Chapter 73

Even though it was early in the morning, the day was bright enough that no lamp was needed. After looking around outside, Dominic turned the window lock firmly and then turned around.

"The season of the white nights is approaching."

When summer comes to the Svergen Empire, the white nights begin, where the sun does not set all day. The days are hot, and the daylight hours are long, so people generally wake up early and go to bed late. It was a chaotic and precarious season with accidents happening one after another. Daniel, who was reading a report detailing recent trends across the empire, handed the first page to Dominic. Dominic, upon receiving the document, immediately threw it into the fireplace. The paper, thrown onto the newly lit pile of wood, burst into flames and quickly turned to ash, leaving no trace. As Daniel read on about the situation at the eastern border, his expression grew increasingly stern. He folded his arms and pressed his fingers into his temples. Seeing this, Dominic narrowed his eyes.

"Did you have trouble sleeping again last night?"

Lately, Daniel has developed a habit of frowning and touching his forehead and temples. At first, it seemed to be due to the emperor, but the frequency is becoming increasingly concerning.

"I have trouble sleeping every night."

Daniel replied indifferently, and the second page he handed over also went straight into the fireplace via Dominic's hands, turning to gray ash. Dominic asked in a serious tone without a smile.

"Should I call a doctor?"

"No need. I'm just a bit tired."

The word "tired" coming from Daniel Rihardt was so surprising that Dominic's mouth dropped open in astonishment.

'No, what does he do with that frail lady every night?'

Pushing his jaw back up, Dominic grumbled.

"Be more considerate. Don't push her too hard. Think about the duchess's health and be gentle."

A short, exasperated sigh escaped Daniel's lips.

"Got it."

While Dominic's "be more considerate" might mean something specific, Daniel feels he is already being considerate enough. Last night, he held the sleeping Frieda and searched the night sky so thoroughly. He stared at the dark sky, devoid of stars, all night, and his eyes still hurt. Frieda, as usual, fell asleep listening to the stories of the constellations Daniel told her, snuggling into his chest and breathing steadily. The spring night, heavy with the scent of grass, was spent with Frieda on his chest, alternating between tension and relaxation. Now that the season of the white nights is approaching, it's becoming harder to see the stars. The spring nights spent chatting on the terrace are coming to an end, which is a bit sad. However, with the longer daylight hours, it's good that Frieda's field of vision will be brighter.

'Maybe I'll suggest we go for a walk after dinner from now on.'

The idea of a new activity brought a gentle smile to Daniel's lips, a smile that was clear enough for Dominic to see, who had been watching him.

'He's grinning. Is he really that happy?'

Daniel's face, which used to be expressionless, now shows more emotions, making it overly noticeable. He seems unaware of it, though. To avoid drawing attention, Dominic pretended not to notice. Just then, the sound of the mercenaries preparing for morning training filtered through the closed window, a loud noise that seemed to mock the closed window. Daniel, who had been listening quietly, turned his eyes back to the desk and said,

"Tell Ricardo to skip morning training from now on. Extend the evening training to make up for it."

"No, why? With the longer days, they'll be partying and drinking late into the night. Without morning training, it will be hard to control them."

Daniel, pressing his knuckles between his eyes and ears, replied indifferently.

"The training noise often wakes Frieda in the morning. She needs to sleep well to stay healthy."

"..."

Dominic, who has never been speechless even in life-threatening situations, found himself at a loss for words. 'She needs to stay healthy. Of course, our duchess needs to stay healthy.'

'But, Daniel, isn't the person most harmful to her health... you?'

He had a lot to say but couldn't bring himself to comment on the extremely private life of a married couple, so he kept his mouth shut. Just then, a pile of documents that Daniel had finished reviewing flew over. Dominic threw them into the fireplace and poked them with a poker, enjoying the satisfying sight of the red-hot paper turning to ash. Reluctant to douse the embers, he watched for a moment before turning to Daniel.

"I'll take Anton out of the castle today."

Daniel nodded calmly, understanding that Dominic was going to see the maid Matilda. After the incident, Dominic regularly visited Matilda with a doctor. During the last visit, they learned that with proper treatment, she might not have to limp severely, a hopeful piece of news. When Dominic relayed this, Daniel only said to keep an eye on her. Daniel was not one to elaborate. He believed that adding words to what had already happened was just a belated self-justification. There are no mistakes that can be excused or sins that can be forgiven by pretending they never happened. He often said that one must take responsibility for the consequences and that those who commit sins will eventually pay the price. It might not come immediately, but it will come. Instead of making excuses, he chose to wait and accept his punishment silently. That was Daniel Rihardt. Knock, knock. The clear sound of knocking, spaced out, woke Dominic from his reverie. Daniel also lifted his head from his temples. Seeing his expression soften, it seemed he recognized who was at the door. After checking the fireplace with the poker to ensure no documents remained, Dominic walked over and opened the door. A puffy, pale face greeted him with a fresh morning greeting.

