Chapter: 124
Here I am on the second floor, but if I fall headfirst, wouldn’t I faint? It would be nice if I could just sleep for a month and then wake up.
I think I had a similar thought before vacation, but as the break is coming to an end, it surfaces again. Perhaps it’s because I really want to escape this situation, even if that means fainting.
“Mar, you can let go now…”
“No.”
“So you won’t.”
What a firm rebuttal! Not just a simple “no” or “just a little longer,” but a decisive refusal that made me wrap my arms back around Marghetta’s shoulders.
Seeing her burrow deeper into my embrace ignited a strange mix of feelings in me, so different from before. I felt grateful for her forgiving my cringy self; it made me happy that she promised to wait.
But isn’t it a bit odd to hug the victim while crying and apologizing? What a shameful act, especially towards someone younger than me. I can’t help but notice the shameful traces on Marghetta’s shoulder glancing downwards.
“I’m losing my mind.”
Her damp shoulder seems to mock me, like, “Hey, are you crying?” How embarrassing. I can’t even bear to look at this vivid reminder of my own awkwardness, yet Marghetta won’t let me go.
So what can I do? I can’t possibly push Marghetta away! I guess I’ll just have to live with a bit of embarrassment.
Well, honestly, it’s more than just a bit embarrassing.
“Carl.”
“Yes, Mar.”
“I just wanted to call you.”
I hear Marghetta giggling from within my arms.
“Can you call me Carl?”
At that moment, I shut my eyes tight, regretting my earlier words. Why did I have to say that at that moment?
I felt resentful towards my past self. My emotions were running wild, leading me to do something I couldn’t even imagine doing normally. If I were in my right mind, I surely wouldn’t have done such a thing.
But maybe it’s alright if Marghetta is happy. Yeah, that makes it okay.
“Carl.”
Her face rubbing against my chest only made me feel more sorry. How much have I pushed her away for her to act like this?
“Yes, Mar. I’m here.”
I tightened my embrace around Marghetta. It seems we were going to stay like this for a while.
I never expected it to last an hour, though.
*
Just a bit more, just a little longer.
Being tucked in Carl’s arms, I couldn’t resist the urge to stay close. I originally planned to stay just for a moment, but when I tried to pull away, my body wouldn’t budge.
Fortunately, Carl didn’t push me away, giving me the guts to linger even longer. How long has it already been? I intended to stay just a moment.
“…Thank you, Carl.”
“I should be the one thanking you.”
I thought I could stay longer in Carl’s arms, but I knew it was time to stop now. I’ve already been in his embrace for too long. Holding on any longer might trouble him. Yes, it’s time to let go.
Reluctantly easing away, I finally got a glimpse of Carl’s face. I hadn’t seen it while I was hugging him.
His smile was softer than when he first arrived and was mixed with just a touch of embarrassment. Quite the contrast to that stiff expression earlier!
When Carl’s gaze fell to my left shoulder, I smiled lightly and touched it.
“It’s dry now. Don’t worry.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
I refrained from adding that I actually enjoyed it; I couldn’t let it get any more awkward.
Yet, it was truly a precious moment. Carl had opened up to me to the point of tears, showing me his trust.
“Let’s treasure this.”
From today onward, this outfit is my treasure.
“Did I hold you too long? I’m sorry, Carl. You probably have a lot to do.”
When Carl leaves, I’ll change into something else and make sure to treasure this.
I’ll save it for another special day, one that rivals today’s importance.
“I’m sorry for suddenly saying something strange—”
“Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault.”
He was the one bearing this burden alone, never sharing it with anyone. So how could sharing it with someone else be wrong?
It wasn’t wrong; it was more commendable. Unloading one’s burdens allows healing, even if it’s in slow motion.
Carl’s experiences were tragic and heart-wrenching. If I show too much sadness, that might burden him.
So, I smiled brightly and spoke, hoping to ease his heart.
“Come back whenever you want to talk, Carl.”
I’ll always be right here waiting for you.
*
What happened today was not just my own matter but held the hopes of many others.
— How did it go?
“I told her.”
— There’s no need for me to report to His Highness then. You’ve avoided becoming a lifetime minister.
As the sun set, the Minister called me. There were so many hopes riding on this event.
Sure, the Minister deserves to know how everything unfolded. Honestly, I’d still be holding it all in if it weren’t for him.
— You’re just as annoying now as you were four years ago. If it’s going to be like this, why not go back to being a Team Manager?
For a brief moment, I envisioned the Managers as my superiors.
