The Young Master didn’t show it to me, but he was anxious.
Because that person is also someone who can disappear without a word, it will be difficult to see him again.
Knowing that he visited the Duke with the feeling of grasping at a straw.
“That’s why I went there first. I provoked him not to run away cowardly like last time.”
Clearly, he was trying to protect me from being severely abused by the Duke.
“Then…The Duke said there was only one test left. That… I will do everything I can to make sure I finish well….”
The Young Master could not finish his words.
I hugged him tightly because I couldn’t overcome the overwhelming emotion.
As soon as he came to his senses, he shook his arms without immediately recognizing the situation.
“What— What are you doing!”
“Just for a second. Please stay like this for a second.”
Apart from everything, I wanted to hug him.
The way this little child endured a disease that even an adult couldn’t bear and how he tried to overcome adversity was extraordinary.
This time it wasn’t a desire to heal my body.
I also wanted to heal his wounds that he did not reveal. If I really had that kind of ability, how great would it be—.
Even though I knew my wish was foolish, I still felt that way, which was sad and regrettable.
“Good job.”
“….”
But I covered all my emotions with a soft voice.
I wanted to give stability to the Young Master, who had lived his whole life in anxiety.
But, as if he had never expected my compliment, the Young Master held his breath.
He must have been very afraid of receiving resentment. He’s definitely a kid at times like this.
“You did really well. Our Young Master is the best.”
I said while holding him, gently sweeping down his stiff back with one hand.
“You’re so cool. I couldn’t possibly say such a thing in front of the Duke, you know?”
“…Lie. Lobel, you acted strangely to distract the Duke that time.”
The Young Master said that and slightly pushed me by the shoulder. It felt weak, like a feather.
Well, he hates contact with other people. It wouldn’t be pleasant no matter how much I dress up as a man.
Even though I was disappointed, I moved my body further back.
The Young Master stared at my movements and lowered his eyes. His eyes fluttered as if he was still anxious.
So I spoke in a more cheerful tone than usual.
“But next time, will you give me a hint? You will let me know, right?”
“…Yes.”
The Young Master gave a brief, but clear answer. There seemed to be a lot of emotion in it.
Pretending not to know, I brought up other conversational topics, such as the sights in the capital, and then the meal arrived.
I put the food plates one by one on the simple table on the bed.
However, there was a bean dish that the Young Master didn’t like. To be exact, it was beans topped with chicken dishes.
I was thinking of taking it as an excuse.
It’s just the two of us eating together anyway.
The Young Master first picked up the chicken pieces that were deliciously grilled and cut with a fork. Then he put one bite in my mouth first.
After that, the Young Master picked up the spoon. Then he scooped out chicken and beans on a spoon.
I figured out his intentions.
‘Ah, there are signs this time as well.’
Because the Young Master doesn’t put it in one bite so ignorantly.
And usually, it’s one bite for me and one bite for the Young Master, but the order seems to have changed a little today.
I prepared to open my mouth wide. First, I chew what’s in my mouth diligently—.
But my prediction was wrong.
The moment he hurriedly passed the food down to my throat, the Young Master put the spoon into his mouth.
Even with my eyes, it was hard to believe, so I looked blankly and asked.
“…Did you eat beans?”
The Young Master frowned but nodded his head.
Then he mumbled and frowned more and swallowed— really?
‘The Young Master hates beans so much that he can call them the food of the Duchess—’
I looked at it strangely, but the Young Master put bread with butter and jam in my mouth this time.
I opened my mouth wide and took it again, and the Young Master ate the same in one bite.
What’s wrong with the Young Master, who usually cuts a piece of that size in half?
‘Was he really hungry—?’
While wondering, I diligently took what he was giving.
The plate soon emptied for the two of us, who were tough at first glance.
I drank half of the medicine and gave it to the Young Master.
But the Young Master, who was staring at the empty plate, asked.
“Can’t we eat more?”
…Is it a period of growth?
It was the first time that the Young Master, who always left food, felt that it wasn’t enough.
Anyway, it wasn’t a bad thing, so I happily nodded my head. It’s because I’ve always thought that it would be good if the already skinny Young Master gained more weight.