Duke, Please Stop Because it Hurts

“What? Didn’t you hear me?”

“I don’t feel obligated to go with you. I think it would be better to work out the problem next time.”

“No, wait a minute.”

Arjan quickly snatched back at Molitia’s wrist. At that moment, Molitia could feel her vision spinning at the pressure of that forceful pull.

A powerful sense of vertigo had immediately relieved the strength in her legs. When she had lost her footing, her body naturally tilted to the side.

“What business do you have with my wife?”

Her body, which was just about to reach the floor, had been barely stopped by Raven himself. He gently brought her up and led her into his arms.

“…Raven.”

“Ah…”

Arjan, who was forced to suffer Raven’s ferocious eyes, stepped back and released Molitia’s hand. Ferdinand shrugged before stepping up on behalf of Arjan, who was clearly afraid.

“It’s no big deal, Duke. Arjan was only joining hands in joy and the Duchess started staggering.”

“If it’s not a big deal, then there should be no reason to touch her.”

“Duke, you’re actually asking for Arjan’s favor…”

“Raven.”

A firm voice had suddenly cut Ferdinand off. Molitia then looked up at the two without even sparing them a glance at all.

“Do you know where the dining hall is?”

“If it’s a dining hall, I know where it is since I have seen the layout of the Marquis’ residence earlier.”

“Then, maybe we can just go on our own. Young Master is only here to show us there anyway.”

Molitia smiled with her eyes before tilting her head ever so slightly.

“I’ll see you there instead. We should get going now.”

She left with Raven before they could even greet him. Raven had been following her gently in response to her hand before eventually stopping at her seat.

“Molitia.”

His voice sounded so sweet that it was unbelievable that he was actually the same person as before. Molitia turned her head and gazed at him softly. It had been a long time since he had almost lost his dear life.

“Does Young Lady Clemence hurt you, still?"

“No, I was just asked to go to the dining hall together. I didn’t like that idea either, so I just said that I wouldn’t go with them.”

She shook her head as she forced herself a smile.

“I just… I don’t even want to receive a simple favor from her at all.”

“Yes, I’ll follow your opinion, so don’t worry too much about her.”

“Thank you.”

Raven hugged her in his arms as she was still filled with much confusion. Raven then slowly stroked her as the faint warmth seeped through her chest.

When the two had finally arrived at the dining hall, the Marquis welcomed them amiably. Other participants were also present, but in addition to the Marquis, some people were already seated.

“I thank you for coming. I didn’t prepare much, but I hope it will suit your taste.”

Food was gradually served after the simple words by the Marquis. As warm dishes had appeared to match the cold region, the dining hall naturally grew agitated. Delicious and warm food had automatically made the atmosphere affable as well.

“Duchess Linerio, is the room warm enough?”

The eyes of those people who were naturally chatting with the Marquis eventually fell upon her.

“It’s all thanks to you. I rested as if it was my own room because of the cosy warmth.”

“I’ve been paying attention to Young Lady Arjan in regard to your debility, and I’m just glad that you liked it.”

Arjan.

“Thank you very much for your concern.”

Molitia managed to keep her smile. She was worried that she might have to use such unpleasant words like she did with Ferdinand, but fortunately, the Marquis didn’t display any need for such a thing.

“You must have had a hard time coming all the way here, didn’t you?”

Marchioness Werner, who dabbed her mouth with a napkin, showed such a warm smile.

“It’s a place where the wind gusts a lot, but the snow is just beautiful. I hope you’ll enjoy a good rest while joining the party as well.”

“It was enough to capture my heart just by looking at the beautiful village that was just like glasswork. I could only be thankful towards your consideration of me. I wonder how the party will be held in such a stunning place.”

“Have you ever participated in the Marquis’ party?”

“As you know, I’m not very well, so the opportunity to participate…”

Molitia stopped talking when her skirt was pulled all of a sudden. As her gaze went down, a boy was already leaning against her waist while staring blankly.

“Who’re you, sister?”

“Sister?”

“Oh, Robert!”

The Marchioness, who called out the child as Robert, instantly blushed.

“I’m terribly sorry. He is a child of our relative family. I have been raising him because he was separated from his parents due to some circumstances and he hasn’t been learning manners properly yet.”

The wife who said so eventually gave Robert a signal.

“Robert, say hello.”

“It’s quite alright.”

Molitia smiled and stopped her softly. Then, she bent down to meet the child’s eye level.

“What’s your name?”

“…Robert Werner. What about you?”

“What are you saying to the Duchess!”

“I’m called Molitia Linerio.”

“Sister Molitia?”

Molitia smiled when the child’s sweet mouth was calling out to her like an older sister. The child’s lips, which moved every time they parted, were just as soft as honey.

“And my wife.”