The Duke Who Loves Children

“Waaaah…!”

One week had passed since departing the Imperial Capital.

They arrived in Gratz, the capital of the Lanberg territory, and Jonah let out a sound of awe.

Gratz, though part of the empire, overflowed with foreign atmosphere, and various peoples passed through its streets.

“This place does border the stronghold of the remnants of the Demon King’s army, but it’s also the Empire’s gateway connecting east to west and down to the south. Jonah, are you surprised?”

“Yes! I’ve read about it in books, but it’s my first time seeing it in person!”

Jonah’s onyx eyes sparkled as he nodded with a beaming smile. Seeing him like that made Duke Lanberg’s face soften.

“…After all, Jonah is so adorable. That’s precisely why I’m extra worried about some bad sort getting attached to him.”

“Y-yeah…”

Along the way, Patricia had grown a little exasperated with Titancia, who always puffed her cheeks out in discontent.

Patricia understood that Jonah was an endearing boy liked by everyone, but Titancia’s possessiveness went a bit too far.

“Now then… we’ll take our own lodgings. Jonah, over here.”

Saying that, Patricia reached for the carriage—

“…Well, I suppose I can’t help it. I’ll specially invite you all to stay at our manor.”

Duke Lanberg said that, knitting her brows as she cradled Jonah protectively.

Over the past week, it seemed her heart had been completely seized by Jonah.

“Well then, we’ll gladly accept your offer.”

“Mm, thank you.”

“Sigh…”

Duke Lanberg sighed—she hadn’t expected things to turn out like this right after the meeting.

But.

“Um… thank you. I’m sorry for the trouble, but please take care of us.”

“…! O-of course it’s absolutely fine! Please relax and make yourselves at home!”

When Jonah bowed deeply and thanked her politely, Duke Lanberg’s face softened and she accepted at once.

In the capital, she was only twenty-six yet led one of the Five Great Ducal Houses with a firm hand, earning her the nickname “a heroine” from many—but seeing her like this would surely make them do a double-take.

The carriage carrying Jonah and Duke Lanberg passed down the main street and went through the gates of the town’s largest manor.

“Jonah, be careful when you get down.”

“I’m fine!”

In front of the worried Duke Lanberg, Jonah struck a playful pose and jumped down.

Because he manipulates his body with ancient magic, there had been some concern about whether he’d land properly, but Jonah managed to get down safely and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Honestly… but children are better off being that lively.”

Duke Lanberg gave a wry smile and nudged Jonah’s back as they stepped into the manor, but—

“……………………”
“……………………”
“……………………”
“……………………”

The servants who had come to greet them, led by a gray-haired elderly man at the front, fell silent upon seeing Jonah and Duke Lanberg.

Some of them even had tears in their eyes.

“Come, Jonah, you must be tired from the long journey. She… head maid Petra will take care of you, so please relax. Petra, I’m counting on you.”

“Yes, leave it to me. Sir Jonah, this way please.”

“Y-yes. Miss Patricia, Miss Titancia, see you later.”

“Ah, see you later.”

“Mm.”

Following an older woman who looked to be in her forties, Jonah walked through the manor.

They were led to—

“Waaaah! The view is amazing!”

The most special room in the Lanberg residence, from whose windows one could take in a full view of the city of Gratz.

Moreover, the desk, bedding, and everything else were perfectly sized, as if tailored just for Jonah.

“Does it please you?”

“Yes! Thank you for preparing such a room for me!”

Jonah answered happily, offering words of thanks with an innocent, childlike smile.

Seeing that, Petra for some reason pressed at the corner of her eye and welled up.

“Ah!? Wh-what’s the matter!?”

“Ah… I-I’m so sorry. Please don’t mind me…”

Petra forced a smile and answered like that, but Jonah couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

Jonah’s nature was kind to begin with, but having been alone at the Langheim household for so long, he felt a strong desire to repay and devote himself to those who had been kind and caring to him.

He didn’t know Petra well, but she was a servant personally appointed by Duke Lanberg, who had treated him so kindly this past week. That alone was enough for Jonah to want to do something for her.

“…Honestly, that kind of gentle side of you reminds me of Lord Daniel…!?”

Perhaps she let her guard down when Jonah peered in with concern—Petra murmured something like that, then hurriedly clamped her mouth shut.

But the person she named, ‘Daniel’—between how kindly Duke Lanberg treated him and the care taken with this room, Jonah felt there had to be something more going on.

“…Petra. Um… could you tell me about this person called Daniel…?”

Jonah took Petra’s hand and pleaded.

Jonah had thought that defeating Taromati, a commander of the Demon King’s army known as ‘Apostasy’, would be a way to repay Duke Lanberg, but perhaps there were other things he could do. With that thought, he stared at Petra.

Then—

“…That was ten years ago.”

Yielding at last, Petra began to speak haltingly.