Chapter 6. The Day of the First Snow (3)

I continued to enjoy teatime, listening to the Duchess’s playful jokes. At some point, I glanced at the large clock in the center of the garden—it was already noon.

Now that I think about it, what is Kyle doing? I came all the way here, hoping at least to see his face, but not even a single hair of his is in sight. He was the one who basically forced me to come—so why is he the only one missing?!

“Where is Kyle right now?”

“At this time, he’s probably practicing swordsmanship alone in the training grounds.”

When I asked the Duchess, who was eating a slice of the whipped cream cake I had brought, about Kyle’s whereabouts, she answered surprisingly easily.

“He’s training even on his day off…”

As expected of a swordsmanship genius—he doesn’t even spare effort. Kyle loved handling a sword so much that training seemed to be his only real hobby on holidays. He was not only a natural-born genius, but also incredibly hardworking. This must be the reason he became the youngest swordmaster in the Empire.

I imagined Kyle swinging his sword, dripping with sweat in the training hall. That sight would surely be captivating and beautiful. As I sipped my tea, I thought I should watch him train at least once. Wow, the aroma is amazing. Must be expensive.

“…If you’d like to see my son, why not wait in his room beforehand?”

“Excuse me? But…”

I was definitely curious what a swordmaster’s room, acknowledged by the entire Empire, would look like. Still, I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to enter it so freely. As I hesitated and struggled to respond, the Duchess’s voice, full of amusement, rang out.

“He doesn’t know you’re here yet, right? So wait in his room and surprise him. Fufu.”

There were times during our conversation when the Duchess felt like a young girl. Maybe it was because of her teasing tone or the fact that, despite her age, her beauty remained unchanged—but when I saw her smile, it felt like I was chatting with someone my own age sitting right across from me.

“Even now, with that mischievous smile on her face as she suggested such a prank, she looked very much like a young lady.

“I don’t think I should go in without permission…”

That’s what I said, but I was starting to waver. It’s not like I’d get many chances to go into Kyle’s room, so I found myself hesitating.

“I’ll give you permission. Sebastian, please escort Lady Radel to the room.”

“Yes, understood.”

The Duchess asked the nearby Sebastian to guide me to Kyle’s room.

Ah, no! He’s the one who’s terrible with directions! And really, is it okay to just go into Kyle’s room like this?

As I sat there hesitating, the Duchess gave me a gentle smile and said warmly,

“It’s all right. If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility.”

“I’ll trust you, Duchess.”

In the end, curiosity got the better of me. I had been wondering what Kyle’s room looked like, so I bowed politely to the Duchess and followed behind Sebastian.

Well, since I’ve come this far, might as well take a peek at Kyle’s room! And if anything happens, the Duchess will protect me, so there’s nothing to be afraid of.

“This is the room. I’ll bring some refreshments, so please wait here.”

After going into the wrong room several times thanks to Sebastian, we finally made it to Kyle’s room.

Sebastian gave me a polite bow, then left the room. I couldn’t help but worry he’d get lost again. I really should tell him to carry a map of the mansion next time.

“Hmm, it’s tidy.”

After giving Kyle’s room a once-over, I murmured a brief impression. The overall atmosphere of the room was calm and clean—just like the aloof Kyle himself.

But while it was neat, it also felt rather empty. There was very little furniture, and it somehow gave off a lonely feeling. So this is the kind of space Kyle lives in.

As I carefully looked around the room, I quickly got bored and plopped down on a seat.

This is less interesting than I expected.

“…That door must lead to the bathroom?”

As I glanced around once more, I spotted a door. No matter how I looked at it, it seemed to be connected to the bathroom, and now I was curious how luxurious a duke’s mansion bathroom would be. Yeah, when you’re curious, you have to check it out right away!

“Excuse me, I’m just gonna—”

After opening the bathroom door, I stood frozen for a while. Because standing right in front of me was a man wearing nothing but a towel!

“Radel?”

“Uh, Kyle. This… I wasn’t trying to peek or anything. No, I mean, actually…”

My heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst after seeing Kyle suddenly appear.

I couldn’t bring myself to look him in the eye as he calmly stared at me, flustered and rambling.

Ahh, what if he thinks I’m a pervert?!

“Are you here for a visit?”

“Y-yes…”

Unlike me, who was clearly flustered, Kyle looked perfectly composed. I started to wonder if I was just overreacting on my own and tried to calm myself down with a deep breath.

‘Wow, but seriously… his body is amazing.’

