My Life Was Taken by My Charm-Wielding Sister—But It Ends Here (The Mind-Reading Noble Lady’s Journey to Happiness After Escaping Her Toxic Family) - Episode 62

“There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, Airny.”

One day, Varick approached Airny with those words. It was evening. Since it was the weekend and nearly the end of the workday, the office had a somewhat relaxed atmosphere.

“Of course. If I can be of help, please consult me about anything.”

Though maintaining a calm exterior, Airny’s heart was celebrating. Being relied on by the respected Varick filled him with such pride and happiness that he was absolutely thrilled.

(Is it about the ongoing policy? Or perhaps negotiations with the neighboring country?)

Maybe it’s about Otilie’s treatment? She had only been at the castle for a few days. While he had sent the necessary documents to Marquis Einhorn, confirmed their contents were correct, and processed them, perhaps there were additional documents he realized later were needed. And right now, Otilie happened to be away from her desk, making it a convenient time to discuss.

However, no matter the topic, there was only one thing Airny needed to do: stand by Varick and fulfill his wishes.

“Thank you, that’s a big help. So, if it’s alright, I’d be happy if you could spare a little time after work.”

“After work…? Yes, understood.”

Airny had assumed the consultation would happen right then, but Varick just said that and returned to his work.

(How unusual.)

Or rather, this was a first. Wondering just what kind of consultation it could be, Airny grew restless.

After work ended, Airny headed to Varick’s private chambers. They could have discussed it right there in the office, so it seemed the matter was something Varick absolutely didn’t want others to overhear.

“Sorry for making you come all the way to my room.”

“Not at all, it’s no trouble whatsoever.”

For Varick’s sake, I’d gladly do anything! — Though he didn’t say it aloud, Airny’s eyes sparkled while he kept a straight face.

After having a maid prepare tea and dismissing everyone, the two sat facing each other on the sofa. They drank their tea in silence for a while before,

“So, about that consultation…”

Varick began with a serious expression.

(Here it comes. I wonder what kind of consultation it will be…)

Airny’s palms grew sweaty, and he gulped.

“What do you think I should wear for my date with Otilie tomorrow?”

“…Huh?”

“Date with Otilie,” Airny murmured, blinking repeatedly.

Since he had been present when Varick invited Otilie, Airny naturally knew about the outing’s circumstances. However, he never expected Varick to consult him about such a thing and was genuinely surprised.

“You’re surprised, aren’t you? Being consulted about this.”

Varick said this while looking away, his cheeks flushed bright red with embarrassment.

(Gah…!)

Oh no. I shouldn’t think a man is “cute.” But Airny couldn’t find any other word for it and secretly swooned.

“To be honest, it would be a lie if I said I wasn’t surprised.”

After desperately calming himself, Airny conveyed his honest impression to Varick.

“Yeah, I thought so. I’m pretty surprised myself, honestly.”

Varick smiled sheepishly.

Airny cleared his throat with an “Ahem” and asked, “What specifically are you thinking about?”

“Well, the clothes I usually wear are too conspicuous, so I have to wear something more incognito, but I don’t know what kind of outfits Otilie likes. Also, if possible, I’d like the colors and overall feel to match hers a little, you know?”

“I see. That would definitely enhance the date atmosphere.”

When Airny said this, Varick nodded shyly with an “Mhm.” Airny internally swooned again.

“And it’s not just the clothes, I’m also unsure about where to go tomorrow within the royal capital. I want Otilie to enjoy herself as much as possible and be happy. And also… I want her to think I’m cool. I don’t want to seem inexperienced, hesitant, or troubled, so that’s why I thought I’d consult you, Airny.”

“I see.”

(Ah, how—)

—How endearing! The gap with his usual dignified impression made it feel all the more so.

(Even so.)

Varick and Airny had known each other since childhood, but this was the first time Airny had been shown such genuine, unfiltered emotions and inner thoughts.

Varick was always rational, far more mature than his years, and never showed hesitation or worry to others. Whenever he sought consultation before, it was always because he already had the answer within himself and just wanted support for it.

But Varick was only seventeen. It was only natural for him to have worries and uncertainties fitting his age.

(Really, what is this…! That a day would come when he’d rely on me like this!)

What made him happiest was knowing that he alone was privy to this side of Varick.

Surely, Varick would show not a hint of hesitation in front of Otilie and provide a smooth, perfect escort. To achieve that, even after finishing his consultation with Airny, Varick would undoubtedly spend the whole night thinking about Otilie and preparing as much as possible. That was just the kind of person Varick was.

“…I believe that no matter what you wear or where you take her, Otilie would be happy.”

Though their acquaintance was brief, Otilie was quite similar to Airny. She respected and trusted Varick from the bottom of her heart. If Otilie were to learn of Varick’s true feelings, his hesitations and worries, she would surely accept them gladly.

“Yeah, I think so too. Precisely because of that, I want to carefully consider the best way. The method that would make Otilie the happiest.”

Saying this, Varick let out a small sigh. But his expression looked very happy and joyful.

Airny placed a hand on his chest and bowed his head slowly.

“Of course, I’d be delighted to assist.”

“Really? That’s great. It’s reassuring to have your help.”

Varick said this with an unburdened smile.

(Ah, to think I’d get to see such a smile from Lord Varick…)

Until now, Varick had been entirely work-focused. He hardly attended evening parties, and his social engagements were solely for smoothing work relations. Even during inspections, he never let loose, always living and working as the Crown Prince for the sake of the country and its people. “Enjoyment” was a concept far down his list of priorities, to the point his mother, the Queen, secretly worried.

But in the last few days, Varick had changed.

While he still prioritized work as before, some of the tension had left his shoulders, and he seemed to be enjoying every day. And now, just to make Otilie happy, he was consulting Airny.

(Thank you, Miss Otilie. Because of you, it seems I can now hear Lord Varick’s inner voice as well.)

Would Varick continue to share his true feelings with him like this in the future? Would he keep relying on him? …Airny sincerely hope so.

Hiding a slight smile from Varick, Airny gently narrowed his eyes.