TFLMLD 75

Chapter 75

The Vanished Lady

Evelyn tried hard to keep a composed expression, but she felt wronged by Macaron’s cold indifference toward her. While she gripped the reins tightly and glared at him, they had already reached the imperial palace.

A celebration banquet was held to welcome the imperial army’s return, and the palace was overflowing with festivity. The tables laden with wine and sumptuous food were quickly emptied. But not everyone was pleased. While the nobles who had participated in the war basked in triumph, those from the opposing side stiffened their faces upon seeing Macaron—whom they thought would never return—stride back alive and proud.

The triumphant nobles mocked them in subtle tones.

“It seems Your Excellency defended the empire not with a sword but with a pen, as a mere scribe.”

“What did you just say?”

“Only a joke. Why look so grim, as though you’ve lost your position?”

Among those visibly stiffened by the words was Reiner Craide. He clenched his fist tightly, restraining himself from flipping the table in front of him.

Meatnut, those fools revealed not just the invasion but even the strategy, and yet they let this bastard live?

His fingernails dug into his palms, drawing blood, but Reiner felt no pain. All he could see was Macaron, calmly observing the scene. Macaron twirled his glass with a smile before raising it toward him.

“Brother, it seems you’re not too pleased to see your younger sibling return alive. With so many eyes watching, perhaps you should manage your expression a little.”

Reiner wanted to unleash a storm of curses, but he clenched his fist under the weight of watching eyes. To make a scene here would only harm his reputation.

“Such a scowl, on a day like this.”

“Then at least pour me a drink in celebration, Brother.”

Humiliated, Reiner poured wine into Macaron’s cup. Forcing a disguised smile, he clung to his last shred of pride.

“I never thought you’d actually pull it off. You must’ve been lucky.”

“It was luck you handed me yourself, Brother. I’m grateful.”

Reiner barely restrained himself from striking that smirk off his brother’s face. Unlike in their youth, Macaron had grown taller and now looked down on him. Even while smiling, his crimson eyes carried their unique menace. Beyond humiliation and anger, Reiner felt a creeping fear at that hostility directed his way.

As the celebration reached its peak, Evelyn, feigning drunkenness, slipped into the seat beside Macaron.

“I’d like to get some fresh air. Would you mind?”

She whispered softly, but Macaron leaned away from her.

“Go ahead.”

Evelyn looked at him with disbelief and lightly rested her hand on his shoulder.

“I’d like to ask for Your Highness’s escort…”

Macaron glanced coldly at her hand, twisted his body to shake it off, and rose to his feet.

“Momont, the Duchess Evelyn seems drunk. Escort her.”

Called suddenly, Momont gave Macaron a look that said, That’s harsh, then frowned at Evelyn. But as a professional, he quickly smoothed his expression into a polite smile. Evelyn couldn’t understand this situation at all.

“Drunk? I’m not drunk.”

“Didn’t I just say you were?”

With those firm words, Macaron raised his glass again, not sparing her a single glance. Under Momont’s guidance, Evelyn disappeared from the banquet hall.

Macaron then spent the evening encouraging the nobles who had fought alongside him, clinking glasses several more times. Though everyone else grew tipsy, Macaron remained wide awake, his mind entirely consumed by thoughts of Craide. From the moment he entered the empire until now, he had thought of nothing else.

The slow passage of time felt agonizing as he longed for Calyps.

By dawn, when the drunken generals and nobles were escorted to the palace’s guest rooms, Macaron lay restless, waiting for morning to come.

The next day, the nobles busied themselves early, preparing to return to their territories. After exchanging farewells with Macaron, they departed one by one. Finally, when all had left, Macaron hurried toward Craide territory.

The Craide army returned within a day, receiving lavish welcomes across every land they passed. In Craide, the townsfolk organized the grandest parade with music and blossoms raining down. Most of the returning soldiers were their fathers, sons, and breadwinners, and their families greeted them with tearful embraces.

The domain was vibrant, with no sign of decline despite the lord’s absence. From greenhouse cultivation to temple management, everything was in perfect order. Everyone knew it was thanks to Calyps. Her talent for administration exceeded all expectations, leaving retainers and elders astonished.

