Chapter 74

In the midst of cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

The reason that the women of the Harkbon family have always had short lives due to skin diseases seemed absurd, and I couldn't help but snort in derision. Then I took another deep breath and exhaled. The herb scent that could be smelled throughout the Mühaim Castle seemed unusually strong today. Leopold's opinion on this indescribable scent, which couldn't be defined by a single word, was that it was a 'pleasant scent.' The effect of the fragrance was quite good. Despite hearing such an absurd and ridiculous story, I could still maintain a good mood.

"Is there any evidence?"

"Among animals, those that are born with white skin or fur different from their own group often suffer severe sunburns or die from skin diseases. It is also highly likely that they had a constitution that made them more susceptible to other diseases," said Sir Roland, a graduate at the top of his class from the Cellino Medical University, giving a rational answer. However, for the ignorant common people, exaggerated and baseless rumors passed from mouth to mouth are more effective than the scientific judgment of a doctor.

'Which one would be more interesting...'

Leopold, with a faint smile on his lips, stretched out his arm towards a branch swaying in the wind, even though he knew it was out of reach.

"I'm conflicted."

"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"

On his palm, light and darkness intertwined and separated as if dancing.

"Would it be better to make her a saint, or..."

Leopold, who had been calmly mixing shadows with light, asked Baron Binderman for his opinion.

"How about a witch? A saint and a witch, it's just a fine line. It all depends on how you push it."

Leopold muttered indifferently, stretching out his hand and raising it high into the sky. As he wiggled his fingers, light and darkness intertwined and tangled in front of his eyes. The fierce appearance was like the chaos in his mind, where nobility and depravity fought for dominance. A despicable and petty person hidden behind the mask of a noble emperor with a high lineage. There was a time when he felt ashamed and disliked his own nature. However, it had been a long time since he felt that way. If he had held onto such shame, he would have been beheaded or poisoned and buried long ago instead of reigning as emperor. Leopold lowered his hand, which had been warmed by the sun, and neatly combed his hair that had been scattered by the wind.

"Which one do you prefer, Sebastian?"

Baron Binderman, who was a descendant of one of the many branches of the Baiqian Dukedom, became a squire to the young Richard Leopold at the age of sixteen, ten years ago. The time he spent serving the unremarkable and calm young Richard was only about a year. Leopold was a person who, despite his kind appearance, hid a ruthless nature, and in some ways was even more so than his mother. Watching his eccentric behavior after being charmed by his gentle smile, one couldn't help but say, "Indeed, Baiqian." However, since he was subordinate to Leopold, he had to endure it. After all, the Binderman family could not survive without parasitizing on the large tree of Baiqian. The long-term peaceful reign of the current emperor, Volstak II, who inherited the blood of Baiqian, was the most certain way to ensure the wealth, honor, and continuity of the family. Although he followed any instructions without complaint, he had a foreboding that this matter would cause a lot of trouble.

'Could he want to make Frida Harkbon, who became the Duchess of Baiqian, a witch?'

Turning an innocent woman into a witch is as easy as breathing for the emperor. If he really intends to do it, there's no point in trying to stop him.

'He wouldn't listen even if I tried to stop him.'

Knowing the tenacity of the Baiqian bloodline, Baron Binderman had no intention of advising the emperor to stop from the beginning. However, since the woman is from the Harkbon family, the situation would become complicated, which is his concern.

"The Harkbon family is recognized by the Vatican as the family where a saint has appeared. If a woman from this family is made a witch, the Vatican will oppose it. It will also be difficult to gain the consent of the nobles."

It's not that it's impossible, but it requires careful consideration.

"If you must choose one of the two, I recommend the saint."

Of course, doing nothing would be the best. A witch would cause more trouble, but even choosing a saint is not without problems.

"Whether the Vatican will recognize the Duchess of Baiqian as a saint is questionable."

Although she is already married, if the royal family is determined, it can be achieved. The last saint recognized by the Vatican appeared about a hundred years ago, so it's just a matter of giving a hollow title. The real concern is what comes next.

"However, in case the Duke of Baiqian opposes and does not follow the decision, the royal family should deeply consider what appropriate pretext to use."

Not just anyone, but Daniel Baiqian. A man whose true intentions are impossible to discern. Whether he is spineless, just pleasing others, or hiding his true intentions and waiting for the right moment, he is unpredictable. It's best not to give him a reason to oppose the royal family. It could be a very unnecessary act, like poking a sleeping lion's whiskers.

"May I ask, Your Majesty, what is your intention in wanting to provoke the Duke of Baiqian? In the worst case, it could turn him into an enemy."

"Is the worst case just that? Daniel becoming my enemy?"

Daniel has never been truly on my side. I don't understand why that would be the worst case. Leopold, who had been feeling the sunlight on his eyelids with his eyes closed, curled the corners of his lips and hummed a tune.

"Which region will the drought start in this year? Probably the east, right?"

