I’m in the Arms of the Cursed Grand Duke - Chapter 73

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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 73

Zephyrus’s eyes hardened with intensity. It was the look of someone betrayed by a trusted person.

“The young lady can ask His Highness any questions or make requests she has there. Right? Rossia, organize some places worth visiting for her.”

“Oh, yes, Aunt. If the weather is good, there are quite a few places with spectacular views…”

“What does weather matter when Clemente is there? Hoho, right, Clemente?”

All eyes turned to Clemente, who had been standing quietly.

“Then-“

“Mother. There’s no need to go out to the domain together. I think it would be more comfortable for the young lady if we went separately.”

Zephyrus cut off Clemente’s words and answered instead. Raisie firmly disagreed.

“That’s not right, Your Highness. You need to have conversations with other people right now. While dignity as a Duke is important, you must also learn manners toward those you converse with. That seems to be what Your Highness lacks most right now. This isn’t even an official situation.”

A Duke must do well. At everything.

He must not be looked down upon, nor be too frightening. He must not be too strong, nor too weak. With the slightest misstep potentially leading to accusations of treason against the Emperor, he must always walk a tightrope.

“Your Highness, while you should always conduct yourself according to proper etiquette, you may relax appropriately in private spaces like this. The people here are those who will follow Your Highness for life.”

That’s why he must let his guard down appropriately in places with people he can trust.

A Duke is also human. Only then can he endure.

“Therefore, what Your Highness must do from now on is make as many trustworthy people as possible.”

No one failed to sense the concern contained in Raisie’s advice.

“Yes…”

He couldn’t refuse that.

“Um, then how about we all go on a picnic together? Doesn’t that sound fun?”

In the warm atmosphere, Clemente suddenly made a suggestion.

“I’d like-“

Just as Rossia was about to answer with a bright expression.

The Dowager Duchess’s muscular leg beside her gave Rossia a light tap.

It meant not to interfere.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen something so fresh.’

Watching the unripe emotions of these green young people was quite tickling and pleasant.

Though he was a son she wouldn’t mind putting in her eyes, he was still lacking for standing alone as a Duke.

That’s why this was also a time when he could make lifelong companions.

And it was also a situation where she could tease her son!

Of course, what she was rooting for was Zephyrus and Clemente.

Liriart was also a cute and likeable child, but blood is thicker than water, isn’t it?

How much had changed since Clemente entered the manor…

The very fact that Zephyrus was now eating in front of her like this was Clemente’s doing.

It was after seeing her cheer without rest until her voice was hoarse for Zephyrus, who had frozen just one step away from moving forward.

Even with the Emperor’s daughter here, Raisie’s choice was Clemente.

If Zephyrus hadn’t seemed to have feelings for Clemente, she might have suggested adopting her as a daughter.

‘I’m curious about His Highness’s reaction when the topic comes up like this?’

Anyway.

Her son, who was trying to hold onto Clemente without even properly understanding his own feelings, was pitiful yet… honestly, a little amusing.

‘I should be allowed to enjoy this fun just a little longer.’

Compensation for handling the Duke’s affairs as an ill-fitting regent for 10 years.

Even if Zephyrus were to discover these feelings, she hoped he would let it slide.

Though she knew it wasn’t her son’s fault.

Learning to become the lady of the house after living with only a sword her whole life was hard enough.

Being regent was even harder because it involved meeting many people, not just work.

What Zephyrus would face in the future.

There can be no learning to deal with people without trial and error.

She only hoped that such awkwardness wouldn’t emerge in official matters.

Creating situations like this now had that meaning too.

Of course, it would also be fun!

“Unfortunately, Rossia and I have plans. Right, Rossia?”

“It seemed like you were about to say yes just now, Mother. Did I mishear?”

“Good… a little, I was going to say we have some plans… hoho…”

Rossia laughed hoho at Clemente’s question. It seemed strange, but she thought that must be it.

But Liriart seemed disappointed. She actively tried to coordinate with the Dowager Duchess’s schedule.

“Really, it’s perfectly fine even if it takes a long time. If I could be with the Dowager Duchess…!”

“Then we can go again at that time. For now, the young people should go together. That way it’s more fun…”

“Pardon?”

