But there was one thing I overlooked.
That this world is different from my previous life, and that Caleb was a high-ranking aristocrat.
As a result, his room has a bedroom, an office, and a basic parlor room all in one.
‘I was such an idiot to expect it.’
I sat down on the sofa, disappointed.
There was a parlor room as soon as Caleb opened the door, so I couldn’t see his bedroom or office.
Still, it was great to be able to sit down.
Because the shoes provided by the Imperial maids were new, my feet were starting to hurt, so I was relieved that I could finally rest.
A maid brought me a sherbet once I sat down.
When I took a scoop of sherbet, the icy yet sweet ice filled my tongue and melted away.
‘Hmm, it’s delicious.’
At first, I merely ate a scoop of sherbet to appreciate the flavor. But after the first taste, my hands were spooning the sherbet into my mouth with enthusiasm.
The sherbet glass then quickly ran empty.
As I finished eating and put down the sherbet glass, Caleb asked me.
“Do you want some more? If you want more, I’ll tell the chef to make some.”
Should I have some more?
I pondered for a bit, but after much thought, I shook my head.
Because the best way to make food more delicious is to stop eating it while we still desire it.
So I’ll reserve it for later.
“It’s alright, Duke. I’ll have it next time.”
“If you want, I can tell the chef to prepare it again tomorrow.”
“Only tomorrow?”
“Certainly not.”
Caleb then took my hand in his, kissed my lips, and murmured.
“I’ll order them to prepare it for you every day so you may eat it every day. Until you get tired of the flavors.”
Thump thump-
As soon as Caleb said that, I could feel my heartbeat beating so loudly that it extended throughout my body and heated up my face.
Ugh, if Caleb continues to behave like this, I think I might get an arrhythmia soon.
When the sunshine flooded in through the window, I was concerned about the loud tapping that could reach my ears.
As I scowled to the sudden brightness, Caleb’s large hands suddenly enclosed around my cheeks.
Thus I turned my head to face him and saw his face close up.
H-huh?
My eyes widened as I realised Caleb’s face becoming closer in an instant.
Then, like a gust of wind, plenty of shameful thoughts swept through my mind.
“Didn’t your eyes turn gold in the light?”
“That’s right, Duke.”
“But the color of your eyes right now……”
I instinctively stroked my eyes in response to Caleb’s words.
I felt the touch of cold metal as I lightly brushed the corner of my eyelids.
Ah, is it because of this?
“Is it because my eyes’ color hasn’t changed?”
“Did you know about it already? Since when…… Is it related to Rykel’s poison?”
“That’s not the case, Duke. It’s because of this ring.”
Then I showed Caleb the ring I wear on my left pinky finger.
“This is the ring that prevents the color of my eyes from changing. This was given to me by the Crown Prince. He stated that it is preferable to conceal the fact that the color of my eyes changes in the light.”
“Do you happen to know why he told you to keep it hidden?”
“Uhm…… The Crown Prince stated it proved I had God’s blessing. It was advised that I conceal the truth so that the priests and Imperial sorcerers would not become aware of it.”
“If it’s the truth, it is really wiser to keep it hidden. But will the ring harm you in any way?”
“I don’t think so, Duke. I never felt anything weird when wearing the ring because it was a holy relic.”
“If it’s a holy relic, are you talking about Izaka?”
“Yes, Duke. I heard this ring was carved from an Izaka remnant.”
“If that’s the case, I’m relieved……”
Caleb stopped talking, which baffled me because I expected him to say more.
What’s wrong with him?
Was he acting this way because he was concerned about my health?
But I’ve been Perfectly all right all along.
While the stillness remained, a knock and an unfamiliar voice were heard at the door.
“Are you in there, Your Excellency?”
“I think the butler requires my assistance. Elena, may I go out for a while?”
“Yes, Duke, please.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Caleb then left the parlor room.
I leaned back on the sofa as soon as the door closed.
I felt uncomfortable to show my comfortable self in front of Caleb that I had been sitting with tense all over my body. As a result, my back started to suffer.
“Ah… very comfortable.”
Even though it wasn’t a bed, the smooth feel of the sofa made me feel good.
However, perhaps it was because I was so full that I became drowsy……
Gasp, No!
I should never fall asleep here!
I smacked myself on the face and lifted my hand, but I’m still sleepy. Maybe because I smacked myself too lightly.
It was the same when I attempted to remain awake by pinching my thighs and shaking my head.
My eyes felt heavier as my drowsiness increased.
NO!
Caleb will be back very soon……
I shouldn’t fall asleep here……
* * * * *
Caleb and the butler were both in the office.
It was the butler’s responsibility to report anything that occurred at the mansion while Caleb was away.
