Chapter 110
Unable to come up with a better excuse, Dylan fell silent. Louis let out a hollow laugh and shook his head.
Compared to the rude words he had heard from Sia a few days ago, the current situation felt even more absurd, and even carried a sense of betrayal. But soon Sia’s words came to mind, and the anger that had flared up quickly faded.
“…Huu…”
Even he didn’t think this was something to feel betrayed over. Isn’t it ridiculous. What sort of bond did he even have with the Duke to feel this way…?
“…Dylan, bring me that tea.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Dylan brewed tea using the remaining portion of the unusual tea leaves. The color was much lighter than the first time, but the fragrance that rose from it felt just as rich.
Louis’s furrowed brow relaxed at the strong aroma that spread through the air. He waited for the hot tea to cool while savoring the scent.
“…Just what kind of tea leaf produces such an enchanting fragrance?”
“I was wondering the same. I thought it was strange when it was given wrapped in a handkerchief.”
“There are so many things I want to ask, yet the Duke doesn’t come, and the woman who might be human ignores me…”
Louis suddenly felt wronged. As Crown Prince, this was the first time he had been treated this way. Then Sia’s words echoed in his mind again. After slowly sipping the now moderately cooled tea, he held the lingering fragrance in his mouth and then spoke.
“…Was the Duke the same?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Did he feel hurt?”
Though the question lacked context, Dylan understood what Louis meant.
“To say it was ‘merely’ hurt feelings would be…”
Dylan couldn’t explain properly because he himself had no clear words. But it certainly wasn’t an emotion that could be dismissed as simple disappointment. Louis stared at the hesitant Dylan and murmured,
“That’s enough. You are not the Duke, so you would never understand.”
“Yes…”
Still feeling unsettled, Louis summoned Cedric, who could explain the situation. If the Duke was truly injured, should he not at least pay him a visit?
“You called for me, Your Highness?”
“I heard the Duke has returned. Is that true?”
“…My apologies, Your Highness. The Master returned with injuries, and after receiving treatment, he fell asleep as if he had lost consciousness. That is why he was unable to come and greet Your Highness. I ask your forgiveness on his behalf.”
Cedric bowed deeply. Rather than anger, Louis felt puzzled at his words.
“The Duke was injured?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“The Duke who has never lost against the wolf tribe?”
“He has suffered injuries before. However, it seems the leader of the wolf pack in this battle was stronger than before.”
“…I see.”
Hearing that this wasn’t his first injury left Louis feeling strange. Duke Blois, in his mind, was someone without flaws in many ways. Especially in terms of ability.
He had thought the Duke was perfect from birth, so learning that he had been striving and enduring all this time was both surprising and admirable. Louis realized how he had truly viewed Nox. He had acknowledged him as a male. Even if he was considered an ominous existence.
And since he knew the Duke was a loyal vassal, he had likely felt a sense of betrayal because of today’s events.
Cedric, meanwhile, was worried. His master hadn’t only hidden Sia, who was human, from the imperial family, but had also ended up openly disregarding royalty. If the Crown Prince decided to investigate her and take her away by force, Nox would have no grounds to refuse.
No matter his rank, he was still a noble of the Feles Empire, and therefore subject to royal command.
“…It is late today, so it cannot be helped.”
“…Pardon?”
“I intend to visit the Duke tomorrow. Inform him in advance.”
“I shall carry out your order, Your Highness.”
Though he found the Crown Prince’s calm reaction suspicious, Cedric could only withdraw quietly. After he left the room, Dylan asked carefully,
“Your Highness, are you alright?”
He assumed Louis was enduring all this because of the woman who might be human. As Crown Prince, this kind of humiliation was something he had never experienced before.
“Hmm…”
Instead of answering, Louis finished the remaining tea. Unexpectedly, he didn’t have many thoughts about Nox or Sia. Only memories from the past, when he had first met Nox, surfaced in his mind.
“…Tonight will be a long one.”
With so many thoughts weighing on him, sleep wouldn’t come easily.
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