I’m in the Arms of the Cursed Grand Duke - Chapter 36

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 36

 

Clemente took Zephyrus’s hand.

 

“I don’t know much about other things.”

 

Of course, she knew what was visible. Things like food shortages, rough roads, or environments inevitably vulnerable to epidemics.

 

Such problems were naturally difficult for Clemente to solve. They required combining the strength of many people.

 

“But if cold is the problem, I think I can somehow solve that.”

 

She was telling him not to hide things and to speak up from now on.

 

If Zephyrus had made requests or asked favors of her, Clemente would have granted them without hesitation. Even if it was something she couldn’t do, she would have tried.

 

“If something happens to you, I don’t think I could forgive myself.”

 

“I think I couldn’t forgive myself either if I stayed safe while more people died.”

 

“…”

 

Zephyrus pressed his lips tightly shut. Deep down, he agreed with Clemente’s words.

 

“I don’t want to die either. I came here because I want to live. I cherish myself more than Master thinks.”

 

“I don’t think that’s true.”

 

“What? Please say that again. I didn’t hear you well.”

 

Clemente, who had only seen his lips move, came closer. Zephyrus glanced at her, then stood up and moved.

 

To Clemente, who was curiously following Zephyrus’s actions, Zephyrus handed her the transparent glass.

 

“I’m curious how you looked like a ghost.”

 

“Ah.”

 

Clemente giggled and recreated that appearance.

 

Since white blizzards were blowing and she wanted to be somewhat hidden, she had draped pure white cloth over herself, covered her face and upper body with transparent glass, and slightly bent her knees while walking.

 

“Quite a ridiculous sight.”

 

“What? I didn’t look like a ghost?”

 

“If seen at night, it might seem that way. Have you never seen your own appearance directly?”

 

“No.”

 

Zephyrus gestured. Clemente, with an interested expression, put the cloth over Zephyrus’s head and handed him the transparent glass.

 

“Oh. Master, your shoulders are somewhat visible.”

 

“What about the face?”

 

“It’s covered, so naturally it’s not visible.”

 

Indeed, it was good that she had traveled at night even when tired. Thinking about it now, it had been an interesting experience.

 

Even with sufficient firewood, many people still died, so it would be good if she could help next year too. As Clemente was having such thoughts—

 

“Ahem, hmm.”

 

Zephyrus suddenly cleared his voice.

 

“I know that you and Rossia worked hard.”

 

It sounded like a lord praising subordinates who had done well. The firm and solemn tone made it feel even more so.

 

“However, from now on, I’d like you to get my confirmation before proceeding with work.”

 

“I’ll do that.”

 

“Because— hm?”

 

While Zephyrus hesitated, not expecting immediate acceptance, Clemente spoke first.

 

“Instead, Master, if you want something, tell me too. I’m Master’s exclusive maid, so it’s fine to just give me orders.”

 

“I told you I’d be in trouble if I lost you.”

 

“I’m also troubled by seeing Master struggle.”

 

Clemente moved one step to the side. Zephyrus’s ear became visible. It was pink.

 

“…You seem like you’d jump off a cliff if I told you to.”

 

“That’s not true.”

 

Taking another step, this time his reddened nape became visible.

 

“In any case, I don’t want you doing dangerous things.”

 

“I don’t like it either. But I think my danger and Master’s danger are different.”

 

This time she took a large stride and pressed her shoulder against Zephyrus’s shoulder.

 

Zephyrus flinched.

 

“So talk to me. A lot.”

 

“Are you trying to persuade me?”

 

“We’re understanding each other.”

 

“I… hate it. You leaving my side.”

 

Zephyrus’s eyelashes trembled as he spoke while forcibly hardening his expression.

 

Zephyrus had already repeated the same words several times. Even after conversing with Clemente, that anxiety didn’t seem to disappear.

 

She was also comfortable by Zephyrus’s side, but they couldn’t spend time together continuously forever.

 

But then Zephyrus again separated himself and Clemente with the transparent glass and slowly continued speaking.

 

“If I had to choose between the domain and you, I think I’d choose you. But I’m a lord. I shouldn’t do that.”

 

That was a confession.

 

“Actually, I’m grateful. It’s no different from you doing what I couldn’t.”

 

The more he spoke, the more Zephyrus’s voice trembled. Genuine feelings that couldn’t be disguised were felt.

 

“But that’s exactly why… I can’t help feeling self-loathing. Even while thinking it’s fortunate, I realized I’m someone who shouldn’t be in this position.”

 

“Hey! Don’t say such things!”

 

“You said we should understand each other. I have to be honest.”

 

After a moment, after exhaling a short breath, Zephyrus’s voice returned to normal.

 

“Anyway, that’s probably why I was angrier. I apologize for getting angry while swayed by emotions.”

 

It was natural for Clemente to respond to Zephyrus’s honesty.

 

“I’m not complicated. I just thought it would be nice if Master was happy like someone receiving a gift. I didn’t even know I could feel such emotions. I’ll explain first next time. I’m sorry.”

