Dear Duke - Chapter 3

Part 1: Love Crushed.

Contrary to her mood, the weather was unmistakably spring. Her black hair, just like her father’s, fluttered in the wind. Just as she had become his playmate in his childhood, now her child had become his son’s playmate. When Isillia saw the Crown Prince, who had rushed over upon hearing that El had arrived at the palace, she smiled.

“You came?”

As she sat down in the prepared chair, deep blue eyes met her gaze. Unlike her husband, who had eyes of an indistinct color, Isillia opened her mouth, looking at the clear-eyed Prince.

“Why do you keep calling for me? El is a mature child; she’s fine on her own. I’m worried about who is more of a burden to Your Majesty’s name.”

In response to her composed words, the man clicked his tongue. She used to be so cute six years ago, but now she has become so uninteresting. The man, who was the same age as Isillia, spoke with a sullen expression.

“That’s why I have to look out for her. No matter how mature she may seem, she’s just four years old. For a mother, you really are cold-hearted.”

“…Who would dare to touch the carriage sent by the palace?”

“My son may be fond of her, but El is still a young child. The palace has many enemies. Are you going to send her alone?”

“….”

Isilia turned her head at the words of the Crown Prince. Ellie was chatting with him, and occasional giggles could be heard. It was as if the sound of a laughter from an unheard child brushed against her ear. Looking closely, she noticed that her daughter was smiling without making a sound.

“Moreover, isn’t she a child who can’t even cry out for help?” His deep blue eyes reprimanded Isilia. Isilia acknowledged her mistake. Her daughter couldn’t speak naturally from birth. She remembered how surprised she and her husband were when the child first came into the world. They thought the baby was dead because they didn’t hear any cries. While she was agonizing over not being able to hear the surely lovely voice, she recalled his words of loving their child nonetheless.

They both had poured all their love onto the child. Even now, he cherished his daughter. The words he had shouted at her hurt her heart, but it wasn’t El who was pushed away; it was Isilia. She should be grateful that he didn’t despise their child. Trying to stifle a sarcastic laugh, her eyes met a drowsy gaze. Jordan, who had been silently watching her, clicked his tongue again.

“Who said being a noble is easy? I’m just trying to catch up with an old friend but she’s clearly not letting me.”

“……“

“I know what rumours have been circulating between me and Princess Ariel. I didn’t know this was still so shocking in today’s society.”

Isilia lowered her gaze at Jordan’s words. The marriage between Jordan Eil Nerian Padivan and Princess Ariel had once been a topic of gossip in society. He married the slightly older princess through a cunning plan, and it ended in a year. She remembered the enormous event that shook the empire, causing her a headache.

[Jordan? That’s not a very appealing nickname. How about Georgie? It’s cute.]

Isilia had been stiff for a while, watching the woman who used the nickname rather grumpily. For the reason that she didn’t like the nickname, Princess Ariel called him by a common and ordinary name on the streets. Unlike her husband, whose forehead scrunched up in irritation, everyone stared at her with a face that had nothing to say.

The Southern Padivan Empire and the Northern Petashian Empire married the 16-year-old Crown Prince and the 17-year-old Princess. The envoys from various countries who attended the marriage ceremony in Padivan sighed while looking at their young heirs.

“I’m sorry, but I have no one to play with if it’s not you. As you know, she left to meet a new man, and Lady Brangio…is too difficult to deal with.”

Princess Ariel was a free-spirited woman. She was so strict that if she hadn’t been a woman, she might have conquered the empire, witnessing her subordinates shivering with fear. When she returned to her home country, she had married the core nobleman of the Phatassian Empire one year later. Jordan, who had frowned for a moment, lowered his head. Lady Brangio was Louian’s fiancée before Isilia married him. Unlike her rare silver hair and gentle demeanor, she was a truly cold and noble lady.

“I heard that she became very gentle after meeting Brangio, but she’s still a scary woman.”

The Crown Prince let out a sigh. Certainly, Lady Brangio was someone beyond reach even in society. After five years of putting in effort, Isilia managed to stand beside her, and she was captivated by her nobility. If Louian caused many women’s tears by marrying her, she made countless men shed tears by marrying Brangio.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s my name that’s ruined. What will I do with the already lost honor?”

