Chapter 6: The Fastest Way to Become a Successful Fan (6)

Hades had been smiling at the handkerchief for a long time when Abel arrived. He quickly wiped the smile from his face, then put the handkerchief back in the drawer and stood up.

As the duke, he pretended like nothing was out of the ordinary in front of his son. His expression, that might even come off as being stern, worried Abel.

“Umm…, father… I-I heard you were looking for me…?”

“Yes. What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?”

Abel came here expecting to be scolded. There was something he wanted to say, but his lips remained sealed with fear.

“Abel?”

“I-I want to apologize for my rudeness earlier. I shouldn’t have barged into your office like that….”

A wave of shock swept through Hades as he watched Abel drop his head in shame. Only then did he realize he had scolded his son quite fiercely earlier. It was Hades who told Abel he could visit his room and office casually at any time of the day. Frankly, Abel had done nothing to deserve a reprimand. Aisha’s reaction had taken Hades by surprise, and he ended up raising his voice reactively.

Hades replied in a softer tone, “I may have been unnecessarily harsh on you in the heat of the moment. It’s just that I saw Lady Aisha had been quite startled… I apologize if I startled you.”

Hades moved closer and knelt on one knee to look eye to eye with his son. He stroked Abel’s head, attentively and gently. Only then did Abel feel relieved by his father's touch.

Many people would be surprised to see Duke Louvremont like this, as this wasn’t what he was known for, but Abel was used to it. The cold, frightening Duke of the North was actually a very kind father to him.

Abel continued in a calmer voice, “In truth, I overheard the maids talking about you and Lady Heathcliff’s wedding… so I wanted to congratulate you….”

“I see…, word sure does spread quickly. Yes, I was planning on telling you soon. We will be holding our wedding at the earliest possible convenience. It is my belief that this change will be beneficial to you. You will finally have a mother….”

“D-do you think…, would Lady Aisha like me…?”

Abel’s face fell. Hades’ expression also turned serious.

Aisha had been following him around for more than a whole year. He didn’t know when she first fell in love with him but assumed it began long before that.

Her sincerity and devotion were indeed worthy of a standing ovation, especially since Hades never explicitly acknowledged her presence. Her sincerity was one reason he impulsively pushed forward with the wedding. He thought that maybe a woman like Aisha — someone who loves him regardless of his status or wealth — would accept Abel for what he is.

After a year of observation, Hades was sure that Aisha loved him wholeheartedly. He didn’t regret his impetuous proposal. Although he didn’t mind leaving the seat of the duchess empty, if it had to be filled, he thought that Aisha was quite a suitable candidate. And if he could finally be freed from his vassals’ constant nagging through this marriage, that would be a win on his part, too.

“…I’m afraid I can’t speak on her behalf.”

Still, Hades was worried about Abel. What woman would genuinely love her husband’s illegitimate child? In truth, Abel was neither the result of a love affair nor even his biological son, but there was no way she knew that, and it was unknown if she would accept him even if she did.

Because of that uncertainty, he couldn’t assure his son that everything would be okay. Naturally, Abel’s complexion darkened.

“There are many things about Lady Heathcliff that I don’t know yet. However, I do know that she is not a bad person. I believe that given time, she could very well grow fond of you. Perhaps as much as I am of you. Of course, you should try to become acquainted with her in your own way….”

“Y-yes.”

“More importantly, how do you feel about her? Could it be that you dislike her….”

“M-me? No, no… of course not. How could I even think that…? Please, don’t say such a thing. Lady Aisha will get upset if she hears about it….”

Abel quickly waved his hand to deny his father’s suspicion.

Suddenly, an image of Aisha came to his mind. Despite merely seeing her from a distance, he thought she was beautiful from the first time he saw her arrive at the duchy. He’d accompanied his father to numerous parties and other occasions but had never seen anyone as beautiful as her.

And seeing her up close, Abel couldn’t stop staring at her silvery-blue hair and ocean-colored eyes; they held a mystical charm for him. Her overly pale complexion worried him a little, but he thought that too made her look like a fairy queen from a snowy mountain.

Because she was someone he may have to call 'mother' in the future, Abel wanted nothing more than to leave a good impression on Aisha. But it seemed he’d stepped off on the wrong foot…. Earlier, when he approached Aisha, she really didn’t look pleased.

A sigh escaped Abel’s mouth as he recalled Aisha’s frown and the way she covered her mouth in displeasure. Abel was young but mature enough to understand that others regarded him as a nuisance.

