Duke, Please Fail! - Chapter 61

Episode 61

On the second night, we stayed in a luxurious inn. 

I couldn’t sleep because I was worried about Leonel’s distressed voice. 

I decided to check on him and found that the light was still on in his room. I stood by his door but recalled his words about leaving him alone and decided to do just that.

On the third night, we ended up sleeping outside. I thought it would be more comfortable to sleep with Mary on some straw rather than in the carriage. 

Leonel had gone out to scout, and he didn’t return until after sunrise.

‘Why is he acting like this when it’s bothering me?’

Leonel’s complexion was so pale that he looked like he could die in his sitting position. I couldn’t help but stare at him, then opened the window.

The sudden rush of wind made Leonel look at me, but he quickly closed his eyes as if he wasn’t interested.

‘If this is how it’s going to be, I’d rather ride in the baggage cart!’

I made up my mind that I would ride in the baggage cart when we returned.

With that thought in mind, I politely asked the coachman through the window.

“Coachman?”

“Yes, Lady Nelly.”

“How much longer until we reach the capital?”

“Just five more hours, my lady.”

“Thank you.”

I nodded and closed the window again.

“Try to get some sleep.”

“I am.”

“Not like that. I mean, sleep.”

“…”

“Duke, you’ll die like that.”

“I won’t die.”

“You will!”

“People don’t die so easily.”

“They do!”

And with him acting like this, I won’t even enjoy my revenge!

I placed the thickest book I had on the corner of the chair, right where his head would hit if he lay down.

Leonel lowered his gaze to the book I placed and then looked back at me. He stared at me with a determined expression, then casually laughed.

“You’re like an angry hedgehog.”

“Are you picking a fight with the person who just did you a favor?”

He shrugged off my polite question with a smile and, after a moment’s hesitation, lay down with the book as his pillow.

His legs were long and stretched out, and he didn’t bother folding them. It seemed like he was preparing to sleep.

‘Is he going to sleep?’

I had forced the issue, but I didn’t expect him to lie down.

Even when we were on better terms before he became so distant, I had never seen him lie down or sleep in front of me.

But now he’s sleeping? I stared at him with a sense of wonder, and he furrowed his brow.

“You’ll bore a hole in my face.”

“People’s faces don’t get holes in them that easily.”

“They do.”

The roles had switched, and a similar pattern of conversation continued. It was strangely amusing, and I almost burst into laughter but caught myself and sealed my lips.

‘Why am I making jokes when he’s my target for revenge?’

I shook my head and distanced myself from Leonel’s head, keeping a safe distance.

“Sleep.”

He opened his eyes slightly, looked at me, then closed them again.

The rhythmic sounds of the carriage’s movement were mixed with his steady breathing. I deliberately didn’t turn my head towards Leonel’s side.

Instead, I took out another book to read, or at least I pretended to. 

In reality, it was impossible to concentrate on the book with a person sleeping right in front of me. I wondered how he managed to stay up all night until now, and it was somewhat intriguing.

‘He’s probably sensitive, so if I stare at him, he’ll wake up, right?’

So, I discreetly glanced at him. One look at the book, one look at Leonel.

To an observer, he would appear to be peacefully sleeping, without any signs of restlessness, tossing and turning, or snoring. Occasionally, he would stir slightly, but other than that, he slept soundly.

‘He looks pale, though. I hope he’s not dead or anything.’

For a moment, I felt a chill that made my hair stand on end. I hurriedly closed the book and reached out, placing my finger under his nose. 

I could feel his breath, and I let out a sigh of relief before returning to my seat.

‘I should focus on reading. How long is a sleeping person going to toss and turn?’

I shook my head a few times to clear my mind and opened the book again. I had read about halfway when Leonel woke up.

He lowered his legs and sat up, running his hand through his hair. Leonel stared intently at the book he had been using as a pillow and then asked me a question.

“How long did I sleep?”

“Um, about 4 hours?”

I estimated the time at the speed I was reading and replied. 

Leonel sighed or let out a breath that could be interpreted as either a sigh or a hollow laugh.

“Only 4 hours…”

Then he placed his hand on his forehead and stayed silent for a moment before eyeing the book.

“This book. Let me borrow it.”

“But that’s yours, Your Grace.”

“…”

“I borrowed it from your library, Your Grace.”

Leonel, who ended up borrowing his book from someone else, had an uncomfortable expression, which was quite satisfying. 

Unintentionally, I burst into laughter. 

When our eyes met, he smoothed out his previously furrowed expression and let out a light chuckle.

At the same time, the speed of the carriage gradually decreased.

“We have arrived.”