Thanks to the wise Emperor, he was still the Crown Prince of the Empire at the age of 21. Three years had passed since he took charge of half of the affairs, but he was still a free man. Isilia let out a sigh. The 6-year-old friend, despite being 21, had a brilliant mind like someone who loved talents. He must be calling her because he has something to discuss. Isilia realized that she was choosing her words and smiled. Unlike the 21-year-old her, the 16-year-old girl had always expressed her thoughts straightforwardly.

“What can I help you with, Your Majesty? Since you speak so much, do you have a request for me?”

“Do you think I’m the type who comes looking for you only when I need you?”

… His already stubborn mouth became more troublesome after meeting the princess. Isilia sympathized with the subordinates who would be swallowing tears while watching the future sun. Jordan, who had been looking at her face with a strange expression, blurted out.

“How is the duke these days?”

“…….”

Isilia, confused by the sudden topic, closed her mouth. The crown prince was a strange man. Just as her heart beats when she sees Louian, Jordan’s unpredictable personality remains.

“I heard some interesting rumors these days.”

“… Please keep it a secret.”

“From whom?”

“… So that my brother and father won’t know, can you do that?”

“If it’s my friend’s request, I can’t refuse. By the way, you acknowledged it quickly.”

“……”

Looking at his silent friend, Jordan lifted the teacup. It had turned cold, and the taste was bitter.

“Does it hurt? Being left for someone else.”

The words were definitely meant to be hurtful, yet Jordan calmly uttered those words.

“I won’t withhold any crucial secrets, Isillia. If your brother and Count Agnes find out about this, it could cause problems in our duties, so I’m sure your husband won’t say anything either.”

“I know.”

“Before they hear it from someone else’s lips, why not tell them first?”

Only then did the expressionless face of his friend break. Her trembling pupils shifted downward. Isillia, who had been hesitating while fiddling with the handle of the cold cup, looked up after a moment.

“No, it’s fine. I’m sorry, Your Majesty.”

“Really? Well… Wait, it’s time. You should go now.”

“Yes, I’ll take my leave. Your Majesty.”

Silently getting up from his seat, Isillia approached the children. She comforted the disappointed El and greeted the prince before turning her head. When their gazes met, Jordan, who had been looking at her dark eyes, blurted out suddenly.

“You’ve changed a lot, Lia.”

“…Goodbye, Your Majesty.”

Isillia turned her head at the nickname she hadn’t heard in a long time. Even though she could feel his gaze on her, she never flinched. Jordan looked down and stood beside the prince who was watching as the mother and daughter bid farewell. He continued waving his hand until the duo were no longer visible. It was hard to say whether it was purely a gesture or something else, and Jordan couldn’t help but wonder whom the prince resembled.

“She’ll be busy soon enough. It’ll be difficult to see her for a while.”

“….”

Pretending not to know even though he understood the meaning, the boy with the same azure eyes as Jordan stared back blankly. He then smiled mischievously and patted the boy’s head.

* * *

[You’re probably the reason he’s reacting like that.]

Jordan spoke while looking at the man who was being cold to her. The young girl laughed upon hearing his words. The Crown Prince laughed when her reddened cheeks were revealed. At the age of 16, Jordan and her often had conversations with him present. He didn’t understand why he was just standing there fidgeting while he handled official documents, but he didn’t leave. He created reasons for being absent and every time he talked with Louian, Isillia would gaze at him absently. Just looking at him was enough. Hearing his voice brought her happiness. To fall so deeply in love at first sight, some might have scoffed at it as a naive puppy love, but it didn’t matter.

What mattered to the girl was the heart that raced in front of him.

* * *

The Duke had returned. Isillia helped the tired child down from the carriage, wiping his eyes. The butler who was waiting spoke up, and her heart pounded wildly. The owner has summoned her. After sending the child to her room, Isillia headed to the study.

It must have been when he was very busy with work. He brought up the topic of having his own room. Isillia nodded as her hands were tied. She thought it was only considerate of him to provide a place for her and her daughter… This was a year ago.

“Louian, did you call for me?”