Chapter 71

"Boring."

Patricia Butain's impression of the days she spent in Mühheim Castle could be summed up in this one word. Today, like any other, was another tedious day with no one to invite her or even talk to her. The emperor, upon arriving at the castle, ignored Patricia and disappeared somewhere at every opportunity. Even Lady Boiled, with whom she used to chat, often returned quickly, claiming severe morning sickness. The only noble she could converse with was the old Chamberlain, Baron, and... she could no longer bear to play chess with that man, even if it meant death. She was truly on the verge of going mad from boredom.

"If I had known this, I shouldn't have come, Emma."

Patricia grumbled to the maid following her with a basket.

"Yes, I never imagined it would be this empty and desolate, my lady."

"Everything is a mess, a complete mess. This is the first time I've seen such a backward place."

She should have noticed when the request came to bring the minimum number of attendants, as the castle was not properly maintained. Perhaps the excitement of meeting Daniel Rihardt had clouded her judgment.

'Especially since he doesn't even show his face. Why did I come here?'

When she first arrived at the Duke's castle and saw Daniel, her heart had sunk. Despite being unconscious for three years, he was still as handsome as ever. His wild black hair and his indifferent, proud face, which seemed to look down on the world, were just as they were before. No, he looked even more magnificent. Her heart beat so loudly during the evening banquet that she worried he might hear it. Even after becoming another man's wife and the emperor's mistress, Daniel was still the first love of her innocent teenage years. Most likely, any noblewoman who visited Schendal Castle, whether a young lady or a married woman, felt the same way. Among the wealthy and famous nobles of Svergen, he was undoubtedly the most eye-catching. Even Patricia, the daughter of a relatively humble noble, and the daughters of high-ranking noble families all coveted him. He was the forbidden fruit, making him all the more desirable and attractive. The only thing noblewomen could do with him, an illegitimate son, was a brief affair. Despite knowing this, many women were willing to jump into the fire. After Daniel received his title, a fierce competition among eligible young ladies began over who would win him. The most aggressive, Lady Scheideman, was rumored to have been harshly rejected.

"Hmm."

"Why, my lady?"

Patricia couldn't help but laugh, and Emma, the maid, frowned in concern and approached.

"No, I just remembered something amusing."

"It's been a long time since I've seen you laugh so happily."

"Yes, there hasn't been much to laugh about lately."

While aimlessly strolling around the castle, she stopped, intoxicated by the subtle scent of herbs. Despite the castle's large but uninteresting appearance, the air was filled with the fragrance of herbs. She remembered Lady Boiled mentioning a large herb garden inside the castle walls.

"Emma, Lady Boiled mentioned an herb garden. Is it nearby...?"

"My lady, look over there."

Turning to where Emma pointed, Patricia took a deep breath. Daniel, who was supposed to be recovering and unable to go outside, was walking towards her. He looked just as he did in Schendal Castle, striding confidently with his long legs.

'Oh my God, it's really Duke Rihardt.'

Patricia clasped her hands together, her mind going blank as she tried to greet him.

'Does he remember me?'

Her heart raced, hoping he would recognize her as Patricia, not Lady Butain. Before her marriage, she had attended every party Daniel attended and occasionally exchanged glances with him. She vividly remembered every moment his deep, dark brown eyes met hers. Before she could prepare what to say, Daniel was already close. He stopped two steps away and silently nodded his head, a polite and respectful greeting that used to make the hearts of Schendal Castle's women flutter. Patricia hurriedly curtsied in response.

"Ah, hello. Duke Rihardt..."

But after his greeting, Daniel walked past her without a word, as if he didn't recognize her. Patricia's unfinished greeting fell silently into the empty space he left behind.

***

Leopold didn't know how long he had been sitting on the floor. He propped his right knee up and casually rested his arm on it. As time passed, his posture became increasingly slanted. When the sunlight entered through the window and reached the door, he stood straight. By the time the sunlight crossed the bookshelf and reached the middle, his legs had given out, and he leaned against the bookshelf. Eventually, he found himself sitting on the floor. Now, the sunlight was slowly approaching Frida's desk. It moved steadily towards the diligent woman who never took a break, her hands busy turning pages and making notes. She seemed to have completely forgotten that Leopold was there. He hadn't realized he was so unnoticeable. Suddenly, he thought of his mother, who would sit at her desk all day, forgetting to eat, when she was handling state affairs. Leopold's lips curled into a faint smile.

'Anyone would think she's a daughter of the Baichen family, not the Harkbon family.'

