Chapter 43
The Duke had promised to grant one wish without condition if the curse was broken. While breaking the curse was the key issue, if it was possible, at least an escape route was secured.
Adi lifted the black knight’s jacket.
Though it looked hot from the outside, it didn’t feel bad when worn. The provided chemise was light and loose.
When first seeing Bert, Adi had thought the exposed chest was due to muscles and preference, but southern chemises seemed to have some inherent exposure.
Understanding it was because the South was warmer, still…
“The leather shows.”
Adi said, pulling at the chemise. They would need to at least secure the neck. There weren’t any fastening strings, but they’d have to find something elsewhere to cover the neck.
Adjusting to the unfamiliar fabric texture and loose fit, Adi looked at the metal emblem before attaching it to the left chest, as Bert had done.
The string tied at the chemise’s collar felt suffocating and cumbersome. Tugging at it with their fingers proved futile—any looser and the skin underneath would show.
Leaving the knights’ quarters, Billy, one of the attendants, widened his eyes at Adi’s attire. When he touched his own collar, Adi said, “It’s too open.”
“Indeed, how proper of a northerner.”
Though it could have been taken as sarcasm, something about Billy’s tone made it feel acceptable.
“It’s summer clothing. The South is hot. Consider this informal wear. The emblem is what makes it recognizable.”
“I see. No wonder it feels too comfortable.”
With the chest so exposed. It had looked fine on Bert, but the difference was stark on themself. Perhaps because of the thorax. Adi smoothed the area around their neck.
“In autumn, you wear a white gilet over it and the cape hangs to one side. The upper part has red and gold rope, symbolizing Woodpecker. Though then the cape is black.”
“The clothing must vary greatly by season.”
“Yes, while the North stays cold with little weather variation, so people dress similarly year-round, Woodpecker territory is vast with distinct seasons, so we have more variety in clothing.”
Adi nodded at Billy’s words. Though both were considered quiet people, discussing clothing had brought them to their destination before they knew it. Reaching the reception room, Billy said, “Shall we enter together?”
Adi nodded and stood before the reception room.
For some reason, they felt nervous. There was nothing to be nervous about. Was it the change in attire? After adjusting the string at their neck one more time, Adi followed Billy, who knocked and immediately opened the door.
The sunlight seemed particularly strong today. Though the noon sun should be directly overhead, it brightly illuminated the interior through the tall, large windows. Initially squinting at the light, Adi soon took in the expressions of the Duke and the three people standing beside him.
Yuls Woodpecker, Bert Din, Roy Gaillard, and Joel.
“You’ve come.”
Duke Woodpecker said.
“It suits you well.”
“…”
Adi smiled awkwardly. Behind them, Roy gave a thumbs up. Watching Roy mouth that he knew it would suit them, Adi nodded slightly.
“You’ve placed the emblem correctly. Roy had his on the right. Like his heart was on the right side.”
“You never know. If you cut open my belly, the heart might be on the right.”
“Really? Shall we cut it open?”
“Then I’ll keep mine on the left.”
Adi said. At those words, Duke Woodpecker smiled slightly.
Was it the changing season that made the warmth feel so distinct? Seeing those wearing the same clothes and the red-haired Duke at their center, they somehow felt like a single group.
It felt like warmth was seeping in, warmth never felt in their birthplace.
Though to them, Grimaldi was an outsider, a foreigner.
Was it because the weather had turned warm?
“Thank you.”
It felt as though they belonged here.
❖ ❖ ❖
Billy Anderson, the only proper attendant among the Duke’s servants, was born the youngest son of a viscount’s third son. Though he didn’t receive a noble title, he lived comfortably and, thanks to the refined sensibilities this fostered, showed exceptional qualities that later earned him his position as attendant.
His greatest pride was in dressing men. It was why House Woodpecker had hired him. The Duke hadn’t liked his youthful appearance then.
Though he’d wondered how to hide the flaws then, the grown Duke was quite presentable and worth dressing.
