Chapter 12 - II -
“Oh, it’s you, Mister Kuro!” the Duke greeted me the moment I appeared in his private study room. According to Lily, he had called for me for unknown reasons; and because of past encounters with him, I’m on my guard.
“Ah, how are you, Your Excellency?”
“Well, I’m pretty much fine…though I can feel the age in my bones.”
“Hmm…honestly, I do think you’ll live longer.” Well, I’m not giving him the lip-service. I guess he’ll live long…I mean, if I would try to give an estimate of his age, I’d say he’d be an adult with around 48-52 years of life.
“Ah, thanks for that. I wanted to see my grandchildren before I go to Annie’s side…”
“Oh, you will, Your Excellency. Just stay positive.”
“Ah yes, I’m positive.” the Duke folded the newspaper he’s reading, “By the way, what do you think about Maddie?”
Ahh…this question. Heh, I’ve read a lot of romance novels and watched romantic movies enough to give me an idea that this could be a trap question. You see, if I try to answer, let’s say, ‘Your daughter is a wonderful woman or a beautiful lady’, he might interpret it as a sign that I’m gunning for his child.
“…”
And if I told him that ‘She’s my friend’, he could get angry and ask, ‘Do you mean to say that my daughter is not attractive?’.
For now, let’s try the safe route, “Well, Her Holiness is a kind lady to everyone who needs help. I think this land would benefit from her reign as the human Saint.”
“Pah! That’s not what I mean, you daft boy!” the Duke slammed the newspaper on his desk, “I’m asking you as a man who asks a fellow man. What do you think about Maddie as a woman, personally?”
Well, shit. He didn’t take my diversionary tactic. I guess I got no choice but to tell him the truth…
“Ahem…Sir, with all due respect…” I tried my best to appear as discreet as possible, “Your daughter is a wonderful lady. She has her quirks and faults in her character, but you know—despite all that, over-all she’s a great, beautiful soul. I like her best when she’s relying on me since I feel like I’m being of use to a good person like her.”
“That’s very nice…”
“Yes, and that’s my honest thoughts about Her Holiness.”
“What about your feelings?”
“I love her—”
“Great. Spoken like a true boy in love!”
“Wait—uh, Sir, I think you’re misunderstanding something.” Hold on, you didn’t let me finish! I was about to say that I love Her Holiness for being herself.
“Maddie, did you hear that just now?”
“!!!”
Much to my horror and embarrassment, the door that led to the terrace of the Duke’s private study room opened. The Saint stood there, all beautiful in her teal dress, and her lovely face was blushing.
“I told you your Mom’s way to make someone confess is effective.” the Duke laughed, “She ensnared me that way, and we loved each other ever since.”
“Uh, Your Holiness, I…I, uh…”
“M-m-m-mister K-Kuro…I understand…d-don’t worry.”
Well…ahem…as long as there’s no further misunderstanding, I guess it’s fine. Good thing she read my thoughts.
“I like you too, you know.”
I thought my heart stopped beating for a moment. It’s the first time—the ever first-ever time (it isn’t a grammar mistake)—that a beautiful girl confessed to me. I’m so happy I could cry now…
But wait—isn’t this…
“Just tell me when you’re going to get engaged, and I’ll do the preparations. Invite everyone we could invite, even from the other races.”
“Thanks, Papa.”
This was going fast. In fact, way too fast!
“Uhm…Your Excellency, aren’t I am commoner?”
“Hmph! You know, you made me realize something. Noble or commoner, what matters is the character, not the background or pedigree.” the Duke flashed a grin, “I still couldn’t forget how you defended the honor of my daughter from that obnoxious Imperial trash, even though you’re a mere commoner. As a parent who loves his children, how can I not be moved by that? My house will be secured if you add to our family!”
Add into? What am I, a pok*mon?
Never mind that. How about the Saint?
Uhm…isn’t this too fast Your Holiness? I thought you’re against marrying early!
“Well, what can I say?” The Saint was all-smiles. I could see some hearts popping out of her head as she reeked of happiness and romance, “I resemble my mother…she’s also hunted my father.”
“…”
Good lord, I shouldn’t underestimate the power of genetics!
“Congratulations, brother-in-law!”
What the fuck, this is going out of rational proportions!
The next thing that happened was that when we went outside the Duke’s private study, Her Holiness’ siblings had come to us, all excited. They were wearing celebratory hats on their heads, and their guards even cast some magic that caused tiny confetti to appear.
“Your Excellencies—”
“From now on, you’re not allowed to call us that way, you understand?” Sophia demanded, “You shall call me by my name, Sophia, big brother!”
“And of course, I’m William, big bro!”
What?
Well, it’s not that I’m pissed or something, but it’s been awkward for me since I’m used to calling them the ‘formal’ way before. I mean, hey, didn’t they think that everything’s going way too fast? Didn’t these siblings care for the love-life of their sister anymore?
I’m just a commoner! Why are they so ecstatic when common sense dictates I’m of a lower status than a noble? Shouldn’t they be disgusted with this kind of situation?
“It seems my siblings finally opened up to you, Kuro.” Her Holiness commented, “See? They really like you!”
“Haha…they’re cute kids…” Yeah, so cute you’d die from stress…
The Saint chuckled, “Oh, and I know I’ve told you about this before, but Kuro…”
“Yes, Your Holiness?”
“Please refrain from calling me that. From now on, I’m Maddie.”
“Oh…right, Your Ho—”
I saw the Saint pout her lips; her beautiful, silvery-blue eyes glared at me. Good lord, she’s way too cute!
“M-M-Maddie…” I’m having difficulty trying to say it; but, well, I had to do it. I guess there’s a difference between calling a student and saying your ‘lover’s’ name.
“Right!” Maddie smiled ever so sweetly, “I understand it will take a while, but I know you’ll get used to it. Please take care of me, Kuro, your student!”
“…”
Uh, Your Holiness, did you just misunderstand what a teacher and a student are?
