Free Web NovelChapter 32: Chapter 32: Sweetness and Responsibilities
Chapter 32: Sweetness and Responsibilities
After leaving Silvermoon Atelier, Evelyne turned toward Andras with a faint smile.
"Since you’ve left the next destination to me," she said calmly, "then let’s go have breakfast."
Andras looked at her for a moment before nodding.
"Very well, Mother."
The two of them returned to their carriage while the accompanying guards resumed their positions around them. The horses began moving once again through the bustling streets of Nightfall City.
Unlike the districts they had visited earlier, this part of the capital possessed a warmer atmosphere.
The streets were lined with elegant cafés, dessert houses, and restaurants frequented by wealthy merchants and noble families. The scent of baked pastries and sweet fruits drifted through the air.
Several minutes later, the carriage came to a smooth halt.
Andras stepped out first before helping Evelyne descend.
His gaze rose toward the establishment before them.
Moonveil Confectionery.
One of the most prestigious dessert houses in the Darkmoor Duchy.
The building itself resembled a small palace. Crystal windows reflected the morning sunlight while silver lanterns decorated the entrance. Even the fragrance drifting from inside carried a richness that spoke of expensive ingredients.
Andras searched through the original owner’s memories.
Nothing.
The previous Andras had never visited this place.
That wasn’t surprising.
The original Andras had spent most of his free time causing trouble, or avoiding social gatherings altogether.
Evelyne, however, appeared familiar with the establishment.
Without hesitation, she entered.
Andras followed beside her.
The moment they stepped inside, the entire atmosphere changed.
Customers lowered their voices.
Several nobles rose from their seats.
The manager himself hurried forward, his expression carrying both respect and anxiety.
"Duchess Darkmoor. Young Master."
He bowed deeply.
"It is an honor to welcome you."
Evelyne offered a slight nod.
"We would like a private room."
"Of course."
The manager personally guided them upstairs toward the most luxurious chamber in the establishment.
The room was spacious and elegant.
Large windows overlooked the city streets below while silver chandeliers illuminated polished blackwood furniture. Fresh flowers rested upon the table, filling the room with a subtle fragrance.
Once they were seated, a waiter entered.
Despite standing before one of the most powerful individuals in the duchy, he maintained remarkable composure.
"What would you like to order, Duchess?" he asked respectfully.
Andras silently observed him.
Interesting.
The man was experienced.
Most servants became nervous simply standing near Evelyne.
This one didn’t.
Before answering, Evelyne looked toward Andras.
"What would you like?"
Andras leaned back slightly.
"You may choose for me."
Evelyne laughed softly.
"I expected that answer."
She rested one hand against her cheek.
"I was planning to order desserts."
Her smile deepened slightly.
"Should I order something sweet for you as well?"
Andras nodded.
"That would be fine."
Evelyne turned toward the waiter.
"In that case, bring us two servings of Moonveil Crystal Cake."
"Yes, Duchess."
"And two portions of Frostberry Cream Tart."
"Of course."
She continued without hesitation.
"Also bring a pot of Silverleaf Tea and two glasses of Starwine Nectar."
The waiter bowed.
"It will be prepared immediately."
He left quietly.
Silence settled over the room.
Outside the windows, the sounds of the city drifted upward.
For several moments, neither spoke.
Then Andras broke the silence.
"Mother."
Evelyne looked at him.
"Yes?"
"You’re busy almost every day."
He spoke calmly.
"Do you ever grow tired of it?"
For a moment, Evelyne seemed genuinely surprised by the question.
Then she smiled.
"Of course."
She turned her gaze toward the city below.
"There are many days when I wish I could ignore every report, every meeting, and every responsibility."
Her voice remained soft.
"But the Darkmoor Duchy exists because someone carries those responsibilities."
She looked back at him.
"Perhaps I’ll rest once you become Duke."
Andras almost laughed.
"How can you be so certain I’ll become Duke?"
He tilted his head slightly.
"I’m not even certain of it myself."
Evelyne didn’t hesitate.
"Because I believe in you."
Her answer came immediately.
"You will become Duke."
Her blue eyes remained steady.
"And not merely a Duke."
"A respected one."
For a brief moment, Andras remained silent.
Inside his mind, however, his thoughts moved elsewhere.
In the original novel, Rise of the Sword Hero...
Andras Darkmoor never inherited the duchy.
He died long before that could happen.
The title eventually passed to Seris Darkmoor.
And honestly...
He had no particular desire to spend the rest of his life buried beneath mountains of paperwork.
Why become Duke when Evelyne already handled everything perfectly?
Besides—
There was no guarantee he would remain within the limits of a mere ducal title forever.
His ambitions had already begun growing beyond such things.
Still, he understood what Evelyne was thinking.
She likely believed his fight with Seris had damaged his confidence.
The thought amused him.
Silence returned.
A few minutes later, the waiter returned.
The desserts were exquisite.
The Moonveil Crystal Cake shimmered faintly beneath the light, layered with cream infused with magical frostberries harvested from northern mountains.
The Frostberry Cream Tart carried a delicate sweetness balanced by a refreshing chill.
The Silverleaf Tea released a rich aroma that filled the room.
Even the Starwine Nectar sparkled softly within its crystal glass.
The waiter carefully placed everything before them before withdrawing.
Evelyne sampled the cake first.
A look of satisfaction appeared on her face.
"This is excellent."
Andras took a bite himself.
The texture melted almost immediately.
Sweet.
Cold.
Surprisingly pleasant.
Evelyne watched him.
"Do you like it?"
He nodded.
"It’s very good."
She smiled.
For some reason, she appeared more pleased by his answer than by the dessert itself.
The two of them continued eating quietly.
Unlike the silence between strangers, however, this silence felt comfortable.
After finishing his tea, Andras finally spoke.
"So."
He looked toward Evelyne.
"Where are we going next?"
Evelyne’s eyes brightened slightly.
"The theater."
Andras paused.
"The theater?"
She nodded.
"A new moving picture play arrived from the Imperial Capital several days ago."
For the first time that morning, genuine curiosity surfaced within Andras.
A movie.
Or at least this world’s equivalent of one.
In his previous life, he had watched countless films.
Action.
Horror.
Fantasy.
Psychological thrillers.
He suddenly found himself curious about what entertainment looked like in a world of mana and magic.
"I’ve never seen one before," he admitted.
"Then you’ll enjoy it."
A faint smile touched Evelyne’s lips.
"We’ll go now."
The two of them finished the remainder of their drinks and desserts.
Soon afterward, they descended the stairs and returned to their carriage.
As they settled into their seats once more, Evelyne looked toward the driver.
"To the Royal Theater."
The carriage wheels began turning again.
Andras leaned back against his seat.
