The Duchess of the Attic

Some time after the servants started moving.

Waking up, as usual, Opal felt indescribably uncomfortable.

And I manage to contain it by almost screaming unexpectedly at the sight I saw before my head woke up completely.

Opal, surprised by Claude's sleeping face just around the corner, was then bored with shame.

Fortunately, Claude has no sign of waking up.

(Surprised......)

Hold the heart that hits hard enough that it's about to pop out, lurk your breath and stare at Claude's face.

We've known each other for a long time, but I've never observed it so close.

(... oh? I have a nasty scratch on my cheek, but since when?

Opal frowned at the marks like he was hurt by a sharp blade.

If you were injured until you were a student, Opal would know.

So I realized if this wound was caused during the civil unrest.

Claude said it wasn't a big deal, but of course he didn't believe it.

Even if he still couldn't listen now, Opal reached for the wound and stopped it, hoping to let him hear it soon.

I want you to take it slower because you're relaxing and sleeping.

Opal, who thought so, stared at Claude's sleeping face for a while and bit off his happiness before gently exiting the bed.

"- Opal"

Opal, who was setting up his morning schedule and glancing over the paperwork over a cup of tea, was called upon to turn around.

Claude peeks into his face from the door on the side of the bedroom.

Opal stood up in a hurry, smiling to delude the embarrassment.

"Morning, Claude."

"... good morning"

I greeted him in the morning, but Claude wasn't much.

Opal hid his anxiety that something would have failed and decided to act like his wife.

"Do you carry breakfast to your room? Or in the breakfast room?

"... in the breakfast room"

Claude answered reluctantly, closing the door, but Opal quickly followed.

If there was a problem, I want you to tell me. I wanted to fix it as hard as I could.

"Claude."

"Opal, what's up?

"What do you mean..."

When Opal spoke, Claude, who was about to return to his chamber, stopped on his feet and smiled the same as usual.

Opal's feelings shrivel as soon as possible.

Maybe Claude looked grumpy because he was a little upset.

But I didn't want there to be any misunderstandings or patience like this when I should believe in my instincts.

"If I... had made any mistakes, I'd like you to tell me."

"Failure? Opal?

"Yeah. Um... about last night or something... was I wrong as a bride?

"As a bride..."

Claude, who repeatedly swallowed Opal's words, set aside a beat and strained.

"No way! No, no. Opal is nothing wrong! It's my problem!

"Claude's?

"I don't like morning."

"Really?

I was surprised by the fact that I first found out about it in a long relationship, but since the weak in the morning are many to the aristocracy, Opal did not think that was the problem.

Either that or Opal is too soon.

For this reason Opal waited for further clarification of Claude.

But it won't last.

"Uh... I don't know what the problem is with that"

"Uh, yeah. So it's my problem... It's a shame Opal slept next door because of it, or it's not cool..."

"Claude's always cool, huh? Still very much."

"... thanks. Then I'll get dressed to be cooler."

"Yeah, I'll be waiting in the breakfast room."

Opal, smiling off Claude and returning to his living room, crouched onto the spot.

And exhale deeply, holding down the occasional chest.

(nervous...... It was normal, wasn't it? There's nothing wrong with that, is there?

Though I was relieved to know I didn't fail, Claude's words almost made my face burn by accident.

I managed to disguise myself as calm, but my face is hot.

Opal stood up with one hand swooping his face, ringing the bell and then standing in front of the mirror to lighten his familiarity.

"Ma'am, how are you?

"- I'll have dinner in the breakfast room with my husband, so could you tell him to prepare it for me?

"Yes, sir."

The maid who showed up according to Bell called me "Ma'am" to keep me from feeling tickled, and I got a slightly tighter tone because I hid the lights calling me "sir" about Claude again.

Turning a smile to make up for it, the maid lowers in relief.

It's only been two days in this mansion, so the servants are watching over the new mistress.

As an employer, I have to wear it, but I want to have a good relationship with my servants.

Never again, I wanted to avoid things like that at the Duke McCloud residence.

(Speaking of which, we also need to do something about the Duke of McCloud...)

Opal, who was on his way to the breakfast room, sighed when he remembered the letter.

You can also ignore Hubert, but then you'll be long gone with the mystery unsolved.

But I was going to consult Claude before deciding whether or not to fulfill Hubert's wishes.

For this reason, on Claude, who arrived at his breakfast seat, Opal cut out anticipating the timing.

"- McCloud's coming to see you?

"Really? I wish I had said no sooner or sent it back without opening the letter, but I was accidental and... Probably on a boat by now. But I also have a choice not to see you..."

Claude frowned in surprise when Hubert told him that he was going to come and see him.

For that reason, Opal had spoken of excuses.

Then, realizing Opal was nervous, Claude loosens his expression all the time.

"What do you want Opal to do?

"Me? I... honestly, I'm interested in what the hell you're going to do"

"Sure."

To Claude's inquiry in a gentle tone, Opal lost his strength from his shoulder.

And when I answer my honest feelings, Claude laughs and agrees to encourage me.

"I'm sure if we don't see each other like this, you'll wonder what it's been all along. So I think we should meet. But when I get back to King's Landing in two days, I want you to have me present."

"Of course you do. Thank you, Claude. I'm glad you're here with me."

When Opal relieved and smiled, Claude smiled like a prank.

"To tell the truth, I care, too. You're a complete wild horse. Otherwise, I'll lock my jealous not much opal in the attic and never let McCloud see me."

"... but if you do, I'll get out. No matter what hand you use."

"I know. That's why I love Opal. There's an opal who's stubborn and hates losing and hates being crooked."

"Ugh, because I'm not happy! Something not praised!

To his unexpected confession, Opal turned his cheeks red and puffy.

As soon as he did, Claude laughed out loud and, in the end, laughed with Opal because he couldn't stand it either.