# 58
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It's been a few days since I returned from the capital.
During that time the garden, which filled the room with the scent of flowers even when the window was half open, began to sprout green leaves.
As I walked around the park, I shielded my eyes from the sunlight falling on my head.
“It's hot...”
Summer seemed to be approaching, and without a hat, my skin would soon start to sting.
Since that day, when I returned from the capital, I had been waiting for a chance to ask about the trip to the Southern Palace. However, coincidentally, Ian had become noticeably busier since that day, and apart from the usual morning breakfasts, I hadn't had the chance to impress him. But now, I was upset for a different reason.
"Yes…."
“Hasn't my role become unnecessarily large at this point?”
Yes, that was the problem.
My original plan was to raise Ian's reputation and my own to a reasonable level, gather a group of allies, and then seamlessly part ways with him by the time Diana returned.
But ever since I met the Emperor, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were going wrong.
The Emperor seemed to trust me too much, and Ian was not cooperative about the divorce. At this rate, I wouldn't be able to face Diana.
While I was wandering aimlessly in the garden, a thought suddenly occurred to me, and my eyebrows lowered sadly.
“If you think about it, Diana's birthday is coming up…”
The fact that summer was approaching meant that Diana's birthday was soon as well. I thought of Diana, who should be at the academy by now, and my heart sank again.
“I wonder if she had a proper birthday meal there.”
My dear, how hard her life must be away from home.
"Yes…."
I have never regretted being Ian Cloud's wife more than I do now.
“At this rate, you'll be creating a hole in the ground, Duchess.”
"Oh, my God!"
I was startled by the sudden voice next to me, and I jumped in place.
I reflexively turned my head to see a somewhat familiar face. Short red hair, brighter and more lively red eyes, pointed upwards, and a large mouth curled into a smile.
"Yes?"
He was Ian's personal wizard, who was always by his side. His distinctive face made him difficult to forget.
"Ah, next time, be sure to announce yourf first. Your name was… Ka…"
“Cael Elzer, Your Highness. I didn’t expect you to be so surprised. I’m sorry.”
He smiled brightly as if it didn't bother him at all that I had forgotten his name.
His face did not match his words at all; He didn't seem sorry.
Why are there so many people around Ian who say one thing and do another? The Emperor was like that, and now this wizard too.
“…Correct, Lord Elzer.”
“Your Highness, there is no need to be so formal. Just call me Kyle. The Duke calls me by that name as well.”
Then he winked at me, making me feel a little overwhelmed by his unexpected hilarity.
'Ian really knows how to keep such an energetic subordinate close.'
Meanwhile, Kyle was looking at me with a face full of curiosity.
“So, what are you worried about? I’ve been watching you, and you’ve been sighing deeply ever since you walked in.”
“You were watching?”
“I have very good eyesight.”
This is not what I meant.
“...I was lost in thought for a moment. But what brings you here?”
She subtly took a step back and examined him from head to toe. It should be training time now.
Kyle noticed my suspicious look, and smiled shamelessly.
“Oh my God, aren’t you staring at me so intently? It’s no big deal, I was just skipping class.”
“…skipping class?”
He rubbed his chin seriously.
"Yes. I was wondering how I could slack off more effectively...so I thought of it."
I was confused. Did he just proudly announce that he was being lazy in front of his lady?
When Kyle saw my stunned expression, he trembled and laughed silently. Only then did I realize that this red-haired wizard was making fun of me.
"Just kidding. It's break time, so I was just enjoying some fresh air."
"… Yes."
"If I was cooped up in the lab all the time, I wouldn't get much sunlight. So, I take a walk whenever I get a chance; it's the only way I can get some sunlight."
He shrugged as he spoke.
'I almost thought he was serious. 'How can someone tell a joke so seriously?'
Whether he knew my thoughts or not, Kyle, who was smiling, took a step forward and stood next to me.
“The truth is, Your Highness, when I saw you walking in the garden with such a worried expression, I couldn’t help but ask you what was bothering you. It is my duty as someone who serves you.”
But he didn't seem particularly sincere.
