The Black-haired Noblewoman, Who Disguised Herself, Seems To Have Been Doted On While Serving As The Caretaker For The Duke Who Dislikes Women - Episode 46

I was somewhat worried that my husband might think it was strange, but I somehow managed to seize the opportunity to talk to Mr. Curtis. After lunch, Mr. Curtis came to the garden as promised. Just in case, I held a broom in my hand. Although it was technically my break time, I did it somewhat to mask my guilt towards my husband. By the way, the gardeners and servants were a little distance away, so it wasn’t just the two of us alone in this space.

“Here he comes, Michelle. That’s unusual. What’s going on? What are you talking about?”

“I’m, I’m sorry for calling you over.”

This will probably be the first and last chance. I firmly held onto Curtis in my heart, who had a refreshing smile and his orange hair sparkling in the sunlight. I won’t let him go until I find out what he wants or likes… No way!

“That’s great and all, but what’s up? Do you have something on your mind? If you want, I can listen.”

“Y-yes. Thank you very much. …Um…”

I have plenty of enthusiasm, but what should I do? How can I naturally steer the conversation in that direction? I at least understand that I shouldn’t just bluntly ask, “What do you want, Mr. Curtis? Amanda wants to prepare something for your birthday,” right here. That would ruin everything. Whether or not to confess my feelings is Amanda’s own issue.

I desperately search for a clue while my eyes dart around.

“Um, well… Mr. Curtis, what do you do on your days off?”

It’s so unnatural. Why do I have to care about Mr. Curtis’s day off? But it can’t be helped. There’s no time. I can’t wait for a natural flow to develop.

Mr. Curtis also answered with a genuinely puzzled expression.
“I don’t have any time off.”

“Yes. … Yes? Huh? D-don’t you have any days off…?”

“I basically always assist Lord Lloyd with his work. When Lord Lloyd is working, I’m working too. He doesn’t take breaks, so I don’t take breaks either.”

“Th…

No way… Huh? Is that really okay?

Did my concern get through to him? Mr. Curtis adds with a hearty laugh.

“Well, you know, even Lord Lloyd is human, so he takes breaks and sleeps at night, right? During those times, I also take breaks in my own room. Lord Lloyd sometimes tells me to take a break too, but even if I get a day off, I don’t really have anything to do.”

“Is that so…?”

“Ah… Well, there are times when I actually get a day off, and I sometimes go check on the old orphanage. Just to play with the kids, you know? But even then, I go there a few times a year for Lord Lloyd’s inspections, so it feels like there’s no need to go out of my way.”

“I see…”

The old orphanage, huh? Speaking of which, Curtis said he was from an orphanage. When I accompanied him on an inspection of another orphanage, he played a lot with the children. I wonder if he likes kids.

Well then, how about a gift that includes things to play with the kids? Like a ball or something…

No, no, that’s not quite right either. It feels like the main purpose would be to please the children. It’s not a gift for an adult man. It should be something just for Mr. Curtis…

While pondering various things, I asked Mr. Curtis again.

“So, Mr. Curtis, during that time… what do you do while you’re resting in your room?”

“Huh? He’s sleeping. Normally.”

I-I see……”

I felt a deep sense of disappointment inside. I had planned to extract more useful information, but it seemed unlikely to yield any significant results. I could picture Amanda’s sad face.

But at that moment, Mr. Curtis exclaimed, “Ah.”

“Other than that, I guess I’m just reading books. Lord Lloyd keeps nagging me to read more books, you know.”

…this…!?

I instantly lifted my face and bit down.

“Wh-what kind of books do you read!?”

“Well, Lord Lloyd told me to read the reference books and etiquette books in the mansion’s library, but you know, I’m not really good at studying by reading books. See, I’m the type who learns through practical experience.”

Ignoring Curtis’s words as he smirks and says that, I persistently ask again.

“Well then… what kind of books do you usually read?”

“What do you call it? Um… oh, a historical novel? I thought it might help me study history, so I started reading it, and it’s actually quite interesting.”

“I see! Even if you don’t like studying, you can read novels interestingly, right?”

“Seems like it. It’s completely different when there’s a story. Strangely, I don’t get very sleepy either.”

It seems that reference books make you sleepy.

Hearing a good story, I asked more questions.

“Th-then, if it’s a novel in a genre other than historical fiction…!!”

At that moment, I saw my husband walking towards me over Mr. Curtis’s shoulder, and I couldn’t help but fall silent.