“Um, well…”
Delina, who was about to ask Kalix the same question out of curiosity, paused for a moment.
“Do you read romance novels?”
“No.”
“…Alright then.”
Kalix was more likely to read a recipe book than a romance novel. Kalix, too, lost interest in the conversation about romance novels and focused on the dishes served by the servants.
“Oh! I’ll try to guess what dish you’ll eat first. It’s stew with pork!”
“Correct.”
After an hour of having a meal together at the table, the two now knew well what each other’s favorite foods were. Sitting facing each other, Kalix and Delina busily moved their forks and knives.
“Did you have morning training at the training ground? Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I trained.”
“Yes.”
“I might eat and go too. I haven’t moved my body much lately, and I want to do something.”
“Sure.”
Although Delina was the one who usually spoke, the situation was familiar to both of them.
“Um, and maybe I’ll practice using a longsword a bit more.”
Kalix’s knife stopped at Delina’s words.
“…”
“Why?”
“Why are you suddenly practicing with a longsword?”
As Kalix asked, her face darkened. Realizing why he was doing that, Delina quickly nodded.
“No, it’s not because of our duel back then. It’s just that after experiencing real battles, I thought it would be better to be able to use various weapons.”
“…”
“My main weapon now is a dagger. But it feels a bit lacking. It would be more convenient if I could use a longsword better.”
As she spoke, Delina smiled slightly.
“So, will you help me with longsword training?”
“…Me?”
“Yeah. You’re famous for excellent swordsmanship in the Empire, Duke Kalix.”
Saying so, Delina brought a plate with cake nearby.
“Also, you’re good at making desserts that are highly regarded in the Empire.”
“…”
“Did you think I wouldn’t know if I left it like this? How much of your desserts have I eaten?”
Delina laughed as she took a bite of the cake with a fork.
“It’s really delicious.”
The cake I was eating now was something that required a lot of effort. Delina could tell. This cake was a gift from Kalix with apples and comfort. So Delina enjoyed the cake as if she understood.
“Really, what if I miss your desserts after leaving the Grand Duchy?”
Delina expressed her regret, and Kalix, who had been listening quietly, spoke.
“If you want to eat, come anytime.”
“Really?”
“I’ll be here.”
“…”
“I can make it for you.”
At Kalix’s words, Delina smiled slightly.
“Okay. You shouldn’t regret saying that. Do you know how much I can eat?”
“… As much as a New Year’s gathering.”
“When did I ever eat as much as a New Year’s gathering? I’m more like an eagle gathering, right? From the beginning, compared to others, everyone else is like a New Year’s gathering when I’m with you.”
As Delina spoke, she took another bite of the cake. It still tasted delicious. Delina’s hands became faster, and watching her, Kalix also brought the dessert plate closer. It was a truly happy meal, no different from usual.
“Betty, can you pass this letter to Aelie?”
“Sure.”
From morning to night, Felic, who usually looked so good, was nowhere to be seen.
However, searching for details about his whereabouts in the library seemed like it would take a lot of time. Eventually, Delina chose Aelie’s advice. Given Aelie’s keen interest in this area, she might receive a reply as early as tomorrow.
“Oh, and by any chance… do you have any other news?”
“What news are you talking about?”
“Well… like guests coming or something.”
“At the moment, there is none.”
“Oh, I see.”
Although Delina felt disappointed at Betty’s words, she tried not to show it.
“Alright, you can go now.”
“Yes, understood.”
After answering like that, Betty glanced at Delina’s clothes.
“Aren’t you going to change into your pajamas?”
“Not yet. I’m thinking of taking a stroll in the garden. I’ll call you if I get tired later.”
“Alright.”
Soon, Betty left the room. With Betty gone, the room was quiet. Delina went to the window and opened it. Then, she saw Bejewel hanging on a nearby tree.
“Chirp!”
“Were you playing here?”
Snacking a lot from the kitchen, Bejewel was nibbling on fruit.
“Do you get bored if you eat like that? Want to come in?”
“Chirp, chirp.”
“Huh? The sky?”
In response to Delina’s words, Bejewel pointed to the sky with its finger. A large moon in the night sky was illuminating the Grand Duchy. Delina looked up at the sky absentmindedly.
“Really pretty today. Were you stargazing?”
“Chirp!”
The bright silver moon hanging in the night sky was reflected in Delina’s eyes. Looking at the moon, Delina thought of Noah’s silver hair.
“…I miss him.”
Bejewel, who was muttering alone, stared at Delina. Then, seeing something moving under the tree, Bejewel quickly chirped.
“Chirp, chirp!”
“Huh? More snacks?”
“Chirp!”
Frustrated by Delina’s words, Bejewel lowered its head onto Delina’s head, making her bow her head. Familiar face came into Delina’s eyes as she looked down.
“…Noah?”
My Step-brother Is Obsessed With Me (Female-dominant)
A gentle female protagonist vs pitiful in the early stage, and a sick male protagonist in the later stage
Cheng Songer transmigrated into the body of a vicious cannon fodder female supporting character with the same name as her in a female-dominant novel.
In the original story, the cannon fodder female supporting character was inhumane, committing domestic violence, gambling excessively, being lustful, and even wanting to sell her stepbrother to a brothel for money.
As luck would have it, she just happened to transmigrate at this time.
Seeing Cheng Qingzhi biting his lip, enduring the tears in his eyes, looking pitiful, her heart softened.
She stuffed the money back into the Madam’s hand and reached out to him.
“Brother, come home with me.”