Caleb expected the conversation to last only a few minutes, but it lasted much longer.
Caleb began to worry about leaving Elena alone for a longer length of time as time passed.
“Do you have anything further to report?”
“This is the final one, Your Excellency. The maids had completed preparing the lady’s room. But……”
The butler continued.
“I need to organize the luggage that the lady brought, and I’d like to hear your thoughts on that, Your Excellency.”
“I believe it is best to ask the person personally.”
The butler, who was rather elderly, followed Caleb out of the office silently.
In truth, the butler had anticipated his master’s reaction in this manner.
‘This is the first time I’ve seen His Excellency behave this way.’
The butler remembered seeing Elene for the first time earlier.
His young master, whom was flawless in appearance, talent, and lineage, was uninterested in the opposite sex.
And, obviously, his master had never previously brought a lady to the Duke’s residence.
Because his master was still young, the butler believed it was reasonable. But as his master reached marriageable age, the butler couldn’t help but be concerned.
That’s why the butler was so excited about seeing his master bring a lovely lady out of nowhere to the Duke’s residence……!
Even more so when he saw Caleb’s smile and how he treated Elena.
The butler recognized then that his young master had fallen deeply in love with the lady.
Perhaps it wasn’t only him who thought like that. Other servants at the Duke’s residence who witnessed how Caleb treated Elena may have assumed the same.
“Hold on a minute.”
That’s why the butler didn’t mind when Caleb commanded him to stand in front of the door.
Rather, the butler was at ease.
Meanwhile, Caleb, who had gripped the doorknob, had stopped opening it.
From the gap between the doors, he could see Elena asleep on the sofa.
Caleb was feeling unfamiliar with the sight.
Obviously, he was familiar with the parlor room.
Because he always passed by this room on his way to his bedroom.
Nevertheless, he felt as if he was in an unfamiliar place, just because Elena was on the sofa.
Caleb remained at the door, not even considering entering the room.
The butler inquired, looking at Caleb, who was still standing.
“Your Excellency? Is something wrong?”
“It’s nothing.”
Caleb used his body to close the door gap. The view inside the room was virtually obscured by his massive frame.
At the same moment, the butler realized it was time for him to go.
“Your Excellency, I shall inquire later about the lady’s luggage.”
“You may do so.”
Caleb opened the door only after the butler had completely left.
Caleb then entered the room and approached the sofa gently.
Eleba had not opened her eyes until that moment.
“Elena?”
Caleb called Elena, but there’s no answer returned. At regular intervals, only her breathing sound can be heard.
Caleb leaned forward and softly shook Elena’s shoulder.
“Elena, wake up.”
“Nnghh……”
Elena, however, did not awaken.
Her face barely frowned briefly before returning to a relaxed posture.
When Caleb saw Elena like that, he slipped his hands under her knees and back and lifted her up.
Elena didn’t wake up even after Caleb held and raised her.
Elena, on the other hand, burrows her body into Caleb’s arms, as if yearning for a comfortable position.
Elena even rested her head on Caleb’s strong shoulder.
Elena moved her head, as if she was uncomfortable.
Elena moved her head around, from Caleb’s firm shoulder, through Caleb’s hard forearm, then finally landed at Caleb’s strong chest.
Elena’s long hair cascaded down her back, tickling Caleb’s arm and chest.
Caleb then moved cautiously, one step at a time, strengthening his upper body to avoid as much impact on Elena as possible.
Caleb entered his bedroom and carefully placed Elena on his bed. Elena turned to the edge of the bed and curled up with a deep moan.
Her face, with her hair tickled down, looked uncomfortable.
Caleb then brushed Elena’s hair back from her face.
As he was doing so, his hand brushed against Elena’s long eyelashes.
Surprised by the unexpected touch, Caleb took his hand away for a second then gently caressed Elena’s face once again.
Elena moved her face to the side, against Caleb’s hand, and his palm was filled with warm and soothing touches.
His heart was racing just thinking about him touching her.
He’d never even dare to think about approaching her, let alone touch her.
The back of his palm was tinged with warm sunshine.
The sunshine gilded Elena’s cheek and neck as Caleb drew his hand away, which had been hanging like an awning. Her white skin appeared more beautiful.
Caleb somehow felt relieved that he was the only one seeing Elena at this moment.
If possible Caleb wished he could be the only one seeing Elena.
Only himself.
It was the first time in Caleb’s life that he felt a severe possessive desire. To the point where he felt suffocated.
Nonetheless, his burning emotions and feelings did not subside.
Caleb, as if bewitched by her, simply wants this lovely woman for himself.
Then before he realized it, Caleb found himself bending his upper body down.
