# 36
36. The Count's Circumstances (6)
Recently, the desserts prepared at the dining hall came in generous portions. The shock of the pound cake had taught me a great lesson. So I immediately made a special request to the chef to increase the portions.
"Isn't this too much for the Master?"
"He keeps urging me to eat with him, perhaps because he finds it lonely to dine alone. Even when I say it's fine, he continues to insist... How could I possibly refuse the Master's words? If this can bring some comfort to his loneliness, I'm willing to commit the rudeness and eat with him as much as he wishes."
I placed both hands over my chest and spouted brazen lies. The chef was moved and vowed to prepare something even more delicious. Such was the result I had obtained. Thanks to that, these days I found myself looking forward to his desserts even more. I had experienced most profoundly since coming here that the world is full of delicious things.
The cake plate was emptied in no time. Delicious things disappear quickly. I smacked my lips with lingering regret as I stared at the empty plate.
"Have this too."
Lucas held out the cake he had taken just one bite of and left. An angel! I asked in emotion if it was really okay, even as my hands were already snatching his plate.
Vincent's gaze immediately landed on this side. His plate was also empty. I brought the plate to my side while keeping my guard up against him.
"Th-this was given to me by Lord Lucas."
"Who said anything?"
He spoke arrogantly and tossed his fork down. Instead, he picked up his teacup. Then he frowned and removed the cup from his lips. He turned the cup upside down, but there was nothing inside. I had been so distracted by the cake that I forgot to pour the tea.
His displeased gaze pierced into me. I flinched. Lucas picked up the teapot instead and poured tea into his cup.
"Hyung, drink."
"I don't know who's attending to whom."
Vincent brought the cup to his lips. I set down my fork.
"I suddenly lost my appetite. Would you like to have more?"
"Don't lie and finish eating."
"Weren't you wanting more? I thought you were being spiteful because I ate more."
"I'm not narrow-minded enough for that."
"Surely not."
Vincent liked sweets, and I had only just awakened to the taste of sweetness, so the dessert portions were always insufficient. Depending on the type of dessert, the taste and size differed, so sometimes that feeling grew even stronger.
Therefore, whenever that happened, a peculiar battle of nerves unfolded between him and me. Of course, Vincent always yielded first, but occasionally I managed to take more. Just a tiny bit, about a finger's width more, without him noticing.
However, having lost his sight and with his other senses heightened, he never let his guard down. He would send me a look saying he knew I was taking more, and honestly, it was a bit scary when he did that. Just how much does he like sweets?
The more he did that, the more brazen I had to be. Whenever he sent such looks, I would offer to yield as if asking if he wanted more. Of course, I knew he would refuse. His pride wouldn't allow him to demand back what he had already given to a servant.
So this time too, I pushed the plate toward him, saying he could have as much as he wanted if he desired. Vincent waved his hand in refusal. He refused to eat anything with my saliva on it. No, how much could even be on it? I insisted that only a little had gotten on it and pushed it forward, when Lucas suddenly burst out laughing. His gaze was fixed on the plate. In truth, the plate was already completely empty.
"The more I see you, the more interesting you are."
Lucas said something that was hard to tell whether it was a compliment or not. I pretended not to notice and set the plate down. I had momentarily forgotten there was another companion. Vincent signaled with his eyes, asking what that was supposed to mean. I desperately prayed for Lucas to keep his mouth shut.
Lucas, who had been laughing again, fortunately brought up a different topic.
"You two get along well."
"No way."
"There's a misunderstanding."
The answers came simultaneously. We looked at each other at the same time. I blinked, and though he couldn't see me, he opened his eyes wide as if he could.
Lucas added that this was what getting along well looked like. To that, Vincent drank his tea without reply, and I cleared the empty plates. In the meantime, only Lucas's laughter echoed through the garden.
I quietly took out a book. I decided to ignore the strange sounds. Vincent seemed to agree, as the topic naturally shifted.
When I sat up in position, Lucas sent me a curious look.
"What are you trying to do?"
"I'm going to read a book for you."
"A book?"
Lucas's gaze fixed on the book in my hand. I cleared my throat. Vincent calmly sipped his tea. Lucas's gaze shifted to Vincent, then back to me.
"Are you perhaps going to read it aloud?"
"Yes."
It was obvious I was going to read it aloud, why even ask? I opened the book and began reading the sentences skillfully. Though it was a sudden start, Vincent listened to my voice as if familiar with it.
The book I was going to read today was a medium-length children's adventure tale. Difficult books are hard to read. Long contents disrupt concentration. I had recently realized that short and simple content is easier to read and better for reading aloud.
It was a book I had put considerable effort into selecting. Lucas was appalled by the story carried by my voice. He looked overtly at Vincent, but Vincent paid him no attention. He simply focused on my voice. So I focused more on reading the book as well. I had to concentrate because even a slight slackening would bring criticism.
Lucas's shock gradually subsided as he watched us. Then at some point, he casually pulled his chair closer to Vincent's side and sat down.
"Why are you sitting so close."
"So I can listen too."
The two men sat side by side, listening to my voice. Normally it was just Vincent, so I hadn't noticed, but thinking about reading to someone else made me a bit nervous. Perhaps it affected my voice, as my breath caught several times. I saw Vincent frown, but I quickly read on and pretended not to notice.
