Chapter 20: 20

Soon after Count Walder was gone, Duke Lauchen nervously threw the ashtray.

 

“You bastard!”

 

The sea route was pioneered by actively interacting with other countries.

 

So the Duke of Lauchen bought a large ship to expand the business he operated.

 

In the process, he received investments from several nobles, and Count Walder was the one with the largest investment stake.

 

Duke Lauchen, who was angry, immediately remembered the existence of a gold mine.

 

‘Yeah, now I have a lot of money in my hands. There is no need to dwell on that investment.’

 

Soon he opened his mouth, glaring at his assistant.

 

“Call the mine and tell them to expedite the mine.”

 

"Yes."

 

“And didn’t you say anything about that girl?”

 

“Recently, I am only running errands for the Empress. However, she didn’t go to any other place other than the destination, and only talked with merchants, so I haven’t found anything suspicious.”

 

Duke Lauchen then gritted his teeth and said:

 

“Keep watching. And more monitoring of the emperor...”

 

Knock-

 

He hardened his expression at the sudden sound.

 

“Father, it’s me.”

 

The duke relaxed his expression at the charming voice he heard from outside the door.

 

“Yes, do you want to come in?”

 

Soon after, Louisa, a girl with blonde hair and an angelic appearance, entered.

 

"Father!"

 

The duke smiled and hugged Louisa.

 

“Yes, my Louisa. Why did you find father?”

 

"It's sister's coming-of-age party soon, and I don't like any of the dresses."

 

“Do you want something new?”

 

“Is it okay if I buy it myself?”

 

Recently, the spending was huge due to the luxury of Duchess Luizawa. But...

 

'That's a small amount of money. If I start mining soon, I will have gold.’

 

The duke nodded his head cheerfully.

 

"Of course. Buy whatever you want.”

 

"Thanks father!"

 

* * *

 

Izaya, who was having dinner with Ern, was embarrassed.

 

“Ern, do you really like that?”

 

"Yes."

 

Izaya's eyes trembled at Ern's affirmative words.

 

His plate had milk, broccoli, carrots, and fish that he hated so much.

 

“But you… You hated it all.”

 

Yes, he definitely hated it. But now...

 

Ern stared intently at Izaya, then slowly opened his mouth.

 

“Not now.”

 

‘But if you eat them together, the taste will be strange…'

 

Izaya let out a sigh as she pondered over his incomprehensible behavior several times.

 

‘Well, it’s puberty.’

 

Izaya defined Ern's abnormal behavior with that word.

 

'By the way, since it's our first banquet as a couple, I'll have to dance with Ern...'

 

Originally, it was customary for banquets to be held at the imperial palace.

 

When the emperor and the empress attended together, the two danced to announce the start of the ball.

 

Izaya stared at Ern and let out her sigh.

 

After eating fish, Ern took a sip of milk and was arrogant.

 

‘Even in my previous life, he didn’t attend the banquets, so I don’t know if he can dance well.’

 

Unaware of Izaya's thoughts, Ern looked at what was on his plate with disgust.

 

‘There is still a lot left.’

 

All of the foods known to be good for growth did not taste good.

 

‘I have to be patient.’

 

Just then, Izaya's voice was heard as he forced the food in.

 

“Ern, have you never danced in a banquet hall before?”

 

“Why?”

 

“It’s my coming-of-age banquet, so I thought we should dance together. Would you like some practice?”

 

In other words, she was worried that Ern would not be able to dance.

 

Ern wrinkled his brow.

 

“I’m not sure…”

 

At that moment, Izaya grabbed Ern's hand.

 

“Let’s practice together just once. Okay?"

 

In his mind, he wanted to be pampered.

 

‘Do you think I can't dance? I can dance better than you.’

 

But contrary to what he thought, he was already nodding.

 

"Since you asked me to do that, I'll do it for you."

 

After finishing the meal, the two returned to the room, standing side by side and facing each other.

 

They soon greeted each other and held one hand.

 

"You've already grown this much."

 

When she first met him, he was always just a little boy.

 

But now Ern was taller than her.

 

It's not long before he becomes an adult.

 

‘Can I...see that when time comes?’

 

It was when Izaya had a bitter smile.

 

“Izaya.”

 

At Ern's call, Izaya realized that she was in a daze.

 

‘I should lead… Huh?’

 

It was even before Izaya's thoughts were over. Ern slowly led Izaya to dance.

 

‘What? You dance better than I thought.’

 

She didn't know he could dance this well because he has never danced before in front of her.

