Chapter 4: Chapter 4: A New Routine

The first morning in the Duke’s mansion was surreal for Jungkook. The room he had slept in felt like it belonged to someone else—everything was too luxurious, too perfect, and nothing like the modest space he had been used to.

A knock at the door startled him. “Come in,” he called out softly.

The butler, Mr. Choi, entered with a bow. “Good morning, Lord Jungkook. His Grace has requested your presence for breakfast in the dining hall. Would you like assistance dressing?”

Jungkook shook his head quickly. “Oh, no, that won’t be necessary. I can manage on my own.”

Mr. Choi gave a polite nod but hesitated before speaking. “If I may suggest, Lord Jungkook, His Grace prefers punctuality.”

Jungkook bit his lip and hurried to get ready. As he slipped into one of the outfits provided for him—a soft lavender tunic with silver embroidery—he couldn’t help but feel out of place. Everything about this life was foreign, but he reminded himself why he was here. One and a half years. Make the most of it.

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When Jungkook arrived at the dining hall, he found Taehyung already seated at the head of a long table. The Duke looked up, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly.

“You’re late,” Taehyung said, though his tone lacked any real anger.

“I’m sorry,” Jungkook mumbled, taking a seat across from him.

Taehyung waved off his apology. “It’s fine. You’ll adjust.”

Jungkook glanced at the lavish spread before them—fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, and meats. His stomach growled loudly, betraying his hunger, and he flushed with embarrassment.

“Eat,” Taehyung said simply, his eyes briefly softening.

Jungkook hesitated, unused to such abundance, but the food was too tempting to resist. As he ate, he noticed Taehyung’s gaze lingering on him.

“Is something wrong?” Jungkook asked, wiping his mouth.

Taehyung leaned back in his chair. “You don’t act like a typical noble.”

“That’s because I’m not one,” Jungkook admitted with a small smile. “I grew up doing chores and serving my sister. This... all of this feels unreal to me.”

Taehyung studied him for a moment before speaking. “Your family doesn’t deserve you.”

The statement was blunt, and Jungkook wasn’t sure how to respond. “They’re still my family,” he said softly.

“Family doesn’t treat you like a servant,” Taehyung said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Jungkook looked down at his plate, unsure how to respond.

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After breakfast, Taehyung stood. “You’ll join me in the study today.”

“The study?” Jungkook asked, standing as well.

“There are matters I need to attend to, and it’s time you start learning about the responsibilities of being the Duke’s spouse,” Taehyung explained.

Jungkook blinked in surprise. “You want me to help you?”

Taehyung smirked faintly. “You’re quick-witted, aren’t you? Let’s put that to use.”

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The study was a vast room with towering bookshelves, a massive desk, and sunlight streaming through tall windows. Jungkook followed Taehyung inside, feeling both nervous and eager.

Taehyung handed him a stack of documents. “Start by organizing these. They’re reports from my estates in the south. Separate them by urgency.”

Jungkook nodded and sat at a smaller desk near the window. As he worked, he couldn’t help but notice how efficient and precise Taehyung was. Despite his cold demeanor, there was a quiet intensity to the way he handled his duties.

“You’re staring again,” Taehyung said without looking up from his work.

Jungkook jumped, nearly dropping the papers in his hands. “I wasn’t staring! I was just... observing.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Observing, hmm? And what have you observed?”

Jungkook hesitated before answering. “That you’re very dedicated. You take your responsibilities seriously.”

Taehyung’s smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. “It’s necessary. People depend on me.”

Jungkook nodded, his admiration for the Duke growing. “I suppose that’s why you have such a reputation. You’re more than the rumors say.”

Taehyung glanced at him, his gaze unreadable. “Rumors are easy to spread, especially when people fear what they don’t understand.”

Jungkook’s heart ached at the hint of sadness in Taehyung’s voice. “I understand that,” he said quietly.

For a moment, their eyes met, and Jungkook felt a strange connection pass between them.

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As the day went on, Jungkook found himself growing more comfortable in Taehyung’s presence. They worked together in companionable silence, occasionally exchanging words or brief smiles.

By the time evening came, Jungkook felt a sense of accomplishment. He had organized the reports, helped draft a letter, and even shared a few laughs with Taehyung.

“You did well today,” Taehyung said as they left the study.

“Thank you,” Jungkook replied, his heart swelling with pride.

Taehyung paused, looking down at him. “Get some rest. Tomorrow will be busier.”

Jungkook smiled. “I will. Goodnight, Your Grace.”

Taehyung’s lips quirked into a faint smile. “Call me Taehyung.”

Jungkook blinked in surprise, but before he could respond, Taehyung had already turned and walked away.

As Jungkook returned to his room, his heart felt lighter. For the first time in years, he felt like he was truly starting a new chapter in his life.

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