DLBF Chapter 27

Chapter 27 – Taking the Initiative

Chapter 2, Part 4.2

Novel Title: ルーデンドルフ公と森の獣 (Duke Ludendorff and the Beast of the Forest)

Author：かわい有美子 (Kawai Yumiko)

Illustrator: 周防佑未 (Suoh Yuumi)

Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)

Protagonists: 藤森賢士 (Kenji Fujimori -MC), ユリアン ルーデンドルフ (Julian Ludendorff -ML)

*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*

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Tonight again, an unbelievably lavish dinner, consisting of guinea fowl roasted with crispy bacon, was spread across the dining table.

According to Julian, while Forst is a very dry, work-focused person outside of his job, he is a top-notch chef. Indeed, the food he prepares is quite heavy, and the portions are overwhelming for Fujimori. But everything he makes is uniformly delicious.

Even dishes that Fujimori isn’t accustomed to eating taste good, which is a testament to Forst’s skill. The daily rye bread he bakes also has a depth of flavour that never gets old, making it consistently enjoyable.

As a result, Fujimori feels like he’s gained a little weight since coming here.

After dinner, Fujimori and Julian relax in the living room for a while.

Since there’s no TV in this mansion, time seems to pass more slowly. Julian is sketching something in his sketchbook, while Fujimori reads a book that Julian had lent him, saying it was interesting.

The book was a beautifully illustrated Western fairy tale published in the early 20th century. Although it was a fantasy fiction, the castles, grand halls, bedrooms, clothing, and customs of the people were depicted with great detail. The mixture of Eastern and Western elements created a unique, mysterious world, making it fascinating to look at even without reading the story.

At first, Fujimori had been sitting next to Julian on the sofa, reading his book. But when Julian pulled him closer, saying, “Come here,” Fujimori ended up lying with his head on Julian’s lap, just like earlier in the day, while he continued to read.

I’ve never even let a girlfriend give me a lap pillow before… Fujimori thought, stealing glances at Julian’s well-defined face from behind his book as Julian’s pencil glided over the sketchbook.

In the past, Fujimori had never really considered relaxing or being pampered by someone else like this. But things change when the person you’re with changes.

Or maybe it was Julian’s particular aura that made Fujimori feel comfortable enough to let himself be cared for in this way.

That might be it… Fujimori thought. Julian was older, much larger in build, and though he was a bit overly sensitive, he was kind. He seemed to enjoy being close to Fujimori like this.

Because of that, Fujimori didn’t feel like he was being overly dependent. And he could relax comfortably in this position.

Maybe I’m being a bit too clingy... Fujimori thought as he looked up at Julian’s face, blushing to himself.

“Would you like a peach, or perhaps some oranges?”

Noticing Fujimori’s reaction, Julian pointed to a glass fruit bowl beside him and asked if he wanted something to eat.

“No, I’m already full.”

The bowl was filled with peaches, oranges, and grapes, all available to take at any time. Leaving fruit out like that for people to eat whenever they wanted was already different from the Japanese way of thinking. But even if Fujimori didn’t reach out for any because he was full, the abundance of it felt luxurious.

In Japan, aside from mandarins in winter, fruit is considered quite a luxury. At least for Fujimori, he rarely buys them for himself.

“It’s like having mandarins while sitting at a kotatsu,” he muttered.

Julian responded with a small shrug and a smile, as if to say, ‘What do you mean?’

“There’s this heating appliance in Japan called a kotatsu,” Fujimori began explaining, “It’s a low table with a blanket draped over it…”

When Fujimori explained the concept, Julian found the system quite amusing and unique. Being invited to lounge around together like that during the coming winter felt charming in many ways.

Though Fujimori declined the peach, he sat up and began picking at the grapes, one or two at a time. Julian set his sketchbook aside.

As Julian stroked his hair, Fujimori turned to look at him, thinking about how much Julian truly enjoyed physical affection. Then, with a gentle but serious expression, Julian asked: “Will you sleep in your room tonight? Or would you prefer to come to mine?”

Fujimori found the question a bit funny. Thinking that Julian, who usually wasn’t so blunt, was probably influenced by their earlier conversation about Japanese customs surrounding relationships. However, he also understood that Julian was trying his best to be respectful and considerate, not wanting to seem insincere.

“Well, should I come to your room?” Fujimori asked in return.

Though he hadn’t fully made up his mind, Fujimori had suspected that Julian might invite him sooner or later. Agreeing to sleep in Julian’s room would make his intentions clear.

“Thank you. That makes me happy,” Julian said softly, planting a tender kiss on Fujimori’s forehead.

Before considering the fact that they were two men, Fujimori found Julian endearing and adorable. Part of this was likely due to his recent experience fantasising about Julian in the bathtub. But it was also because he felt compelled to respond to Julian’s affection. 

He knew that if things didn’t work out, Julian wouldn’t get angry or feel awkward, as might happen with a woman. Julian was incredibly patient, which gave Fujimori a sense of reassurance and encouragement.

“Shall we go, then?”

Julian gently pulled Fujimori up by the arm and escorted him with great care.

As they reached the bedroom, Fujimori waited with a slight sense of nervousness for Julian to open the door. Just then, a grey cat slipped out from inside.

Surprised to see the cat there, Fujimori watched as Julian spoke to the feline’s back.

“Good night, Wagahai.”

Wagahai glanced back at Julian with blue eyes, gave a small meow, and walked down the hallway.

“Does he usually stay in your room at night?” Fujimori’s mind wandered to the small detail of how long Julian had had the cat.

“No, he’s a bit of a free spirit. So he comes and goes. Most of the time, he’s not around.”

Julian gently pushed Fujimori’s back, ushering him into the room.

As soon as they were inside, Julian’s demeanour changed from the gentlemanly escort to a much more passionate lover as he embraced him tightly in his arms.

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*Translator’s Note: You know where we’re heading next… Teehee. -K

☝🏻Kotatsu. There’s heating underneath and yeah, cats love it! Lol!

Next update: 2024.11.16

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