Chapter 60
“Damn.”
That night, despite the late hour, Amber showed no signs of leaving the drawing room.
Intending to fetch her as it was getting late, Igmeyer was slightly shocked by Amber’s bright and lively voice, standing dumbfounded for a few moments.
‘What’s there to talk about so joyfully?’
Watching Amber’s back as she chatted animatedly in front of the warmly lit fireplace, Igmeyer brushed his hair back in irritation and strode away forcefully.
‘She never showed me such expressions.’
Amber always seemed to struggle.
Adapting to this cold and barren place, living in a castle where nothing seemed to work right, enduring the endlessly dreary weather… and tolerating her lowly husband.
‘Ah, no. That last part is just my lacking.’
The reason for these thoughts was clear.
That guy from Shadroch. The one who seemed as tender as a well-cooked peacock – precisely him was the issue.
The son of a Marquis. Born into privilege, he was the princess’ playmate.
Even if Igmeyer didn’t know much about the intricacies of royal life, he understood that not just anyone could become a childhood friend of royalty.
Of course.
Friendship with royalty is established when the king and queen approve.
Appearance, character, family background, birth, and even personality are evaluated, and the highest scorer ‘coincidentally’ meets and becomes friends.
Nicholas Eaton was a ‘passer.’
“Tsk. If only he had a bad character, I would’ve kicked him out.”
“You seem to be harboring some ill thoughts, Master.”
“Hmph.”
The butler helped him change.
Shedding the heavy cloak and removing his jacket and shirt, his muscular physique was revealed.
Usually, he took pride in his body, a testament to his effort and survival, but now he felt a bit discontent.
“There are too many scars.”
“Those were acquired before you had your current strength, weren’t they?”
“Yes.”
He had taught himself how to wield a sword, and he learned to fight through numerous life-threatening situations.
So, it was inevitable his body wouldn’t be unblemished.
“But there are no scars on my back. I’ve never run away cowardly.”
“Yes. You are commendable.”
Though he knew it was childish, Igmeyer touched his own forearm and flexed his chest muscles needlessly.
Huwern, the competent butler, pretended not to notice his lord’s antics and brought him clothes to change into.
“Still, Amber prefers a man of dignity.”
“Do you think so?”
“No, well…”
Uncharacteristically, Igmeyer trailed off.
Nicholas Eaton undoubtedly possessed a certain grace.
Throughout the dinner, he had done his best to entertain Amber, making sure to include her in conversations thoughtfully without showing any disregard or condescension towards him.
He didn’t ignore him or look down on him, and there was no sign of such behavior.
It was clear he had feelings for Amber, but his gaze seemed more like admiration than romantic love.
Thus, there was no reason to find fault or a pretext to send him away.
“He probably never got himself tangled up like I do. That’s even more annoying.”
The heartfelt frustration slipped through his lips, causing Huvern to smile subtly, recognizing the affection for his wife hidden beneath the grumbling.
“You seem to care a lot for Madam.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
“That’s unlikely.”
Igmeyer chuckled dryly.
He never really knew what love was. He hadn’t received it from his parents, nor had he ever given it to anyone.
So, while he wasn’t sure what feelings constituted love, he doubted what he felt for Amber was it.
“Isn’t love supposed to be sweet?”
Muttering to himself, Huvern nodded contently.
“That’s true. But some loves are also bitter. They have a complex mix of flavors.”
“That’s an old man’s talk if I ever heard one.”
Igmeyer scoffed sarcastically, but Huvern wasn’t phased. After all, being called an old man wasn’t odd for him.
“Don’t think love only comes in one shape.”
“Just because you say so doesn’t mean I’m in love with Amber.”
“Of course, you would say that.”
The more he spoke, the more Igmeyer felt entangled in the conversation.
He sighed quietly and paced the room restlessly.
It felt like an hour had passed; was it now appropriate to fetch her?
Would it seem too possessive? It was merely about ensuring she went to bed at a reasonable hour.
But Amber was an adult, after all. Wanting to spend time chatting by the fireplace with an old friend wasn’t something he should interrupt.
Even if that friend was a man…
“If you’re not happy with the current situation, there is a solution.”
“What is it?”
Caught in his dilemma, Igmeyer perked up as Huvern quietly offered a suggestion.
Any solution to change the situation was welcome, so he eagerly awaited Huvern’s serious proposal.
“Ask the Madam out on a date.”
“…Ask what?”
“Ask her on a date.”
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