TSHL 48

Chapter 48

When I think about it, the Duke was the same kind of person as Nick when he was young.

Someone who rarely spoke in front of strangers but could completely relax around his own people. Someone who only acted once he was certain of his feelings.

If there was a difference, it was probably that Nick was just a little more timid.

“When I lived with you in Lorencia, I always thought you and His Grace were very much alike. So if that’s what you’re worried about, you really don’t need to be.”

“But that’s not what’s bothering me.”

I looked at Nick.

He hesitated for a long while, fumbling for words, and only after some time did he finally speak, his face reddening.

“The truth is… there’s someone I like.”

“……!”

“She’s a friend I’ve been close to since the Academy. But after graduation, it’s been hard to stay close like before, and that’s what I’m worried about.”

Seeing Nick blush as he confessed his troubles was so adorable that I couldn’t help but smile.

But I knew this was probably a matter of life and death to him, so I didn’t let my amusement show.

“Well then, do you think she’s avoiding you?”

“Yes. I think maybe… a little.”

Nick answered, and I nodded.

Avoiding, huh?

That word reminded me of someone—my younger self.

The timid little girl who always ran away from Michael.

Now that I think of it, I wondered how Michael was doing.

Since I had some time off, maybe I should contact him.

“Hmm… Nick. What I’m about to say is just my personal opinion, all right?”

“Yes, Mother. What is it?”

“I don’t know what kind of girl she is, but…”

Nick looked at me with curious eyes.

“If it were me, I’d say it’s possible that she runs away because she likes you and doesn’t know how to act around you.”

“She runs away because she likes me?”

Nick’s eyes widened.

“Then… are you saying she likes me?”

“Well, not necessarily. I don’t know her, after all.”

“……You used to do that when you liked someone, didn’t you, Mother?”

At that, I paused and then laughed softly.

“You’re sharp as always.”

“……”

“You’re right. When I was young, I always avoided the person I liked. It was the best way I knew to handle my feelings back then, so I don’t regret it too much. But when I think about it now… I do wonder why I did that. If I could go back, I’d never do it again.”

“I never thought… that she might actually like me.”

Nick murmured absentmindedly, lost in thought. Then he shook his head.

“But somehow… I don’t think that’s it.”

“Why? Do you have a reason?”

My guess was purely from my own perspective, after all. Nick would know better—he’d seen her up close.

He thought for a moment and then said,

“She doesn’t seem like the type. I think she has… some personal reason for avoiding me.”

Then, with a faint sigh, “But I still don’t know what that reason is…”

He looked pensive, as if the answer were just out of reach.

“Thank you, Mother. Your advice helped a lot.”

After that, Nick and I talked for a long time about all sorts of things.

Now that we were much closer, he spoke to me at full speed, nonstop.

Funny stories from his heir training, joyful moments from the duchy…

We had tea together, and sometimes I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.

Even though these were all stories about the House of Hydrian, which could have made me uncomfortable, they didn’t.

They were just… fun.

Above all, I hadn’t realized how talkative Nick could be.

Once we grew comfortable, we began showing each other sides of ourselves that we’d never shown before.

Only after we’d each had two extra cups of tea did our tea time finally come to an end.

Nick glanced out the window at the setting sun and rose to his feet.

“I should start heading back to the duchy.”

“Yes, Nick. I think that’s a good idea. Try to get home before it gets too late.”

After chatting away all afternoon, we were both in a great mood.

I stood up to see him off.

As Nick was putting on his coat, he suddenly seemed to remember something and turned to me.

“Um, Mother.”

“Yes?”

“There’s going to be a debutante ball in the capital soon.”

I looked at him in surprise.

Nick watched me carefully as he continued,

“You… wouldn’t happen to be thinking of attending, would you?”

“……Ah.”

“I’d really like for you to see me make my debut as an adult. I’ve been hesitating to ask, but since you’re living so close to the capital now, I thought I’d take the chance.”

A debutante ball, huh.

That wasn’t something I could answer right away.

Seeing me hesitate, Nick waved his hands.

“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. I just thought—well, if you do come, you’d also get to meet the friend I told you I liked.”

He smiled gently.

“Just think about it, all right?”

After that, I found myself seriously considering the two invitations before me.

One was from Adolph—what kind of paintings I’d submit for my debut exhibition.
The other was whether or not to attend the debutante ball.

The more I thought about it, the more tangled my thoughts became. Fortunately, it was almost time for my riding session.

Maybe if I rode hard for a while, I could clear my mind and think things through.

Even without Sophie, I could manage the trip to the stables on my own.

Going riding was always something I looked forward to.

It helped me clear my head, and there were always my horse and my friend waiting for me—the horse I loved, Agatha, and that nameless companion who often kept me company.

Every time I went riding, I’d find myself full of anticipation.

Though we never exchanged personal details, my nameless friend and I sometimes talked about our worries.

Maybe, I thought, if I talked things through today, I might find my answers to both decisions.

But when I arrived at the familiar riding grounds on the outskirts of the capital, I was met with unexpected news.

“The lady you usually ride with won’t be coming anymore.”

The stable master handed me a note.

“She asked me to give you this, madam.”

“…Thank you.”

So she was gone.

I thanked the stable master, still a little dazed, and went to the changing room to read the letter she’d left behind.

[Hello, it’s me — the friend you always rode with. You remember me, right?

As you might have guessed, I’m actually a nobleman’s daughter. Whenever I was stressed, I used to sneak away to the stables to ride. It was the only bit of freedom I had.

Unfortunately, my father found out recently that I’d been coming here alone, so I won’t be able to come anymore.

I’m truly sorry to leave like this.

But… I have one shameless favor to ask. You said you were from a noble family too, didn’t you?

If it’s possible, could you come to this year’s debutante ball?

I don’t want to lose touch with you. I’d love for us to stay friends, even if it’s not through riding.

My name is Adela Green. It’s been a pleasure knowing you.]

Adela Green.

I looked down at her name on the note.

A few days later—just as Sophie and Lady McKenna’s vacation was ending—Michael came to visit me.

He’d heard through my message that the house would be empty and came all the way just to see me.

“Michael!”

I had fallen asleep in bed after painting until dawn, but as soon as I heard a knock, I jumped up.

Still in my messy nightgown, I ran straight into his arms.

Michael hugged me tightly the moment he stepped inside.

“Kasia. How have you been?”

“I’m fine. Really.”

He stroked my tangled black hair over and over. His warmth felt so comforting.

If there was one thing I’d missed the most since leaving Lorencia, it was his warmth—his arms, his scent, everything about him.