CH 43

The carriage stopped only after the surroundings were completely dark.

It was the first break after leaving the mansion.

It was something that couldn’t be compared to anything that had come before. Of course, there was no camp and no barracks.

But on this rough journey, Edric didn’t get much motion sickness. Rather, it was much less than when he visited his hometown.

This is because Lobel has prepared herbs to prevent motion sickness by drying them in advance. That’s why there was a subtle herbal scent throughout the carriage.

Thanks to this, Edric’s body was comfortable, but his mind was completely uncomfortable.

‘I’m the only one who got help again—’

No matter how much he was his servant, he didn’t want a one-sided relationship like now.

And he wanted to repay Lobel with anything.

‘—I’m going to grow up to be someone that Lobel can rely on.’

After making a resolution with his fist tightly clenched, Edric raised his head.

Lobel and Crimson were chattering in front of a nearby campfire.

“The dinner looks bad. W, whose nose are you supposed to put that on?”

“Hyung, don’t you usually put it in your mouth, not your nose?”

When he listened, it seemed to be talking about food. As he looked around, the smell of savory stew was wafting around him.

Soon, Crimson brought several large wooden trays filled with meals.

“Here, Young Master.”

Edric stared at the tray on his lap. The meat was very good, and there were plenty of fresh vegetables as well.

On the other hand, the only thing Crimson received was a savory loaf of bread and a stew. It was so bad that he couldn’t even compare himself to him.

Seeing that, Edric quickly decided because, in that case, of course, Lobel’s meals would be the same.

His expression brightened subtly at the thought of being able to take care of even one small thing about Lobel.

“Eat this, Lobel.”

Edric quickly scooped out a large spoonful of his portion of stew and gave it to Lobel, who was standing next to him.

But in an instant, the people there who had gathered around to fill their stomachs simply became quiet.

“….”

There were no people who dared to whisper or watch, but it felt like a strange atmosphere for them to be conscious of.

It’s possible that the quick-witted Lobel was aware of this. He quickly gave an exaggerated smile, as if he had never had a troubled look.

“Ha, haha. Our Young Master has such a big heart! By the way, I’m fine, Young Master. I can eat later.”

Even Edric, a naturally sensitive person, could pick up on the hints he was giving out about his surroundings.

But he didn’t lower the spoon. Lobel was more important than the gaze of others.

Aide Denian, who was on his way to bring something else, saw it and stood tall.

He seemed surprised when he saw the Young Master eating with his servants, but he quickly regained composure.

Yeah, since he was a commoner, it could have been common for him to share food with a boy his age.

However, he had to be careful as this would no longer be common.

“Hmm. Cough.”

The aide, who approached carefully with a coughing sound, lowered his voice and said.

“…Young Master. Giving a servant a meal like this…You are really generous and deserve to be praised, but there are many eyes to see.”

“It’s not just sharing my food. Lobel always checked if my food was poisoned.”

“Yes? No, what do you mean poison in Denkart! It can’t be?!”

His face turned red as if he had suffered an insult he would never see in his life, but Edric lightly ignored it.

Even when Lobel looked at him as if he shouldn’t say such a thing, he was sulky.

The struggling aide took a step back. Fortunately, the Duke’s servants had a heavy mouth, so there was no immediate problem.

“…I earnestly ask you to be a little mindful of your actions when you go to the capital.”

The aide, who spoke in a low voice that only he could hear, left.

“Here, Lobel.”

Edric firmly urged the embarrassed-looking Lobel.

Unable to refuse any further here, Lobel opened his mouth. He felt strongly that he would rather eat quickly and get rid of it.

Like that, the two shared their meal as usual. The scene was very nice.

However, Crimson, who emptied the soup in the back, looked bitter. His broad back looked lonely today.

The next morning, Edric quietly finished his portion by feeding Lobel.

However, unlike in the mansion, there was no conversation. It was because it seemed that Edric was lost in his thoughts.

Although he was originally a very talkative master, he seemed to have become quieter than usual for some reason, so Lobel thought it was strange.

