The Duke’s Companion

Mamela started stuffing food into her mouth. But then suddenly felt a sting as she pushed food with the fork.

Mamela glanced up and saw Idylos staring at her and stopped eating.

“Mamela.”

It was when her mouth was full of food. After Mamela chewed and swallowed it, she replied, “Yes?”

“You’re eating particularly fast today. You’re going to have an upset stomach.”

“Ah… I just remember I have homework to do.”

As Mamela smiled modestly, Idylos said firmly, “Make sure you chew the food well.”

“I’m chewing well enough.”

“Chew about 40 times.”

“That much?” 

“You’re eating in a hurry, and that is just the right amount.”

“…”

His expression seemed sincere. Mamela put the meat in her mouth and started chewing slowly.

Idylos, who saw the vegetables on one side of her plate, said, “Don’t be a picky eater.”

“…Yes.”

Mamela pouted her lips and ate the vegetables. Mamela, who was filtering vegetables, was arrogant every time she chewed green peppers. 

‘Aryl’s meat-scented feed would be more delicious than this.’ Mamela thought.

After finishing her share of the meal with difficulty, Mamela stared blankly at the tea cup that the maid was pouring. Then, when she raised her head and glanced at Idylos stirring tea with a spoon.

Mamela swallowed her dry saliva.

…Isn’t it okay to ask?

“Well, brother.”

“Yes,” answered Idylos.

“Anyway… what do you think about cats?”

Idylos, who lifted the teacup to his lips, paused for a moment. But it was just an instant, he took a slow sip of tea.

Mamela waited nervously for his answer. Finally, he put down the tea cup and gave a short answer that overshadowed Mamela’s waiting, “Well.”

“…”

What is it? Does that mean it’s not wrong? Mamela wondered at the meaningful answer.

‘Can I ask him a little more?’

It was the moment when Mamela was about to speak out of her mouth with strange expectations. 

Idylos added words like a candle, “I don’t like it very much.”

For a moment, Mamela looked unknowingly impatient, “What? Why? Why?”

“I hate all four-legged animals.”

He frowned feeling uncomfortable just thinking about it. Seeing that expression on his face, Mamela did not readily come up with words of persuasion.

Moreover, when she recalled the story Jonah told her a while ago, she was afraid of how he would react when she spoke about Aryl.

‘Maybe we should talk about it next time.’

Mamela quickly switched to another topic, “I received your gift. Thank you, brother.”

As Mamela smiled and said, Idylos’ expression also became softer. 

He asked with a soft smile, “Did you like it?”

“Yes! Actually, I’ve wanted to have it for a long time.”

As Mamela continued to speak sweetly, she talked about the splendor of the garnet diamonds she had from him.

After they talked for a while, Mamela picked a cookie this time. But when she saw a chocolate cookie that was dark like cat food, she suddenly remembered what she had forgotten.

Mamela dropped the cookie she was going to put in her mouth.

‘…Oh, how much time has passed now?’

When she hardened in that state, Idylos swept the crumbs around Mamela’s mouth with a handkerchief and picked up the snacks she dropped instead.

When he tried to drink tea quietly again, Mamela suddenly stood up violently and the table shook.

Because of the wind, Idylos spilled some tea, Mamela was startled and was at a loss.

“Brother, I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay.”

Idylos glanced at his white clothing stained with tea, then picked up the napkin and wiped it. The tea still seemed hot, but his expression was calm as to whether it was hot or not. He soon drank the rest of the tea casually again.

Mamela said, fidgeting like a dog who needs to pee, “Brother, I’m really sorry… I have to go. I have a lot of homework to catch up on.”

“Yes, don’t put off your homework as much as possible.”

At Idylos’ words, Mamela’s complexion brightened a little.

“Yeah. Next time!”

With a big wave, Mamela hurried out. Idylos waved to his sister and called an aide standing a few steps.

“Ansel.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Bring me some ice for a poultice.”

“Why are your hands swelled, Your Highness?”

Ansel’s eyes widened seeing his hand, Idylos answered dryly, “It was burned.”

“What happened? Are you okay?”

“Don’t be nervous. It’s not a big deal.”

“No, it’s a big deal. Where are you going, Your Highness?”

Ansel, who was worried at the sight of his hand, raised his gaze and asked when Idylos got up from his seat.

“Go to the office. Bring some ice on your way back.”

“What do you mean, the office? Do you want to work with your hand burned like that?” Ansel asked, startled. 

Idylos looked back at him, frowned handsomely, and said, “You talk a lot. Do you want to get fired?”

Ansel immediately bit his mouth. As the surroundings became quiet, Idylos turned his back without saying a word.

A small question emerged in his head about the conversation earlier.

The cat…

‘Does Mamela want to have a cat?’ Idylos thought.

A heavy sigh caught on to Idylos’ steps towards the office.

What should I do if Mamela asks me to raise a cat?

Idylos stopped walking at the instinctive rejection. It was a thought that had gone ahead and had to end in an uneasy misunderstanding. Because of animals…

‘Animals are scary…’

He buried his face in his hand and sighed.

A fatal secret and weakness that cannot be told to anyone. Idylos slightly himself before he came to his senses.

Mamela didn’t even ask for a cat, so what am I scared of? It’s not like this, but I can talk about it properly with Mamela next time. 

He quickly regained his composure and started walking to the office again. His gait was slower than usual.