"If you don't mind, could you share what's on your mind? I'm a very good listener, you know. The Duke also shares his problems with me sometimes."
Cale deliberately lowered his voice, smiling slyly.
I'm sorry, but this expression is not trustworthy.
"Um, can you take a step back? You're making me feel uncomfortable."
“Oh, I apologize.”
Kyle quickly took a step back. When I looked at him, I rolled my eyes.
“It's not like I can figure this out myf anyway...”
After all, if he's Ian's close assistant, it means he's not completely untrustworthy, so maybe it's a good idea for me to talk to him for a bit. Of course, I have to be careful and indirect so that he doesn't find out.
After moving my tongue around in my mouth a few times, I finally spoke.
“Well, there's someone I'm worried about.”
“Someone you're worried about?”
Kyle's eyes widened.
“Oh, don't misunderstand. I just want to support him, nothing more.”
“So, there is someone like that.”
Kyle let out an amused sound, a sly smile spreading across his face.
'Yes, he still doesn't seem trustworthy.'
But since I had already started talking, I felt embarrassed to stop now. I thought about how to explain the concept of “favorite person” to him.
“This person… well, I just want him to be happy always, and for everything to go well for him, and I just want to support him from one step forward.”
Kyle suddenly interrupted.
“Isn't it just a crush on someone?”
“Huh?”
“If you want to encourage him, wish him happiness, and if he’s on your mind, then you should cherish him, right?”
“Well... I guess, technically, yes...”
Because I love Diana.
Kyle smiled cheerfully.
“So, do you feel like you want to protect him and stay by his side? Do you feel deep affection?”
This time, I shook my head firmly.
"No, it doesn't matter whose side I'm on. What I want is that person's happiness."
Your love for your favorite person should be noble and pure, without possessiveness. For Diana's happiness, I will even fix that lousy Ian and put him next to her.
Kyle blinked, looking like he wasn't expecting that answer.
What do you know anyway?
“…Anyway, I thought I was doing my best for that person, but it seems like my efforts didn’t have much effect.”
Yes, I'm starting to fear that this might all be for nothing.
As I stared at the trees sprouting green leaves in despair, I turned my eyes back to Kyle.
“…If you were in my position, Kyle, what would you do?”
Kyle blinked as our eyes met.
“So...so you're worried that you might not be of use to the person you love, Duchess?”
"Yes, this is correct."
He rolled his eyes for a moment before speaking.
“Why do you think you're not helping him?”
“Okay...”
Because Diana is out now. I need to pave the way for her happiness, but what if the flowers I plant turn into rocks instead? If that happens, I might lose my status as her number one fan.
When Kyle saw my increasingly sullen expression, Kyle's usually cheerful face also became serious.
After observing me quietly for a while, he spoke in an unexpectedly sincere tone.
“Your Highness, you may think that you are not helping, but if you really want to support this person, I am sure things will move in a good direction. Perhaps this person will actually understand your intentions.”
Surprised by his unexpectedly sound advice, I looked up at him.
“…Do you really think so?”
“Yes, at least that's what I think.”
He answered in a confident tone.
“…I understand.”
He probably didn't even know who Diana was, but hearing his words made me feel at ease somehow. Maybe what I really wanted was to hear that I wasn't wrong.
'You have grown weak, Eloise, finding comfort in words like these.'
Kyle glanced at his watch and spoke with a slightly confused expression.
“…Ah, I’d like to continue this conversation, but it’s time for me to get back to work.”
“Oh, it's okay. You have to go quickly.”
I waved him off easily.
Kyle looked at me regretfully for a moment before bowing politely.
“Okay, then I'll go.”
As he straightened, he rolled his eyes and added,
“…And, Your Highness?”
"Yes?"
"I'm sure that will be conveyed! Your feelings, of course."
Why does he talk like he's the one who will transport them?
Before I could respond, he smiled and backed away.
“So, next time we meet.”
“I am aware that you are committed to your role, Duchess.”
The next morning while eating breakfast.
Ian, who had been staring at me intently, suddenly spoke out of the blue. As I was about to put a forkful of peas into my mouth, I blinked and looked at him.
"… Sorry?"
What is he talking about suddenly?