I Unintentionally Cured the Grand Duke’s Insomnia - Chapter 77

39. — Million’s identity (1)

Cain’s expression visibly hardened in response to my cautious words.

As I observed his face, a wave of despondency washed over me. Was it really such a grave matter to mention that Million enjoyed reading my book? Or was he subtly implying that others would find my books dull, just as he did?

I pressed my lips together in frustration, unable to voice my discontent.

In the meanwhile, Cain, who had been silently watching me, furrowed his brow and gently placed his hand on his forehead before posing his question.

“Did the Young Lord really read that book?”

“…What do you mean?”

“Like he wasn’t pretending to read it, but saying that he really read the book.”

Growing increasingly exasperated by his persistent questions in such a situation, I couldn’t help but feel slighted. Clenching the fabric of my dress, I tried to conceal my rising anger. Among everyone I’ve talked to, Million was the only person who recognized that the promotional blurb on the book cover had no connection to the actual story.

That alone served as evidence to me that he had indeed read my book.

“He must’ve read it. Young Lord Black is the only person in Aren who knows the phrase used on the band has nothing to do with the book.”

“….”

“Well, there’s no way that Your Highness, who sleeps every time I read a book to you, would know.”

In the end, a hoarse voice slipped from my lips.

My mood sank to rock bottom as I endlessly questioned whether it was okay to be angry or whether it was okay to feel sad. At the same time, my head was spinning with emotions I didn’t even recognize.

“Anyway, I’ll do my best to collect the books that have been published, whether I have to chase after Cus or plunder my family’s fortune.”

“Adelia.”

“So, please give me some time.”

Saying so, I stood up from my seat and nodded my head in greeting towards Cain, who was looking at me with a deeply furrowed face.

“I haven’t finished my words yet…”

Ignoring his words echoing from behind, I briskly exited the office.

Even though I strolled down the corridor, feigning indifference, an unsettling sensation persisted. To be honest, it would be a lie to say that I wasn’t bothered when Cain fell asleep every time he read my book. And if someone were to ask whether I felt any shame for harboring such sentiments… I couldn’t muster the confidence to give a response.

An indescribable emotion left a bitter taste in my mouth.

A frigid gust swept through the my empty heart. Each step I took felt heavier as if I were on the verge of crumbling and collapsing at any moment.

̊ ·: * ✧* :· ̊

It had already been a week since I left the Grand Duke’s family with a grumpiness that wasn’t disgruntled. And it had already been three days since I had been stuck in my room to avoid Cain, who came to find me after I left.

〈 Tell Adelia that if she avoids me next time, I’m going to forcefully enter. 〉

Lily let out a groan as if her throat was tightening upon hearing Cain’s animated warning. In the meanwhile, as I hid behind the wall and listened to his warnings, I wondered if I should leave.

“…But I didn’t want to see him.”

It was definitely a strange thing for me, who has a liver the size of a pea*.
[ T/N: It’s an idiom, which means she’s very chicken-hearted. ]

If it were the usual me, I would have jumped out to see him before his angry warning even ended.

A sigh escaped my lips of its own accord.

With the window ajar, a gentle breeze wafted inside, prompting me to extend my hand towards the teacup that Lily had left behind. Yeah, drinking some sweet tea would help soothe my depressed mood…

“Young Lady, there are letters addressed to you!”

With a loud voice, as Lily abruptly burst through the door, my hands reaching towards the teacup froze in mid-air.

“Letters?”

In response to my question, she brought two envelopes in her hands and a beautifully wrapped gift, placing them on the table with a proud face.

Looking at the letters and presents on the table, I asked again.

“They are for me?”

“Yes! This letter is from the Count who has gone to the estate, while this one seems to be from the Young Lord Black! Oh, these presents were also sent by the Young Lord along with the letter.”

Lily’s voice carried a hint of excitement, indicating how profoundly moved she was by the arrival of a letter addressed to Adelia.

It was understandable, considering Adelia’s inability to participate in the social world over the past two years due to her chronic illness. So naturally, party invitations never graced her doorstep, making it exceedingly difficult for her to establish connections with others… merely entering the confines of her bedroom was the extent of her activities.

Examining the letter in my hands, I glanced at Lily, who appeared to be even more thrilled than I was.

“Why do you seem more excited than me?”

“Well, the Young Lady hasn’t been feeling well recently. And to be honest, even though I don’t know what the letter says, considering that they even sent a gift, I think it might be good news.”

“….”

“I hope you enjoy reading the letter, Young Lady.”

Her additional words made me wonder if I had been too gloomy.

At the thought, I smiled bravely, reassuring her not to worry before turning my attention soon shifted to the accompanying gifts that had arrived alongside the letter from the Young Lord Black. As my gaze landed on the exquisitely wrapped package, adorned with opulent golden packaging, a surge of indescribable anticipation coursed through me.

A shiver ran down my spine as I glanced at the presents, meticulously wrapped in luxurious gold wrapping paper.

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