He knew his existence was a burden to his father. He knew it was him being Hades' illegitimate child that held Hades back from getting married. It should be a joyous occasion if Hades finally found himself a bride.

It was only natural that Aisha wouldn’t like him, but Abel still had to do whatever it took to change that. The last thing he wanted was to cause trouble to his father….

Thinking so, Abel said with determination, “Father, I promise I’ll work hard to leave a good impression on Lady Aisha.”

Hades was staring at Abel. Then he ruffled his son’s hair with a light chuckle. “You need not try so hard. After all, you’re already lovable as is. And, if I’m correct about Lady Heathcliff, she’ll adore you just the way you are.”

“B-But… I still want to try my best! Father, umm… can I ask you a favor…? May I take just ten flowers from the greenhouse garden?”

Abel hesitated, then he quickly added in fear that his father may refuse.

“I-I know you cherish the garden, but I promise to thank the flowers before picking them! I want to repay Lady Aisha’s kindness for the gift she gave me…. Um, can I?”

Hades burst into laughter as he watched Abel’s cheeks grow pink. His son was simply impossible not to love.

The duke answered with a nod, “Of course. I planted those flowers for you, so naturally, they all belong to you.”

Abel saw Hades’ smile, and his face lit up. He was going to gift Aisha the prettiest flower crown he could make.

* * *

Two days after I visited Hades’ study, I became the happiest stan alive. That day too, I was happily taking a walk with Anne after lunch.

I’d developed a habit of taking a walk once a day back in at the barony. Though the air always reeked of cow manure from the nearby fields, it never deterred me from appreciating the beautiful scenery and weather of the South.

And that habit persisted in the North. After meals, Anne and I would get dressed in warm clothing, go out and stroll around the mansion for about half an hour each day.

Of course, most of the time the topic of our conversation was Abel’s cuteness and loveliness.

“I feel like my embroidery skill is worse now. I did so much better last time….”

“M-milady!”

“Hmm?”

Anne came to a sudden halt. With a surprised gasp, she tapped on my shoulder. Her eyes were staring behind me for some reason. I turned my head to where she was looking.

“Ah….”

“L-Lady Heathcliff! Hello. W-were you in the middle of your walk…?”

Abel — yes, he — was there.

Or was he? I wasn’t sure if he was just a figment of my longing and imagination or if he really was Abel. Confused, I glanced at Anne standing next to me. She must have understood my gaze because she immediately looked me in the eye and began nodding vigorously.

What was going on here?

‘O, God, if you’re watching over me, please tell me the answer. Is the one standing in front of me really Abel?’

This time, even Hades wasn’t here to stop me. What was more, Abel was all alone without any servants accompanying him.

It was just me, Abel, and Anne on this quiet trail.

I felt my throat go dry with tension. My head started spinning like last time. With the last of my remaining patience, I managed to utter just one word.

“…Yes.”

‘Yes, that’s right. I was in the middle of my afternoon walk. And what about you, my most precious boy in the entire galaxy?! Have you had lunch? What about dessert?’

I tried my best to suppress the questions in my head. It was taking all my energy to appear normal.

Slowly, Abel approached me stiffly.

“Umm, so I… I wanted to apologize for my rude behavior the other day. I was in such a panic that I don’t think I properly greeted you at all, Lady Heathcliff.”

“Huh? No, that’s….”

“I-I’m well aware that you must think poorly of me. But I vow that I will never cause you any problems.”

‘Wh-what? No…. That’s completely wrong!’

“C-Childe Louvremont, I…”

“H-here! Th-this is… umm…, it might be lacking, but I wanted to give you something in return for the gift you sent me before…,” Abel said quickly without giving me a chance to explain myself. With his eyes shut tight, he pulled something from behind his back.

I was wondering why he was keeping his hands clasped behind him….

“Oh…!”

What Abel gave me was… it was… a flower crown made of blue flowers. Just how did he manage to find these spring flowers? It was supposed to be winter all year round here.

A flower crown… yes, a flower crown.

A gift.

Not just any gift. A gift from Abel!!

‘Could this be? What I've only heard about…?! A thank you gift from your bias?! No freaking way!’

“I-I know it can’t compare to what you’ve given me, but… Oh!”

Again, my feeble body staggered from the surge of emotions.

Startled, Abel threw away the flower crown in his hand and quickly reached his hand out to me.