Chapter 46.2: 34 & 35

Exasperation unexpectedly came out of me. I felt my forehead crumpled while pressing down on my temples with my fingers.

Quite some time had passed from that day in the garden.

My daily routine went back to normal, but there were two differences.

Firstly, Kyle came back to the room every night.

The funny thing was, I would never see him in person.

‘But oddly enough, he leaves a trail.’

For example, small traces could be found; the placement in a certain object’s position or a blanket that was not on the sofa previously. I saw a lot of signs of Kyle coming and going.

‘… I don’t want to play hide-and-seek.’

Secondly, I don’t know for sure, but I decided to move on.

“Hyaaa…”

The afternoon hours were going slower than usual as I was looking at the documents concerning the Romani Duchy. The document included the Archduke’s profit, his budget management and the Knights’ and employees’ salaries.

Yes, I was buried in work now and it was all thanks to Jean.

“ – As I’ve been with you for some time now, I’ve noticed that you’re capable enough to do it right away on your own. If you don’t mind, I’d like you to take over the main duties of the Great Duchy. What do you think?”

He added that he would help me both materially and mentally if I encountered any difficulties along the way. It wasn’t forced on me, merely an invitation to contribute. Jean was recommending me.

However, it was also true that I could not refuse Jean’s desperate eyes. Eventually, I asked him.

“ – Can you set up a separate office for me?”

“ – Yes, of course! Your Highness.”

In the momentum of Jean’s drive, he built the office from the inside out in a short time. Thanks to him, I had a lot of work to do, but I didn’t resent him. It was a natural step for him to encourage me to show my ability.

I just sigh a little bit because of the workload. No… I sighted a lot.

‘But I’m happy to have a separate office.’

Apart from him, Jean’s attitude was quite surprising. In this era, offices were not built for women. The typical room, which was given to women, was the best room for embroidery and crafts. It was quite exceptional to have an office built for me.

It was an uncomfortable truth, but I could not say anything about the world I created a long time ago.

I thought he would wonder about giving me an office or even disagree with me if I asked for a separate place.

‘It is very pleasant to be accepted.’

In addition, the construction of the office must have been reported to Kyle separately. Then how did he take this case?

It was easy to guess.

‘If you saw that the office was built up and didn’t do anything, you wouldn’t have been very against it.’

This was also a novelty.

I piled up the various thoughts going through my mind and put them on the side, then quickly processed the documents in front of me. Somehow, it was a refreshing experience to be able to check the financial status of the Great Duchy with my own eyes.

‘I’ll try to experience it again in my life when I’m back in my world.’

Honestly, I thought I was mistaken at first. I could not believe it. I thought some of the money was misplaced in the profits of the Grand Duchy. I almost fainted when I found out that the numbers were accurate.

Rubbing my eyes again, while yawning. I stretched my body.

“Sigh.”

My body was so stiff from sitting at the desk in the same position for so long while looking into the various documents that needed my attention.

I unconsciously looked at the calendar once again.

It was tomorrow. The deadline I gave to Sejan. I didn’t want to worry if it failed, but this was my best option.

‘Let’s go get some tea to get my nerves under control.’

At the same moment I went to lift the teacup…

Knock knock.

Someone was at the door.

“Your Highness, it’s Jean. Could I disturb you for a moment?”

“Of course. Come on in.”

Jean sneaked through the door and smiled as soon as he saw me. He was smiling too hard, to the point of being suspicious.

‘Should I ask him what got him to smile like this?’

“Jean, is something good going on?”

“Of course, ma’am, I am myself, but I have good news for you.”

Why so ominous if it was a good thing for me?

After Jean’s ‘good news’ hit the mark. I asked back as if I were checking.

“What…? What?”

After blinking for what felt like the thousand times in a couple of seconds, I kept looking at the ornate golden key in front of me and the documents that Jean handed me.

Uh, well, I mean…

“This golden key is the right to use the jewel room which contains all of the Great Duchy jewelry, right…?”

“Yes, this document also says that the Rose Garden is completely left to you. Actually, it would be better to say that it was given to you.”

Jean was naturally speaking as if everything he said was making sense. In the meantime, I kept alternating between blinking in stupor and staring at through the documents.

