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Ah!
I suddenly felt myself being pushed, and I stumbled to the floor with a harsh thud.
Pain throbbed along my side as I looked up at the young Duke. His head was raised high, his face twisted in clear irritation.
Wait…
Had I been caught by the young Duke?
The young Duke?!
How?
And why?
While I was still spiraling through those questions, the others caught up. Lord Frederick wore a look of disbelief, clearly wanting to say something—but he stopped short under Lord Demir's sharp gaze.
I nearly rolled my eyes. Wasn't he the one who caused all this in the first place?
"Let's move," the young Duke said, breaking the suffocating silence.
And just like that, the troops followed after him, leaving me sprawled on the ground—dumbfounded and confused.
Should I follow… or just stay here?
I sighed and pushed myself up.
Ow. My hip still hurt.
I hurried after them, thankful that at least the guards didn't force me along.
The entire time, I was ignored—like a fly.
Why?
Not that I wanted to know. In fact, I was glad to be invisible.
Even the prideful, hot-headed Lord Frederick didn't bother trying to pick another fight with me.
I was left off to the side, seated beneath a tree, meekly playing with snails and insects out of sheer boredom. I only jumped whenever a gunshot rang out.
Strangely enough, I feared the gunfire more than that filthy swamp.
I couldn't fathom why, so I chalked it up to the sound being louder than anything I'd ever heard before.
The mock hunt ended soon after, and I was officially heading back to my ward to sleep.
I was so excited I didn't even realize I was standing on my tiptoes, bouncing slightly.
The noblemen dismounted their horses with Butler Hudson's assistance and were soon escorted toward the gates.
I followed behind diligently, waiting for them to leave so I could finally enjoy my peace—and pretend this afternoon had never happened.
Dusk settled in. The sky darkened, and a cold breeze swept through. I hadn't dressed warmly enough, and I hugged myself slightly.
We stopped in front of Westwond Mansion. This was it. They'd leave now.
"It was a great adventure with you, Cal—ah, apologies, young Duke Calvin. Let's do this again sometime, yes?" Lord Demir said with a bow. Lord Frederick, meanwhile, wore a reluctant scowl.
"My young Duke! Don't chase me away so soon!" Lord Frederick exclaimed, looping an arm far too casually around Calvin's shoulders. "How about evening tea? A new batch arrived from the west country—"
The young Duke frowned and shoved him off without hesitation. Turning away, he said coolly, "No need. Hudson, see them off safely."
Without another glance, he walked inside.
Lord Frederick looked utterly betrayed. Lord Demir only shook his head and followed Butler Hudson.
It was strange seeing such informal interactions among noblemen—especially with how cold the young Duke appeared. Still, I could tell… he didn't entirely dislike them.
Well.
None of my business.
I'm free!
Just as I was celebrating internally, a voice called out.
"Clare?"
Lord Demir.
"Yes!" I answered instinctively, hurrying over and snapping to attention. "My lord!"
"It was good having you around," he said lightly. "We should do this again sometime."
"Eh?" I blinked, completely stunned.
That was… unexpected.
What good had I been? I'd barely done anything besides loiter all day.
He didn't wait for a reply, simply continuing on his way. Lord Frederick shot me the same nasty glare he'd been giving me all afternoon.
Once they disappeared, I jumped in place.
Yes!
I survived. Thank goodness.
Now all I had to do was return to my ward and never cross paths with the young Duke and his noble entourage again.
I turned, content, and started toward the servants' quarters—
—only to freeze as someone stepped directly into my path.
"Ah!"
I yelped, stumbling back several steps and clutching my chest.
Who…?
How…?
"You—"
"Enough talking," the man cut in sharply. "The young Duke requires your presence. You have twenty seconds."
Eh?
I straightened, tilting my head in confusion.
"Eighteen… seventeen…"
"EHHHH?!"
Why was he counting?!
I bolted forward without sparing him the glare I desperately wanted to give.
Before I knew it, I was inside the mansion, racing toward the young Duke's study. The guards didn't stop me—just stepped aside as if this were perfectly normal.
I reached the door completely out of breath.
"I—I'm here!"
The guards glanced at each other, shrugged, and opened the door.
I nodded my thanks, still panting—and painfully aware that I was underdressed and disheveled.
The study wasn't unfamiliar. I'd been here countless times, yet it still left me awestruck.
Luxurious. Neatly arranged. Tall shelves stacked with books, drawers filled with documents, and a grand desk at the center with a high-backed chair behind it. Two smaller chairs faced it.
The room was spacious enough to be a bedroom, complete with a couch, tea table, and elegant décor. Two additional doors likely led to private quarters.
It felt more like a private library—high windows, tall ceilings.
Magnificent.
"Are you stupid?"
Ah?
I froze.
Only then did I notice the young Duke standing by the window, still dressed in his hunting attire. Moonlight spilled in, highlighting his sharp features.
Even at his age… he was strikingly handsome.
If only he'd hurry up and grow older.
"Clare," he said coldly. "I hate repeating myself."
Eh?
Wait.
He remembered my name?
And—oh no.
Was I in trouble for last night?