Chapter 25
By the time she was about halfway through the document—what could only be called a childcare log—Cedric returned with a new group of tailoring staff. This time, they were able to take her measurements without incident, and as Sia went back to reading the documents, Cedric spoke to her.
“Why don’t you finish reading the documents later and join us for lunch?”
“Oh, is it already that time?”
She’d been startled by the elaborate childcare log, but found it more interesting than expected. She’d never seen someone’s personality and preferences recorded in such detail—it was actually fascinating.
“Master has just finished his morning work and has asked to dine with you.”
“…With me?”
“Yes. It seems he enjoyed sharing dinner with you last night.”
Cedric couldn’t hide his delight. Sia wondered if that was really something to be so happy about, but quickly understood. Even though she’d only just arrived, she’d already encountered unpleasantness just for having black hair. What must it have been like for Nox?
“Wow, the people here really are something else…”
To openly express their displeasure toward a duke, no matter how much they disliked him… either their nerves were extraordinary, or the duke was that merciful.
Sia had only ever read about social hierarchy in books, so actually experiencing it was still unfamiliar. For now, she cheerfully made her way along, thinking she’d get to eat quality meat again.
***
The ducal office, bathed in sunlight, always felt stark and cold, unlike the rest of the warm, classic mansion. The reason was Nox himself. The attendants who served their ominous black-haired master performed their duties faithfully but never formed close relationships with him like other nobles’ staff might.
It had already been years without so much as a single joke exchanged, and they no longer even noticed how odd it was. And since Nox never showed his emotions, the attendants had never thought anything might be wrong.
Until yesterday.
The five attendants who were tidying up their desks after finishing the morning’s work glanced curiously at Nox, who seemed somewhat distracted.
They had served him for years, yet seeing an expression—any expression—on his face was so strange, it was almost unsettling.
Nox, unaware of their suspicious looks, kept fussing with his already-organized desk. He always kept it neat, so there was really nothing left to do, but he couldn’t keep his hands still. He had asked Cedric to invite her to lunch, but he hadn’t expected her to accept.
The thought of having someone to eat with for two days in a row made his heart restless.
“You all can go ahead.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The attendants, exchanging looks, filed out. Nox stood up, glanced out the window for a moment, checked the time, and finally moved.
Out in the hallway, the staff who were working looked up at him all at once.
It was his own house, where he was born and raised, and yet Nox always felt uncomfortable under those stares. He’d grown used to the discomfort, but today, for some reason, it was especially irritating.
He went downstairs to the first floor, where Sia was waiting in the lobby. In the midday sunlight, her hair looked different again. It was the same black, but the shade was somehow different from his own, and her hair fluttered in the breeze.
For some reason, the sight seemed to move in slow motion.
“Thank you for your hard work this morning.”
Sia, having approached, greeted him politely. Unlike yesterday, when she’d known nothing, she now understood the situation a bit and put her social skills to use.
Because she’d never gone to college, Sia had started working early. At the time, she’d resented it, but now she was glad she’d learned those skills. Feeling much lighter, she offered a professional smile.
“…Yes. Thank you as well.”
Nox was taken aback by words he’d never heard before. Even Cedric had never said anything like that. After all, a duke was supposed to do his work—it was expected.
“Should I eat your salad for you again today?”
At her friendly question, Nox couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. Realizing it immediately, he quickly straightened his face, but Cedric had already caught the smile. Cedric’s eyes went wide in disbelief.
Embarrassed, Nox pretended not to notice and started walking. His long strides echoed as Sia hurried to follow. The sound wasn’t unpleasant, so Nox slowed his pace.
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