Yuls Woodpecker’s hair, though burning red, gave off a rather cold impression. He looked good even in just a starched collar and gleaming white shirt.
Billy often said that men’s fashion comes from perfection. For that, clean-shaven face, short nails, and hair…
“…”
The Duke’s hair was too beautiful to cut.
Though not fond of long hair, Billy didn’t add unnecessary ornaments since that look was perfect. A formal outfit without excess was enough. A black silk formal wear with gold braid rope and aglets, plus emblems. Though quite simple, it looked particularly splendid against Yuls’s red hair.
“I hate clothes like these.”
Of course, Yuls didn’t like them. He thought the luxurious fabric texture was enough. But making such clothes was even more difficult. When making Yuls’s clothes, Billy drove tailors mad with various demands.
“It’s a meal with His Highness the Crown Prince, so proper etiquette is required.”
That Crown Prince would come in complete disarray. He might not even arrive on time. But no one could say anything to the Crown Prince. Etiquette was for inferiors to observe, not superiors.
Going outside, the area where the Count stayed was quiet. He seemed to have left already. Passing servants bowed their heads. Yuls, his attendant, and Adi passed by them.
Though not looking back, Adi could feel people’s gazes. Gazes of those who didn’t want to be involved, yet seemed to cling. Adrian Grimaldi wearing House Woodpecker’s clothes.
They must hate it. Adi liked that. Recalling the faces of the servants they knew, Adi smiled broadly.
❖ ❖ ❖
The inner palace where the Crown Prince stayed was located much deeper inside. They walked on, barely listening to the attendants explaining this was where meetings with distinguished guests were held within the residence.
Soon they arrived at the dining room.
At the table that could easily seat twenty, only Count Grimaldi was present. Though there was an orchestra behind him, they weren’t playing music just for the Count. His guard, Lev Jid, stood before the wall. That would be Adi’s place too.
Adi stood beside Lev Jid. The warmth of the person next to them made them nauseous. Yuls sat at the table as guided by the attendant. But the Crown Prince wasn’t there. Naturally, no food had been served either.
Now Adi understood why the Duke had satisfied his hunger before going to the meal—he must have known the Crown Prince would be late. The dining room was filled with silence. No one opened their mouth first. Even the smallest sound seemed like it would echo loudly in this space.
It would have been better if the two men had at least conversed, but there was no sign of that. Standing next to Lev Jid was torturous for Adi.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the Crown Prince arrived. He appeared with one knight guard and an attendant, walking leisurely, and upon seeing the quiet dining room said, “What’s this?”
“Do the orchestra members have no hands? Why is it so quiet?”
Only then did the musicians’ hands move. When he waved his hand, apparently disliking the music that flowed forth, the tune changed. This seemed more to his taste.
“How is it being back in Palesa after so long, Count?”
Crown Prince Claude said as he sat.
“How many years has it been? You must have wanted to come often during that time.”
“It’s been three years. Thanks to Your Highness’s consideration, it’s an honor to return to Palesa.”
“What consideration of mine? It’s all thanks to the Count.”
Claude laughed. Like someone who didn’t think the Count’s words were mere flattery. He was a man confident that no one would treat him that way.
Yuls rather liked Claude. His foolish cousin. For a minister’s position, it would be convenient to have such a person as king. That’s why Yuls also wanted Claude to become king. The only problem was that Claude was wary of him.
“It’s been a while, cousin.”
“Yes, I received your recent gift well.”
“Gift? Did I send a gift?”
“You sent the chestnut gift.”
“Ah.”
Claude giggled. Like someone who couldn’t remember, he muttered several times “Did I do that? Why can’t I remember the gift I sent?” and asked his attendant “Did I?” The attendant didn’t answer. That was the answer.
“Right, that happened. I guess I did. I’m glad you received it well. So, what about my reward?”
“Not returning your gift is my reward.”
Yuls said.
“Now bring out the damn food, Claude.”
Lilina
God I love how he ordered his cousin around