My eyes started to move involuntarily, completely ignoring my will. They slowly traveled down from Kyle’s neck and stopped at his abs.

His abs looked even more defined than I had imagined. His physique was like that of a statue sculpted by an artist, and I stared with my mouth wide open.

Is this what they call a washboard stomach? His body was beyond perfect—it was so beautifully shaped that I found myself momentarily dazed.

“Radel.”

“Ah, yes!”

Startled by Kyle’s voice, I snapped out of it. Good grief, I really almost turned into a pervert there. I vowed never again to let my gaze drift downward.

“What’s wrong? Your face is red.”

“Haha, it’s a bit warm in here.”

Just from looking at those rock-hard abs, my cheeks flushed bright red. Trying to avoid Kyle’s concerned gaze, I waved my hand like a fan and slowly backed away.

If I stayed any longer, I felt like my brain would short-circuit, so I desperately tried to escape.

Think of something else, think of something else…

“Why are you avoiding me?””

“I’m—I’m not avoiding you.”

Just as I managed to put some distance between us, Kyle closed it in one stride. I quickly darted my eyes around, trying to avoid looking at his dangerously alluring abs, and backed away—only to find myself trapped against a wall.

Now I was a mouse caught in a trap.

“You are avoiding me.”

“I’m not!”

My face felt like it was on fire. I turned my head to the side to dodge his gaze, but I could still feel Kyle’s persistent stare.

Caught between Kyle and the wall, I was completely at a loss when there came a couple of knocks on the door. Then, with the sound of the door opening, Sebastian stepped into the room.

He arrived at the most incredible timing and looked back and forth between Kyle and me. I looked at Sebastian with desperate eyes.

Oh my gosh, the butler! Please help me! I’m trapped between Kyle’s arms! There’s nowhere to look! I’m so flustered!

Sebastian’s eyes flicked back and forth, quickly assessing the situation. Then his face lit up as if he had just realized something. I thought maybe—just maybe—he understood my silent cry for help.

“Leave.”

“Yes, sir.”

Slam!

The sound of the door closing rang out.

Wait—Sebastian actually left because he was told to?

As a top-tier butler, he was just following orders… but no! My savior disappeared.

I looked at the closed door in despair and cautiously spoke to Kyle.

“Um, Kyle, don’t you think you’re a bit too close?”

“Not at all.”

No, you totally are, mister!

His face was so close, it felt like my heart was going to give out. I could hear his calm breathing loud and clear, and my body stiffened with tension. I was terrified he might hear how fast my heart was pounding.

At this rate, my heart might explode from overwork!

Swallowing my tears, I rolled my eyes upward to glance at Kyle. His captivating red eyes were staring right at me. Since he had just finished showering, a light, fresh scent wafted from him. Tiny droplets of water clung to the ends of his hair, and a brilliant idea suddenly struck me.

“Ah, your hair! Let me dry it for you!”

“My… hair?”

Kyle tilted his head slightly in confusion, and as he did, droplets of water fell from his damp hair. I pointed frantically at his hair, passionately explaining myself.

“Yes! Let me dry your hair! If you don’t, you’ll definitely catch a cold!”

“I’m fine though.”

Kyle pouted a little. He looked so adorably sulky, I had to clutch my chest to steady myself. My gosh, how can a guy be this cute?

But cuteness alone doesn’t give him immunity from colds. It was winter, after all. With snow about to fall and the weather this cold and crisp, not drying his hair was a recipe for illness.

“I’m just worried you’ll catch a cold, Kyle. If you don’t dry your hair now, I won’t let you pet my head ever again.”

It was a pathetic threat. I only said it because I knew Kyle liked the feel of my hand on his hair, but I never thought such a flimsy bluff would actually work.

“Alright. Dry it for me.”

…He fell for it?

I stared at him wide-eyed in surprise, only to see Kyle obediently sit down at the foot of the bed. I was relieved that the close distance between us had been broken—but wasn’t this a little too easy?

“Come here.”

Kyle beckoned me over, while I still stood blankly leaning against the wall. His wet hair and the way he only had a towel wrapped around him were dangerously seductive—I nearly fell under his spell.

Focus. I need to keep it together, or I might not make it home alive.

But before any of that…

“Kyle, please put on some clothes.”

Looking at him still draped in nothing but a towel, I pleaded sincerely. Sure, the view was nice, but I was genuinely worried he’d catch a cold. Doesn’t this guy feel the cold at all?