Chapter 10

Bright and cheerful—that’s all Catherine thought of Alto—but he was far brighter than she had imagined. No, simply calling him cheerful didn’t do him justice. His brightness was almost excessive, to the point where she wondered if he might have some hidden illness.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen you up close since the wedding.”

Catherine, who had planned to enjoy the scenery outside the carriage window on their way to the city, found herself feeling nauseous from Alto’s incessant chatter. Ever since they boarded the carriage, Alto hadn’t stopped talking for a single moment. Whether mumbling to himself or asking Catherine questions, his words poured out without pause.

This was the first time Catherine had encountered someone like him. Of course, the only men she had known were a handful of acquaintances from her brief time at the Royal Academy of Arts. Even if she had met dozens or hundreds of people, she doubted anyone would have been like Alto.

“Purple suits you so well. It makes your fair skin stand out even more.”

Though Alto likely meant it as a compliment, Catherine wasn’t particularly pleased. If only Alto would just close his mouth. That would have been the greatest gift.

“I’m sure the gentian-colored dress you’re choosing today will suit you wonderfully as well.”

The only time Catherine was freed from Alto’s chatter was when she went to get her measurements taken at the dress shop. Since men weren’t allowed in, Alto had to wait outside. Catherine felt a sense of relief upon hearing this. Ever since leaving the castle, she had been tormented by Alto’s voice, and now she could finally feel a sense of liberation.

But the relief was short-lived. As soon as she stepped back outside after her measurements were taken, Alto’s chatter resumed, and Catherine became thoroughly exhausted. She had assumed that knights, like Henry, were stoic and reserved, but Alto was the most talkative person she had ever met.

Before meeting Alto, the most talkative person Catherine had known was her nursemaid, Anji. Known as “the unstoppable mouth,” Anji would chatter from morning till night. But Alto easily outdid her.

Leaning her elbow on the armrest, Catherine glanced sideways at Alto. She turned her head toward the window, looking at him with only her eyes. The first thing she noticed was Alto’s massive forearm.

She had thought Henry’s arms were impressive, but Alto’s build was even larger. It was almost as if they were different species. If Henry was the largest human male she had ever seen, Alto seemed like a being from a higher tier of existence. His appearance alone was enough to intimidate anyone.

But who could have imagined that a man with such a physique would have such a light-hearted demeanor?

“Goodness, Madame, how is your skin so flawless? It looks softer than silk.”

“Hmm… Alto.”

“Did you receive special care at the Duke’s household? I’ve seen many noblewomen, but none with skin as beautiful as yours.”

“Alto.”

“May I ask what kind of care you received? I’ve already tried all the products that are said to be good…”

“Alto!”

Catherine couldn’t take it anymore. She closed her eyes tightly and shouted. She had never raised her voice at anyone before, but she had no choice. If she listened to even one more word, she felt she might vomit right there on the floor of the carriage.

Her outburst had the desired effect. Alto, who had been chattering excitedly, finally closed his mouth and looked up at her. His eyes widened in surprise, and he even covered his mouth with his hand.

Can someone who looks like they could lift a carriage with their bare hands really cover their mouth so daintily?

Catherine, who had furrowed her brow in feigned anger, nearly burst out laughing at Alto’s ridiculous expression.

“I’m sorry for shouting. Could we please travel quietly until we reach the castle? I’m feeling a bit dizzy.”

“Oh, I didn’t think of that. My deepest apologies, Madame! You must not have slept well last night.”

“What?”

She thought she had misheard. Catherine’s eyes widened in disbelief at Alto’s words. ‘Not slept well last night?’ She couldn’t help but doubt her ears. It was as if Alto knew about her passionate night with Henry.

“What did you just say?”

“Oops, my mistake.”

Alto pressed his hands firmly over his mouth. Catherine had known that, as Henry’s closest aide, Alto would be aware of his every move. But she hadn’t expected such private matters to be shared.

She felt as though her entire body had turned red with embarrassment.

“…Let’s just stay quiet until we reach the castle.”

Catherine decided she would question Alto’s inappropriate comment once they returned to the castle. For now, she bit her lip, resolving to ask Henry about it first.

