Chapter 28

And looking up at the other’s indifferent eyes, he spoke as if chewing out each word.

「From this moment on, I will not tolerate your insolent behavior, Duke Raselles.」

「You’ve made me out to be a scoundrel who coveted my brother’s fiancée even though I had a lover… and now you call me insolent?」

「You’re the head of your house, so of course you must take responsibility. The ones at fault aren’t Sophia, but your brother and his mistress!」

Benedict, his face flushed red, poured out his accusations. After retracing the old promises between the Raselles family and the royal family, he stormed off in a huff.

What should he do now.

With Kaiden as Duke Raselles and Sophia holding feelings for him, the royal family’s pressure would only continue to increase.

The King intended to tie the Raselles Duchy to his side with the easy method of a marriage contract.

Imagining all the possible scenarios, Kaiden looked out over the garden. The moonlit trees felt even more desolate.

He missed Astrid so terribly.

* * *

Before long, two weeks had passed, and Declan came to visit.

Astrid did not wait in the drawing room but went out to the entrance to greet him.

A cold wind blew in, but it was not as chilly as last time. The green buds sprouting on the branches showed that the season had changed.

Yes, spring always comes.

Even when she had barely survived and spent months lying in bed, a new season had arrived.

When leaves grew thick all around and then fell away without a trace, she wondered if she would ever see this scenery again.

So just endure a little longer. Someday, it will all pass.

Astrid’s eyes filled with tears as she tilted her head back. The sunlight pouring over her face made her eyes sting.

“Miss Selinger, why have you come out to the entrance?”

She had just calmed her emotions by wandering the garden when Declan arrived at the mansion. His complexion looked better than last time, so a smile spread on Astrid’s lips.

“I came out for a walk. I’m curious what kind of goods you have brought today, Guild Master.”

“Oh my, then I should show you what I’ve prepared right away. But first, I have a gift.”

Declan smiled broadly and took a step forward.

He held out a small bouquet he’d been hiding behind his back. The petals, freshly cut from the greenhouse, were still beaded with dew.

Even when working at the guild, Declan would give her flowers on every special occasion, but today was just an ordinary day.

“These are freesias. I hope you have a wonderful day.”

“Thank… you.”

Astrid felt her mood turn soft and warm.

Of course, a merchant might bring flowers as a courtesy when visiting a noble’s house. But yellow freesias were a flower Astrid especially liked.

Though she’d never said so, Declan seemed to know everything that had happened.

It felt like he was gently comforting her wounded heart, and it made her chest tingle.

“Shall we go?”

Declan offered his hand politely.

His face was as boyish as ever, but his hands were truly large. Without any hesitation, she took his hand.

Wherever she returned, Declan would be there.

Astrid smiled kindly as she walked beneath the grand chandelier.

When they arrived in the drawing room, the maid who had brought refreshments quietly left.

Since Astrid came to the mansion, there had always been a servant by her side, so it was a strange occurrence.

Declan, also puzzled, went back and threw the drawing room doors wide open.

Only then did he lower his voice so only Astrid could hear.

“Is anyone giving you a hard time?”

“I’m fine. Are you all right? You look like you’ve lost some weight.”

“Someone mentioned the Mason Merchant Guild in front of Her Majesty the Queen.”

Declan shook his head as if there was nothing he could do.

It was as if he was gently scolding her for promoting the guild even in such a situation, and Astrid couldn’t help but laugh.

She always felt at ease around Declan. His thoughtful nature put her at ease whenever they talked.

Declan had brought all sorts of goods for Astrid, and she picked up a fresh-colored perfume.

When she sprayed it on her wrist, a refreshing scent spread through the air.

“Wow, this combination is really nice. I’ll be sure to wear it to the next party.”

“I didn’t bring it to show off to others. I just wanted you to feel better.”

“Thank you. You’re the only one who thinks of me.”

While Astrid focused on the perfume, Declan gazed quietly at her.

The Academy senior and the Hamilton Marquis’s daughter he had admired had survived death and yet had not changed. She always helped those in need and accomplished whatever she set her mind to.

〈The doctor said I can live normally now. From now on, treat me as an employee, as the guild master. I’ll make sure to earn my keep.〉

After he barely managed to save her, Astrid had suddenly said such a thing.

At first, he thought she would quit the guild work soon because of her poor health, but as a true talent from the Academy, she gradually began to show results.

Eventually, Astrid became Declan’s right hand, pioneering new markets and skillfully negotiating prices. She became so trusted among the staff that she was indispensable to the guild.

While renovating the main office in the west, he planned to propose to Astrid once the building was finished. That’s why Declan poured his heart into everything, from the design to the materials.

But it was because of that effort that he ended up losing Astrid.

Declan pressed down the ache in his chest and spoke.

“It will be hard, but please endure. Next year, let’s travel the west together.”

“Yes, I’m working on the business plan these days, so review it for me later.”

Declan nodded firmly. They would only be apart for a short while. Kaiden would soon marry the princess, and Astrid would return to him.

Next year, the two of them would become the Mason couple and spend their lives together. So all Declan had to do was rebuild the business and prepare Astrid’s place.

“As, I’ll wait for you.”

“You shouldn’t expect too much. I’m worried I’ll lose my touch since I haven’t worked lately.”

Astrid pouted her lips playfully. She was so lovely that Declan nodded enthusiastically.

If only time would pass quickly.

Declan wished for it with all his heart.

* * *

“The Queen sent something to mother?”

The letter Michael brought bore the royal seal.

Normally, no one would dare touch someone else’s letter, but since Astrid came to the mansion, Kaiden had censored some letters.

Recently, the Queen and the Dowager Duchess had exchanged letters about the tea party. But right after returning from the palace, the Queen had sent a maid to deliver a letter in person.

Had something been discussed separately.

When Kaiden nodded, Michael used steam to open the envelope. The discreetly opened letter was handed to Kaiden.

He read through it carefully, then stopped abruptly at one point.

[Miss Brielle Selinger, whom I met at the tea party, was a beautiful and intelligent lady. Wouldn’t it be good to introduce her to an excellent husband so this pitiful girl can find stability soon?]

On the surface, the Queen wrote as if she were bestowing grace on a pitiable woman, but underneath, it was a command to quickly remove Brielle from the Raselles Duchy.

Moreover, it was clear she intended to use Astrid to win over nobles and expand the princess’s influence.

How dare they treat his woman like a trophy.

Kaiden wanted to tear up the letter immediately, but he had no choice but to put it down.

For the sake of his future plans, he had to endure for now. After taking a breath, Kaiden ordered Michael.

“Give the letter to my mother.”

“Yes, Master.”

After Michael left and Kaiden was alone, he picked up a cigar. But for some reason, he couldn’t light it, and just held it between his fingers.

He fiddled with the cigar in his hand, then set it down and slowly stood up. Standing before the door to the secret passage, his throat tightened on its own.

If only it were like the Academy days.

The men’s and women’s dormitories at the Academy were separated, but there was a library along the way.