Sincerely, Vanessa [EN]: Chapter 77

Vanessa woke up from an excessively perfect night. The well-organized space was warm, and the bed, shielded by curtains, felt incredibly cozy. As the soft, dim light gently touched her brown hair, Vanessa sat up.

The servants of the Duke’s estate were so diligent that by the time Vanessa had washed and entered the adjoining drawing room, the clothes she was to wear were already neatly laid out.

Vanessa wondered if they were the clothes she had worn the day before, but it was clear they were brand new and untouched.

This was the Duke’s estate, after all; there was no way the laundry would be delayed. It was clear that someone had a strong desire to see her dressed in new clothes.

Vanessa carefully picked up the new clothes. The attire wasn’t overly decorated or embroidered, and it felt similar to what she usually wore, so it didn’t feel too overwhelming.

Of course, the fabric was so soft it had a subtle sheen, the skirt’s pleats were full, and the lace on the sleeves was so delicately patterned it looked like a painting, but Vanessa didn’t examine it too closely.

After some deliberation, Vanessa decided to change into the clothes. She couldn’t very well go out in her pajamas.

Once she changed, the clothes fit perfectly, as if they had been made specifically for her.

“The waist fits perfectly too.”

*How did they know my size?* Vanessa tilted her head, then looked at herself in the mirror.

As she turned, the skirt gently spread out and then wrapped around her. She was satisfied with her presentable appearance.

*I should ask to buy this outfit; I’ll pay for it,* Vanessa thought, proudly smoothing out the hem of the long skirt.

Ready, Vanessa stepped out of the room. Even though it was still early dawn, several people were already hurrying about in the hallway.

Vanessa saw a girl who seemed to be tidying up another room and cautiously spoke.

“Ah, excuse me…”

The girl, with pigtails and freckles all over her cheeks and nose, turned her head, met Vanessa’s eyes, and smiled brightly.

The servants of Valder Castle had noticed that the young lady with brown hair and sparkling blue eyes, who occasionally appeared, was very important to the Duke.

Their Duke had spent most of his time working since losing his family.

Luxury and indulgence were so far removed from their employer that some servants couldn’t understand why he was so engrossed in work.

His meals were always simple, and if it weren’t for Perez, the aide, or Ronan and Miguel, he wouldn’t even think of grooming himself.

Perez would constantly berate him for minutes on end, complaining about the state of the Duke’s only formal attire in Friva [the kingdom or region]. Only then could he be persuaded to add one more jewel pin to his collar.

However, he was generous to the servants who had been there for generations. Their salaries were accurate, prompt, and the highest in Friva.

They received all their holidays, and he readily understood when their families were sick and they needed to take extended leave, though he himself never took a proper vacation.

But whenever the blue-eyed lady appeared, their Duke would drop everything and come to the castle to spend time with her.

So, they couldn’t possibly not know about their relationship, especially with Perez and Ramona being so attentive.

That’s why everyone liked Vanessa and desperately pretended not to know about their relationship, because the only time the Duke rested was when this lady was around.

That was why Vanessa was met with bright smiles no matter who she asked. Only Vanessa thought their relationship was a secret within the castle.

“You’re up early! How can I help you?”

The girl with freckles smiled brightly, and Vanessa asked awkwardly.

“Perhaps, the Duke…”

“He said he’s preparing to leave because he has urgent business! He should be on the fourth floor… Shall I call someone to guide you?”

After some thought, Vanessa shook her head. The basket in the girl’s hand was full of white cloths, so she clearly looked very busy.

“I’ll go myself. Thank you for letting me know.”

“Ah! Just a moment.”

The girl glanced down the stairs and quickly continued.

“Do you prefer a light breakfast? The kitchen is busy, so I thought it would be good if I ran ahead and told them.”

“No, I’m just going. It’s really okay!”

Vanessa was taken aback, but the girl shook her head vigorously, even swinging her pigtails. Her thin eyebrows shot up.

“The fish is very fresh today, so you must have some! I’ll tell them you prefer something light. Oh, your cloak is a bit dirty, and the fur is precious, so it will take some time to clean! If you give me your address, I’ll send it to you later.”

The girl bowed and hurried away. Vanessa stared blankly at her retreating figure before taking a deep breath. Then, she cautiously climbed the stairs.

Upon reaching the fourth floor, there were only three doors on the wide, long hallway.