It's almost the season of the white nights. A season where the night disappears across the empire, and the scorching heat drives people mad. A season where drought begins and mysterious epidemics spread. A season where various groups cause large and small conflicts to suppress internal chaos, leaving the borders in constant unrest. A season where it's perfect to deceive those who thirst for divine protection. A season where a scapegoat, whether a witch or a saint, appears, and it's even more fitting if the target is a woman from the Harkbon family, known throughout the empire.

'And if it can stir up Daniel, what could be a better condition?'

Leopold, who slowly and indifferently opened his eyes, gazed at the distant mountains of Altas.

'Making her a witch might be better to stir up Daniel...'

A scene that suddenly flashed through his mind bothered him. A dirty, smelly cart. Ignorant commoners spitting at her white hair. Clumps of filth and mud flying from all directions. The thought of Frida's white hair being defiled made him feel extremely uncomfortable, and his eyes twitched. After blinking a few times, he straightened his tilted head.

"Let's make her a saint."

***

When Stefan met Dominic in the corridor, he gave a light nod. As he was about to pass by, Dominic called out to him.

"Are you on your way to see the lord?"

"Yes, I am."

"Hmm... I think it's better not to go now."

Dominic pointed towards the direction of the duke's office with his finger.

"The duchess is there."

"Already? Is there something wrong with the duchess?"

"I don't know. Perhaps you, as a baron, know better why a wife would look for her husband so early in the morning."

Dominic passed by Stefan with a sly smile. Suddenly remembering that he had something to discuss, Stefan stopped Dominic.

"Good timing. There are a few things to decide about the inauguration ceremony this morning. After breakfast, can you spare some time? I asked Captain Molli to decide the order of the knights' appointments, and he said to ask you."

"Oh, what should I do? I can't today."

Dominic shrugged and smiled awkwardly.

"I'll be out of the castle all day."

"Out of the castle? Why? Last time..."

"It's personal business."

As Dominic tried to hurry away, Stefan stopped him again.

"Dominic! How about now? Let's decide it right here without waiting."

Seeing how persistent he was, it seemed Dominic was in a hurry. After all, his father, who always brushed off troublesome matters, wouldn't have consulted him properly. Dominic took a few steps back and replied.

"Just do it alphabetically."

"Then the ages will be all mixed up, won't they?"

"Then do it by age."

"I heard that mercenaries are organized based on their skills. If we do it by age, the order of the knights might be messed up from the start, which would be embarrassing."

Dominic realized that if he was caught, he would be troubled all day, not just in the morning.

"Nobody here cares about such things, so you decide. I have to go. Anton has been waiting for a long time."

"Anton went to the Brabant Hall a little while ago. I heard that the Chamberlain's knee pain has flared up again."

"That old man keeps calling Anton, even though they have their own doctor. This won't do. I have to go and get our Anton out of there."

Seeing that Dominic had no intention of cooperating, Stefan sighed.

"If you can't spare the time, I'll have to ask Sir Rosivalt for help. Have you seen Sir Rosivalt? I haven't seen him lately. Where has he gone?"

"…I don't know. I have no idea."

Dominic quickly left, avoiding Stefan's desperate gaze.

"If you see Sir Rosivalt, tell him that the baron is looking for him."

Watching Dominic's hurried departure, Stefan muttered to himself.

"Is there an emergency patient outside the castle? Why is Anton..."

At that moment, Ricardo's booming voice came through the window.

"Where are your minds? Are you going to come to your senses after your heads are cut off? Huh?"

It sounded like a warning to Stefan not to daydream. Shaking his head, Stefan headed towards the duke's office. Knock, knock. He gave a clear signal that someone was outside and waited. When he felt that whatever was happening inside had settled down, he knocked again. Knock, knock. However, the door of the office showed no sign of opening. After a moment of hesitation, Stefan gently pushed the door open.

"..."

Looking at the empty office, Stefan formed two hypotheses. Either Dominic had lied to him, or the duke and duchess had disappeared through a secret passage in the room. Since it's not unusual for nobles to have secret passages in the castle, the latter was more likely. If it was the latter, he had a good idea where the missing duke and duchess were. Gazing at the ceiling that connected to the duke's bedroom, Stefan trudged out of the room. He couldn't shake off the ominous feeling that it would be a tough day.

***

Frida, in Daniel's arms, fell asleep as soon as they entered the secret passage. After climbing one more floor and entering his bedroom, Daniel carefully laid Frida on the bed. He wanted to let her sleep and sabotage the walk with Leopold. She would be very upset when she woke up and found out, but he hoped she wouldn't meet Leopold. No one who had caught Leopold's attention had ever come out well, and he was secretly worried. Perhaps because he was so concerned, his head started to throb again. Daniel brought a chair to the side of the bed where Frida was sleeping and sat down with his legs crossed.

"Hmm..."

The intense pain that suddenly hit him made his fingers instinctively rise to his temples. Buzz... Tinnitus followed in quick succession.