The document clearly said that the rose garden was recognized as Riddel Spencer’s private property. It was plainly Kyle’s handwriting.

‘Oh, my God.’

The Rose Garden was a historic garden passed down by the Romani Duchy’s heir. It had been in the Great Duchy’s hand from generation to generation.

‘And you’re going to hand it over so easily?’

Bewildering, I almost dismissed the document.

Jean, who saw my baffled expression, added an explanation. “The master said he wanted to give it to you. He said no one is more suitable for roses than her Highness.”

Lies were slipping with ease from Jean’s mouth. When I smiled at him with suspicion, Jean admitted his slip of tongue.

“… Of course, he didn’t say this exactly, but something similar.”

I was going to ask him what he meant, but Jean continued on a different subject. “And how different the master has been these days! He’s been smiling when he looks at you.”

At that moment, I almost reprimanded him, but decided to let it go for now. Except for the smile, it really did happen.

Kyle has become remarkably docile these days.

Why the hell? No way.

‘Is the curse weakening?’

It was a vague thought, but it wouldn’t be absurd. I’ve been changing the original storyline as I please. It wouldn’t be strange if the story was distorted to some extent.

“Okay, Jean, then I’ll take it. Thank you for bringing it over.”

I accepted Jean’s hand, agonizing over the possibilities, is it possible for the curse to fade? I couldn’t say. My personality type was not one to give up and lay low. I would find out what happened with the curse.

Distinctively, the rose garden was especially a great opportunity to prepare a money fund.

‘Oh… is it too calculating?’

Well, at this time, I didn’t mean to do a big business with it anyway. It was just a small profit opportunity.

Money aside, the curse was worrying me at the moment. I was concerned about the changes that occurred. I could not stay still. How should we check if the curse is really getting weaker?

Dozens of questions were going through my mind while putting the key and documents in the drawer.

Then, I looked at Jean’s face and laid the paved stones to my questions.

“Hey, um, Jean, I have a question.”

“Your Highness, you can ask me anything.”

Jean, who was back to his normal self, answered me with a calm expression. Although it was a clear indication that the question I was trying to ask would be awkward to listen to.

When I got the silent permission, I asked again. “That… about the Archduke’s curse, is there any way to solve it?”

“Unfortunately, not at this point.”

It was an immediate answer without any hesitation.

To think they all thought there was absolutely no way for them to solve Kyle’s curse, I felt miserable. Recalling the basic settings of the original work I created, I knew it was my fault.

But my questions were not over yet.

I decided to dig a little deeper into the core for confirmation.

“But shouldn’t we try to solve the curse? Maybe the Archduke was wrong, and it could be solved.”

It could have been a sensitive remark. It was no different than telling a close confidant of the Archduke that he might die.

“…”

“…”

Silence followed. Fortunately, the atmosphere wasn’t soured by my questions. On the contrary, Jean seemed a little surprised.

When it comes to Kyle’s curse, he would usually only make one-dimensional remarks to diminish the situation. The statement that the curse could not be solved, and that the curse would not kill Kyle.

‘In that situation, you must have felt something unusual when I questioned the curse so deeply.’

Jean lowered his eyes and looked down at me again to see if I was trying to say something else.

“Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you very much for your kindness, but you don’t have to worry.”

“Why?”

“The curse is not one to take the life of the cursed one but rather freezes others. ”

“…”

“This evidence lies with the most prestigious wizards, proud believers of this continent and even the High Priestess of the Arcane, which is said to have the greatest geologist in the empire.”

Jean persuaded me with a self-confident face without floundering despite my firm expression and silence.

It seemed to be somewhere convincing.

As if there was only one correct answer, he seemed to have been brainwashed.

‘At this rate, I don’t think any words will work.’

I had no choice but to nod slightly and continued. “I see, Jean, on a different note, please make sure to get plenty of rest and to check your health often.”

“… okay, Madam.”

It left a lingering impression on the conversation, but it was the best I could do for now.

***

How much time passed since Jean left?

Suddenly, I looked out the window and noticed darkness covering the landscape. I must have been too absorbed in my document.

I wasn’t sure how time went differently when I worked, but I felt a sense of stability, so I continued.

‘As expected, people have to work and live.’

I’ve had so much fun until now, but it wouldn’t be good to overdo it. I organized my desk and decided to head back to my room.