As with everywhere else in Valder Castle, there were no deliberately ostentatious patterns or ornate carvings, but the thick carpeted hallway muffled every footstep, and only a soft light flickered.

*There’s no one walking around on this floor.*

Since it was the hallway where the Duke’s room was located, it was clear that it wasn’t easy to come and go.

Vanessa blinked awkwardly, then concluded that it would be best not to go in since she didn’t know where he was.

However, before Vanessa could turn around and go down the stairs, Perez was hurrying up.

“Ah, I heard you were awake. It’s still early… Was there anything uncomfortable?”

“Not at all! It was a very, very perfect night.”

“Then why aren’t you going in and turning around? I will guide you to the Duke.”

Perez gave a hearty smile, quickly walked up the stairs, threw open the large door in front, and grinned.

“It seems our Duke is busy and about to leave without eating again… I would be very grateful if you could help me stop him.”

Vanessa couldn’t help but laugh at those words.

Perez led Vanessa inside. It was a space she had never entered before. The structure wasn’t much different from the guest room Vanessa had slept in, but it had a wider and more refined atmosphere.

From the corner, there was only the soft sound of fabric brushing against something; it was quiet. However, the owner of the room keenly noticed the approaching footsteps.

“Perez, I have something to do and need to leave immediately-”

Their eyes met. Vanessa, who had swallowed wrong, coughed and quickly turned her head.

Gideon was dressed in the formal attire typical of nobles, but the problem was that the front of his shirt was completely open. He raised an eyebrow at Vanessa, who was coughing, and chuckled.

Vanessa tried to shake off the sight of his well-developed body that was flickering before her eyes.

*Why does someone born as the heir to the Duke’s family have a body like that? Is Friva such a difficult place to live?*

“Oh dear, I seem to have brought you at a bad time.”

Perez smiled and opened a drawer on the side, taking out a velvet box. Gideon naturally took out the cufflinks inside and began to fasten them with one hand.

“Your intentions are obvious.”

“How about you consider it a heart that worries about its master?”

Perez gestured to Vanessa to quickly intervene. Vanessa, who had been suppressing her pounding chest since morning, spoke.

“Why, why are you leaving so early? Is something wrong?”

“I have matters to discuss with His Majesty… You can leave a little later, after finishing breakfast.”

He ended firmly. When Vanessa pouted, he reached out, tapped her plump lower lip, and raised the corner of his mouth.

“You want me to eat alone in a castle without its owner and leave? No way. Isn’t it *me* who should be sneaking out in the early hours when there’s no one around?”

“The servants in our castle like Vanessa eating more than they like me. Don’t you know that?”

“That’s the wrong answer. Do you know how much people here like Gideon?”

Gideon tilted his head as if he didn’t know anything, and Vanessa clicked her tongue at his audacity.

The smiling man began to tighten his collar with a dark silk tie. It had no pattern, but the flowing sheen was luxurious.

Vanessa watched him and sat on the armchair next to her.

Watching a man prepare to go out was a feast for the eyes. Because he was so handsome, even the way he tied his tie aroused a strange excitement. It was the first time she had found the veins on the back of his hand attractive.

As Vanessa quietly admired him, she rested her chin on her hand and casually opened her mouth.

“I want to have breakfast with Gideon. Won’t you grant my wish?”

As soon as he heard that voice, Perez quickly slipped out of the room.

He thought that as he got older, he needed to become wiser and know when to step forward and when not to. And now was the time to leave.

Gideon stopped his hand with a flinch. Vanessa blinked her blue eyes and looked at him innocently.

“Let’s have breakfast together. It’s still early. I don’t want to eat alone.”

It was a sweet whisper. Gideon stared at Vanessa, who was sitting in the armchair.

A white blouse with voluminous lace sleeves, a long skirt, and white ankles beneath it.

Somehow, the colors were similar to the formal attire he was wearing, which made him laugh. It was probably a prank by Ramona and Perez.

She always looked exciting, but it was the first time they were together in this castle, early in the morning, which made his heart race even more. Gideon felt that the castle, which he always felt was desolate, was full and satisfying today.

As he strode closer, the shadow of his large body covered Vanessa. Vanessa was still looking up at him as if she didn’t know anything.

However, before Gideon could fully bend down, Vanessa grabbed his silk tie and pulled him closer.