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Published at 4th of December 2022 08:19:07 PM


Chapter 8

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Chapter 8

“A humble Viscounty Lady is trying to teach me?”

‘I don’t think he heard me in the back of his ears either. Besides, it’s too rude to say a humble Viscounty Lady, isn’t it?’ Iellie was slightly offended.

Fortunately, the Duke’s mood itself looks stable. The emotion that permeated his blue eyes was a subtle curiosity. Though suddenly,

“Ien.”

Huh? At the voice calling for her, Iellie peered around slightly.

It was Zachary who called her.

“Thank you, for saying that for me.”

The dark blue eyes contain a faint smile inside. Unlike the Duke’s eyes, it is as clear as the spring sky.

“I got it from here.”

“…Zachary.”

Zachary, who smiled gently at Iellie, raised his head straight. The boy opened his mouth coldly.

“Father. Please respect her.”

It was Zachary’s first rebellion against the Duke. The Duke faced him with icy eyes. Even the faint warmth when dealing with Iellie disappear, but the boy didn’t care.

“Iellie is my wife.”

“What a low standard you set for your wife.”

The Duke responded in a low voice to his son who had raised the blade. He immediately continued, “This is just out of necessity. That child is not good enough to be a companion for Hessenweigtz.”

“No, she’s my wife. Rather, I am not enough to be her companion.”

“She’s a tail attached from the royal family, how could you accept her as a family?”

In the blatant sarcasm, Zachary had a cold face like ice. The boy bent his head at an angle.

“It’s okay to call me a monster, but you shouldn’t be so rude to her.”

Glacier-like eyes glared at the Duke. Zachary spoke with an arrogant, cold attitude. “She is my family, the heir to Hessenweitz. She’s also the most intimate and closest person to me.”

“Hessenweitz’s heir. Do you remember who gave you that name?”

“Father gave it to me. But besides me, who else can carry that name?”

It was a tight fight. Zachary stared head-on at the Duke without shaking. The reason he is called ‘monster,’ the magic of winter, was because of the power of the Frost Devil, which is often born only in the lineage of Hessenweitz. Ironically, even though he is a ‘monster,’ no one could deny that Zachary is the purest bloodline of Hessenweitz.

“Yes. Then… Let’s see.”

The Duke twisted his mouth. Moments later, he stood up from his seat and stepped away.

Thud.

After the dining room door was closed, Zachary, who sat with his waist straight while encountering the Duke, collapsed into the chair exhaustedly.

“Zachary, are you okay?”

Surprised Iellie jumped up from her seat. She pushed her chair out and sat right next to him.

“Why fight with the Duke, I’m fine!”

Leaning loosely on the chair, he turned to her. He carefully stretched out his hand without hesitating for a moment and held Iellie’s hand tightly.

Warmth spread from his fingertips, and she opened her eyes wide.

“You, too.”

“Huh?”

At the question, she blinked her eyes blankly. His bright blue eyes glanced at her.

“You also fought with my father because of me.”

“…”

Hearing his words, she was speechless. Softly, Zachary gave strength to his hands that held hers and quietly whispered.

“So, it’s natural for me to fight for you, too.”

“That, that’s…”

“You are my wife. I have a duty to take care of you so that you can live with respect.”

“…”

Wife. The word that she had uttered in her own mouth was strangely ticklish as it comes from Zachary’s mouth. Iellie stared blankly at him for a while. He avoided her gaze as he was a little shy.

“I want to keep you safe and comfortable.”

Zachary spoke as his eyes beam happily. His expression, bright like sunshine, caused Iellie to stutter unconsciously.

“Well, if you’re going to say that… get well quickly.”

“Huh?”

“You said you’re going to protect me.”

With a coy look, Iellie turned her gaze away. Come to think of it, it seems like this was the first time he has ever seen her, who had always been like an older sister, being shy.

Zachary, gazing at her face next to him, smiled, blushing the tips of his ears. He feels a little closer to her.

‘Please, don’t ever hate me.’ The boy prayed earnestly.

***

2 — Asha Festival.

After that day, a small change took place in her life. She had left the guest room and officially moved to the main house.

The newly moved room was a luxurious room with a parlor, a toilet, and a small office. She honestly didn’t even think she would get a room like this, so Iellie was a little confused.

“How is it? Do you like the room?”

“Yes, thank you. But it’s a bit burdensome because it’s a very nice room.”

“No. Actually, I wanted to give you a better room…”

Zachary, who said so, looked a little disappointed. Iellie shook her head firmly.

“This is already too much for me.”

Neat and luxurious furniture, wallpaper with elegant patterns mixed with gold thread, lace canopy against the sky, and vases full of fresh flowers.

Honestly, it seemed to be better than the room Zachary was using.

“In a little while, Asha flowers will also bloom.” She said while pushing the window slightly to open it. The pink flower branches through the open window were swaying. Even though there are still only dense buds right now, they should bloom in a week or so.

“I hope it blooms quickly.”

“I didn’t know you liked Asha flowers.”

“Yes. It’s my favorite flower… Do you hate it?”

Iellie, looking out of the window resting her chin, glanced back at Zachary. The boy shook his head.

“No, um… well.”

It was more like, he didn’t care much about it.

To be honest, because he didn’t have any kind of affection for the Duke, Zachary didn’t even want to know the details of the Duke’s symbol, the Asha flower. But if she loves that flower…

“…I don’t think I hate it.”

