Duke, Please Fail! - Chapter 38

Episode 38

I looked at Roman with a serious expression and let out a small sigh.

“To be honest, I can’t support you, Mr. Roman.”

The reason being that my target for revenge is the object of Roman’s unrequited love!

“It’s not like I’m going to tell anyone, though.”

Roman looked at me with a surprised expression.

“To the Duke? Did you tell him?”

“Me? Why would I do that?”

I wasn’t going to do anything to connect Leonel and Roman. Roman’s expression turned perplexed.

“You didn’t tell him?”

“That’s right.”

“But it seemed like he knew. I naturally assumed he heard it from the steward.”

“Could it be a misunderstanding? If he found out, you’d probably have been kicked out.”

“It wouldn’t end with just that.”

Roman mumbled rather bitterly. Perhaps he thought he would have been in big trouble.

I wanted to reassure him that Leonel wasn’t as harsh as he seemed, but I held back. If Roman started to develop unexpected feelings, what would I do? It’s all Roman’s problem anyway.

“Anyway, there won’t be any reason to bring it up in the future. And, this is to put your mind at ease.”

“Alright.”

I glanced at the door and then lowered my voice, bending slightly at the waist.

“I don’t have particularly strong feelings for Leonel, so don’t worry too much.”

“…I’ll trust you for now.”

He replied softly, got up from his seat, nodded briefly as a farewell, and left the office.

At least I didn’t have to call for Tom, Sophie, or Gerald. I let out a deep breath and unfolded the map once again.

* * *

Late at night, I was digging a trench by the dim light of a lantern. Of course, I wasn’t alone. Guadang was by my side. 

The beasts were frightening, and I couldn’t handle the stones for the trench alone. Fortunately, I had bribed Guadang with apples, and he obediently followed me.

“As expected, you’re the best accomplice.”

I patted Guadang’s ears with both hands and picked up stones from the riverbank. I wanted to use bricks, but I couldn’t find a way to obtain them secretly.

‘It doesn’t look too bad.’

Once it was completed, I would connect it to the river, so the trench was currently empty. Up to the halfway point, I dug the ground and stacked stones to create a typical canal. Near the field, I planned to bury a wooden conduit underground to direct the flow of water.

‘It’s perfect.’

I put the stones in the dual pockets hanging on Guadang’s back and brought them to the area where I had dug the trench, pouring them out. Then I meticulously filled the walls and floor with stones.

It was fortunate that I didn’t need a large canal since it was for a small field. After working for a while, I felt like my arms were going to break, so I lay down right there.

“Ugh, I’m dying.”

Guadang came over and nudged my side with his nose.

“Ow! That hurts, Guadang. I can’t go on like this. I’ll have to ride you today.”

Guadang either didn’t understand my words or didn’t care, as he just continued to snort.

Struggling to move my limp limbs, I managed to climb onto Guadang’s back.

“Let’s finish the rest tomorrow.”

I practically collapsed on his back.

Guadang moved slowly. The clever and taciturn donkey remembered the path I often traveled.

He took me to the secret passage Joseph had shown me without saying a word or holding the reins. 

Thanks to him, I arrived at the western tower comfortably today. I was tired from lack of sleep, but I could still endure. 

‘It’s better to finish it quickly.’

I shouldn’t connect the waterway to the river. If I just roughly shape it, it should seep into the ground on its own. 

I sighed and continued to steal stones by the riverside the next day. However, something was strange. I had stacked stones there yesterday, but why can’t I see a single stone now? No one would have picked them up. 

I tilted my head and looked around, but there were no stones. 

‘Did wild animals come by?’

If it had been humans, they would have done something to the waterway. However, the waterway was intact. The stones must have been taken by beavers or crows. 

I hummed a tune while making the waterway. 

Several days passed this way. 

Whether it was empty or full, it had not sprouted yet. On the other hand, the construction of the waterway was progressing faster than I had thought. 

Moreover, it seemed to be getting more refined. Of course, there were some rough spots here and there, but it was still excellent. 

“Should I try working in construction later if I quit being the manager?” 

Before I could finish speaking, Guadang made a grunting sound and brushed his face against me as if he were laughing. 

“You’re not laughing, are you? Are you just cheering me on?” 

Guadang tore at the grass as if he were not interested. He just tore it. He didn’t eat it; he tore it and spat it out next to him. 

“Guadang, do you have a complaint?”