What had started as an exciting outing, thanks to Henry’s consideration, ended in humiliation.

Seeing Catherine’s serious expression, Alto’s mood seemed to dampen as well.

***

It had been a long time since there were guests in the drawing room. It had been years since anyone visited Leonard Castle, and the maids were busy preparing for the occasion. Dust had settled throughout the drawing room, which had been devoid of human presence for so long. The servants of Leonard Castle undertook an unprecedented cleaning effort, replacing furniture and ensuring the room was spotless.

All of this was for one person: officially, Henry’s mother, Richelle Leonard. She had left the castle years ago, after the death of Henry’s father, Werner, the original lord of Leonard Castle. She hadn’t even responded to the telegram about Henry’s wedding. Henry couldn’t understand why Richelle had suddenly appeared now. He was certain she had ulterior motives and couldn’t welcome her warmly.

“I trusted you to take care of this place, and look at the state of it.”

Adorned with large earrings and an array of jewelry that seemed almost excessive, Richelle surveyed the drawing room with a disapproving gaze. Henry, watching her, ran his hand over his jaw. Facing Richelle had always been an exhausting ordeal. He felt an intense fatigue creeping over him, and a shiver ran down his neck. The lack of proper sleep the night before only added to his poor condition. He sighed deeply, hoping Richelle would say her piece and leave quickly.

“I should never have entrusted this castle to someone like you.”

With an air of arrogance, Richelle continued to spew venomous words. Her cold remarks would have deeply wounded an ordinary person, but Henry’s expression remained indifferent.

He had heard such insults from a young age. By now, they left no scars on him.

Richelle, who had been quick to raise her hand against him, had been a harsh mother. So harsh that Henry sometimes doubted whether she was his mother at all.

Though she hadn’t physically punished him since he grew larger than her, she continued to belittle him with her words.

“What is your purpose here?”

Henry, who had been silently listening, finally spoke. His tone was stiff and devoid of emotion. To an outsider, the tension between them would make it hard to believe they were mother and son. Both Henry and Richelle regarded each other with hostility.

“Such insolence. Leonard Castle was originally my home.”

Richelle’s upper lip curled in disdain. Her entire body seemed to radiate her displeasure at the sight of Henry.

“With my complete family.”

The word “complete” made Henry’s eyebrow twitch. It was the first time he had shown any reaction to her words. Seeing this, Richelle smirked maliciously.

“My husband and my son. A complete family.”

The brief flicker of discomfort in Henry’s expression quickly disappeared. Skilled at concealing his emotions, he didn’t let his guard down for long. Though he seemed vulnerable for a moment, he quickly rebuilt his defenses. Richelle, now glaring at him, couldn’t hide her contempt. Her eyes were filled with malice.

“Not the child of some mistress. My complete family lived here in Leonard Castle. Do I need a reason to visit?”

Mistress.

Richelle emphasized the word, enunciating each syllable with deliberate force.

Henry didn’t need to think deeply to understand the emotions behind her tone.

Hatred beyond anger. Contempt. Scorn.

Richelle believed that Henry had taken everything from her. Indeed, if Henry hadn’t appeared, Leonard Castle would have been hers.

“Did you come all this way just to tell me I shouldn’t have inherited this castle?”

Henry remained unshaken by Richelle’s emotions. The days of being hurt and shedding tears over her cruel words were long gone. Back when he was a young, vulnerable child craving his mother’s love.

Now, he was a strong adult, unaffected by her barbs.

“You arrogant brat…”

“If you came to congratulate me on my marriage, I appreciate the sentiment. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

Henry didn’t wait for her consent. Before she could respond, he stood up. He had no intention of continuing this conversation.

“You must have wanted this castle and fortune badly, rushing into a marriage you swore you’d never have.”

“…Watch your words. Leonard Castle and the title were passed to me, not to you.”

“Not entirely.”

Richelle stood as well, following Henry.

“You only inherited half of it, didn’t you?”

Her heels clicked sharply against the floor as she approached him.

“You married to claim the other half. Did you think I wouldn’t know?”