But from the moment he stepped foot into Craide, Macaron’s attention was fixed solely on Calyps. His eyes sparkled as he searched the crowds. Yet, contrary to his expectation, she was nowhere in the procession.

An ominous unease pressed down on him. Hastening his pace, he reached the manor.

A chilling stillness enveloped him as he entered. What met his eyes were Coral in tears, Kai with his head bowed, and pale-faced attendants. But Calyps—whom he so desperately sought—was nowhere to be found.

A cold shiver struck the back of his neck.

“Where is Calyps?”

“That is…”

Before Eve could finish, Macaron stormed off like a madman toward the eastern annex. Losing all composure, he flung open the door.

No… it can’t be…

His massive fist clenched tight. Then he saw it: a letter left behind by Calyps. His hand trembled as he tore it open.

Inside the envelope, her neat, delicate handwriting filled the page.

“Your Excellency,
This is my first time writing you a letter. At first, I thought you were a frightening man because of your title as the ‘Monster Duke,’ but… I’ve decided not to believe rumors anymore. (smile)

Perhaps it’s meddling, but please always be wary of Lord Reiner Craide. Always use the silver spoon I gave you to check your food. You know this better than I, but I say it out of caution.

For Kai’s upcoming birthday, he’ll love the toy robot I reserved at the shop. As for Coral, Your Highness knows best what gift will please her. Haha.

This past year—it could be called short, or long, yet it feels endlessly brief. Perhaps that means you’ve been a good husband.

As our contract period has ended, I will now leave to reclaim my life. I’ve left the divorce papers with this letter. I pray for the prosperity of House Craide. And shameless as it may be, instead of the promised alimony, I entrust Coral to you.”

Macaron’s towering frame collapsed to the floor. Where had it all gone wrong? He read the letter over and over, unable to believe what it said. But there was no explanation for why she had left.

Recalling his memories with Calyps, nothing justified this.

No…

In his last memory of her, she had smiled at him—forcing the expression.

She smiled at me.
She whispered love to me.
She promised she would be by my side forever.

Back then, he could never have imagined that her smile meant farewell.

All this time, while I dreamed of our future… you were planning to leave?
Why…?

He could not understand. By dawn, he had memorized every word of the letter, his gaunt face shadowed by a sudden, chilling aura.

Evelyn…?

Scenes he had overlooked flashed before his mind: Evelyn’s unconditional offer of troops, Calyps’s strained smile the last time they met, the bitter shadow across her face… All of it pointed to one thing.

Of course. This is what you wanted, wasn’t it?

Blood rushed into his crimson eyes. In his hand, Calyps’s letter crumpled into scraps.

When Calyps opened her eyes, she was in the Duchy of Mering de Roaweber.

Her first impression was of damp humidity and stifling warmth. Compared to the north, the heavy air dragged her mood down. Still, she preferred this to the blazing sun that mocked her.

After stepping down from the carriage, she walked into the central office to file her documents. Once submitted, she was assigned a guide who escorted her to the address.

Her reasons for starting anew here were simple.

First, the duchy was geographically close to the Kingdom of Quinzolet. To properly run her makeup business with the Merchen Trading Company introduced by Lady Marie, frequent meetings would be necessary, and proximity was essential.

Second, the Duchy of Mering had a relatively simple process for accepting new residents due to the absence of its lord. Rumor had it that the Duke of Mering was one of the empire’s greatest financiers, as well as the southern Tower Master. He was known as a collector of domains, having bought this land as a mere hobby. With such an eccentric temperament, he was almost never present in his own domain.

Normally, lands without their lords were poorly managed, yet strangely, this duchy was well-governed. That too suited her well.

Third, and most importantly, this was the safest place where Macaron would not find her. She knew he would scour the entire empire, sparing no means to track her down. If he did, he would cause yet another wave of suffering and sacrifices. Since she had resolved to leave, she must never appear before him again. This duchy was perfect: lax inspections allowed her to conceal her identity, and the distance from Craide made discovery unlikely.

Lady Marie had been her greatest support in this decision. Though she had only asked for information, Marie had gone as far as to purchase a residence for her. Calyps felt guilty yet grateful, knowing Marie had helped so much during her hardships.

And now, following the guide, she stopped before the residence for the first time.

It far exceeded anything she had imagined.