The kindness of others

(Katarina’s Perspective)

“Your relationship looks pretty cozy, huh~”

The black-haired lolita walking beside me smirked, her face brimming with gossip.

That look… she’s definitely teasing me, probably watching my reaction for her own amusement.

Luckily, after all this time together, I’m used to handling her.

“All thanks to your excellent teaching, Master.”

I replied with a deadpan expression.

“Ugh, so boring. Teasing your little maid is way more fun—her reactions never get old.”

“I completely agree, but even you, Master, don’t get to tease Ailena. That’s my privilege alone.”

“Tch, so stingy!”

“Isn’t it the same for you, Master? You don’t let anyone mess with your sister, do you?”

“Hmph~”

Margaret let out a little huff, then skipped ahead of me, pressing on:

“So, so, how’s your progress?”

“Honestly… I’m not entirely sure, but Ailena’s been less resistant to physical contact lately.

When I invited her to sleep together at night, she’d blush and hesitate but still agree.

It’s probably because of that test of courage. Before, without a special reason, she’d have shut me down cold.”

“Oho, not bad! Sounds like you’re making steady progress in your conquest.”

“All thanks to your teaching, Master.”

“Hmph.”

Margaret didn’t react much to my flattery, but I could tell she was secretly pleased.

“So… have you made your decision?

—Will you prioritize your family’s expectations or your own desires?”

Actually… my brother brought this up with me recently.

****

A few days ago, before the semester started, Young Master Claude called me to the ducal office.

The moment he saw me, he cut straight to the point:

“You’re getting to that age… What are your thoughts about Ailena?”

I thought about brushing it off, but knowing my brother already saw through my feelings, I realized there was no point hiding it.

“I want her to be mine forever.”

“Hm… What do you like about her?”

“Everything about Ailena! But if I had to pick one thing, it’s her all-encompassing gentleness.”

“Good, good…”

Hearing my answer, my brother clasped his hands in front of his face, hiding his expression—a habit he has when he’s about to discuss something serious.

“So, what do you plan to do?”

I fell silent.

I knew he was talking about the matter of my engagement.

“I…”

His green eyes, so like my own, bore into me, and I found myself unable to speak, only able to look away.

I understood that rejecting the royal engagement would put the ducal house in a precarious position.

It would be a heavy blow to my brother, who’s only recently taken up the mantle of duke, and to Lord Edwin, who’s trying to solidify his standing in the palace.

So, even now, I’m still torn.

‘…He’s probably pushing me because I’ve been too indecisive.’

“I know. I’ll accept the engagement.”

Maybe that’s the choice that makes everyone happy.

“That’s not what I’m asking, Katarina. I’m asking about your thoughts.”

“…?”

My… thoughts?

“Katarina.”

My brother called my name in the calmest voice possible.

“I want to hear what you think. There’s no one else here. I’m not the duke right now—I’m your brother, Claude. You can speak freely.”

“…”

His words cracked open my guarded heart just a little.

“I… I still want to be with Ailena!”

“Good.”

He gave me a warm smile.

But what’s the point? Am I supposed to break off the engagement?

“And what about you?”

I snapped, almost petulantly.

“Katarina…”

My brother’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger crossing his face.

It might be the first time I’ve ever seen him truly mad.

“I don’t need your pity! Don’t underestimate me! The moment I took on the title of duke, I was prepared to face any mess that came my way. And you’re saying you’d sacrifice your happiness for *me*? Don’t

look down on me!”

His fiery outburst left me too stunned to even breathe.

Perhaps realizing he’d been too harsh, he softened his expression back into a smile.

“I tried to dissuade you before, but that was as the acting duke. Things are different now.

As duke, I’ve realized the title is just an empty name. More than some meaningless position, I want to see my family smile from the heart… So, I want you to find happiness.

Just do what you want to do. Your happiness is what I want to see most.”

I couldn’t help but be moved by his words.

“As for how… there’s always a way. And Lord Edwin supports you, you know.”

“…What?”

“He says the passion in your swordsmanship is too intense for him to challenge lightly.”

He can read someone’s heart through their swordplay?

Lord Edwin really is something else…

“In short, just do things your way. I’ll have your back, like always.”

His words shook me to my core, unraveling the knot in my heart.

****

“Oh~? Sounds like that young duke and the second prince aren’t as rigid as I thought.”

After hearing my story, Margaret raised an eyebrow.

“Like I said before, if you run into trouble, you can always come to me. If it comes to it, I can even arrange a carriage to smuggle you out of the country.”

“Thank you, as always.”

Maybe I’m slow, but only now do I realize how many people are rooting for me.

“I just… I’m worried Ailena might misinterpret my intentions again. She’s so reserved.”

I cast a pleading look at Margaret.

“Ugh, what am I gonna do with you?”

She sighed, then perked up.

“Isn’t there a perfect opportunity coming up?”

“Hm…?”

“Valentine’s Day! It’s the best chance to confess your feelings to someone you like, right?”

“Oh…!”

Now that she mentioned it, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.

I tried giving Ailena a gift on Valentine’s Day before, but she brushed it off as childish admiration, which crushed me so much I forgot about the holiday entirely…

But now, this might be the moment she’s least likely to misunderstand.

“Master! Teach me how to make chocolate! The heart-shaped kind!”

“Going straight for the kill, huh… Fine, it’s no trouble to teach you.”

“Thank you, Master!”

Caught up in the excitement, we didn’t notice the pair of eyes quietly watching us…

“Valentine’s Day, huh? Sounds like a good day. I’d better prepare too.”