Chapter 104
The Capital was so enormous that it couldn’t even be compared to any city I’d seen so far. I almost wondered if it was even right to simply call it a city.
Since visiting the square on the first day, I’d been wandering around various areas of the Capital, yet it felt like I hadn’t even seen 10% of it. If I stayed here until the vacation ended, I probably wouldn’t be able to see it all!
‘Looks like there’s no chance for me to visit other cities.’
Stretched out in bed, I stared blankly at the ceiling. Honestly, estimating even 10% felt generous. Was there even a point in going to another city? Deciding which city to visit, finding accommodation… it all felt like a hassle.
‘I’m exhausted.’
I hugged my pillow tightly. Ugh, moving around was so tiring!
Traveling was fun for a day or two, but keeping that excitement going was tough, both physically and mentally. Already, I hadn’t taken a break for several days!
Thankfully, Tannian had church duties today, so I finally got a break. If we’d ventured out, I would’ve come back on all fours, I swear!
“Huuuuh—!”
As I stretched out, my body felt all wobbly. I had to rest as much as possible today; I needed to recharge for tomorrow!
‘Let’s keep it together!’
As an Empire citizen, it was okay to take my time. Whether it was the Capital or other regions, I could explore whenever, so there was no need to rush.
But out of our group, three weren’t from the Empire. If not now, when would they have a chance to explore the Capital, let alone the other regions?
So, even if I was a bit tired, I had to bear with it. It was a experience I could have anytime, but for them, it was a chance to make unrepeatable memories.
“I should be with you, but I have work to take care of for now. I’ll leave it to the Manager. If anything comes up, tell the butler right away.”
I had to put in my best effort for my oppa, who started working the day after we arrived in the Capital.
Under normal circumstances, oppa wouldn’t have to be here with us during vacation. However, upon learning we’d be visiting the Capital, he opened his mansion to us and went out of his way to ensure our comfort. It was extremely generous of him.
I absolutely couldn’t let him worry. We had to keep it clean and tidy in the Capital. If we traveled to another region, he might have to shift gears too!
And just like that, something unexpected happened.
“Senior?”
Feeling cooped up in my room, I headed to the garden and caught sight of the Duke’s daughter. Usually, I would just greet her and move along.
“Ah, Lady Louise.”
But seeing her drooping shoulders and gazing into the void, I simply couldn’t just walk past her. She smiled faintly, barely reacting to my voice.
This was the first time I’d seen the dignified Duke’s daughter looking so worn out. Sure, she might have shown signs of stress over matters involving my oppa, but this lifelessness was a first.
‘Is it because of oppa?’
If she was acting unusually, it felt highly likely that oppa was the cause. After all, she had been invited here by him. In a way, she was more his guest than our traveling companion, even if she did enjoy our excursions together.
Regardless, oppa had been leaving his guest unattended. Sure, she would understand if he was busy, but if this neglect continued for days, feelings would eventually be hurt.
Being dismissed by someone you hold dear must be one of the worst feelings ever.
‘Senior…’
Understanding her situation pained my heart. Unlike my friends, Irina and the club members, the Duke’s daughter seemed a bit out of place. She had probably come here wanting to see oppa, but he was nowhere to be found, and she had no one to confide in.
While we frolicked about, how distressed had she been? How much anguish must have stirred within her? Considering her status, she couldn’t express her frustrations freely either.
As a Duke’s daughter, she had to display poise to foreign royalty and dignity to her fellow nobles. Such a prestigious title came with its fair share of responsibilities.
‘What do I do?’
Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do for her. It would be inconceivable for someone from a Baron’s family to offer support or sympathy to someone from a Duke’s household.
I needed to resolve what troubled her. But with oppa being busy, what could I do?
Lost in thought, I noticed the Duke’s daughter moving closer, as if pondering something.
“Lady Louise.”
“Yes, Senior?”
“Can I ask for your help?”
“Pardon?”
My help? I didn’t think I could be of much use!
I blinked in surprise at her unexpected request, yet her face was dead serious.
Uh… can I genuinely help her? Should I just head to where oppa is and beg him to come home early today?
*
I stood in the hallway, acutely aware of my inadequacies.
Regardless of whether the other person was a royal family member or a saint candidate, I was still a Duke’s daughter. Even if my status paled in comparison, in this Empire, some advantages should naturally exist for a noble like me.