Since he can see her soft expression, he doesn’t hate it. At that time, Iellie muttered in a regretful voice.

“Actually, I have always wanted to see the Asha Festival at least once…”

The Imperial Lipenberg and Hessenweitz, the only Duchy of the Empire. The two most powerful and historic families of the Empire were unfortunately at odds.

Whenever their symbolic Asha flower blooms, the two families often hold festivals as if to show off their power. In particular, the Duchy’s festival was famous for its splendor.

‘Because winter in the north is very long, it was said that a festival to celebrate spring is held magnificently.’

However, since the Duke hated her, it will be difficult to see the festival. Iellie sighed.

“Shall we go together?”

“Huh?”

All of the sudden, Zachary asked her the question. Amazed at the strange question, as she tried to soothe her heart.

“What? But I don’t think the Duke will allow it…”

“Ien, no matter how much you say that I am also hated by the Duke.”

Zachary smiled gently at her. Reaching out his fingers, he touched Iellie’s slightly curled hair. “I can still give you a visit to the festival if you want.”

“That, but…”

“Do you happen to not want to go?”

“No, not that!” To be honest, she really wanted to go. He laughed at her reflexively raising her voice.

“Then, let’s go.”

No, is it this easy to decide? Can they not get permission from the Duke? Iellie was a little embarrassed, but Zachary seemed to have no sign of changing his mind. As he glanced at her, she grinned brightly.

“Yes, thank you. I’m really looking forward to it.”

His heart rattled at the small whisper. Afraid she would see his red face, Zachary glanced away.

On the way out of the room after separating from Iellie, Zachary ran into Mary. A sullen Mary raised her head. Although the recent young master is said to be considerably more comfortable than before, it is a limited treatment for the young lady.

She just waited silently for him to pass. However, Zachary opened his mouth.

“Did you say your name is Mary?”

Mary was surprised. She wouldn’t think that the young master, not the lady, remembers her name.

“Tha, that’s right.”

“I have a question.”

At those words, her head shook again. Zachary scratched his cheek slightly and asked quietly. “By any chance, at this Asha Festival… are there any shops, snacks, or something that girls would enjoy?”

“Yes?”

‘What is he saying now?’ Mary was suspicious of her ears. He faced her with a rather bright face.

“And I would be grateful if you could tell me what food Ien likes.”

“…That.”

‘No way, are you doing this for the girl?’ Laughter was going to burst for some reason, so Mary pulled her lips together tightly and replied.

“Lady Iellie loves sweet food.”

“Sweet food?”

“Yes, she’s not picky of any kind of snack, but she especially enjoys cakes.”

“Okay. Should I find a place like a cafe in advance?”

Zachary thoughtfully nodded his head, almost as if he was going to take notes. Seeing so, Mary opened her mouth again.

“If it’s all right, I’ll ask the maids around and collect more information.”

“Yes, please come to my room anytime.”

The boy’s expression brightened. The joyful face tried to pass by Mary, but he paused after a few steps and looked back.

“…Thank you.”

At his unexpected words, Mary opened her eyes wide. It was a first ‘thank you’ from the young master.

‘Oh my gosh. Is he really the young master…?’’

Zachary, who became embarrassed, moved quickly. Leaving Mary standing blankly, smiled at last.

***

Before they knew it, it was the day of the festival. Pink Asha flowers bloomed under the deep blue sky. The blossoms shaking like waves are dazzlingly pretty. The two got up early in the morning and went out of the castle.

They don’t have an escort. Zachary alone could protect Iellie, so she wanted to spend time alone.

“Wow, I never thought I would be able to see the Asha Festival.”

Iellie peered out of the carriage as if possessed. He followed her and gazed out of the window.

“Have they decorated it so gorgeously? No matter how festive it is, it’s really amazing.”

The colorfully decorated street vendors sold numerous street snacks with miscellaneous accessories. Pink Asha petals could be seen flutter brightly above them. Iellie, looking at the figure, suddenly opened her mouth.

“So, did you know that Asha Flower’s nickname is ‘Spring Flower’?”

“No, I didn’t know.”

“It’s still a symbol of the Duchy, but aren’t you too indifferent?”

Zachary laughed as he looked at Iellie smiling with a frown on the tip of her nose. It’s true that he wasn’t interested, but…

“From now on, I think I will be interested.”

“Is that so? Why?”

“That’s…”

‘Because it is a flower that resembles you.’ Instead of responding like that, Zachary just smiled silently. With a confused face, she turned back out of the window. Her pink hair fluttered in the wind.

“Later, I’ll teach you how to distinguish between cherry blossoms and Asha flowers.”

“Do you have anything like that?”

“Yes. Asha flowers are much larger than cherry blossoms, and the scent is also strong. And…”

Iellie continued to babble. She was a woman who had been acting as the elder all the time, so this side of hers was a little unfamiliar to him.

Still, it’s cute. Zachary listened to her and said calmly. “First, let’s stop by the cafe and take a break, then look around the festival.”

“Cafe?”

She tilted her head. The moment her gaze looked at him like a sprout, Zachary swallowed his breath.

“Yes. I’ve found a place you’ll like.”

“Wow, really? Thank you, it must have taken you a lot of effort.”

“No, it’s okay.”

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