Duke, Please Let Go of My Ankle! (Web Novel) - Chapter 5.1

Audrey won’t stop (5)

The Count, deep in his heart, didn’t want Audrey to go either, and he wished she would whine about not wanting to go.

But for some reason…

‘I want to go!’

‘…‘

The daughter took the bait at once.

He tried to persuade her to change her mind in some way, but Audrey, who was assertive, wasn’t pleased.

The more it was, the more anxious the Count began.

It was because he remembered a young man wailing painfully.

‘I was at the top when I graduated from the Academy.’

But even such a great young man was nothing more than a carnivore who could not afford a meal in the Duke’s Castle.

How heartbreaking and suffocating. The Count had secretly patted the young man on the back.

But you want me to send my beautiful daughter to such a place which is like a living hell?

A precious daughter who has never seen a drop of sweat on her hand?

Speaking of Audrey’s social experiences, wouldn’t it be all about running a small shop as a plaything?

She wouldn’t get used to the harsh atmosphere, and she would likely hear a lot of negative words.

When Audrey’s figure overlapped the crying young man’s figure, the Count became completely pale.

‘My daughter… in tears!‘

Oh, god!

Apparently he wanted to go crazy for a moment.

Everyone says that’s how they grow, but there are pains in the world that she doesn’t have to know.

Count Kevelson next to the coachman looked restless.

Claude was busy admiring something out from his window without realizing it, when he vowed to return his wagon.

“Wow, it seems like we arrived earlier than usual today for some reason.”

“…Already?”

Desperate eyes looking out of the window, too late to turn around now.

‘What in the world did you eat last night?’

Even with four passengers on board, the Count was irritated by the extremely harsh situation.

On the other hand, Claude was smiling proudly as he watched the running scenery along the cool air today.

It was worthwhile to hand-pick the horse last night.

✿

Count Kevelson had to go first with his subordinates as soon as he got off the wagon.

Now there are only three left.

Hans abruptly turned around and peered dissatisfied at the backs of the two who appeared like lovers.

Even though it wasn’t a major issue, seeing him smile threw the judgment off.

“Are you going to work or play?” ᴴᵃⁿˢ

“What?” ᴬᵘᵈʳᵉʸ

“Just by looking at your clothes, I could tell that you are going on a picnic.” ᴴᵃⁿˢ

“…”

Audrey responded with an expression, “What’s the matter with you?” as if she wasn’t surprised by his sudden shot.

‘Why is he constantly arguing about my clothes?’ ᴬᵘᵈʳᵉʸ

Yeah, I get what he meant, how could someone stupid possibly understand the allure of the gorgeous slim arms and lively open skirt hem?

As always, ignorance was the answer.

However, the evil Hans has been arguing so much that Audrey was the only one who could hear him.

“It must look very strange to my brother’s eyes.” ᴴᵃⁿˢ

“…” ᴬᵘᵈʳᵉʸ

“Are you really okay though?”

The footsteps I was following came to a complete stop.

Audrey looked down at her outfit without realizing it.

“I-is it that weird?” ᴬᵘᵈʳᵉʸ

The cream colored dress that stands out against the dark achromatic crowd, the balloon-like sleeves, and the sloppy outfit full of ribbons and lace are like a five-tiered wedding cake.

Looking back, it was quite different from other people’s neat attire.

‘Audrey you idiot!’ ᴬᵘᵈʳᵉʸ

Belatedly, an indescribable shame flooded her.

I just wanted to look good today for the person I like…

The folks who were looking at her became unconcerned about anything. Claude’s gaze, to be precise.

‘Wouldn’t they think that I’m like a child who couldn’t distinguish between time and place?’

Yes, he must have thought pathetically about Audrey.

“…Audrey?” ᶜˡᵃᵘᵈᵉ

“…”

“Are you sick?” ᶜˡᵃᵘᵈᵉ

Audrey shook her head with a face that’s about to cry.

Hans whispered mischievously from behind, two small hands gripping the garment tightly.

Claude grasped the situation at once.

“Hans.” ᶜˡᵃᵘᵈᵉ

“Why? I didn’t say anything.” ᴴᵃⁿˢ

“…”

“Really?”

Claude’s harsh glare chastised his brother.

Meanwhile, the three of them had arrived at the castle gate. Claude, a Ministry of Finance member, was ready to part ways with the two who had been temporarily dispatched.

“It may be a little uncomfortable today, but you’ll get used to it soon. See you later.” ᶜˡᵃᵘᵈᵉ

Claude said as he was on his way up the stairs after giving his final goodbye, still he couldn’t even get halfway and stood tall.

“…”

It was because Audrey’s sullen face caught his heart.

Claude turned around without hesitation. He then began to go down against the crowd going up the stairs.

Finding the fluffy pink hair in the crowd wasn’t difficult.

He swiftly caught up and secretly snatched Audrey’s sleeve.

“Brother?” ᴬᵘᵈʳᵉʸ

“Shh…” ᶜˡᵃᵘᵈᵉ

The first thing that caught Audrey’s eye was the playful eyes of Claude.

Then there were his lips, which looked soft close to her, and so that Hans wouldn’t hear them.

“You look pretty today.” ᶜˡᵃᵘᵈᵉ

“…!”

“So, don’t be discouraged. Okay?” ᶜˡᵃᵘᵈᵉ

It was as if they were whispering their own code. The words that permeated Audrey’s ears in the wind were warm and itchy.

Audrey stood stunned, not knowing what to say.

“Ah…”

“See you later.” ᶜˡᵃᵘᵈᵉ

Meanwhile, Claude left a short goodbye and walked away.

Audrey stopped in the midst of busy people and looked at his back for a long time.

‘Otherwise, I feel like my heart’s going to explode.’ ᴬᵘᵈʳᵉʸ