‘Let’s see. The wedding is in about a month, and the place is the largest Arcane Temple on the continent.’

But there was something strange here. Something that stood out. The budget for the wedding was not accurate.

To be exact, that part was blank.

‘Why? Are you not the one who is supposed to set a limit?’

This is a bit much. I didn’t really understand the Archduke’s decision. While I kept thinking about it, I covered the papers, knowing very well that I would stay up all night going through them.

I got up and walked to the door.

At this point, I would typically have called for the maids, however, since I started working late at night, I didn’t want to keep them waiting, so I dismissed them earlier. The knights are on patrol anyway.

When I opened the door, I heard a little squeaking sound.

Perhaps being alone at night was playing tricks on me; the noises seemed to be louder. It was not pitch-black thanks to the lights in the corridor, but I still felt the need to hurry to my room.

“…!”

I was so surprised that I couldn’t even scream at the huge silhouette in front of me…

Then I realized.

I called his name after identifying his white gloved hand that gently wrapped around my arm to prevent me from falling.

“What, Archduke? Since when have you been here?”

I could now distinguish Kyle’s silhouette perfectly.

After releasing my arm, he leaned back against the wall right next to my office, crossed arm.

Then, he made a subtle expression for a moment and opened his mouth.

“What is it? Why are you so surprised?”

“… Why am I surprised? Wouldn’t you be surprised if someone’s shadow were waiting for you in the middle of the night?”

Kyle’s expression, which seemed to say ‘you, surprised, that can’t be true’ was written all over him.

Come to think of it, this man would not be surprised if a dragon appeared in the middle of the night… Because he is a dragon himself.

“Hmmm. Why are you here at this hour Archduke?”

I turned away at Kyle’s sneering gaze.

Kyle answered immediately, waiting for the exact question I just asked. “Why are you not coming into the room?”

The problem was back to this question.

To interpret Kyle’s profound dragon language, it would mean; she was not in the room late at night, so I have to come here myself.

‘If someone were to see us, they might think I’ve broken my promise to him.’

I had a rather absurd look on my face.

“Because I have been working. You are no better; the last few days without even showing your nose.”

“I came into the room.”

“It’s not valid because I didn’t witness it.”

“… I said you didn’t have to work.”

Oh! Look at him changing the subject as soon as he’s at a disadvantage. I didn’t want to hear that from him, but I decided to indulge him and answer his last question.

“I like to work. I want to do it. I think it’s fun and rewarding. It feels like my world is expanding.”

“…”

“I guess working is my preference over playing.”

When I saw Kyle, who quickly opened his mouth, a smirk came out. I felt like I could read Kyle’s thoughts again ‘you don’t have to work, what a unique person’.

“If you’re having a hard time, it doesn’t matter if you quit halfway.”

Meaning, I could throw it away. I recited with a slightly bragging face at the sweet words I heard.

“Do you think I will quit halfway?”

“No. I don’t think so. I think you’re going to stick to your work.”

I didn’t like the expression ‘stick’, but it was accurate in this situation. If I said I would do it, I didn’t intend to throw it halfway through without any thought, like it was not my responsibility.

To begin with, Kyle seemed to know my tendencies but somehow, I think he was trying to encourage me. This was quite a humane remark coming from him.

And…

“Tell me if you have any difficulties with your work. I’ll help you as much as possible.” The voice, which came after a brief silence, contained more humane words.

I took a moment to absorb all of Kyle’s sudden confidence.

“Those are very strong words. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me.”

Afterall, he had to end with a snippy comment. Nevertheless, my heart was moved, and I murmured quietly.

“Then I will be in your care.”

After finishing our conversation in the corridor, we headed slowly down the hall of the night in the thick silence.

Naturally going toward the bedroom.

***

The next day.

Questions have been blooming in my head since the morning.

So, um… I fell asleep with Kyle last night after a long time.

How should I say this? It sounds very strange to hear that we slept together. It wasn’t exactly wrong since we used the same bed. Of course, Kyle didn’t come over to my side. Kyle wasn’t even there when dawn broke.

I got ready to go out as usual and arrived at the office after finishing breakfast.

‘… why is Kyle in my office.’

Kyle sat with his long legs crossed on the sofa I had arranged to entertain occasional guests.

