Chapter 40

'Glorious.'

It was Muriel's impression as she watched the carriage, adorned with loud patterns, approach while its flag fluttered in the wind. The Updyke Marquess family's carriage, which had maintained the position of border marquess for generations, was of a size comparable to that of the royal family.

"Still, it's quite a spectacle."

Dominic, leaning against a central hall pillar at an angle, grumbled as he watched the carriage. Ever since he heard that the Updyke Marquess and the Boyle Viscount couple had arrived outside the castle, he had been in this state, clearly dissatisfied with something.

"Why have you been grumbling all this time?"

"Of course, it's because of that crazy flower deer. Is the Boyle Viscount even a noble? That guy just barges in whenever someone greets him. By the way, is the lady not feeling well?"

The Boyle Viscount was the first official guest to visit the Mühheim Castle after Daniel became the lord. Regardless of who he was, the lord and over a dozen servants were in the front courtyard to welcome the first guest to the historic duchy castle. However, the lady, who should have been standing next to the Duke, was nowhere to be seen. It was said that the Duchess's health was poor, and the Duke had personally forbidden her from going out. This was the news Muriel had passed on to Dominic early in the morning, along with a pouch of gold coins.

"She has a severe cold. Anton said she should rest for a few days. Oh, don't forget to pass on the advance payment today. In this business, credit is everything, and he's worried about starting off by missing a deadline."

"Just a day or so. I thought you wouldn't even look at an untrustworthy guy. Are you sure you can entrust such an important task to someone like me?"

At that moment, the carriage arrived in the front courtyard. As the wheels stopped, the flag of the Updyke family, which had been fluttering vigorously, drooped.

"…Miss, she doesn't know what you've done yet. She never will. So, don't say anything unnecessary and stay a good person as you are now."

"What? What do you mean by that…."

"Living a short life, seeing only what you want to see and doing only what you want to do, there's no need to know about the dirty and despicable things. Not knowing is better."

"Are you saying I'm dirty and despicable?"

While Muriel was avoiding answering, the carriage door opened. Anticipating the sight of Heinrich Updyke, whom she had only heard about, Muriel's head stretched out.

"They say the Updyke heir is incredibly handsome…."

As soon as the door opened, someone jumped out of the carriage. Muriel, seeing a blond man run into Duke Richard's arms, leaned forward, her neck and shoulders completely extended.

"Daniel! Wow, you're really awake. My hero is really awake. How's your head? Are you okay? Dominic, that bastard, why did you throw yourself in front of him? I was so worried."

Heinrich Updyke, true to his nickname, had large, round blue eyes like a flower deer. He touched various parts of Duke Richard's body, who stood like an old tree, while talking non-stop.

"Wow… your body has already recovered this much? As expected, it's our Daniel. Daniel, I… uh."

Daniel, pushing Heinrich's face away with a large palm, walked briskly to the carriage. He extended his long arm into the carriage and bowed deeply.

"Thank you for your journey, Lady Boyle. And you, Viscount."

A woman with dark blond hair and green eyes, who managed a radiant smile despite her fatigue, stepped out of the carriage. The face of the Boyle Viscount, who followed, was much darker than his wife's. Muriel suspected that this was due to the blond young man standing behind Duke Richard.

"That kid is still the same."

Dominic, pursing his lips, cursed without restraint.

"Hmm… The Updyke heir is a bit different from what I heard."

"What's different? He looks like a crazy flower deer just by looking at him."

"He does look like a flower deer in appearance…."

Dominic, frowning, growled before Muriel could finish speaking.

"Who said that? Is the nickname because of his appearance?"

"No? I thought it was because he smiles beautifully and viciously with eyes like a flower deer when he goes into battle…."

"Ha! Eyes like a flower deer, my ass."

Is this woman blind? How can those eyes look like a flower deer? Dominic clicked his tongue in disbelief.

"I came up with that nickname. He runs around wildly like a deer with an arrow in its ass, and his actions are just like a crazy guy with flowers in his hair. Can't you see that?"

Shaking his head, Dominic turned his gaze to Daniel, who was escorting the Viscountess with proper manners.

'Kid. You look quite noble now.'

Sometimes, Daniel seems like the real Duke Richard. Today is one of those days. How can he maintain such composure even with the crazy Heinrich by his side? It's truly an amazing ability. There was a time when I thought there was no difference between him and me. A noble brat. An illegitimate child who couldn't inherit the fief or title. Most people with such a name are often bullied by legitimate children and struggle to make a living. Fortunately, the late Duke Richard was a rare kind-hearted person who even allowed his mistress to raise someone else's child. His son was also cherished. As for Lady Laura, she was an angel. Being Daniel's parent made me envious and resentful… and thought he was a fool. Idiot. Even as a child, he should have known better. How could he not realize how that damn woman, Margret, saw him? Seeing her look at him like a fox deciding when to eat a chicken, and thinking she was kind and benevolent? How could I not be worried? No wonder Lady Laura begged me to stay by Daniel's side. But Daniel's true worth was revealed after his mother's death. He became so cold and calculating that it was shocking… Sigh… Even my father and I were amazed. The boy who used to cry in bed improved his sword skills so much that my father gave up sparring with him before he turned sixteen. Dominic had long acknowledged his defeat and bowed his head. He received etiquette training more diligently than when Lady Laura was alive. He was so meticulous that even the wolves of Schendal Castle couldn't find a flaw. Of course, the way he spoke, learned from mercenaries since childhood, couldn't be helped, but at least he didn't act as crudely as I did. Being an illegitimate child but of noble blood, right? Unfortunately. When Daniel took the lead in the royal succession war, my father and I, instead of working as mercenaries for money, swore to serve him as our lord. It happened naturally, like water flowing. Even if it wasn't Lady Laura's will, wouldn't it have ended up this way eventually? Sometimes I think so.

