"Are we not feeding his obsession by buying more books?"

"Being studious is not a negative trait, Trish."

The Duchess paced back and forth while wringing her hands. The click of her heels softened by the carpet.

"Being completely shut-in? Tell me that is not a negative trait, Braster."

Trisha waved her hands in an aggravated fashion as her feet carved a path in the carpet The Duke waited nearby trying not to poke his eye out with a sewing needle.

"The books will help him. Besides, our plant will work even if he stays cooped up inside the study."

"This all too stressful, dear. My sweet Bellavarn was fine until that bitch came into his life. It's my fault for pushing him to find someone, not being closer to him these past weeks... leaving him all alone. I'm a horrible mother."

Braster finally stopped his wife's pacing and enveloped her in his arms.

"You are not to blame. You weren't the only one who vetted the new hires. All we can do now is help Bellavarn recover."

"How? Bellavarn never leaves. I haven't been able to hold a conversation with him in over a month. He refuses to attend meals, and it is getting harder to find an attendant to put up with him. The rumors spreading among the staff are getting to the point where I can't squash them. I'm too focused on keeping them from leaking outside."

He became highly sensitive to the presence of maids to the point he could identify their tiptoeing footsteps. The developing rumors didn't help. The cycle made everyone uncomfortable, especially the younger and newer staff.

The maids especially all turned away from the Young Duke, seeing him as unstable or downright untrustworthy. In response, Bellavarn transformed the library/study into his private den. The previously meager selection of reading material evolved into a proper collection with all the new additions. Almost all of it discussed magic, magic theory, applied magics, magical phenomenon, and a smattering of fiction. Bellavarn practically eats and breathes books.

The only volunteer left was Kerv. He was still employed as a guard, except now he acted as a personal attendant to Bellavarn, which included... nothing. Since Bellavarn never asked for anything other than new books or deserts, Kerv's role was a redundant one. Bellavarn cleaned up after himself, kept safe and secluded, fed himself, and was overall self-reliant.

Which was what worried Trisha.

Bellavarn was still young, under twenty. A bachelor who should be out making friends or courting women. Instead, he ostracized himself even more by locking himself away, allowing rumors and gossip to permeate. Kerv was supposed to help with social interactions and be a friend to Bellavarn, yet, Kerv reported that all Bellavarn talked about were books. Sometimes he would ask Kerv questions about history or magical theory, but it was always worded in riddles and metaphors.

All of it went right over Kerv's head.

An imperfect solution to a complicated problem.

Trisha was terrified he would never leave that room.

"He needs to meet other girls. To see that Melody is not unique."

"It was his first love, my love. We need to give him time. For now, I believe I have a way to reintroduce him into society. It is also time we tell him the good news."

"You're sure it's not too soon?"

Braster chuckled.

"Were you not the one last night saying that he should know immediately?"

Trisha slapped her husband's chest playfully, but her eyes shone like twin jewels.

=

It doesn't make sense. The story is too full of holes.

Bellavarn sat on a small step ladder with an open book in his hands. He was on page 34 of Magical Engineering Primer Volume II. The first volume sat on the step behind him. He paid neither book any notice and continued chewing on his pinky finger.

Why the bit about her sisters? Did she really make them up just to make me feel sorry for her?

Kerv sat on a couch nearby, looking simultaneously relaxed and as worried as can be. Occasionally he could hear the young master mumble indistinct words—the most prominent word being a certain maid's name.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Her home was too run down. Are all the maids from low-income families? How'd she pass the background check? How much is the usual pay for someone employed by a Duke? I've never asked any of them about their own lives... have I?

"Young Master?"

Bellavarn got up and started pacing, primer still in hand.

The West wall was lined with books; four partition bookshelves broke up the space into sections. Bellavarn organized it all and even kept a ledger, accounting for every book. He created the entire system himself. It impressed his father but Bellavarn's reason for doing it was purely convenience.

With the double doors attached to the Southern wall and large windows allowing in light along the Northern wall, the Eastern side held the most furnishings. Near the doors was a corner section that harbored a moderate selection of romance novels. A cozy fireplace with cushioned couches and chairs completed the center section. The last 1/4 of the room held a substantial desk topped with a few books, paper, ink, and pen. A shorter bookshelf was present nearby, providing easier access to all his favored grimoires and novels.

"Bell?"

Bellavarn stopped pacing.

"What?"

"You were pacing again."

"Oh. Thanks."

The guard and friend gave a small nod. Bell was Kerv's nickname for him. It served to get his attention more often than not.

