“It could have been worse. The recent fire incident gave us a few days’ reprieve. I’m just grateful we’re not leaving at dawn. There’s no telling when we’ll return.”

“…!”

The sudden realization struck her.

‘The entire order is risking their lives, and here I am…’

Caught up in her own emotions, she hadn’t considered how dire the situation was. A deep sense of shame washed over her.

‘I can grieve after Caleb leaves.’

Astrid steeled herself, forcing her wavering heart into place. Meeting Elkan’s gaze, she fortified her resolve.

It was time to fulfill her responsibilities as the Grand Duchess of Cliff.

“Is everything packed? Is there anything else you need?”

“We’re always ready to leave, even year-round.”

“If there’s anything you need, let me know right away. I’ll oversee the territory and ensure there’s no lapse in support from the rear.”

Elkan, seeing her newfound determination, offered a quiet smile.

“Then I’ll trust you, Your Grace.”

Though Astrid tried to appear composed, Elkan had already noticed her inner turmoil.

‘Poor lady… The wedding hasn’t even happened yet. They barely had time to know each other, and now she has to let him go.’

He felt deep sympathy for Astrid, left behind to guard the fortress alone. But both knew it was the fate of the Grand Duchess of Cliff.

“Is there anything I can do to help right now?”

“You’re not helping—you’re doing your duty. Knowing you’re here makes it easier for us to leave.”

“Elkan…”

Her throat tightened at his kind words. She almost cried, despite having no right to. The man in front of her was about to risk his life. Yet here he was, comforting her, even if it was just empty words.

“It’s not just empty words,” Elkan clarified.

“What?”

“I regret not having enough time to work on potion research. Please, start it on your own.”

“…!”

Astrid’s eyes widened in surprise.

“The potions from Hestian will suffice for now, but we can’t rely on imports forever.”

Elkan’s expression grew serious. Since setting up Astrid’s office, they had discussed many issues but hadn’t started potion research.

The fire incident had disrupted their plans, and they needed ample time for such an important endeavor. Now, with the sudden deployment, the timing couldn’t have been worse.

“This task falls to you alone. It’s a matter of life and death for the Grand Duke, the knights, and the people of Cliff. I’m not trying to burden you, but please, don’t forget.”

Elkan bowed deeply, feeling uneasy about leaving such a heavy task on her shoulders. But he knew how crucial it was.

Potion production had long been a goal for Cliff and a significant reason why Astrid, of the Bowell family, had become Grand Duchess.

Looking at Elkan, Astrid finally spoke.

“Of course, Sir Elkan. I’ll handle the potion research, the territory, and the people of Cliff. Don’t worry. While the Grand Duke is away, it’s my duty to protect Cliff.”

Her voice was firm, though it trembled slightly.

“Your Grace…”

Elkan remained silent for a moment. Astrid flinched, worried he might be crying.

But it was a misunderstanding. Elkan’s eyes, now meeting hers, were filled with mischief.

‘Elkan, what are you about to say…?’

A sense of foreboding crept over her.

“You confessed, didn’t you?”

“Pardon?”

Startled by Elkan’s sudden question, Astrid shot out of her chair.

“Ah!”

In her haste, she banged her knee against the table, letting out an ungraceful yelp. Alarmed, Elkan immediately stood up and checked on her.

“Your Grace! Are you all right?”

“…Yes, I’m fine. But, Elkan.”

“Yes?”

“What do you mean by a confession, all of a sudden?”

Still clutching her knee awkwardly, Astrid asked. She pretended to examine the injured spot, her gaze lowered, but her eyes were trembling with unease.

Elkan, observing her for a moment, answered casually.

“The Grand Duke told me.”

She wanted to believe it was a misunderstanding, but his tone carried a hint of amusement. Astrid furrowed her brows slightly.

Caleb said that to Elkan? It was hard to believe. But Elkan wasn’t the type to make such jokes lightly.

Helman, maybe.

“What exactly did Caleb say?” she asked, incredulous.

Elkan responded seriously this time.

“That you confessed your love. He mentioned feeling a bit reassured, thinking you’re braver and stronger than expected.”

“…”

Astrid’s hopeful expression darkened with disappointment. Caleb still didn’t see her as a woman. At least he didn’t dislike her—that was some comfort.

“If I may, it’s too soon to feel disheartened.”