"Good morning, Dominic."

To have her face so swollen after a night of torment, even though she hasn't fully recovered.

'Oh, that crazy beast.'

Dominic cursed Daniel in his mind while gripping the doorknob.

"Yes, good morning, Duchess."

Responding with a smile to the bright, unblemished morning greeting, Dominic opened the door wide to welcome Frieda. As she entered, her eyes met Daniel's, and she shyly smiled. Daniel's lips, like a drooping willow branch, relaxed.

'Really, it's unbearable to look at.'

Shuddering, Dominic turned his eyes to Frieda and sighed.

"You're up early. Did the mercenaries' training noise wake you?"

"No, Dominic. I hear it every day..."

"Those loud, inconsiderate people. I'll go and give them a stern warning so they don't make noise again."

Waving his hand, Dominic raised his voice playfully and walked out the door.

"Our duchess is trying to sleep. Let her rest and get healthy so she can bring us good news. Ha ha."

Sticking out his lip defiantly at Daniel, who was glaring at him, Dominic smiled at Frieda and quickly closed the door.

"Dom, Dominic..."

Trying to stop him, Frieda turned to Daniel, who spoke in his characteristic calm, low voice.

"Come here, Frieda."

Turning her head, Frieda pointed to the door Dominic had left through, pacing anxiously in front of it.

"Daniel, shouldn't we stop Dominic?"

Daniel, who had walked around to the front of the desk, perched on the corner and reached out his hand.

"Come here."

Is it really okay to let Dominic go like that? Despite her lingering concern, Frieda approached her husband in quick steps. Unable to wait for the short time, Daniel got up from the desk and stretched out his arms, pulling Frieda into his embrace. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he held her between his thighs.

"Daniel, Dominic is..."

"I thought you came to see me."

"Of course, I came to see you. But..."

Kissing her swollen eyelids, Daniel looked into Frieda's eyes and smiled gently.

"Then just look at me."

Daniel, who had already seen her cheeks turn red, carefully cupped her face with both hands. He smiled at her puffy, embarrassed eyes.

"Why did you wake up so early?"

Probably because of the noise outside. Regretting not banning morning training earlier, Frieda buried her face in Daniel's chest.

"Just because. I felt empty without you beside me."

Actually, it was because the room and bed were too cold and empty for her to sleep alone. She had grown accustomed to Daniel's warmth in just a few days. Without him, the air around her felt cold. Usually, she could fall back asleep if she saw him in her drowsy state, but today, she woke up early because he wasn't there.

"Oh, it's warm."

Like a spoiled child, she burrowed into Daniel's broad chest and closed her eyes.

"Your warmth is making me sleepy again. Oh no, Daniel. I'm getting too lazy."

"...Frieda."

The sound of her name, called by Daniel, was muffled as if pressed down by something.

"Do you want to sleep a bit more?"

Wrapped in the warm embrace, Frieda, feeling drowsy, shook her head and moved closer.

"No. I'm already out of the room. As the lord's wife, I can't show a lazy face to the servants."

"If you're worried about what others might think, there is a solution."

Daniel, with his deep, red eyes, leaned in and whispered seductively in Frieda's ear.

"Come. Let's go to my bedroom."

***

Leopold, wearing only a loose robe over his naked body, came out of Patricia's room. Count Binderman, who had been waiting at the door, followed closely behind and whispered quietly.

"A messenger bird has arrived from the north."

Leopold, who had been walking slowly down the corridor, stopped and turned his eyes to the brightening window. The peaceful scene outside gradually cleared his mind, which had been fogged by intense battles.

"First, mint tea."

Leopold walked to the window, leaving a short command. Someone hurried down the corridor, presumably to fulfill Count Binderman's relay of the order. Leaning against the window frame, Leopold closed his eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the strong scent of wood carried by the morning breeze.

"Speak."

With his permission, Count Binderman stepped closer.

"Both of Duchess Rihardt's older sisters, Charlotte and Hestia Harkbone, died at the age of sixteen. Gertude Harkbone, the first saint from the Harkbone family, is recorded to have died shortly after reaching adulthood, though her exact age is not documented."

"Cause of death?"

"The royal physician, Sir Roland, believes it was likely a skin disease after reviewing the records."

Leopold, sensing a different scent in the wind, slowly opened his eyes.

"Interesting."