Chapter 193
It seemed he was still bothered by being sent away when I was conspiring with Theobalt. I thought everything was fine since I had explained it all.
“Luwen can have me exclusively anytime, with or without being an Honorary Duke. And you’re the only one who can do that.”
He smiled broadly, appearing very pleased.
“Really?”
He wasn’t asking because he didn’t believe me. He simply wanted to hear the same answer once more. Without the slightest hesitation, I answered immediately.
“Yes.”
“I’m happy.”
Luwen examined my face carefully with a gaze full of affection. Just that alone made me feel as if I were being caressed, causing my ears to burn.
“I-it’s embarrassing when you look at me like that.”
“You said I could look as much as I wanted.”
“That’s true, but…”
Is it because I still lack experience? When will I get used to this gaze? I wanted to become accustomed to it quickly, but I also wanted to keep feeling this flutter forever.
“Why?”
“Ah, could you put me down for now?”
“I don’t want to.”
I froze, still avoiding his gaze, and blinked.
‘Luwen refused my request?’
Though it was a small matter, it was quite extraordinary between us. I was so surprised that my embarrassment disappeared, and when I belatedly came to my senses and met his gaze, a playful Luwen was waiting for me.
“You don’t want to?”
“Yes. I want to keep holding you like this.”
I hadn’t misheard. He truly refused my request. Not as a servant who must serve his master, but as a lover. It was evidence that we were becoming equals. That made me indescribably happy.
“When will you change how you address me?”
Taking the opportunity, I subtly mentioned wanting to be called by my name instead of “Young Master.”
“I’ll change it gradually.”
“Really? And speak to me more casually too?”
“That would be difficult.”
“Why?”
Luwen’s eyes deepened.
“Because I want to respect you, Young Master.”
“Speaking casually doesn’t mean you don’t respect me.”
“I know. But you are too precious and valuable to me, so I want to cherish you.”
I didn’t quite understand. What difference did formal versus casual speech make? It’s not like his attitude would change drastically just by speaking informally.
‘Well, won’t time resolve this too?’
As we spend more time as lovers, surely then…
“Hmm. I understand for now. But whenever you change your mind, feel free to speak comfortably. I’ll be waiting.”
I smiled and kissed my lovely lover’s forehead. He looked up at me, smiling, and he was so beautiful that my heart tickled.
“I’ll think about it.”
Luwen put me down. Feeling slightly regretful, I headed to the desk. Since Luwen had expressed his desire to become an Honorary Duke, I needed to reply.
But given the nature of the matter, I also needed to ask my sister’s opinion, so I put the letter inside my jacket and went to her office. I also had something I wanted to ask without Luwen knowing, so I asked him to find Rona for me. Luwen agreed and escorted me to my sister’s office before leaving.
“Fei!”
After explaining everything to my welcoming sister, she smiled knowingly, as if she already knew.
“I did hear about it from His Highness yesterday, but he told me to keep it a secret because he wanted to ask you directly. Have you decided to accept?”
“You don’t object?”
“Why would I? As long as you two are happy.”
My sister was puzzled, as if wondering why I would ask her such a thing. Truly, my sister is the best.
“Sister. You know that I really like him, right?”
“Of course. Naturally, I know.”
My sister lifted her chin and smiled triumphantly. A peaceful and warm atmosphere filled the office. I was happy to have so much, and a little afraid of losing it, but rather than worrying, I decided to enjoy the present moment.
“Have you written your reply?”
“Yes. But I’m a bit worried… what if they send Luwen far away?”
An Honorary Duke, no less. There’s no way such a high title would be bestowed without expecting something in return. Though it’s for immediate benefit, the Second Prince’s nature is to exploit to the fullest.
“His Highness didn’t seem to have any intention of separating you and Luwen. However, the nobles might pressure him to accumulate achievements, comparing him to Duke Cromwell.”
“Ah…”
I really didn’t want to be separated from Luwen. But I also didn’t want to leave the clinic. And I didn’t want to see my sister less frequently.
This wouldn’t be just a short break for a year or so. It might take several years before we could return to the capital.
“His Highness will probably prevent that, but if you’re still anxious, there’s also the option of having Luwen join the Knight Order.”
The Knight Order. That might be better. Especially if it’s the Imperial Guard where my sister is stationed—they rarely leave the capital, and the justification is clear. The justification being that Luwen, whose skills are still developing, would train with the empire’s finest knights.