But there was one thing I overlooked.
That this world is different from my previous life, and that Caleb was a high-ranking aristocrat.
As a result, his room has a bedroom, an office, and a basic parlor room all in one.
‘I was such an idiot to expect it.’
I sat down on the sofa, disappointed.
There was a parlor room as soon as Caleb opened the door, so I couldn’t see his bedroom or office.
Still, it was great to be able to sit down.
Because the shoes provided by the Imperial maids were new, my feet were starting to hurt, so I was relieved that I could finally rest.
A maid brought me a sherbet once I sat down.
When I took a scoop of sherbet, the icy yet sweet ice filled my tongue and melted away.
‘Hmm, it’s delicious.’
At first, I merely ate a scoop of sherbet to appreciate the flavor. But after the first taste, my hands were spooning the sherbet into my mouth with enthusiasm.
The sherbet glass then quickly ran empty.
As I finished eating and put down the sherbet glass, Caleb asked me.
“Do you want some more? If you want more, I’ll tell the chef to make some.”
Should I have some more?
I pondered for a bit, but after much thought, I shook my head.
Because the best way to make food more delicious is to stop eating it while we still desire it.
So I’ll reserve it for later.
“It’s alright, Duke. I’ll have it next time.”
“If you want, I can tell the chef to prepare it again tomorrow.”
“Only tomorrow?”
“Certainly not.”
Caleb then took my hand in his, kissed my lips, and murmured.
“I’ll order them to prepare it for you every day so you may eat it every day. Until you get tired of the flavors.”
Thump thump-
As soon as Caleb said that, I could feel my heartbeat beating so loudly that it extended throughout my body and heated up my face.
Ugh, if Caleb continues to behave like this, I think I might get an arrhythmia soon.
When the sunshine flooded in through the window, I was concerned about the loud tapping that could reach my ears.
As I scowled to the sudden brightness, Caleb’s large hands suddenly enclosed around my cheeks.
Thus I turned my head to face him and saw his face close up.
H-huh?
My eyes widened as I realised Caleb’s face becoming closer in an instant.
Then, like a gust of wind, plenty of shameful thoughts swept through my mind.
“Didn’t your eyes turn gold in the light?”
“That’s right, Duke.”
“But the color of your eyes right now……”
I instinctively stroked my eyes in response to Caleb’s words.
I felt the touch of cold metal as I lightly brushed the corner of my eyelids.
Ah, is it because of this?
“Is it because my eyes’ color hasn’t changed?”
“Did you know about it already? Since when…… Is it related to Rykel’s poison?”
“That’s not the case, Duke. It’s because of this ring.”
Then I showed Caleb the ring I wear on my left pinky finger.
“This is the ring that prevents the color of my eyes from changing. This was given to me by the Crown Prince. He stated that it is preferable to conceal the fact that the color of my eyes changes in the light.”
“Do you happen to know why he told you to keep it hidden?”
“Uhm…… The Crown Prince stated it proved I had God’s blessing. It was advised that I conceal the truth so that the priests and Imperial sorcerers would not become aware of it.”
“If it’s the truth, it is really wiser to keep it hidden. But will the ring harm you in any way?”
“I don’t think so, Duke. I never felt anything weird when wearing the ring because it was a holy relic.”
“If it’s a holy relic, are you talking about Izaka?”
“Yes, Duke. I heard this ring was carved from an Izaka remnant.”
“If that’s the case, I’m relieved……”
Caleb stopped talking, which baffled me because I expected him to say more.
What’s wrong with him?
Was he acting this way because he was concerned about my health?
But I’ve been Perfectly all right all along.
While the stillness remained, a knock and an unfamiliar voice were heard at the door.
“Are you in there, Your Excellency?”
“I think the butler requires my assistance. Elena, may I go out for a while?”
“Yes, Duke, please.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Caleb then left the parlor room.
I leaned back on the sofa as soon as the door closed.
I felt uncomfortable to show my comfortable self in front of Caleb that I had been sitting with tense all over my body. As a result, my back started to suffer.
“Ah… very comfortable.”
Even though it wasn’t a bed, the smooth feel of the sofa made me feel good.
However, perhaps it was because I was so full that I became drowsy……
Gasp, No!
I should never fall asleep here!
I smacked myself on the face and lifted my hand, but I’m still sleepy. Maybe because I smacked myself too lightly.
It was the same when I attempted to remain awake by pinching my thighs and shaking my head.
My eyes felt heavier as my drowsiness increased.
NO!
Caleb will be back very soon……
I shouldn’t fall asleep here……
* * * * *
Caleb and the butler were both in the office.
It was the butler’s responsibility to report anything that occurred at the mansion while Caleb was away.
