TPHRU 27

Chapter 27…

Interlude— The Servant Reflects.

Hugo watched Felicia skillfully make the cannelés, impressed by her efficiency.
(Surely Lord Yoan would be delighted just because these sweets were made by Lady Felicia, but with this level of craftsmanship… perhaps he might even be moved to tears…)
The servant, who had faithfully served Yoan alone for many years, secretly worried about this.

Yoan’s servant, Hugo, was 28 years old—three years older than Yoan.
Hugo’s mother had been Yoan’s wet nurse, so he had served as Yoan’s attendant even while they were in the royal castle.
Yoan had cherished Hugo, his foster elder brother close in age, like an older brother since childhood. Whether enduring the harassment of other concubines and the queen alongside his mother in a corner of the castle, mourning the loss of his mother, or deciding to leave the royal castle, Hugo had always been at Yoan’s side.
That was why, when leaving the castle, he was the only one permitted to accompany Yoan.

Since leaving the castle at age eleven, Yoan’s true emotional anchor had undeniably been Felicia.
He trained his body for her sake, mastered all forms of magic for her sake.
Through his familiar, he always watched over Felicia. If she rejoiced, Yoan rejoiced; if she grieved, Yoan grieved.

(When Lady Felicia became engaged to Lord Alexis, he bore it as he must, but it pained him…)
Even after Felicia became the fiancée of his nephew, Yoan’s daily routines remained unchanged.
Though he might long for her as she grew into a beautiful and graceful lady, she was a person whose heart he could never hope to win.

Two years ago, when Felicia’s life was in danger, he threw himself into the battle, pouring all his magic into saving her.
Hugo’s eyes still remembered the master who neglected sleep and food, dedicating himself entirely to protecting Felicia.
(It was frustrating and helpless to be unable to help Lord Yoan, yet my master succeeded. After saving Lady Felicia, he slept for a week straight, and I feared for Yoan’s life…)
The first words he spoke upon waking were to check whether Felicia’s condition had changed. In a way, that routine phrase left Hugo both exasperated and relieved.

When Felicia’s engagement was broken off, Yoan sent his familiar to help heal her heart.
Watching her gradually regain her smile while interacting with the familiar, Hugo felt a deep sense of relief.