Elkan’s voice cut through her thoughts, as if he understood.

“…What?”

Her mind raced with questions. What did he mean? Why was he saying this? But she couldn’t voice a single one.

Caleb had indirectly rejected her. She had prepared herself for it, acted unaffected, and walked away. But it still hurt.

A rejection was a rejection.

She had worked hard to bury that memory, and now Elkan was reopening the wound. Astrid bit her lip, avoiding his gaze.

She wanted to beg him to stop this conversation.

“Lord Caleb is worried about you,” Elkan said gently.

“…!”

Astrid’s eyes widened in surprise.

“He doesn’t know when he’ll return. There’s no certainty.”

“…!”

“He didn’t want to make any promises. If he doesn’t come back, you’d be alone again.”

“…”

“He doesn’t want you to endure the same pain as before.”

Her throat tightened, rendering her speechless. She hadn’t known Caleb was thinking this deeply.

She thought he had simply rejected her feelings. She never imagined his thoughts went that far.

“Why… would he…”

The unexpected revelation hit Astrid hard, bringing tears to her eyes.

“That’s why I hope you’ll be brave once more.”

“…What?”

Her voice, half-choked with emotion, trembled as she questioned him.

Elkan’s usual smile was gone, replaced by a serious expression.

“Tell him you’ll wait. Tell him to come back. Confess again.”

“Elkan…”

“It seems our Grand Duke is a bit of a coward.”

“But Caleb doesn’t—”

“Whether he realizes it or not, does it matter?”

“…What?”

“There isn’t much time. So go ahead and seal it. Stamp it in his mind. Grand Duke Caleb Lionel belongs to you.”

“…”

“You’re already legally married with the King’s approval. You have every right to claim what’s yours.”

Elkan finished with a mischievous grin, looking like a mischievous fifteen-year-old boy.

***

The secret attic at the very top of the estate had once been an abandoned space.

This space found its purpose around the time Caleb was five years old. After discovering it during a game of hide-and-seek, the room became his secret haven throughout childhood.

The only person aware of its existence was Cradoc, his frequent hide-and-seek partner.

“…Still the same.”

The only differences were the thick layer of dust and the slightly faded walls and floors. Everything else remained as it had been in his youth: a wooden horse, toy swords, a chessboard, and even an unfinished imperial language notebook.

Caleb scanned the room, taking in the scattered remnants of childhood memories. With a light kick, he cleared a space just big enough for one person to lie down. Once it was ready, he stretched out without hesitation. The cool air rising from the hard floor was oddly comforting.

With his hands folded behind his head, he closed his eyes, finally feeling the solitude. But that peace was short-lived, as Elkan’s unsolicited advice from the night before replayed in his mind.

***

“Even without a formal ceremony, Lady Astrid is already your wife.”

“I know that.”

“You know? And yet, you act like this?”

“What did I do?”

“Are you really okay with this? What if Lady Astrid gives her heart to someone else while you’re off on the monster campaign?”

“Stop talking nonsense.”

“Why? It’s no secret that past Cliff Grand Duchesses had secret lovers.”

“…Astrid is still young.”

“Yes, she’s young and pure. Which means she could easily fall for someone else in your absence.”

“…”

“Since when did you become so… noble?”

“What?”

“It’s unlike you, Caleb. Mark your claim before someone else does. Lady Astrid is essential to Cliff. Give her certainty.”

“Don’t overstep your bounds.”

“Forget that misplaced sense of morality and be selfish for once, Your Grace. Hold her tight. Make sure she can’t even think about leaving.”

***

He should have kicked Elkan in the shin or grabbed him by the collar and slammed him to the ground. That’s how you dealt with nonsense. But Caleb hadn’t touched him. No, he hadn’t even had the presence of mind to do so.

Elkan’s audacious words had wedged themselves into his head, echoing relentlessly.

“…The nerve of that guy. He gets bolder every year. Soon, he’ll be running circles around me.”

The once respectful tone was now laced with defiance. When they first met, Elkan had trembled before him, his eyes filled with defiance but never backing down. That was the problem. From the beginning, Elkan had never been wrong.

‘Astrid falling for someone else? Running away from the territory? Damn it!’

The mere thought made Caleb feel nauseous. He didn’t know why, but since hearing Elkan’s words, he had been restless. Restless enough to seek out this long-forgotten sanctuary. He needed to regain his composure.