Leonel wasn’t pleased with something, as he furrowed his brow again. Then he opened the window and handed the book to the nearby coachman.

“Tell them to take it to my guest room.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

He closed the window again.

Not long after, the carriage came to a complete stop. Leonel reached out his hand to me as soon as he stepped out of the carriage.

As I exited the carriage, I couldn’t help but notice the nobles in their splendid attire, who were paying quite a bit of attention to us. They were strolling in the garden and couldn’t help but look intently at Leonel and me.

I placed my hand on top of Leonel’s hand. 

As soon as I did, a sophisticatedly dressed young man, who appeared to be just coming of age, approached us.

“Leonel Altwood, Duke of Altwood. Welcome to the Istalta Palace.”

Leonel gave a slight nod in response. The man then introduced himself and mentioned that he was the courtier of Archduke Landers.

“I shall guide you, Your Grace Altwood. Miss Nelly Pepper, you may follow the maid.”

As soon as the courtier finished speaking, a maid who had been standing behind him approached me.

Leonel followed the courtier, and I followed the maid, though it appeared we were going in the same direction for the time being.

We walked along a left corridor for a while, then went up some stairs and turned right. After a bit of walking, both the courtier and Leonel stopped.

“Nelly.”

“Yes?”

“The ball begins at 7 o’clock. Make sure to be prepared by then.”

“Yes.”

After hearing my reply, Leonel briefly glanced at me and entered his room. The courtier also gestured a polite farewell to me before turning and disappearing.

I continued to follow the maid, who led me to a door. She graciously opened it for me.

As soon as I entered, I saw Mary. Unlike at the Altwood estate, she now bowed very formally.

“Have you arrived, my lady?”

Oh no! My lady? 

Goosebumps ran down my arm, and I shrank my shoulders in response. I was about to ask her why she was calling me that when I noticed the maid from the royal family who was standing beside her.

‘It’s because of this person.’

First things first, I needed to send her away. If not, she might end up plucking my feathers and turning me into a chicken before I even finished preparing.

“I’d like a moment to rest for now. Could you please leave the room?”

“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call.”

The royal family’s maid made a graceful exit, leaving me alone in the room. 

Even after the door closed, Mary didn’t raise her head. Standing there with her, who refused to meet my gaze no matter how long I waited, felt like standing in front of Medusa, ready to turn to stone.

I looked at her for a while before cautiously approaching.

“Mary.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Um… anyway we can avoid that ‘my lady’ thing? Look at this.”

I pulled up my sleeve, revealing the goosebumps on my arm.

Mary made a ‘pfft’ sound but quickly composed herself.

“You should be careful with your actions in the palace.”

“But there’s no one in the room except us.”

“That’s true.”

Mary immediately adjusted her stance and straightened her posture.

“Would you like to take a bath?”

“Just prepare the water, please.”

Mary nodded and went into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water filled the room. It wasn’t long before Mary returned from the bathroom.

“Why don’t you take a bath and I’ll get your clothes.”

“Yes, please. Take your time!”

Mary chuckled in response and left the room. 

While I was in the middle of washing, I could hear the busy sounds of people moving around. Then, as the door closed, everything fell silent.

I finished bathing, dried myself with a towel, and put on a chemise. Outside, I could see the elaborate dress and mask provided by Archduke Landers. There were also several unopened boxes nearby.

As I was observing everything, Mary approached me.

“I’ll help you put on the dress.”

“Thank you.”

There was no one else in the estate who could wear such a glamorous dress. However, Mary skillfully helped me put it on and led me in front of a mirror.

“Do you like it?”

“It’s beautiful.”

I sighed in admiration and then continued.

“And I think Archduke Landers made a wise choice with this dress.”

Mary seemed to understand the underlying meaning of my words and burst into laughter.

“I’ll do your hair and makeup for you.”

I awkwardly nodded and sat down in front of the vanity. As the puff and brush touched my face, they felt ticklish, and I couldn’t help but flinch and lean back.

Mary paused for a moment in her makeup application and asked with a laughter-tinged voice.

“Is this your first time wearing makeup?”

I had never dreamed of wearing makeup when I was living with my uncle. 

After escaping from that wretched place and struggling to make a living, I didn’t have the time or means to think about such luxuries. Even after miraculously becoming the steward of the Altwood estate for three years, I was consumed by work. 

Occasionally, there were dinners or parties, but Altwood was a closed-off place. Only people in the know were invited, and even if a few more were added, they were usually distant relatives or close friends.

I attended those gatherings without makeup, and no one paid any attention. Near the end, right before I left, I did make a bit of an effort during dinners, but that was about it.

‘Come to think of it, Mary did my makeup back then too.’