Caleb expected the conversation to last only a few minutes, but it lasted much longer.
Caleb began to worry about leaving Elena alone for a longer length of time as time passed.
“Do you have anything further to report?”
“This is the final one, Your Excellency. The maids had completed preparing the lady’s room. But……”
The butler continued.
“I need to organize the luggage that the lady brought, and I’d like to hear your thoughts on that, Your Excellency.”
“I believe it is best to ask the person personally.”
The butler, who was rather elderly, followed Caleb out of the office silently.
In truth, the butler had anticipated his master’s reaction in this manner.
‘This is the first time I’ve seen His Excellency behave this way.’
The butler remembered seeing Elene for the first time earlier.
His young master, whom was flawless in appearance, talent, and lineage, was uninterested in the opposite sex.
And, obviously, his master had never previously brought a lady to the Duke’s residence.
Because his master was still young, the butler believed it was reasonable. But as his master reached marriageable age, the butler couldn’t help but be concerned.
That’s why the butler was so excited about seeing his master bring a lovely lady out of nowhere to the Duke’s residence……!
Even more so when he saw Caleb’s smile and how he treated Elena.
The butler recognized then that his young master had fallen deeply in love with the lady.
Perhaps it wasn’t only him who thought like that. Other servants at the Duke’s residence who witnessed how Caleb treated Elena may have assumed the same.
“Hold on a minute.”
That’s why the butler didn’t mind when Caleb commanded him to stand in front of the door.
Rather, the butler was at ease.
Meanwhile, Caleb, who had gripped the doorknob, had stopped opening it.
From the gap between the doors, he could see Elena asleep on the sofa.
Caleb was feeling unfamiliar with the sight.
Obviously, he was familiar with the parlor room.
Because he always passed by this room on his way to his bedroom.
Nevertheless, he felt as if he was in an unfamiliar place, just because Elena was on the sofa.
Caleb remained at the door, not even considering entering the room.
The butler inquired, looking at Caleb, who was still standing.
“Your Excellency? Is something wrong?”
“It’s nothing.”
Caleb used his body to close the door gap. The view inside the room was virtually obscured by his massive frame.
At the same moment, the butler realized it was time for him to go.
“Your Excellency, I shall inquire later about the lady’s luggage.”
“You may do so.”
Caleb opened the door only after the butler had completely left.
Caleb then entered the room and approached the sofa gently.
Eleba had not opened her eyes until that moment.
“Elena?”
Caleb called Elena, but there’s no answer returned. At regular intervals, only her breathing sound can be heard.
Caleb leaned forward and softly shook Elena’s shoulder.
“Elena, wake up.”
“Nnghh……”
Elena, however, did not awaken.
Her face barely frowned briefly before returning to a relaxed posture.
When Caleb saw Elena like that, he slipped his hands under her knees and back and lifted her up.
Elena didn’t wake up even after Caleb held and raised her.
Elena, on the other hand, burrows her body into Caleb’s arms, as if yearning for a comfortable position.
Elena even rested her head on Caleb’s strong shoulder.
Elena moved her head, as if she was uncomfortable.
Elena moved her head around, from Caleb’s firm shoulder, through Caleb’s hard forearm, then finally landed at Caleb’s strong chest.
Elena’s long hair cascaded down her back, tickling Caleb’s arm and chest.
Caleb then moved cautiously, one step at a time, strengthening his upper body to avoid as much impact on Elena as possible.
Caleb entered his bedroom and carefully placed Elena on his bed. Elena turned to the edge of the bed and curled up with a deep moan.
Her face, with her hair tickled down, looked uncomfortable.
Caleb then brushed Elena’s hair back from her face.
As he was doing so, his hand brushed against Elena’s long eyelashes.
Surprised by the unexpected touch, Caleb took his hand away for a second then gently caressed Elena’s face once again.
Elena moved her face to the side, against Caleb’s hand, and his palm was filled with warm and soothing touches.
His heart was racing just thinking about him touching her.
He’d never even dare to think about approaching her, let alone touch her.
The back of his palm was tinged with warm sunshine.
The sunshine gilded Elena’s cheek and neck as Caleb drew his hand away, which had been hanging like an awning. Her white skin appeared more beautiful.
Caleb somehow felt relieved that he was the only one seeing Elena at this moment.
If possible Caleb wished he could be the only one seeing Elena.
Only himself.
It was the first time in Caleb’s life that he felt a severe possessive desire. To the point where he felt suffocated.
Nonetheless, his burning emotions and feelings did not subside.
Caleb, as if bewitched by her, simply wants this lovely woman for himself.
Then before he realized it, Caleb found himself bending his upper body down.
