult if a delay occurs even a second. Marquis Serpent, young lady. Be careful. We look forward to seeing you again next time.”

Ansel bowed politely to them and, before the Duke went any further, forced his back to the carriage.

The carriage they boarded immediately left. The Marquis and his daughter were seen from the carriage window, puzzled, in the distant scenery. But deep inside he’s contorted in humiliation.

Staring from the window, Ansel said, rubbing his uncomfortable chest.

“Your Highness, why do you keep being so cold-hearted?”

“Did I?” (Idylos)

“Yes, do you realize your reputation is at rock bottom?”

“…”

He crossed his arms and closed his eyes without responding. He’d scratch his ears so much and openly showed that he didn’t want to hear it if he just gave up his dignity.

Ansel glanced at Idylos disapprovingly.

The Duke was a person who had a bad relationship with people, someone who lacked sociability. With a cold and strict personality, he easily builds walls among others.

Ansel, who was holding back a sigh, changed the topic and spoke calmly.

“Your Majesty, have you thought about what I said last time?”

“Last time?”

Long lashes that stretched out neatly were lifted and the golden eyes were revealed. Ansel hurried to speak while he was in the mood for a conversation.

“Yes, I’d like to make a friend for Miss Mamela.”

“You can’t.” (Idylos)

Ansel smirked at his resolute response.

“…You didn’t think about it before answering, right?”

“It would be a matter of not even thinking about it.” (Idylos)

“But your highness. She’s always alone, I’m sure she feels lonely while your Highness you’re always on a lot of business trips.”

Idylos’ expression turned cold. His gazes distorted slightly, making him look wrinkled.

He said in a calmer voice that felt even more terrifying.

“Even so, what does having friends do? If they don’t understand the subject of the things labelled as friends and cause harm, you’ll just regret it later?”

It was expected, but again, a sensitive reaction flew in. Ansel was speechless, trying to convince him.

“I carefully selected…”

However, when he received the Duke’s sharp eyes, the words he was about to say went back into his throat. 

‘Is it the answer to just keep your mouth shut now?’

As Ansel quieted down, Idylos turned his gaze out of the window.

Ansel thought as he watched the scenery passing by quickly.

‘Mamela will be lonely…’

In fact, he was guessing to some extent. His younger sister was stuck at home all day without a family by her side, and if she isn’t lonely, she won’t be hurt.

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t considered the option of having friends for her.

‘If there is someone you can trust, there’s also a way to attach someone.’

However, with the Imperial family still alive, is there anyone who can be trusted?

At least, considering the person who can relieve loneliness, humans are also unreliable, and animals seemed to be just right.

Up to that point, Idylos’ whole body had goosebumps at the thought of madness.

‘No, that’s not right. No matter how hard it is, the beast…’

Idylos let out a soft sigh. He was an ugly older brother who couldn’t make a single friend, so he only felt sorry for his younger sister.