After reading the article, I couldn’t help but tilt my head in confusion at the phrase ‘the estate’s people are pleading.’ From what I understood, since Leopold had come of age and adopted a more aggressive defense strategy, the damage from raids had significantly decreased. Consequently, there were hardly any complaints from the estate’s people.

The suggestion that Leopold might find it difficult also troubled me. If it were a knight from the Lawrence family, who always praised their lord, it would have been more fitting to say that the Duke would resolve everything, that there would be good news, and that there was no need to worry.

Even with an elite group of knights and capable employees like Peter around to handle any issues that arose, the feeling of worry didn’t disappear.

I sat quietly for a while, running my fingers over the rough paper, letting the image of Leopold wash over me like a wave. When I was frantically busy, I hadn’t noticed the waves crashing or coming over the barrier, but as soon as I had a moment to look into my heart, his presence became overwhelmingly strong. It felt like a warning to never let my guard down, so I folded the newspaper with a sense of reluctance. Just as I was about to place it back on the mantelpiece, it happened.

Thud.

I accidentally knocked over a small square basket next to it. The bundle of letters inside spilled out and scattered everywhere. It wasn’t just one or two, so I stared at the floor for a moment. Then, with a sigh, I sat down and began to organize them one by one.

The sender of the letters was Emily, and the recipient was Alisa. Alisa kept the letters her sister sent in order and read them whenever she had time, often sharing amusing anecdotes with me. Occasionally, I listened closely to see if there was any mention of Leopold, but Alisa never accidentally mentioned anything about him.

I hesitated for a moment, considering whether to just stick them back randomly, but eventually, I started taking the letters out of their envelopes. I told myself it was necessary to check the dates and tried not to read the content. Since the dates were written at the bottom of each letter, organizing them as intended wasn’t difficult.

However, the moment I spotted the word “Duke,” I found myself stopping in a trance. My eyes caught a few sentences, and I naturally ended up reading the content.

“…The Duke returned before your letter arrived. To be honest, I was quite worried because his expression wasn’t good when he arrived at the mansion.

If, as you said, the two of them had a serious argument and decided to spend some time apart, it would be wise to warn the other employees as well, so as not to upset him. Thank you for letting me know. Newlyweds do tend to fight a lot, so let’s try to understand.

Fortunately, it seems the madam is doing well, which is a relief. Please make sure to keep an eye on her…”

It was a letter from shortly after he had left. It seemed quite natural for Alisa to think that Leopold and I had merely had an argument rather than broken up. I felt foolish for assuming she would accept our separation without question.

As I read about his safe arrival, I experienced a delayed sense of relief, but the mention of his troubled expression stirred a wave of bitterness. Yet, my curiosity intensified, and I couldn’t resist picking up the next letter.

“…When do you think the madam will return? I’m asking because the Duke seems to be growing more sensitive by the day.

He doesn’t openly trouble us or express anger, but every time I approach him, it feels suffocating. He was always intimidating, but lately, he seems even more so. Sigh, if it were you, you’d probably ask what exactly I mean by ‘intimidating atmosphere.’ Anyway, that’s how it is.

I think things might improve if the madam returns. Whenever the Duke gives instructions regarding the madam, his demeanor softens a bit. Doesn’t that mean things could get better if she’s around? If possible, try to gauge her feelings while you keep an eye on her…”

Despite Emily’s request, Alisa never once brought up Leopold or the Duke’s family with me. Perhaps she assumed that since it was just a minor argument, I would soon return to the Lawrence estate.

Regardless of what Alisa thought, the mention of Leopold becoming increasingly sensitive lingered in my mind. I knew that suffocating atmosphere all too well. It often occurred when he was particularly bothered by something, and the only way I could help was by making a sedative. Of course, since he never took my potions, they never actually helped.

What intrigued me was what exactly Leopold was instructing about me. We hadn’t signed any marriage contract, and now that we were completely apart, there shouldn’t have been anything particular to instruct. Perhaps when I returned to the capital, I could ask my mother about it.

“…Winter arrives earlier in the Lawrence estate, so the harvest has already ended. D’Agnon is still very busy, so you must be overwhelmed. It’s surprising that the madam is even helping with the farming. Nobles never do such things.

Honestly, I don’t understand why the madam hasn’t returned yet. No matter how well she’s doing there, her place is here, at the Lawrence estate. Of course, that place is now part of the Lawrence family, but the madam wouldn’t know that.”

I was taken aback. D’Agnon belonging to the Lawrence family?

‘Moreover, they incorporated our village under some noble lord, promising to protect us from now on.’

I suddenly recalled Fojetta’s village chief’s explanation and Jayden’s awkward response when I pressed him.

‘So, does this mean Fojetta is now part of the Lawrence family? Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘He said to keep quiet if we didn’t want to die. Seems the Duke has a hobby of keeping people in suspense.’

Was it the same as back then, not telling me and incorporating D’Agnon into the Lawrence family as well? My mind was a jumble.

Why would he do this while keeping it hidden from me…?

If I tried to think from his perspective…

My heart began to race little by little.

If the place I had fled to, hoping to live freely without the name Lawrence, was ultimately under the protection of the Lawrence family, did he hide it thinking I would leave again? It was entirely possible. But if that were the case, was there really a need to incorporate such a small village? It could have been left alone from the start…

The more I thought about it, the more I found myself wanting to draw illogical conclusions.

Perhaps he willingly took on such trouble to protect me. Could this also be part of his guilt?

I couldn’t control my trembling heart and continued reading the next page of the letter.

“The reason I’m complaining like this is because of the Duke, as you know. Before winter sets in here, barbarians descend from the icy lands. Their land must be more barren than ours, so they surely lack food, but that doesn’t justify taking others’ belongings.

Anyway, the Duke used to drive them away quickly. But this year, it’s taking unusually long. What’s even stranger is that the Duke’s complexion seems to be worsening day by day. I overheard the butler telling Maria, who handles the kitchen work, to pay more attention to his meals because he’s lost some weight. Now that I think about it, he does seem a bit thinner. It’s strange because the Duke is never negligent about his health. I still remember the Duchess nagging him that he must always stay healthy to take care of the estate and must never get sick.

I wish the madam would return and look after the Duke. I’m curious about how badly you must have fought to still be in a cold war.

Alisa, I know it’s not easy to bring up very personal matters with the madam, but if you get the chance, do mention the Duke. I hope your reply contains good news. Take care of yourself always.

From the sister who cares about you the most in the world.”

My chest felt tight. A poor complexion and weight loss…? He was so healthy that my mother joked even marrying a healer wouldn’t benefit him…

But if that’s all it was, any healer from the academy could be invited to help him recover. It didn’t have to be me. I steadied my uncontrollable heart two or three times.

Regretting having read the letter, I hurriedly organized the remaining letters and returned the basket to its place.

“Healer! Please open the door!”

Just in time, Alisa called me from outside. I quickly ran to the entrance and opened the door.

“You’re here?”

“Yes, take a look at this!”

She lifted a pot she was holding with both hands and smiled brightly.

“Wow, there’s so much. It’ll last for two days.”

“Oh, that’s true, but I meant this, the letter!”

“A letter? For me?”

“Yes!”

Looking closely, I saw a small envelope between her right fingers. Alisa wiggled her fingers, urging me to take it. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I quickly took the letter and checked the recipient.

In the middle of the peach-colored envelope was the large seal of the academy. It was the long-awaited reply from my mentor.