I believed if I maintained a polite demeanor and presented persuasive arguments, I could prevent any rash behaviors. After all, that was standard logic, right?
But that very thought highlighted my shortcomings.
‘If they were sensible individuals…’
They wouldn’t even be at the Academy.
It dawned on me belatedly. If they had any sense of reason, they would’ve never been here—at the Academy or the Capital. My head felt dizzy just thinking about it.
“Wouldn’t it be better to visit other regions than just stick around the Capital?”
“That’s true. Since our purpose is to appreciate the Empire’s beauty, exploring other places sounds ideal!”
While I hung around the royals to prevent any unexpected antics, I overheard a distressing conversation. Go elsewhere? Absolutely ridiculous! It was hard enough to spot Carl in the Capital; how much tougher would it be to find him if we visited other regions?
Not to mention, these were individuals far too significant for just a mere governor to handle. If I could stop them, then I should!
“The Capital is where all elements of the Empire converge. How about firstly immersing ourselves in the Capital experience?”
That was my cautious approach as I intervened with the two princes. Thankfully, the saint candidate had left early for the church, and the third prince had a tendency to be elusive. As long as I could stop these two, everything should be fine!
Afterward, to be honest, I couldn’t recall much.
No, let me rephrase that. I didn’t want to think about it.
I certainly did my utmost to deter them. I trotted out every possible justification and delivered a persuasive speech I could be proud of. Anyone with common sense should have brushed it off with a “Well, I guess it can’t be helped.”
“While we appreciate your opinion, it’s hard to resist the allure of other regions.”
It was futile. Once royals decided they were going, there was no stopping them.
‘Carl, I’m so sorry…’
I wanted to relieve your burden. You entrusted me with this responsibility, and I wanted desperately to do a good job!
My eyes felt like they could burst with tears. Carl, what sort of battles have you fought so far? Even for the brief moments spent around them, my mental state felt crumbling!
“Those in high positions think differently from us, you know. Sometimes, surprising events unfold.”
That wasn’t just an exhausted mumble; it sounded like his last grasp before giving up. How foolish of me not to realize it sooner.
At this moment, I felt an overwhelming urge to rush to Carl, gather him in my arms, and cry. I wanted to tell him to quit everything and join my family as a son-in-law, but I knew that was impossible. Carl was a true noble, bound firmly by his duties and responsibilities.
‘What should I do?’
Stuck in this state of despair and helplessness, I lingered in the hallway much longer than I wished.
“Senior?”
“Oh, Lady Louise.”
At least until Lady Louise showed up.
‘This is it!’
Suddenly, my hazy mind was buzzing alive again. It’s Louise! If anyone could unsnarl this fiasco, it would be her.
The heart of the pastry club lay with Louise. It wasn’t even a secret that the members gravitated around her. Ordinary staff or students who didn’t pass by the club might remain oblivious, but anyone who had observed for a while would be keenly aware.
“Can I ask for your help?”
“Pardon?”
Louise blinked, a puzzled expression on her face. Yet, I had no doubts at all that she could handle those illogical characters.
I believed in her, but seeing it play out now felt oddly surreal.
“Touring around is exhausting. Wouldn’t it make more sense just to stay in the Capital?”
“True, that does make sense.”
Why did they accept this so easily? When I spoke, it felt as though my words fell on deaf ears.
‘Carl, what the—…’
How on Earth did he survive a semester with these folks? And he still had two and a half more years left!
I genuinely became concerned about Carl’s health.
*
Noticing a commotion, I decided to check things out. There stood Louise, talking to the club members, while the Duchess remained in the background, observing serenely.
‘Guess it’s nothing major.’
I analyzed the situation and continued on my way. Most likely, the princes had said something ridiculous again, prompting Louise to step in.
It was probably a trivial matter anyway. Why would a mere Earl’s daughter need to worry about anything serious like that?
‘Everyone seems so lively.’
Looks like they have enough leisure to argue about trivial matters.
I pulled an apple from the bag I held, taking a bite. I’d planned to share it if I saw someone, but judging from the scene, it seemed unnecessary.
‘Was her name Yuris?’
A young maid with brown hair had unexpectedly gifted me fruit. She always seemed unusually kind, which made me curious about her name.
Delicious! It must have taken a lot of effort for a maid to prepare something like this. I should definitely prepare a gift for her too!
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