Chapter 1 – Windberg (Part 4)

It was an article with a rude title. The Duke of Fortune. The sweet word “fortune” clawed at Evelyn as it passed by.

The daily newspaper, circulated throughout the Empire, devoted considerable space to news about the House of Windberg. As is often the case with articles about nobility, it was full of intrigue, and in the sentence “the poor Lady Veronia Glenn, who became a widow just half a year after gaining the title of Duchess,” there was even a hint of mockery. The world has changed, and the status of nobility is not what it used to be. Individuals are weak, but the public has become stronger. Nobles, naturally aware of such changes, tried to maintain their dignity by gracefully ignoring a few lines in a newspaper article.

With such an atmosphere, the <Daily Tribune> comprehensively covered topics that readers might be curious about regarding the House of Windberg. The biggest interest was in how much wealth the young new Duke had inherited. How far did the Duke’s lands extend, what would be the size of the insurance payout for the mine accident, and how much would the value of the heirlooms and art pieces, the so-called “Glenn Collection,” amount to in monetary terms? To the meticulous journalist, Evelyn had nothing but cynicism to offer.

The fact that the Duke was unmarried also drew considerable attention. The journalist argued that it was not unreasonable for the Duke not to be engaged yet, given his significant neglect of social activities. There was also an expectation that, having become the only direct male heir of the family overnight, he would hasten to find a bride and focus on producing an heir. It was mentioned that several influential noble families were already pursuing marriage talks. When Evelyn read that far, she moved her eyes back to Jared’s photo.

In the newspaper, he appeared in the formal attire of a Duke. The photo was distributed to the media when the succession of the title was officially announced. The man standing proudly against the backdrop of a banner adorned with the Duke’s eagle emblem, looking this way with his head slightly turned, was unfamiliar to Evelyn. His name printed below the photo was even more unfamiliar.

Jared El Windberg.

The title “El” originated from the Kingdom era, used to honor the four great lords. Now, it is used for those with a rank of Duke or higher, and there are fewer than five in the entire Empire. The Glenn family was once the kings of the North in ancient times and continued to act as the lords of the North. It was a family recognized as the nobility among nobles.

So, upon reflection, nothing made sense from the beginning. Believing she could become the wife of such a man.

“Sigh…”

Evelyn sighed once again. It wouldn’t ease her stifled feelings, but it was all she could do. Today marked the tenth day since Jared left. Evelyn stayed here alone, waiting daily for his news, but all Mrs. Hinsley brought were meticulously prepared meals and the morning newspaper, <Daily Tribune>.

Evelyn folded the newspaper she had read for the third time and placed it on the desk. She raised her head to look at the large window in front of her. From this writing room, one could see the evergreen forest and the spires of the distant cityscape at a glance. It was the room with the best view in this villa. Jared had proudly introduced it while gauging her reaction. As she recalled, Evelyn looked out at the magnificent view alone. The sunny day was almost over, with a span of crimson sunset remaining in the darkening sky to the west.

‘I’m Evelyn Dale. This isn’t a noble banquet, just a mere book club, but when making new ‘I’ve committed a discourtesy. I apologize. My name is Jared Glenn.’

‘Glenn? Surely you’re not related to the Glenn family of the North?’

‘That’s exactly right.’

‘Pardon me, but are you referring to the Duke of Windberg?’

‘I am certain the person Miss Dale is referring to is my father.’

She should have stepped back then. When the question thrown out as a joke returned with an unexpected answer. When he looked at her with a face that seemed amused.

‘How did someone like you come here, Mr. Glenn?’

‘Is it a place where someone like me shouldn’t come?’

‘What I meant was that it’s an unworthy gathering to host someone like you, Mr. Glenn, or rather, Sir.’

‘My college friend Nichols over there told me about an interesting gathering, so I decided to come along. I thought a book club like this wouldn’t be as dull as a noble banquet.’

He was a man belonging to another world. Someone who didn’t fit with a woman like Evelyn Dale. It wasn’t a matter of superiority or inferiority but an unnatural combination. She was a woman with enough sense to know that there are entirely different colors of ink, like white and red, that cannot mix.

‘Coming here today seems like a very wise decision. I already have that conviction.’