Ugh. He had a document in his hand that seemed to belong to me.

I was so toothless that I asked with an absurd face. “What are you doing here, Archduke?”

“Work.”

“No, why are you working here? This is my office.”

“Didn’t you say you would be in my care yesterday?

Ah! It was the source of trouble. I forgot for a moment that Kyle had his own translator in his head, and the proof of the arbitrary translator could be found in his hands. It seems Kyle accepted my remarks as a request for help.

I went to my desk with a shameless face and sat down. Honestly, it was bothersome to think about the situation I found myself in. However, it was hard to stay still now.

I looked at the calendar once again, like everyday I was sitting here.

‘Why is today the day, the same day Sejan is supposed to give me his answer?’

I couldn’t help but trying to get Kyle to return to his office as soon as possible.

“If I need help with something, I’ll come to you right away.”

“Yes.”

“By the way, how long are you going to be here?”

“Morning.”

I didn’t care if it was just the morning.

The probability that Sejan would come to me at an early hour was close to zero considering his personality.

Relieved, I re-opened the wedding document that I saw yesterday.

‘Well, he’s just in time.’

I decided to solve the paperwork situation with him.

“Archduke, about the budget for our wedding. It’s not written down. How much should we set aside?”

While I was the original author, I had no knowledge of marriage’s cost in this world. Since such detailed settings were not set aside, there was no way to know how much it would cost for nobles to marry.

Actually, I was going to ask Jean about it. However, due to Kyle’s tendency, if I didn’t pursue harder for an answer, he would stay here all afternoon.

‘I think I know the answer just by looking at Kyle.’

I decided to play the player in advance with a very clear answer.

“… I noticed yesterday and meant to tell you, there’s no limit set for to the amount of the wedding.”

“That’s right.”

Yes, I’m sure you know. I’m sure there would be no limit considering the Grand Duchy’s wealth was so high.

Having nothing more to say, I silently wrote the infinite symbol in the budget and asked the next question that came to my mind.

“Oh, and the ceremony’s location is the largest Arcane Temple. Have you been here?”

“There’s no place I haven’t been.”

I think it was my fault to ask more questions knowing very well the situation, but I continued firmly.

“I see. I’ve never been there before.”

“… Is that so?”

“Yes. I have difficulty setting the estimated amount in detail. I’d like to go survey the place in advance. If you don’t mind, would you like to come with me?”

I peeked at Kyle while asking him. He doesn’t like to go out, so would he refuse?

“Okay.” Kyle answered without a hitch.

Contrary to expectations, I was somewhat puzzled by the easy answer.

“By the way, Riddel Spencer. How long are you going to call me the Archduke?”

Kyle’s dry words doubled my embarrassment.

‘Why are you calling me out on this all of a sudden?’

Contrary to me, who could not mutter any words at the moment, Kyle looked at me with a heavy expression.

“Why do you have that look? You and I are a couple, so we definitely need a suitable term, and the title ‘Archduke’ is too rigid, you need to call me something else.”

“No, well, I know that…”

Since it was a hard question, I didn’t know what to say.

‘Was there a different title for him?’

I thought hard about the titles those wives would use to call their husbands.

Honey, husband, dear, baby…

‘Crazy.’

I couldn’t do that. All those names were too mushy. Even the last one would never fit in this world.

Kyle’s serious look made the names fade in my imagination,

He asked me with equal seriousness. “Riddel Spencer. What’s my full name and title?”

Kyle urged me before I could ask him why he brought it up so out of the blue.

“Go ahead and tell me.”

“Uh, uh, Archduke Kyle Romani.”

“What’s my first name?”

“Archduke Kyle.”

“Tell me only my name without the title.”

“Kyle. Ah…”

I exclaimed with astonishment at what I said.

Kyle’s mouth was displaying a victorious smile.

“Call me that from now on.”

“What? I don’t think it’s right to call someone by their first name.”

What was that? Kyle made an incredible face and told me. “There’s no need to be so polite, call me Kyle.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m a very polite person, and I do believe it’s hard.”

I was refuting, but I became stiff. I had no choice but to because of Kyle.

At this moment, it felt different. Kyle didn’t have his usual apathetic expression; he was smiling warmly. Both corners of his mouth were straight up.

And he was staring straight at me.