Lucas's eyes sparkled like a child's. I wasn't sure if he found this situation amazing, or if the fact that I could read was what amazed him, but he sent such an intense gaze that the skin under his hair practically prickled. It felt exactly like reading a fairy tale to younger siblings.
Furthermore, his participation was enthusiastic.
"So what happens next?"
"Pardon? Ah, so what happens next is..."
He didn't just quietly listen to me read. He occasionally asked questions or sought my opinion. Sometimes he even babbled on with things he'd heard somewhere. It was nonsensical conversation, but he acted as if he was enjoying himself. Vincent only frowned but didn't particularly stop him. Thanks to that, I, who became his conversation partner, was left bewildered.
"Fellowship and love gained through adventure. A story that teaches a good lesson."
After finishing the book, he didn't forget to add his impressions.
"Yes. Did you enjoy listening to it?"
"I enjoyed it very much. Perhaps because you read it so pleasantly to listen to, it goes right into my ears."
"You're too kind."
It's all thanks to someone who taught me a lot, I thought as I gazed at Vincent. The man who would sigh heavily and burden me if even one thing wasn't to his liking was leisurely sipping his tea. The tea must have already gone cold, but he drank it in small sips. And even though he surely felt my gaze, he pretended not to notice.
And what about his words?
"Better than before."
"Yes, yes."
I knew he'd say that. At this point, shouldn't he at least offer some praise like "You read well" or "There's nothing more to criticize"? His praise is too stingy.
But on the other side, the praise was also far too excessive.
"There was no resistance to listening, and you read very smoothly. I never knew a story told by someone could be so pleasant to listen to. I could feel your consideration for the listener. Your voice was really nice too... no, I think everything was just too good."
"I merely read it. If you know any good works, please let me know."
"Really? I'll pick one next time."
I laughed heartily. Lucas had subtly secured the opportunity to attend next time.
"This is fun, hyung. Right?"
"I wonder."
It was just that the other attendee was too cold. However, perhaps accustomed to such an attitude from him, Lucas was unconcerned.
"I didn't know hyung liked sweets this much. How did you hide it all this time?"
"I didn't hide it."
"You didn't eat like this before."
"I didn't eat like this, but that doesn't mean I didn't eat."
Lucas nodded. That was true.
"Still, if I had known you liked them this much, I would have brought a few cakes. I know many famous places."
"No need for that."
Vincent refused curtly. Then he added that he didn't know what he could trust from him receiving things. It was a statement ripe for misunderstanding, but Lucas only laughed. He subtly retorted that he knew full well Vincent would eat them deliciously if he brought them.
For a moment, a peaceful atmosphere flowed between the two.
"Oh right, I ordered the tea leaves hyung likes. They'll arrive here tomorrow. You still enjoy drinking it, right? Noblesse's black tea."
"Yeah."
"You'll accept that, won't?"
"Since the sincerity is commendable, I'll accept it."
Indeed, the supply sent by the golden letters had run out and I couldn't bring myself to ask for more. I was thinking of asking Isabella to procure some, so it worked out perfectly. I clearly remember his disappointment when I said the Noblesse's black tea had run out. And I also know the joy hidden beneath that blunt attitude.
Is he doing this on purpose because he's his brother?
Lucas, who knew nothing, was simply enjoying himself.
"Hyung. Honestly, I'm relieved."
"What are you talking about."
"Because you look comfortable. When I only heard about it, I was worried. Even when I saw it with my own eyes, I thought it couldn't be. But staying here, I can tell. You're really doing well. Thank goodness."
"......"
"I didn't know hyung liked sweets. I didn't know you took walks like this, listened to books, and lived so peacefully."
Lucas laughed briefly. He seemed happy, but I could sense the bitterness seeping within it. The look in his eyes as he gazed at Vincent was fervent. They glistened with moisture as if he would shed tears with just a blink.
"I'm really relieved."
Relief was evident in his voice.
Come to think of it, Lucas had said he was the one who blinded Vincent. That meant Lucas already knew about Vincent's condition. Perhaps he also already knew about the "something" Vincent was hiding.
The image of the two talking in the room came to mind. What was contained within that would be heavier than I could imagine. That was why I felt I could somewhat understand what Lucas's feelings toward Vincent were right now. His worry must also be genuine.
In that moment, the man named Lucas appeared different. With his gaze lowered to the ground, looking steeped in worry, it was somewhat... moving?
But the emotion was quickly shattered. Regrettably, that sadness did not reach the other party. Vincent clicked his tongue.
"How creepy."
"Is that so?"
The sadness vanished in an instant. It was a rapid change. So fast that I wondered if I had seen an illusion. No, wasn't that sadness too brief?
I was flustered to see Lucas smiling broadly right away.
"This must all be thanks to her."
This time, Lucas's attention fixed on me. I blinked at the sudden praise. Me?
"Thank you for staying by hyung's side."
"N-no, it's nothing."
"There's no need to thank me for what's natural."
His rebuttal was quick. What? I looked at Vincent in disbelief. He didn't correct his words. Right, honestly, that's true. It is natural, but... Still, couldn't he be a little grateful?
Hmph! I openly scoffed. But Vincent didn't even pretend to hear it. Son of a bitch. Angry, I roughly gulped down the innocent tea. I was thirsty.
"Well. With such a beautiful person by your side, of course you'd feel energized."
I immediately spat out my tea.