He wanted to ask what she was so engrossed in, but seeing her serious expression and determined mouth, he couldn't bring himself to speak. Honestly, watching her unguarded was somewhat interesting. It was rare to see someone who didn't tense up in front of the emperor. However, recalling a similar feeling, his lips twisted bitterly. Daniel, who had acted as if he had been wronged, despite being the legitimate heir, had also been like this. He would do his own thing regardless of Leopold's presence.

'There was a time when I was captivated by Daniel's confidence.'

Leaning his head on his arm, he watched as the slanted sunlight finally reached the desk. The sunlight, filtered through the red glass, dyed Frida's hair a crimson sunset color.

'Red hair... suits her well.'

With a contented smile, he watched her slowly burn in the invisible flames. When the sunlight reached her face, Frida shielded her eyes and frowned. Then, she finally met Leopold's gaze.

"Oh, Your Majesty!"

Her surprised reaction showed she had truly forgotten he was there. It made him feel a bit hurt.

"You've been here this whole time?"

Her follow-up question was absurd. Leopold, suppressing a laugh, lifted his head.

"I didn't realize I was so unnoticeable."

Frida, who had risen from her desk, shook her head vigorously.

"No, no. It's just... I was in such a hurry that I forgot my manners. I'm truly sorry, Your Majesty."

While apologizing formally, she added a cute excuse.

"But why did you stay...? You could have left. Or at least made some noise to let me know you were here..."

Her face showed a mix of frustration and confusion. Why did you wait here without being asked? It felt a bit unfair and ridiculous, yet he couldn't help but laugh.

"Out of stubbornness."

Leopold, standing up from the bookshelf, dusted off his clothes and walked towards Frida.

"I was curious what could make you forget my presence for over an hour."

The books were filled with the long, pretentious names and histories of nobles. What could be so interesting to hold this woman's attention? As Leopold reached for a book,

"An hour?"

Frida, stepping back, knocked over a chair with a thud.

"This is bad. Daniel will be waiting."

As she hurriedly gathered the documents with ink still drying, the door to the archive opened silently. Frida, startled, turned and ran to the man entering the room with a wide smile.

"Daniel! How did you know I was here?"

Her voice, filled with affection, was excited to see her husband.

'Ah... that's right.'

After 'Laura Charde,' now 'Frida Harkbon.' Daniel keeps getting things that don't suit him. It's better to put a pearl necklace on a pig. How can such beautiful things be with someone who doesn't appreciate what he has?

'No wonder I'm so irritable.'

His frustration grew. Leopold, standing in front of Daniel, who was looking at him, forced a smile. He was tired of pretending to be happy.

***

As they walked the long corridor leading to Marian Hall, Daniel remained silent. He seemed angry, but not quite. He looked unhappy and deep in thought. Perhaps walking slowly to match Frida's pace made him seem more so. Frida, glancing at her husband, gently tugged on his sleeve as they passed Scadi Hall. Daniel met her gaze. When she smiled, he chuckled.

"Would you like a hug if you're tired?"

Stopping, Frida looked around. With more guests and servants, people occasionally passed by. She playfully tightened her neck, imitating the dignified noblewomen.

"No, Duke. I can walk on my own. There are many eyes watching, so please maintain your dignity."

"Are you upset because I lack dignity?"

"No, Daniel! How could I be?"

Surprised by his unexpected words, Frida tugged on his sleeve and asked.

"Why? Are you angry because I agreed to walk with the emperor tomorrow? I told you. I was rude to the emperor several times today, so I couldn't refuse..."

When Daniel came to fetch her, the emperor invited them to dinner. Daniel politely declined.

"It's my wife's first outing since her illness. If you understand, I'll invite you properly when she's fully recovered, Your Majesty."

"Ah, I see. In that case, I can't insist. Instead, would you like to take a light walk with me tomorrow? I won't keep your wife long, so I hope you can make an exception, brother."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I'm fine with that. I'll see you tomorrow."

Frida, not wanting to refuse again, agreed first. Daniel seemed very displeased with the decision.

"I'll only be gone for a short while. I won't wander aimlessly like before."

Frida subtly held Daniel's tightly clenched hand. She was starting to understand his habits. Daniel, who rarely showed his emotions, often clenched his fists. Frida slowly inserted her hand between his fingers, managing to interlock them. She shook his hand happily.

"I need to be by your side for a long time. I'll treat my body as the most precious thing in the world."

Giggling and playfully twisting her body, she was pulled closer by Daniel.

"Who taught you to do this?"

He lifted her off her feet and kissed her.