Chapter 15

“Three years ago, she said she fell off a cliff while fleeing pursuers sent by Marquis Hamilton. She suffered fractures all over her body and severe contusions, so even after treatment, aftereffects remained. She can’t endure the pain with ordinary painkillers.”

“How did you find her?”

Declan swallowed dryly. Then, he explained that he was born into a family renowned for apothecaries, had traveled all over the country since childhood, and that there were huts belonging to his family’s herbalists on every major mountain.

He then mentioned that after hearing Astrid had disappeared, he searched the Hamilton estate and finally found her in a mountain valley.

His words flowed smoothly as if rehearsed, but there was nothing to refute. Kaiden looked at Declan with eyes that grew even deeper.

“How long has she been taking the medicine?”

“It’s been over a year since she started. I went through many trials and errors before finding a medicine that suited As.”

The hospital doctor had said much the same. He’d said there must have been a major accident in the past, since Astrid’s body was a mess and she suffered from pain, so he would prescribe painkillers. However, the hospital’s medicine seemed ineffective, as her complexion grew darker by the day.

He thought it was simply the aftereffects of the train accident.

Though Declan had explained enough, Kaiden felt as if he was missing something.

Just like three years ago, when he thought he had a firm grip but was left empty-handed.

“Guild Master, I’ll let you visit the mansion regularly.”

“Yes, thank you for allowing it.”

Now Declan had a legitimate reason to come and go from the Duke’s residence. Perhaps because he had achieved his goal, he showed a hint of delight.

Kaiden finally set down the cigar he had been holding between his fingers.

From their Academy days, he had disliked the man who always trailed after Astrid, and even now, Declan was still following her.

Had it been like this for the past three years as well?

If he could, he would dig up every moment he didn’t know about and find out what had happened, but Declan was still too useful to corner just yet.

“Were you in a superior-subordinate relationship with Astrid?”

“We were quite close. I’m gauging the right time to propose to her. Even now that she has a new status, I have no intention of stepping back.”

Declan realized immediately that Kaiden’s mood had soured.

A man who had earned merit and medals in the Irvine battle could crush someone like him if he wished.

In fact, at the Academy, Kaiden had dominated both academics and martial arts, and anyone who dared oppose him had to kneel at his feet.

The already outstanding second son of the Raselles family had now become a Duke; if they clashed head-on, Declan stood no chance.

“Your Grace, aren’t you the lover of Princess Sophia? If rumors start about a forbidden romance, As will be in danger.”

“I’ll take care of myself, so you just focus on running your guild. If it starts spreading that a woman who lost her child was having an affair with you, it’ll be a problem.”

Kaiden’s order rang calmly in Declan’s ears. Declan bristled, but when their eyes met, he couldn’t say another word. In Kaiden’s burning golden eyes, a vivid possessiveness was clear.

He could now understand why Kaiden never allowed Declan to be alone with her.

Soon, he would become the prince consort.

Lately, newspapers frequently published stories about the romance between Princess Sophia and the Duke of Raselles.

With the royal family and the Duke’s house firmly allied and public opinion forming, he would inevitably have to marry the princess, but Kaiden showed a strange obsession with Astrid.

Could he still love her?

Back at the Academy, Kaiden would seek out Astrid whenever he had a chance.

Whenever Declan made up an excuse to be alone with her in the library, Kaiden would always appear and hover nearby.

Declan fell into brief thought, then shook his head.

Even if that were true, as the Duke of Raselles, Kaiden had to marry the princess for the sake of his family. He wouldn’t dare cause a scandal with his late brother’s wife. Especially if he cared for Astrid.

How did things get so tangled?

Over the past three years, Declan had built trust with Astrid, and she relied on him, demonstrating her abilities at the Mason Merchant Guild.

Once the headquarters was finished, Declan had planned to become her true home, but the terrible accident had snatched away their future.

Declan took deep, steady breaths.

Though they had to be apart for now, after just one year, Astrid would return to his side.

“I’ll be careful.”

“Good. From now on, when you visit the mansion, bring a trustworthy staff member with you. The promised investment funds will be deposited this afternoon.”

“……Thank you.”

Declan bowed his head.

Money exchanged for Astrid’s one year.

For the struggling Mason Merchant Guild, it was a lifeline they simply couldn’t refuse.

For the sake of the Mason Merchant Guild and his family, Declan could never go against Kaiden’s wishes.

He wanted to talk to Astrid alone, but he couldn’t insist any further.

He might make things difficult for her because of his own stubbornness.

Organizing his thoughts, Declan murmured quietly.

“As said she has nightmares when she takes the painkillers. Please order the maids to look after her.”

“I will.”

With business concluded, Kaiden checked the time. Every movement, from buttoning his jacket to straightening his tie, was as smooth as flowing water.

Declan also straightened his posture and greeted Kaiden politely.

Kaiden nodded slightly, showing just enough courtesy as one would to a loyal vassal.

As he walked down the corridor after leaving, Declan’s heartbeat grew more and more intense. He had forced himself to endure in Kaiden’s presence, but the thought of leaving her in this cold mansion made his heart tremble.

As, I’m sorry.

Declan could only pray that Kaiden Raselles, who had everything, would keep his distance from Astrid.

***

By the time Kaiden finished his bath, it was already dark outside. He stood by the window in his robe.

It was the season for keeping the curtains drawn for warmth, but for some reason, he didn’t want to do that tonight. He couldn’t take his eyes off the moment as night deepened.

The trees filling the garden were all silver. The snow from a few days ago had melted and frozen over and over, turning the entire garden into a giant ice sculpture. The view from his room was enough to make him savor winter.

Would Astrid be all right?

The garden and the estate beyond were beautiful, but not long ago, she’d experienced an avalanche, so she might find it hard to look down at her feet.

The doctor, after examining her small body, had clicked his tongue, saying it was a miracle she was alive. While Kaiden had fought battles as a soldier, it seemed Astrid had fought her own war.

Who could have predicted that the once-radiant Marquis Hamilton’s daughter would fall from a cliff and get caught in a train accident?

〈I pity you.〉

Somehow, Astrid seemed to feel more shame from those words than from her circumstances.

She’d turned everything upside down by mentioning Declan Mason at every turn, then blushed at a few words Kaiden threw at her.

He had lost her and been ruined.

Kaiden finally turned his back on the window. A droplet of water that had clung to the end of his damp hair fell onto his shoulder.

What should he do with her?

He had managed to hold onto her, but thinking about her living for a year as his dead brother’s wife made his blood boil. But her face was already known to the hospital and the Duke’s staff, so he couldn’t do anything else.

“Astrid.”

He quietly savored her name.

Astrid focused solely on Declan and the Mason Merchant Guild. To her, Kaiden was just a former lover, a trivial presence.

Even though they lived in the same mansion, he couldn’t go see her bright face whenever he wished. That fact tore his already shredded heart to pieces.

Kaiden let out a hollow laugh and approached the window again.

A silvery field of snow spread beneath his feet. Astrid was both the blessing and the curse brought by the snow.

When all that snow finally melted, would this turmoil settle down, even a little?