“Damn it.”
Just the thought made me feel dizzy. The 5th Manager was tolerable, but having the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Managers as my bosses? Now that would be a nightmare.
But I didn’t follow up with my usual sharp comments or curses. I sensed why the Minister said that. Seeing me struggle with issues I couldn’t tackle alone must have felt frustrating and sad for him.
This time, I owe a big debt to the Minister. It’s something I wouldn’t want to admit, yet it is a substantial one.
“I’ll work hard to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
— Of course, you should.
The Minister’s tone suggested that was obvious, causing a chuckle to escape me.
— You’re laughing?
“I apologize.”
Of course, my laughter didn’t last long.
When I quickly lowered my head, he clicked his tongue and moved on.
— The Invincible Duke was also very worried. He’ll be glad to hear things are resolved.
“I’m really sorry.”
— I can’t imagine what would have happened if the Iron-blooded Duke had known about this.
His words sent a chill down my spine. If someone like the Iron-blooded Duke had found out about this incident, you can bet it wouldn’t have ended quietly.
Fortunately, it seems the Invincible Duke hasn’t informed the Iron-blooded Duke.
But if he had, the Iron-blooded Duke would have lost his mind over the scoundrel who toyed with his precious youngest daughter.
He would have come personally, armed, and stormed to the capital with his knights. Even the Crown Prince, eager about the ruckus, would have swung the gates open to watch.
“I would have been broken in some way.”
They wouldn’t have killed me, but I would definitely end up with some broken bones. Or worse, I might not have walked away at all.
“I truly feel grateful that he doesn’t know.”
— Be sure to thank the young lady, too. If she had cried and contacted the Iron-blooded Duke, your words would have been meaningless.
“Yes…”
I couldn’t deny that. I was basically putting my life at risk by messing with Marghetta.
A swirl of gratitude and guilt, something I felt repeatedly today, twisted in my heart.
“I’ll wait until Carl feels at ease. I’ll wait until that time.”
Seeing my gratitude clearly overshadow everything else makes me realize how selfish I really am.
Still, I can’t make Marghetta wait any longer—she’s already been patient for over a year. I need to sort my feelings out as quickly as possible.
*
Since that day, only one change occurred.
Marghetta’s way of addressing me was the only shift.
Yet that single change had significant consequences. Even the most oblivious person could sense there’s something afoot.
And everyone in the mansion had a solid sense of awareness. This holds true even for the foolish club members, especially when it’s not about their own romantic lives.
“How about showing the young lady your office?”
Even the butler was eager to show Marghetta the mansion’s office—essentially the heart of the household. That means they view her as central to the mansion!
“It feels a bit too soon for that.”
“Understood.”
They were acting like Marghetta was already the lady of the house. Kind of premature; we’re not even engaged yet, let alone married! I’ve only just expressed my true feelings! I need a breather here.
I managed to calm down the butler, who was keen to rush things, but every servant I met greeted me with knowing expressions.
On top of that, I heard that Yuris and Sophia, the youngest maids, have taken a special liking to Marghetta. Are they picking sides? It’s driving me insane!
“Oppa.”
In such a chaotic moment, meeting Louise was oddly comforting. At least she wouldn’t complicate things further.
“I’m glad things seem to have gone well for you.”
“Ah, yes.”
I nodded absentmindedly at Louise’s smiling face. Yes, things have indeed worked out.
“It was all thanks to you. I appreciate it.”
That was a reference to the chat I had with Louise before heading to Marghetta. I may not have mentioned Marghetta back then, but Louise is sharp.
My words about feeling sorry, wanting to open up, and then Marghetta starts addressing me by my name. Honestly, it doesn’t even take someone super perceptive to catch that!
“It’s ultimately your doing, oppa. You’re amazing!”
“Being called amazing is a little embarrassing.”
“Hehe, is that so?”
Seeing Louise laugh made me crack a smile.
The Minister, the Invincible Duke, and Louise. If even one of them hadn’t been involved, I’d still be clamping my mouth shut, convinced that “bearing everything alone for others’ sake” was the way to go.
“What a foolish concept.”
It dawned on me. Keeping silent back then was foolish.
The gratitude I felt toward Louise grew proportionally with the length of my dark history. It was thanks to her that my current mess could finally be made part of the past.
“Thank you so much.”
I patted Louise’s shoulder with sincerity.
“What I did pales in comparison to what you’ve done for me, oppa.”
What a generous heart she has!
If only the club members had half her kindness!
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