Chapter 28…
Interlude— The Servant Indulges in Sentimentality.
It was around that time that he began having dresses made that seemed suited to Felicia, even though he had no one to give them to.
Perhaps he was imagining her dressed in a gown he had gifted.
(When Lord Yoan, who hardly ever desired anything, suddenly declared he wanted a dress made, I was utterly shocked—not just by his stubbornness, but by the depth of his feelings. I’m glad the dresses that were made ended up being useful. They all fit Lady Felicia perfectly, which was a bit surprising—or rather, astonishing…)
Of course, the kitchen being stocked with confectionery tools that were never actually used was also Felicia’s influence. Watching Felicia make sweets through his familiars, Yoan would order Hugo to buy more confectionery tools every time he went into town. Even though Felicia would never have a chance to use them in the castle, he wanted to imagine that scene.
When Yoan suddenly learned that Felicia would be married off to a neighboring country, his rage was so intense that the very air in the castle trembled with his magic, and the familiars became intoxicated by it, rendering them useless.
Before Felicia even entered the neighboring country, Yoan had dashed from the castle to stop her, and when he saw Felicia’s party being attacked by thugs right in front of him, he leapt to the front lines without waiting for Hugo to assess the situation.
In no time at all, he rescued Felicia and her party and returned to the castle with her in his arms.
To think that the person he had continually watched over and relied on emotionally was in the same castle—what must have been going through Yoan’s mind?
Recalling how his master, who usually wouldn’t rise before late morning, had been restless early in the morning yesterday and prepared himself with such care, a soft smile escaped.
“Mr. Hugo, the canelés are ready. May I ask you to taste them?”
Felicia offered the canelés to Hugo, who had been lost in thoughts about his master’s feelings.
The canelés, made in a modest size, were perfect for snacking between tasks. Hugo could sense that they had been made for Yoan, with Yoan in mind, and it warmed his heart.
The canelés, full of thought and care, shone deliciously, giving off a sweet aroma.
(I feel a bit hesitant to taste them before Lord Yoan…)
He brought a canelé to his mouth. The crisp texture on the outside was followed by a chewy interior. The rich scent of vanilla filled his nose, accompanied by a hint of rum.
“This is truly wonderful.”
Speaking from the heart, he saw Felicia smile with relief, shyly saying,
“I hope Lord Yoan will like them too.”
“He will. Without a doubt.”
Hugo spoke almost hastily, then cleared his throat and returned to his usual composed tone, smiling at Felicia.
“I can almost picture Lord Yoan’s delighted expression. Please, present these to him yourself, Lady Felicia.”
“May I really serve them myself? I’m feeling a bit nervous…”
Watching Felicia blush, Hugo sensed that the day when his master’s feelings would be rewarded was drawing near.