 

Bow. Clemente bent at the waist. Zephyrus suddenly put down the transparent glass on the floor and placed his hand on the back of Clemente’s head.

 

At the sudden coolness, Clemente raised her head. Zephyrus’s gaze was directed toward her, but it didn’t seem like he was looking at her.

 

Zephyrus carefully stroked the back of Clemente’s head. To Clemente, who was looking at him curiously, he whispered as if talking to himself.

 

“It’s okay. If you can take responsibility.”

 

“What?”

 

“I suddenly remembered. What Father said to me when I was apologizing for wrongdoing.”

 

He would scold Zephyrus so severely when he did wrong that tears would come out, but afterward he would always gently stroke his head.

 

Though Father was someone he could barely remember now… that warm touch seemed to still remain.

 

Clemente nodded with an “Aha,” then stepped back slightly and placed her hands on both hips.

 

“Don’t be discouraged! Act shamelessly! Just live and that’s enough!”

 

To the startled Zephyrus who was surprised by her sudden shouting, Clemente grinned and added.

 

“This is what my grandmother told me.”

 

“Hmm. This time you seem to have failed to follow your grandmother’s words well.”

 

“Ah, no. Grandmother also said this.”

 

If there’s someone who cherishes you, then don’t be stubborn and express your emotions honestly.

 

Clemente was a child who listened to her grandmother quite well.

 

“I see, so that’s the cause of your embarrassing expressions.”

 

Clemente blinked and scratched her face, then immediately clapped her hands together.

 

“Ah! Face, you mean appearance compliments, right? But that’s just stating facts.”

 

Watching Clemente chatter about how it would be good to get used to it since she’d hear such things often when going outside, Zephyrus furrowed his brow.

 

There were still many, many idiomatic expressions that Clemente needed to memorize.

 

But it would also seem awkward if Clemente spoke perfect Imperial language.

 

“It’s similar but has a different meaning. So…”

 

The corners of Zephyrus’s mouth slightly rose without anyone knowing as he explained the meaning of words to Clemente.

 

**

 

The capital of the Teranova Empire.

 

The center of the empire where the Emperor resides, Solsia.

 

Around the Imperial Palace, the nobles’ annexes were densely positioned.

 

The most conspicuous among them was right next to the Imperial Palace.

 

It was the Pruina Duchy’s annex that had guarded that spot since Solsia was established.

 

The cadet branch of the ducal household lived in the annex.

 

He monitored the Imperial Court’s movements and sent advanced culture to Pruina.

 

However, that was merely a pretext.

 

It meant to stay settled in the Imperial Court and not return to the domain.

 

In fact, they couldn’t even attend the previous Duke’s funeral.

 

It was because the heir Zephyrus was still young.

 

However, even though that young heir had officially become Duke, he was nowhere to be seen for unknown reasons.

 

Unable to even see the face of the only direct heir, the cadet branches grew resentful.

 

It had already been 10 years. Occasionally letters would arrive, but that was all.

 

The Duke, who should be the face and center of the Northern Region, didn’t even attend Imperial Court banquets. He didn’t hold the birthday banquets he should rightfully host, and hadn’t even married.

 

His engagement was on the verge of breaking because he couldn’t show his face.

 

What use was a direct heir who couldn’t fulfill the role of a direct heir?

 

Nerhi was also a child of the Duke before the previous one. He was blood.

 

If his elder brother the Duke had died leaving behind a young heir, shouldn’t the next Duke be himself, the younger brother?

 

Above all, Nerhi wanted to reign like a king in his domain, not live watching other nobles’ reactions in the Imperial Court.

 

Just as his father had done.

 

Therefore, he had lived bowing his head. Until the opportunity came.

 

He held his breath and glared at the enemy’s nape.

 

And now that a gap had finally appeared and he tried to stretch once.

 

“It failed?”

 

“Yes. They were even captured.”

 

“Why on earth?”

 

Nerhi couldn’t understand. The last news had definitely been that things went according to plan. They shouldn’t have been able to do anything during the Snowy Mountains’ nightmare period, so why?

 

His subordinate presented a report.

 

It contained information that a fire fairy had helped Zephyrus.

 

Nerhi laughed incredulously and threw the report away.

 

“What about the caravan?”

 

“Yes, the Snowy Mountains’ nightmare has ended and they just departed.”

 

“That will succeed, right?”

 

The vassals were full of anticipation to buy the goods the caravan brought. If the caravan just left abandoning them? Who would receive that expectation and disappointment?

 

The next day, if the caravan re-entered using Nerhi’s own name? Where would their support and public sentiment turn?

 

The answer was too obvious.

 

Nerhi suppressed the laughter trying to burst out and stared at his subordinate. At the cold urging, the subordinate knelt on one knee and answered.

 

“After years of effort, it absolutely will not fail.”

 

Because they had finally succeeded in taking Noven, the Caravan Leader’s grandson as hostage.

 

Nerhi nodded knowingly and handed an elegant letter to his subordinate.

 

“Send this to the Demeter Duchess.”

 

The Demeter Duchess who possessed the Empire’s most abundant granary region.

 

It was the family where Zephyrus’s fiancée belonged.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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