chapter 17

　Arde offered to help change her clothes, but Chizuru gently refused and chose a dress with the most mature design and put it on herself.

　Meanwhile, Arde was fixing the disordered bed, but just by glancing, the maid’s eyes were narrowed meaningfully, and she knew that what she imagined was right. That it ended as she thought it did. As expected, Arde, who had finished preparing the bed, looked back at Chizuru with a smile that could only be described as Ninmari.

TN ninmari is a satisfied expression. Like those with closed lips, but wide smile and with the eyes closed that give of an evil feeling. :-]

“Was Mr. Luklov gentle with you?”

“Khh”

　Chizuru screamed for a moment, fluttering like a goldfish. “… Well, is it so easy to understand?”

　With Chizuru’s original and innovative responce, Arde gently broke her smile and took a few steps to stand in front of Chizuru. Using her familiar hand, adjusting the strings that squeeze the waist of Chizuru’s dress, she explains in a tone that resembles that of a mother.

“Actually, I came to this room once last night after Chizutsuru went to bed. To let you know when dinner was ready. Then … Lukrov-san was there. Chizuru-san who fell asleep was being held by him like someone very important would. ”

　Arde pointed to the bed, rememering when he cut off herwords.

“… Well, it wasn’t very disturbing. And it was a really long while since I saw Mr. Lukrov smiling a bit.”

“ehhh……”

　’Lukrov’s smile? I haven’t seen him like that yet, but before I knew it, he just showed it to Arde… I seemed to fall asleep in the middle the violent act last night, and I had no memory of it. He … was it that he was happy?’

“It’s beautiful. I always admired Chizuru’s straight black hair.”

　Arde carefully touches Chizuru’s hair when she pulls out a comb from somewhere.

The sunrise over the window was so dazzling, the sun rose even higher, Chizuru decided to let herself be taken care of by the maid. From now on, new days like this will begin at this castle. Eather way, she was given a room, and a maid is taking care of her.

　The current significance of Chizuru’s existence for Luklov may be just an outlet for his desires, but it may also be an important person for him..

　’Is there anything I can do? What will my new life be like from now on?’

　Chizuru and Arde, who were ready to go down, went down to the first floor and headed for the dining room.

　There was already a bit of noise before passing through the entrance, and many people were busy coming and going, carrying meals and cleaning drinks like the wine that spilled on the floor.

　The dining room was as large as the hall, with long wooden tables lined up in a row in the center. It seems that all the people who live in the castle are gathered here, from low-ranking people such as servants and maids, to those with fine physiques who may be knights. Like if the place was a buffet, they eat all the dishes that are put on the table.

　It seems like there is no set time for breakfast and dinner. Around those times people just come when they can and leave when they want to.

“That seat is where Mr. Lukrov seats. He is always sitting over there.”

　As arde pointed out the place, Chizuru turned to look at it.

　If you look closely, it is true that the order of the seats is not at all chaotic, there was a higher seat on one end of the table, and a luxurious chair with dark red velvet was placed on that place. On the table, many knights and other people are gathering on that side, and the servants seem to be concentrated on the opposite end.

　I’m sure that the dark red chair was for Ruklov, and the higher the position in the castle, the more closer one can sit to him.

“Where do you usually eat Arde?”

“Me? I’m just a servant, so I’m on that side. Mr. Lukrov said that one should take a sit without worrying about the location, but naturally it has become like it is now. ”

　Arde, of course, pointed her finger at the end of the table, opposite the seat. The servants are brightly sitting around the place and, although few, the children are walking around. The overall atmosphere is cheerful.

　On the other hand, when she turned my eyes toward the throne, the strong, fleshly knights with a tough face were silently moving their hands on their plate. Some people have been wearing armor since the morning, and there is a very airy atmosphere. At least, it wasn’t a casual atmosphere.

“Can I also eat where you eat, in the same table?”

“Well, Chizuru, that is ridiculous. Are you not our lord’s, Mr. Lukruv, future wife? Please wait I’ll put a seat next to his. Alright?”

　Without waiting for Chizuru’s reply, Arde was walking towards the throne, Lukruv’s seat.

　Then Chizuru, who is still unfamiliar with the people, has no choice but to follow her. She managed to catch up with Arde, and pulled her hand to explain the situation.

“It’s a misunderstanding, Arde. I’m no longer Lukrov’s lover. He told that I was just a mistress … I couldn’t sit next to him.”

“eh?”

　Arde turned around and looked down at Chizuru with a mysterious look. “Mistress …? That should be …”

　Suddenly, Chizuru’s shoulder was suddenly caught in his big hand.

　As she was surprised and looked up to the side, Lukruv was there–He is not in an armor. He wears what looks like formal clothes with a sleeveless tunic on top, and his feet are fixed with long boots that reach the knees.

“Arde, thank you. You should go eat. I will guide Chizuru.”

　Following the firm instructions of Luklov, Arde stepped back and bowed, saying, “Yes, Luklov-sama.” However, before leaving, Arde still looked at Chirari without saying anything.

“Lukrov, I … I was thinking of eating with Arde …”

　Chizuru said as softly as she could and looked up at Lukrov with a glance.

　’Luklov seems to have finished preparing for the morning, and the shadow of his growing beard is shaved cleanly, and his hair is also neatly trimmed. His quiet yet dignified look certainly reminds me of the owner of an old castle. It is the appearance of an adult duke, not one of a 22-year-old young knight.’

“You shouldn’t have bothered comming here, the food would have been brought to your room …”

　Lukrov groans while gazing at Chizuru.

‘He is looking at me from the top of my head to my toes. It’s the same look an artist has when he looks dissappinted by how poor/ ugly his painting looks.’ TN: #1 at the bottom.

　── How Rude.

‘It is understandable that a mere mistress shouln’t go to a public place to eat where all the people will see her. I know. But I could have just sat all the way on the back, opposite from where he is seating. He shouldn’t be like that..’

“I’m going over there. Don’t worry, I’ll try to keep it as inconspicuous as possible.”

　Chizuru tried to leave Lukrov, aiming for a seat that was for his employees.

　However, Lukrov put his hand on Chizuru’s shoulders and turned her towards him.

“It can’t be helped. It’s a good time to let people know who you are.”

　Then, her hand was held tightly by his big, bulging hand.

　’Just like new lovers would hold each other. Just like the old days.’

“But Luklov …”

　Despite Chizuru’s embarrassment, Lukrov pulled her hand and headed to the throne. When they start approuching the dark red chair, the knights look at each other and start staring at them. Some even had their mouth open while they were eating.

　It didn’t seem like she was welcomed… and Chizuru felt like escaping.

TN:

take note everyone, this kind of thinking is what makes a woman look mad or annoyed for no reason. Which as a result causes the man to think something is wrong. Then more fighting is involved and tadaah!!! The relationship gets ruined!!! all because of petty misunderstandings. Didn’t Lukruv go all out on her that night? Didn’t he told her to rest? Why doesn’t she get it? Didn’t she have a lot of problems and pain just from standing and getting out of the bed??? Women….. sigh …… and I am one of that gender!!! Just why are some of our gender like that. If it were me I wouldn’t move and let myself be spoiled to death. What do you all think??