Liriart, who hadn’t properly heard the last word, asked again, but Raisie brushed it off as nothing.

“Well then, please enjoy yourselves comfortably today.”

Raisie was the first to cast aside formality. She downed vodka in one gulp and slammed the empty glass down on the table with a bang!

“Everyone play! You people over there too, let’s have fun! Everyone mix together!”

Raisie let down her elegantly pinned-up hair.

She approached the servants, put her arm around Clemente’s shoulders, and laughed heartily.

“M-Mother…?”

“Aunt?”

“Dowager Duchess…! I never knew you had this side!”

Raisie, who had been the Lieutenant of the Knight Order, removed her mask as Dowager Duchess and briefly revealed her true self.

From then on, it was madness.

So much so that the servants who joined in couldn’t work due to hangovers.

**

Liriart, whose under-eyes were so black that even makeup couldn’t cover them, covered her mouth for the tenth time.

“Ugh, huurp.”

She prevented undignified behavior through sheer willpower alone.

Clatter-

“Kup!”

Every time the carriage bounced when a small stone caught in the wheels, she felt like dying would be better.

“Young lady, are you alright?”

Clemente sat beside her and held her hand.

“I learned some methods that help with hangovers from the physician, just in case.”

“I-I don’t need it.”

“Don’t refuse. We’ll really arrive at the village soon, but in this condition, you won’t be able to look around properly.”

“You’re not even a physician.”

“I’m pretty good with my hands, so it’s fine.”

Clemente, having overcome two or three refusals, gently massaged Liriart’s hands.

Liriart had her forehead against the wall when she suddenly felt her stomach clear up.

“How’s your stomach?”

“It’s a stomach that would get better with time anyway.”

“I do feel some strength returning.”

Clemente giggled.

“If you’re done, move over.”

“Ah, master, just a moment. I’ll move when the carriage stops.”

Zephyrus, who had been watching the two with an indifferent face from across, extended his hand.

“I’ll hold you, so come over.”

“It’s fine…”

She was about to refuse, but seeing Zephyrus’s strangely burning eyes, she took his hand without delay.

“I think my stomach isn’t feeling well either right now.”

He meant for her to massage it.

“Yes.”

Clemente also diligently pressed Zephyrus’s hands.

Watching this scene, Liriart inwardly let out a hollow laugh.

Whether it was jealousy or possessiveness, Zephyrus seemed displeased even by that maid briefly attending to Liriart.

“If she’s my personal maid, she only needs to care about me. That’s why she’s personal.”

“Master always comes first.”

Zephyrus’s words, spoken as if for her to hear, gave Liriart certainty in her speculation.

Even the frosty cold atmosphere melted away at Clemente’s words.

She was speechless.

The nausea that had improved with Clemente’s massage seemed to return.

“Young lady. Didn’t you say yesterday you had a question?”

Then Zephyrus spoke to her.

She wanted to pretend she hadn’t heard, but she had to ask when Zephyrus brought it up.

After missing the timing once yesterday, she realized it was quite a heavy question to just ask casually.

It wasn’t something to ask in a light atmosphere without setting the proper mood.

Liriart seized the opportunity Zephyrus had given her.

“Will you answer any question?”

“Wasn’t it a question in exchange for the wine? I’ll consider it as much as possible.”

“Then I’ll ask.”

It was a doubt she’d had a few days ago when she saw the reactions around when Zephyrus came out of his room.

“Rumors are rife in every village that Your Highness couldn’t leave your room because you were figuring out how to stop and break a curse that appeared in the manor one day.”

“And?”

“But to me, it seemed like Your Highness couldn’t leave your room for some other reason. Was there perhaps another reason?”

When she first came, he couldn’t come out not because he was sick, but because he couldn’t leave his room.

Furthermore, the reason they hadn’t met even once during those 10 years.

Liriart didn’t take her eyes off Zephyrus’s gaze. After meeting his eyes several times, she found that his voice alone didn’t reveal emotional fluctuations.

Zephyrus’s eyes were where his emotions showed the most.

‘Why is there no wavering now?’

His eyes were even calmer than when Clemente was massaging his hands beside him.

“An expected question.”

I see. While she was drunk and groaning with a hangover, Zephyrus had even anticipated the questions she would ask.

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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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