Is it because he’s angry that he’s leaving the house he’s barely gotten used to? He thought and looked up. He didn’t want to say anything for nothing, and he didn’t want to hurt Edric.

However, Edric’s strange behavior continued.

“Lobel, wait here. I’m going to the bathroom with Crimson.”

“….”

Lobel stared at his master for a moment as if he had heard the world’s worst lie.

Edric then avoided his gaze.

Strangely enough— it felt like he was caught every time he lied to Lobel, using the bathroom as an excuse.

But it can’t be.

No one in the world doesn’t use the bathroom.

No matter how good Lobel was, he wouldn’t know about his secret. This was for sure.

Fortunately, Lobel smiled and nodded when he put on a brazen expression.

“Ah… Yes. Go ahead. You should go…to the bathroom, then.”

Lobel’s smooth mouth looked somewhat stiff. His eyes, which were always friendly, were a little stinging, too.

It stabbed Edric’s conscience again, but—he barely turned away. He couldn’t think of anything else other than this excuse.

And this was something he had to prepare in advance in order to survive safely.

His late mother told him that whenever there were many people, he had to go to the bathroom like a normal person—.

That’s why he had to have crutches on hand. He should avoid being suspicious.

At the Denkart residence, there was also a suspicion, and it was even impossible to hide and spray washing water outside.

Crimson soon pushed the wheelchair, and Arif quietly followed.

Crimson had a worried look on his face, but Edric knew about it and agreed with it.

He knew from various circumstances that the knight was the Duchess’ informant, but it was worth going with him.

They soon made their way past the thick bushes and into the forest.

“Come back in a little while.”

Edric, who recalled his mother’s request, ordered.

When they were gone, he sprayed water he had prepared on the ground.

‘—This should be enough.’

After some time passed, Crimson and Arif returned.

The three moved to a place with less grass. It was a place where grass that had grown up to the knees came only to the extent of the ankles.

There, Edric tried to get up from his wheelchair by himself.

“Young Master!”

“It’s dangerous, Young Master!”

“You guys don’t step up. I’ll take care of it.”

Hesitantly, Edric tried to stand up again.

The face of Edric, who has repeatedly failed, was stained with sweat and tension. But he didn’t give up.

The people who were watching were also anxious.

Crimson stretched out his arms by his side in case he fell, and Arif stood behind him.

But Edric stubbornly shook his head.

“I can do it myself.”

How many times has he failed?—Edric did it just as the two nervously-looking guys were trying to stop him again.

He finally stood up with his two legs supported. His legs, which were much thinner than those of his friends, were trembling dangerously, but he was able to stand on the ground.

It was the fruit of efforts made secretly.

Crimson looked more overwhelmed at the scene, and Arif’s eyes grew bigger.

Edric glanced at the surprised Arif and then turned away.

He was confident that this would get into her ear, but it didn’t matter.

He’ll hide the most important thing in the future while keeping his opponent off guard because he seems to be exposing everything.

“Y, Young master, are you okay?”

“No problem.”

Edric fell into his wheelchair, but he wasn’t discouraged.

He tried to recall the sensation he had when he had just stepped on the ground.

Crimson, who was silently watching the scene, asked carefully.

“Shouldn’t we tell Lobel?—”

“I’m going to show it to Lobel when I’m all better.”

Edric flatly refused.

To Lobel, he had only looked pathetic up until this point.

So he didn’t like it anymore. Now he wanted to show him a perfect appearance.

“Then… do you want to go back now?”

Crimson glanced back and asked if he was concerned,

However, Edric didn’t answer and just looked down at his palm.

He looked tired.

His fingers were long, but the bones were very thin and the color was pale like a sick person.

‘….’

Then he looked up and saw Crimson’s hand.

On the other hand, his hand, which was said to have worked as a mercenary, was full of large and small scars.

It was the same with Arif’s hand. His bones were thick and his hands were full of scars.

Both of the men’s hands, which were covered in scars, were better-looking than his clean hands.

And he needed it because it was a necessary wound.

“Crimson, Arif.”

…What’s with this Young Master again?

Crimson looked uneasy at the determined call.

Arif, who was feeling the same, stiffened his mouth.