Kerv refused to wear a butler's outfit, and he requested to shift out of his armor and uniform after realizing all he did was sit and lounge around. A sword and scabbard were still attached to his waist, while his buckler rested against the coffee table.

Kerv's appearance was that of a 25-year-old man. He had grizzled facial hair which he scratched often. Otherwise, his brown hair was combed back, and his narrow brown eyes always seem to droop.

Scratching his beard again, Kerv leaned forward to grab another cookie from the platter.

"Was it Melody again?"

Bellavarn looked away. It was a redundant question. What else could have him so flustered? An entire month and all he could think about was her.

"It doesn't make any sense. What she did, I mean. Why settle for so little? All she had to do was ask."

Kerv sighed and shrugged his shoulders. They've had this conversation before.

"I don't pretend to know a woman's mind."

"Why become a maid for the Sallows? There are plenty of lower houses that would accept her with less danger. She was playing with fire by choosing us. Father could have had her killed without anyone batting an eye."

"But he didn't. Your father let her go and paid her to keep quiet."

Bellavarns voice shook only a little.

"He did it for me. All because I was seduced. A stupid kid falling in love with the first person he sees."

Kerv smiled.

It was happening slowly. Painfully. Still, it was happening. The wounds were healing with time. Kerv remembered the first few discussions where "I thought we got along" and "was I not enough" were the prevailing endnotes.

Now, Bellavarn no longer believed that Melody was entirely innocent. Steadily, the intense feelings of love and affection were fading.

"I am overjoyed you've finally realized it."

Bellavarn paused, bewildered by Kerv's words.

Did he just agree I am an idiot? Can he do that?

There was a moment of silence before they both began to let humor fill their bellies. And then the doors opened.

"I am pleased you both are feeling well enough to laugh."

Kerv was at attention so fast that the imprint he left on the couch hadn't registered his absence. He saluted and shivered under the frosty gaze of Braster Sallow.

"Sir."

"Father? And Mother. Why are you both here?"

Trisha Sallow stood arm in arm with her husband, beaming, as if everything was right in the world.

"Do we need a reason to see you? Anyway, this news is better delivered in person."

Bellavarn set his book down at his desk and addressed his parents.

"It must be good news to make you smile so?"

Trisha smiled wider, nudging Braster in the ribs. With a cough that covered a grunt of pain, the Duke spoke with a light air in his voice.

"Your mother and I are having another child. You will be an older brother soon."

Bellavarn stumbled a bit, his eyes wide. He was going to be an older brother? To a younger brother? Or a sister?

"Truly? Haha... Truly?"

Seeing his mother grinning uncontrollably and his father's sly smile made all his previous worries fall away. He forgot for a moment where he was and how he got here.

Bellavarn bounded over to his mother, picked her up, and spun her around. She squeaked as she was stolen from Braster's side and twirled in the air. After receiving a protective look from his father he set her down.

"Yes, your mother is pregnant. Be more careful with her."

Bellavarn only laughed and did the same to his father. His mother chuckled as Braster squirmed and cursed until he extricated himself. Kerv didn't dare so much as twitch.

"I know how happy you two must be. You've been trying for years, haven't you?"

"Well. I... hrm."

Trisha slapped her uncharacteristically stammering husband.

"Yes, we have. It was a welcome surprise when the morning sickness set in. Your father was beside himself with worry."

"Hah! I was not. I was... concerned."

"That is what worrying is, dear."

Bellavarn grinned from ear to ear, in the best mood in years.

"How far along are you? When can I expect my sibling?"

Braster cleared his throat, deciding to throw out any expectations and simply be relieved at positive Bellavarn's reaction.

"The doctor estimates the pregnancy around three months. So we are expecting the baby to arrive sometime around the beginning or middle of Autumn."

Bellavarn did a double-take at his mother's stomach. How were they hiding it all this time? Or... was it because he never saw his mother lately?

His parents noticed his mood turn somber, prompting them to exchange a conspiratorial nod.

"We've kept it a secret for as long as we could, so don't feel down if you didn't notice. Only the doctor and a few others knew."

"It's not easy to hide anymore so your father informed the King. Congratulations were sent and we've been invited to dinner next week."

Bellavarn glanced from face to face and registered their meaning.

"You'll be joining us, of course. The King's family will be in attendance as well. This will give you the chance to socialize."

"Ah."

Was he ready for such a thing? With the King? The princes and princesses? Could he go out after so long? Bellavarn could feel his resolve firm and his shoulders square.

"I'd be delighted to have dinner with the Royal Family. It is in celebration of my younger sibling, after all."

His smile wasn't forced for once. If it was for his future brother or sister? For his loving parents? Bellavarn would brave anything.