 

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With a commendable thought, Izaya looked at Ern and bent her eyes.

 

‘If this continues, there will be no problem...’

 

It was then.

 

Ern suddenly turned his head, and Izaya's steps went off, so she just stepped hard on his feet.

 

"Ern! Are you okay?"

 

Izaya asked in a surprised voice, but Ern replied calmly.

 

"Let’s try it again."

 

At Ern's stubbornness, Izaya resumed dancing and said,

 

"Ern, stop looking elsewhere, just look at me."

 

"Just look at you?"

 

"Yeah, you just made a mistake because you turned your head away.”

 

As a result, Ern stared at Izaya and hurriedly lowered his gaze.

 

"Ern?”

 

"Okay, I'll try."

 

Contrary to what he said, however, Ern was still not looking straight at Izaya.

 

‘Hmm, does it mean that you don't want to see my face?’

 

Izaya didn't know that Ern's ears turned red.

 

So she felt disappointed, but soon smiled.

 

'But I think we can stop now.’

 

Izaya soon told Ern.

 

"You're good."

 

"Of course."

 

In response to the confident answer, Izaya asked, slightly closer to his face.

 

"Shall we stop now?"

 

At that moment, Ern flinched.

 

Perhaps because of that, their steps were messed up again. Izaya quickly wrapped her arms around Ern's shoulder and asked.

 

“Ern, are you okay?”

 

Then Ern wrinkled his face, taking Izaya's hand off his shoulder.

 

"Continue."

 

Was it the shame of making a mistake?

 

His face, which had always been expressionless, was slightly heated.

 

‘But it was too late to continue…’

 

As usual, she had to review the banquet from Melanie.

 

It was very difficult for her, but she couldn't refuse him hastily.

 

However, within today, there was no way their skills would improve.

 

Izaya said to Ern.

 

“Why don’t we finish here today and practice together for about an hour every day?”

 

Then, Ern answered with a smile.

 

“Okay, since that’s what you said.”

 

Izaya thought as she looked at her husband's smile, who looked somewhat satisfied.

 

‘It seems like it feels good to be able to keep practicing.’

 

It was a little late, but it wasn't too late for her to go to bed yet.

 

‘Okay, shall I go to the Empress’s Palace soon?’

 

“Ern, I’m going to visit the Empress’s Palace for a while…”

 

At that moment, Ern grabbed Izaya's hand.

 

“It’s too late.”

 

“Oh, yes. So, sleep first...”

 

“You’re going to the Empress’s Palace at such a late hour, how can I sleep first? I will wait for you to come.”

 

Izaya took a deep breath.

 

Izaya quickly nodded because she knew Ern well that she wouldn't break him once his stubbornness is out.

 

“Okay then, let’s go to bed early today.”

 

Having prepared well, Izaya laid down next to Ern.

 

"Good night."

 

When she greeted him like a habit, he replied back with his back.

 

"Yes."

 

The corners of Ern's lips in response were slightly raised.

 

Izaya, unaware of that fact, thought as she closed her eyes.

 

'If he continues to join the army, my plans will be disrupted. So, starting tomorrow, we still stay in separate rooms again.’

 

The next day, Izaya spoke firmly to Ern.

 

“I will return to the Empress’s Palace from today.”

 

"Why?"

 

Izaya explained it step by step.

 

“Because I don’t need to care for you anymore. Now, have you recovered enough energy to dance too?”

 

Then, Ern's forehead was wrinkled without mercy.

 

'Why do I feel so dirty?'

 

When Ern's expression didn't look good, Izaya put on a puzzled face.

 

‘I thought you would say you knew it as usual, but why do you look so upset?’

 

Soon Izaya recalled the frail figure where he had told her not long ago that he was sick.

 

‘Well, even if you always pretend to be strong, you’re still young, so you probably want to take a break and play.’

 

Soon, Izaya grabbed Ern's left hand.

 

“If you are tired, you can always come to the Empress’s Palace at any time…”

 

At that moment, Ern quickly pulled out his hand and turned his back.

 

"Okay."

 

Soon, Ern went away quickly and headed somewhere.

 

Izaya was relieved to see him without hesitation.

 

'Thank god. I don't think it's a big deal.'

 

On the other hand, Ern ran out of the room and stopped walking after running for a while.

 

Soon he murmured, staring at the left hand that had just been captured by Izaya.

 

“It’s just holding hands, why…”

 

He placed his hand on his chest.

 

His heart was still beating wildly.

 

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