'Yeah, Daniel. You're great.'

Watching Daniel, who was guiding Lady Boyle with impeccable posture, Dominic chuckled, reminiscing about the past. As they ascended the stairs, Dominic hid behind a pillar to avoid facing Heinrich. Muriel muttered as she watched them enter the first-floor corridor led by the Duke.

"The Updyke Marquess is known for his sternness… but his son is quite unexpected."

"Just avoid him. He's only a noble by name, but his actions are worse than a street thug."

"Seems like you two don't get along well?"

"That guy's mental state is a problem, but his mouth is the real issue. He's tolerable if he just keeps his mouth shut…."

At that moment, a loud, ear-splitting voice came from behind them.

"Hey, Daniel! Isn't that woman Harkbon? What? I thought she'd be bedridden, groaning about today and tomorrow, but she's walking around just fine!"

Muriel realized that there's always a reason why someone is called crazy. *** When dizziness struck again, Frieda gripped the railing on the second-floor staircase tightly. Daniel had told her to rest, but she couldn't lie down. She was the lady of the castle, the Duchess of Richard. After quickly getting ready, Frieda met the guests on the second-floor staircase. Three unfamiliar faces. The young man with bright blond hair and large eyes must be Heinrich Updyke, the heir of the Updyke Marquess.

"Pay no attention to what he says."

Following her husband's warning, she ignored his outburst. Next, the woman with dark blond hair and green eyes, escorted by Daniel, was Lady Boyle. Muriel said she was almost forty but looked at least ten years younger. Despite the long journey, her smile was beautiful. The Boyle Viscount, standing behind her, was a middle-aged man with brown hair and blue eyes, looking somewhat strict. His expression, alternating between Frieda and Heinrich, clearly showed his discomfort. He seemed simple, even a bit naive, for someone sent by the Empress. After looking at each of them, Frieda slowly descended the stairs, holding the railing.

Frieda Cloud Harkbon, who relied on the worries and help of others, was not here. I am the Duchess of Richard. Descending the stairs with the grace and dignity Daniel had instructed, Frieda first approached Lady Boyle. Heinrich Updyke was the Marquess's son but did not yet hold the title. According to etiquette, she should greet the titled Viscount and his wife first, and among them, the Viscountess.

"Lady Boyle. I am Frieda Cloud Richard. I hope you can forgive my rudeness for not coming out to greet you personally."

Lady Boyle, whose smile deepened, bowed to Frieda.

"There's nothing to forgive. The Duke just mentioned that you were not feeling well. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady. I am Matilda Agnes Boyle."

"Thank you for your journey. I must apologize first. You arrived earlier than expected, so your room might not be perfectly prepared."

"That's fine. The duchy is so beautiful that I'm already excited just to be here."

Frieda, responding with a gentle smile, then lightly greeted the Boyle Viscount.

"Welcome, Viscount Boyle. I've heard you are very capable. Both the Duke and I have high hopes for you."

"Thank you for your hospitality, Lady. I… I know this is sudden, but could I ask a favor?"

"A favor?"

"Stephan, I'm fine, really."

Lady Boyle, looking troubled, held her husband's arm. As Frieda, with wide eyes, looked at him, the Viscount quietly stepped aside from the group. Stephan whispered to Frieda, who had followed him.

"My wife is pregnant. She's very tired, even if she doesn't show it. I know it's impolite, but could you please take her to her room immediately?"

"Oh!"

Frieda, covering her mouth in surprise, hurried to Lady Boyle's side.

"Let's go to your room right away, Lady. Why didn't you tell me this important news earlier? Come this way. Dominic!"

Dominic, who had been glaring at Heinrich outside the door, hesitated but approached when Frieda called him.

"What? Dominic Moly, you were hiding there…."

Frieda, walking past Heinrich, who tried to acknowledge her, quickly pulled his arm.

"Go to the Skadi Hall and tell them to finish ventilating the Viscountess's room immediately. Hurry!"

"Why should I do that? We have new servants."

"They're all busy helping in the kitchen. Actually…."

Frieda whispered something in his ear, and Dominic nodded, saying he understood, and ran off. Frieda then pulled Daniel's arm, leading him toward the stairs.

"What is it?"

She acted more elegantly and confidently than expected. Why suddenly? Daniel, seeing Frieda's excited face, asked calmly. Frieda leaned close to his ear.

'Be as affectionate, bold, and proactive as possible.'

Frieda pressed her body against Daniel and stroked his arm.

"Daniel, I have a favor to ask."

'Da, Daniel?'

The voice in his ear was overly gentle, and the breath on his earlobe was unnecessarily… stimulating.