So Evelyn should have averted her gaze from the eyes of the man who looked at her then.

“Jared…”

Evelyn faintly murmured his name as if in lament. After he left, she had been holed up in this writing room the whole time.

Jared had left with a determined face, promising to sort things out and come back for her soon. He said he would come as quickly as possible and asked her to wait here. Even though ten days had passed without his appearance, Evelyn had no idea how much more time he needed.

She gazed at the increasingly darkening sky. Today’s sun was almost set. Once the blue afterglow completely faded, the night would begin again. In that long darkness, she would be tormented by all sorts of thoughts, fighting persistent insomnia and waiting for the day to break. Then, when the day finally broke, she would wait for him again, worry, and be disappointed. That’s how she would barely get through the day and face the night again.

How long must I wait? If only I knew that.

Evelyn closed her eyes. Suddenly, despair surged again. The premonition that he might never appear again. The imagination that she might never see him again. Even the cruel thought that he might be waiting for her to give up and return slowly gnawed at her. 

Foolish girl. Shouldn’t you have disappeared by now? 

Evelyn heard a mocking voice inside her laughing at her.

Her lightly closed eyelids trembled. And then, at the sound of a firm knock on the door, she opened her eyes wide.

“Miss, it’s me.”

Mrs. Hinsley’s voice was mixed with excitement. 

Jared. 

Her heart began to beat wildly as she realized. Evelyn hurriedly stood up and adjusted her clothes. Then, standing straight towards the door,

“Come in.”

As soon as she replied, the door opened.

“Someone from the Ducal residence has arrived.”

As Mrs. Hinsley stepped aside, a man walked in with steady steps. He was a young and handsome man dressed in a black jacket and white shirt.

“The Duke of Windberg has invited Miss Evelyn Dale to Maxville.”

Evelyn felt a brief disappointment at the unfamiliar face.

“He wishes for you to visit soon and has sent a carriage as a gesture of hospitality. The Duke would be greatly pleased if you accepted the invitation.”

The man’s message was perfect. His pronunciation and tone, even his breath, seemed to adhere to etiquette. Evelyn stared blankly at the silver tray he politely offered. On the glittering tray lay an unsealed invitation.

“…Thank you.”

She picked up the invitation and opened the envelope. Unfolding the paper revealed familiar handwriting. It contained content not much different from what the man had just conveyed. Only the signature at the bottom, written in a soaring script, seemed somewhat free, but everything else adhered strictly to the set etiquette.

Her heart pounded heavily. An indescribable emotion constricted Evelyn like a shackle.

“Can we leave now?”

When she asked the man, the answer came immediately.

“Of course, Miss.”

“How long does it take to reach the Ducal residence from here?”

“It’s about 20 miles away, so if there’s no snow or rain, it will take about four hours.”

That meant arriving past 10 p.m. if they left immediately. Evelyn hesitated. There was no need to consider the etiquette of the nobility but ordinary people also don’t visit others’ homes at such a late hour.

“Then it would be too late to arrive. It would be better to leave tomorrow. Is that alright?”

“Of course, Miss.”

The man answered with the same expression and response to any question. It seemed that even a servant couldn’t express their opinion, as it was part of etiquette.

“Then please prepare for departure tomorrow morning.”

“Understood, Miss.”

“I’m sorry to trouble you, Mrs. Hinsley.”

“Not at all. I’ll see to their accommodation first and then return.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

After the two people who had politely bowed left, Evelyn approached and sat in a nearby armchair. The world outside the window was now completely dark, with the distant city lights clearly visible. Staring blankly at the night view, she lowered her head and unfolded the invitation in her hand again. Her touch was exceedingly cautious, as if she might cut her finger on the edge of the stiff paper.

And she stared at the signature on the invitation for a long time.

Jared El Windberg.

Familiar handwriting. Yet a strange name. This was what she would have to face from now on. A familiar man. Yet an unfamiliar existence. 

Can I endure well in that gap?

“Sigh…”

Taking a deep breath, she thought. Tomorrow, she would know the answer. She would know when she went to the Ducal residence and met him. So tonight, she had to sleep. So that he wouldn’t see how anxious she had been. So she could show a somewhat lively appearance. 

But tonight, can I really fall asleep?

Evelyn was unsure of herself.