That could work for a few years. After that, we’d have to see how the situation unfolds, but if we can hold out until the Second Prince becomes Emperor, wouldn’t my sister ensure that Luwen can stay in the capital?
Yes, joining the Knight Order seemed better in many ways than living with uncertainty. After all, new knights are recruited after the senior knight examination, so if he joins then, there would be no room for gossip later.
After persuading the Emperor until the official title conferment ceremony… It’s not something that can be done in a month or two, so the timing should work out.
“It seems I’ll need to find a separate guard for myself.”
“Luwen will be jealous.”
“Can’t be helped.”
I shrugged and smiled.
“And there’s something else I want to ask.”
“What is it?”
“I’d like to ask Rona to become your personal physician. What do you think, Sister? Does that seem okay?”
I asked with a slightly trembling heart. In fact, our family naturally had a personal physician. Why use the past tense? Because I was the only one who got sick at home.
Originally, our family had been healthy for generations, so we didn’t have a resident physician. After I became Master’s disciple, he became like a personal physician, which led to fewer visits from the family doctor. Now I’m not even sure how he’s doing.
That’s why Rona was needed more. A doctor whom my sister, the future Empress, could trust.
‘Master left the imperial palace behind.’
How could I ask him to become my sister’s personal physician? It also felt like a sin to take him away from the empire’s citizens.
If a situation arose where my sister needed a doctor, I couldn’t confidently say I could view it rationally and objectively. Even with Luwen, I was flustered, so I knew clearly without experiencing it.
Of course, the Second Prince would care in his own way, but still. In a way, it was my desire. The selfishness of wanting someone I could trust and rely on by my sister’s side.
“Rona?”
“Yes. Of course, she still has a lot to learn, but I think she’ll become an excellent doctor in a few years, so isn’t it good to secure her early?”
The First Prince had been banished as a criminal following the end of his trial. Rona remained in the domain because there was still more to learn at Master’s clinic. Once she had acquired enough knowledge, it wouldn’t be strange for her to leave at any time, so if we wanted to retain her, we needed to bring it up soon.
‘Actually, she probably won’t think about returning home for a while.’
I had hinted to Master that since he liked Rona, perhaps he should take her as a disciple. He said one troublesome disciple was enough, but he seemed secretly interested, so I think Rona might have noticed this subtle change too.
So now was the perfect timing.
“Rona is a good girl. She has pride and passion. The reason she wants to return home and set up a clinic is for her family. Is it right for us to keep such a person?”
When did they discuss all this? I didn’t know she was aware of Rona’s personal circumstances.
“What if we invite Rona’s family to our domain?”
My sister silently stared at me for a moment. Under her gaze, which seemed to read my innermost thoughts, I cleared my throat, and she smiled slightly and said:
“Alright. If Rona and her family agree, let’s do that. It seems like that would alleviate one of my brother’s worries.”
“No, it’s not like I’m worried about…”
“You can’t deceive my eyes.”
I was about to lie nonchalantly, but I just gave a small laugh and nodded.
“The Second Prince will become the Crown Prince. Then eventually he’ll become Emperor, and won’t you enter the imperial palace? I thought it would be good to have a trustworthy physician in the palace.”
I thought she would say I was worrying unnecessarily, but my sister said something unexpected.
“You’re right. Once I enter the palace, there won’t be anyone I can trust.”
With a shy smile, she said that the Second Prince had officially confessed to her yesterday. More precisely, he had confessed several times before, but she had always refused until now.
“I needed time to prepare myself. But seeing you two, I also wanted to be more intimate with His Highness.”
“Really? That’s great!”
I celebrated as if it were my own happy news, offering my heartfelt congratulations. My sister smiled beautifully, like a peony blooming vividly in spring.
“So, when His Highness is appointed Crown Prince, I will likely enter the palace as the Crown Princess. Before that, I’ll select someone from the branch family to handle the family affairs at their discretion. The official successor will be my second child, when I have one.”
I nodded with excitement as I listened attentively. A nephew? My nephew would become Duke Vinter? I couldn’t help but wish for that day to come quickly.
‘Can my life really be this smooth?’
Since it had never been like this before, anxiety crept in again, but I forcefully pushed it down. This too must be due to unfamiliarity. When I get used to this luxurious peace I’m enjoying, such anxiety will disappear.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
