Chapter: 22
As Brandon walked down the street, he looked extremely relaxed on the surface.
His drowsy face made it seem as though he might fall asleep at any moment.
However, even while escorting Dorothy, his eyes were constantly moving without rest.
‘Good. For now, the number of people whispering has decreased.’
Diverting people’s gazes was an easy task for him.
Now he could focus entirely on Dorothy.
At present, it was enough that she regarded him as a friend. He could gradually grow closer to her over time.
Dorothy had been right.
Even though he bore the karma of having drawn a clear line by calling himself her friend, that was only in the past.
What mattered was the present and the future.
Before taking serious action, he formed several plans in his mind.
First Plan
Humans tended to form bonds through common interests.
Empathy and a sense of connection formed the foundation of relationships.
Understanding her interests was essential for improving their relationship in the future.
Firmly resolved, he naturally led the conversation.
“I like being active. On days like this, I always come out for a walk.”
“Really? If you’re an enforcer, you must be good at sports.”
Fortunately, she showed interest in the conversation.
At her expected response, Brandon suppressed a smile.
“I’m good at anything that involves moving my body.”
“Wow, really?”
“Yes!”
At a glance, Dorothy seemed quite outgoing.
Since she liked meeting people, wouldn’t she also enjoy physical activities?
“Do you like exercising, Dorothy?”
It was a perfect plan: find a shared interest and naturally arrange their next meeting.
Where would be good for the two of them to meet alone?
As he carefully planned his next goal in his mind—
“Not really. I’m actually not very good at physical activities.”
Ah.
“My mother tried teaching me swordsmanship, but eventually gave up.”
Dorothy hadn’t agreed because she was interested in sports.
It was simply her kindness.
“I like meeting people, but I also enjoy quietly staying at home.”
Unlike her calm appearance, Brandon’s mind became complicated.
His brain worked frantically, deciding how he should react at every moment.
Still, he hadn’t abandoned his plan to find common ground.
Surely, an opportunity would come.
“What do you usually do at home?”
“Oh, I usually read.”
This was it.
“What kind of books? I read theories on mathematics and science. Sometimes I also read books on astronomy.”
If she happened to like astronomy, he planned to recommend a few books.
They could have intellectual discussions based on reading.
Or perhaps he could suggest places good for stargazing.
He imagined hundreds of scenarios based on how she might respond.
Now, there was nothing to worry about—
“Ah, I like novels.”
All simulations discarded.
“I like imagining things. Imagining beings that don’t exist in the world.”
“That’s amazing, Dorothy!”
He tried to agree enthusiastically, but the corners of his lips trembled.
“Have you ever read novels, Duke?”
“I have. My sister said one was so moving it made her cry, but for me, my eyes just hurt. I was moving them too fast trying to finish quickly.”
After that, every answer she gave went completely beyond his expectations.
“Do you read weekly magazines?”
“No, I’m not particularly interested.”
“Do you like mountains or the sea?”
“Mountains.”
“Do you like flowers?”
“I do.”
“Wow, finally something in common—”
“I actually like all plants, but I prefer wheat and cotton since they’re useful in daily life.”
“……”
The first plan had failed.
* * *
What could the duke be worrying about?
Dorothy studied Brandon’s face and pondered.
When they had just stepped outside, he seemed in good spirits, which had reassured her.
But as time passed, his expression gradually darkened.
More precisely, he looked depressed.
‘Come to think of it, he said he felt empty. That’s why he asked me to go on a walk with him.’
Even now, he smiled and guided the conversation as usual, but perhaps he was only pretending.
Because of his kind nature, maybe he didn’t want to make her worry.
‘And yet, I’m the only one receiving help.’
Unaware of Dorothy’s burning concern, Brandon began recounting his heroic deeds.
He spoke of his brilliant performance at the last hunting competition.
And of how, one day, he single-handedly annihilated enemy forces who had crossed the border.
Dorothy had only one thought while listening.
Could it be that he was deliberately talking about these things to pretend he was fine?
As she listened, Brandon pointed to a bench and suggested,
“We’ve walked quite a bit. Shall we sit for a moment?”
Kindly, he laid his coat over the bench for her to sit on.
“You don’t have to do that. You might get cold too.”
“No, I’m fine. I’m healthy.”
Refusing his kindness repeatedly would be impolite.
Left with no choice, Dorothy carefully sat on the coat.
“Still, please take care of your health and dress warmly, Duke.”
She then said, looking deeply worried,
“You seem to catch colds often. And your job is dangerous, so you get injured a lot.”
“Me?”
Brandon tilted his head.
But when he saw her eyes, soft and worried like those of a lamb, he couldn’t continue.
Dorothy, for her part, was quite serious.
“Last time, you were limping. And another time, you had a cold, and I had to support you.”
“Ah, that was…”
She had ended up supporting him more often than he realized.
As a result, Dorothy saw Brandon as someone fragile who needed protecting.
He looked fine on the outside, but was often sick.
Nothing hurt the heart more than seeing precious people in pain.
“But Dorothy, I’m not as weak as you think…”
“Between friends, it’s okay not to pretend you’re fine. I know it’s not easy.”
It was never easy to put down the burdens of one’s heart.
“You know, when you confessed earlier that you felt empty, I was actually really happy. Because you were being honest with me.”
“……”
“So I’ll try to be honest in front of you too. As a good friend.”
“Yes, Dorothy… thank you.”
His ambitious second plan also failed.
Unaware of his thoughts, Dorothy was so moved that her eyes filled with tears.
* * *
By early evening, Brandon looked even more dejected.
Others might not notice.
But to her, it was obvious.
Feeling deeply sorry for him, Dorothy wondered how she could comfort him.
Even a gentle walk hadn’t helped.
He must be burdened by a serious concern.
But she couldn’t pry.
How could she become a source of strength for him?
As she pondered, they finally arrived home.
“So this has completely become part of your daily routine, Brandon?”
In the living room, Rose was already waiting with her arms crossed.
“What do you mean, Sister?”
“Manipulating the clock, of course.”
“You flatter me.”
“You think that’s a compliment—!”
Rose almost burst out as usual but glanced at Dorothy.
“Yes, it is a compliment.”
She switched to polite social language.
“How is it that my little brother’s temperament hasn’t changed at all since he was nine?”
Rose smiled only with her eyes.
“My goodness, you’re clever and ridiculously scheming. Completely twisted. I’m praising you, truly.”
Normally, Brandon would have handled this calmly.
But today had been exhausting.
His head throbbed from constant mental calculations, and his eyes were strained from watching over Dorothy.
He had no patience left to deflect incoming attacks gracefully.
“Well, I suppose I should praise you too, Sister. You haven’t changed either since childhood. Instead of learning, you’ve only grown purer, even after being fooled every time.”
“I am pure.”
“Yes. Your head is pure too—just like when we played together back then. You were thirteen at the time, right?”
Are they fighting?
Or are they really complimenting each other?
Unable to read the fierce exchange between the two, Dorothy could only blink in confusion.
