Thank You For The Confinement, Grand Duke! - Chapter 65.1

Hmm, hmm.

So, in this empire, they would make meat pies for birthdays. The daily food here certainly had a Western feel. I wondered if there were any real countries where people ate meat pies for birthdays.

‘I’m sure they have cake, too, right? But cake somehow seems a bit complicated.’

So, maybe meat pie was the way to go.

I think I could manage to make that. Probably.

“Ppi—?“

With quick, tiny steps, Frii scurried up onto the desk.

After a few swipes with its paws to clean its face, it stood on its hind legs and sniffed in my direction. Did something smell strange?

“What’s up, Frii?”

I lightly tickled Frii’s nose, and the little creature nuzzled my hand affectionately.

So cute.

Setting the book down, I sprawled across the desk, and Frii crawled over to lie flat next to me.

“Frii, what did you do today?”

“Ppi?“

“I never thought I’d have to study again.”

Studying was always just a means to an end for me.

A way to get into university, a way to land a good job—I thought that would help me live on my own, to finally escape home. But once I realized I couldn’t truly escape, I just studied enough to get decent grades, just enough so it wouldn’t interfere with my tutoring side jobs. When I started working, I figured that after learning the necessary programs, I wouldn’t need to study anymore. I didn’t have the energy or desire to learn. Enduring each day was hard enough, and I didn’t want to sacrifice my precious free time for more studying.

I guess it was because I didn’t have any dreams or spare time back then.

“When I woke up here, Frii, do you know what my first thought was?”

I thought I’d spend the rest of my life just lazing around. It was heaven—no need to earn money, no need to do chores. I could lounge around and do whatever I wanted forever. So, would that mean I was studying now even though I didn’t want to?

Hmm, no, that’s not it.

“I guess this is something I want to do.”

So, this is what it feels like to care for someone.

I used to find it strange while reading novels. Why are the leads always so eager to do something for each other, to the point of creating misunderstandings? Why go through all that trouble when, by doing nothing, they could avoid misunderstandings entirely?

But now, I think I understand, at least a little.

“I just want to see him smile.”

I gently scratched under Frii’s chin, and the little creature rested its chin on my finger as if asking for more.

It was so cute that I couldn’t help but smile.

“I know. Maybe Enfrise doesn’t want me to do this. But still…”

I wanted to do it.

I wanted to do something for him. Even though I wasn’t sure yet what would make him the happiest.

“Ppi—!“

When I stopped petting Frii, it grabbed onto my finger with its tiny paw as if insisting I continue. Ugh, this was too much. Those little paws with five toes and even tiny claws.

So wiggly.

“You want more pets?”

“Ppi—!“

“Alright.”

And so, I spent some more time enjoying Frii’s company.

* * *

“Frii?”

“Yes.”

“For how long?”

“I’m not entirely sure. I’ll need to check to see what functions can actually be added.”

It would be great if Frii could sense danger and run away instead of getting involved with that tiny body.

“I’ll make sure Frii can stay safe while protecting you.”

“…Yes, alright.”

As long as Frii wouldn’t get hurt.

When I nodded, the tension on Enfrise’s face visibly softened. I loved that contrast—he should always show that side of himself to me.

“Enfrise.”

“Yes?”

“There’s something I want to do.”

“Something you want to do…?”

I took a step closer.

This move makes me feel flustered, too, so it was a bit of a double-edged sword. Still, since I was more prepared than Enfrise for the sudden surprise, it was fine.

As expected, he stiffened in response.

“Tomorrow, I want to go to the lake with you and take a boat ride.”

“A boat ride?”

“Yes. I didn’t notice it the last time we went, but Tambor told me there’s a small dock with boats near the lake.”

Unfortunately, I couldn’t go on the grand cruise he talked about. If there were someone out there targeting me for my unique constitution, leaving the safety of this quiet estate would definitely invite trouble.

Of course, the lake could be dangerous too, but…

Still.

If someone were after me, as a valuable research subject, they’d likely be cautious about drawing attention from other factions. Based on typical novel plotlines, I’d expect different factions to be after either wealth, power, my very existence, or the abilities I possess.

However, this wasn’t just a theory based on typical storylines—there was some truth to it.