…Even after asking, it’s still embarrassing. There can only be complaints. He’s always dragged out in the early hours, carrying stones and all.

Guadang, I’m sorry for you.

I should send you back early today. But it’s already 3 in the morning.

I pet Guadang’s head and climbed on top.

“Just bear with it a little longer. It seems like it’ll be finished soon. After it’s all done, I’ll let you feast.”

“Pnnggg.”

It sounds like laughter again. Of course, even if it’s laughter, there’s nothing to say.

I hugged Guadang tightly and headed to the castle.

As soon as I got off, Guadang went back to the pasture without looking back.

Huh? But this isn’t the western tower.

I wanted to shout, but I couldn’t. The soldiers will come!

‘Come back, Guadang…!’

Even silently calling out didn’t help. I sighed while holding the lamp and facing the direction of the western tower.

Then I noticed a window emitting light. Having a light on at this hour was strange. I wondered who it could be.

When I checked the location, it was Leonel’s room.

‘Is he still not asleep?’

I don’t like how he always has a glazed look on his face when I bring up the subject of going to bed late and getting up early.

As I was about to walk away grumbling, the light in Leonel’s room went out. At the same time, my reason went out.

‘Could he be sleeping now?’

By the time I could go back, shower, and change clothes, an hour would have passed. On the other hand, Leonel would be sound asleep!

It’s frustrating.

‘Yeah. Why did I try to cause only financial harm? When it comes to tormenting someone, physical is the best!’

I should go and disturb his sleep. I need to discuss something about the empty or full situation. I took a bite and entered the castle. As I ascended the stairs, I paused for a moment.

‘But Leonel is a workaholic and a territorial lover. Would he like someone visiting at this hour?’

However, I soon shook my head. Who would like to be visited at 3 in the morning? Everyone has times when they don’t want to be disturbed, especially in the early morning! Right after falling asleep!

I’m sure no one in the world would appreciate an unannounced visitor at this hour. I confidently walked up to Leonel’s door again.

“Your Grace! Are you asleep?”

I knew he was asleep when I came here, but I asked out of courtesy. Then, I leaned closer to the door. But, there was still no response from inside… or shouldn’t there be? Why do I hear footsteps approaching?

‘Did I come up too early?’

I should have knocked when he was comfortably lying in bed, about to fall asleep! I felt regret, but there was nothing I could do. Taking comfort in the fact that it was quite late, I took a step back from the door. Soon, the door opened, revealing Leonel.

The lamp’s light flickered across his exposed abdomen, visible through his open robe. I got lost staring at his perfectly defined muscles. Unconsciously, my gaze drifted downward until Leonel spoke up, raising his head.

“What’s going on?”

Perhaps because it was night, his voice was much lower than usual. It was a captivating tone that enchanted people. In an attempt to regain my fading consciousness, I scolded myself silently.

‘Why did he come out like this?’

Even so, my face turned red, and I hastily turned my body.

“I-I have something to discuss!”

Calm down, Nelly Pepper!

That’s Leonel. The devil who had kept me up for three days and nights without giving me a vacation!

As I recalled the pain of dying, my sanity returned.

“Your robe.”

“Ah.”

With a languid sigh, I heard the sound of fabric brushing.

It’s fine. I’m fine, Nelly Pepper. I recited a prayer silently and turned my body.

Leonel had a smile on his face, whether it was mocking or something else, I couldn’t tell.

I raised my head confidently.

“I want to discuss the matter of the barley.”

“Not barley, rice.”

“Rice?”

“Yes, rice grains.”

“Grains?”

“…Come in.”

He boasts about his pronunciation. I followed Leonel inside, grumbling to myself.

It seemed he hadn’t completely fallen asleep, as the candle near the bed was still lit.

I’ll have to choose a better time next time. I made a mental note just as I heard Leonel’s voice.

“Coming to discuss estate management at this hour. You’re the first passionate manager I’ve ever seen.”

Is he mocking me? I hope he is!

“You’re too kind with your words.”

Leonel approached the sofa, and then turned back to me. He then approached me again.

Is he trying to talk while standing? Does that mean he doesn’t want to sit down because I woke him up?

If that’s the case, I’m glad.

That would mean he’s in a bad mood!

With anticipation in my eyes, I looked at him, and somehow, he came closer.

“Why?”

He stared at my face from close range.

“Where have you been?”

Leonel reached out his hand.