Chapter 13. Altai’s Whisker
The twentieth owner of Shendal Castle is Emperor Leopold Bolstak II. Like all emperors before him, he has bright blond hair and clear blue eyes—typical of a Svergen. He also carries the noble blood of the Richard and Weizen families, the most prestigious of the Twelve Dukedoms. It’s natural for him to look like a Svergen, but even without his bloodline, the emperor’s appearance is outstanding. Even when he frowns or twists his mouth in annoyance, he still looks noble.
Of course, sitting across from the emperor is a middle-aged woman who looks just as dignified. She is the daughter of the Weizen Duke, married into the Richard family, and now is the Empress Dowager—the emperor’s mother. The Empress Dowager, Marguerite, wears a jeweled pin in her blond hair, the same color as her son’s, and she holds a cup filled with bright red hibiscus tea.
“That child’s life is pretty long, isn’t it?”
Daniel has woken up. Daniel Johannes Richard, the emperor’s half-brother, was born between the late Duke Richard, Bruno Richard, and a commoner woman from Milabo, Laura Chardo. That news alone was unwelcome.
“It seems Duke Richard woke up ten days ago.”
The news should have arrived in five days, but it took ten.
‘So, it’s been ten days.’
The Empress Dowager slowly enjoyed the bitter and sour tea, then quietly set her cup down. Even during the three years Daniel was unconscious, the Duke’s land stayed strong and safe. Laura’s son is always a problem—whether he can be seen or not. Like a thorn in the throat you can feel but can never remove. The emperor, Leopold, looked at his mother, annoyed, and couldn’t hide his frustration.
“You’re being very cold to a son who woke up after three years. Isn’t a stepson still a son?”
“Laura’s child. To me, he’s just the emperor’s hunting dog. That’s all he’s worth.”
The emperor shivered. He could feel the cold blood of the Weizen family running in his veins.
When the Duke’s hand touched her forehead, Frida realized something. She finally understood what her heart wanted to say after all these days.
‘Oh no. I think… I like the Duke.’
She swallowed hard and lowered her head. She saw the small buckles on Daniel’s leather jacket. Two of the six buckles were undone, and the shirt underneath rose and fell with his breathing. She knew how strong and broad his chest was because she had been held by him before. Duke Richard is strong, warm, careful, and gentle. He makes her feel both jealous and loved.
‘How could I not fall for him? He’s such a wonderful man, and he’s my husband… Isn’t it strange not to like him?’
While sleeping in separate rooms, Frida’s heart had only just calmed down. Now, it beat so hard she could barely stand it. Her cheeks turned red like berries in the sun. Daniel’s hand brushed lightly against her cheek after touching her forehead.
“You don’t look well.”
‘Oh no, oh no. I can’t breathe because of you. I really can’t breathe.’
“Hoo… Hoo…”
Frida remembered the breathing tricks Muriel had taught her, slowly breathing out. But before she could finish her third deep breath, her body suddenly floated into the air.
“Oh my…!”
Daniel picked up Frida and carried her through the door connecting their bedrooms. He gently laid her on the bed, then touched her forehead again.
“This is more than just a slight fever.”
Next, he touched her cheek.
“I saw a maid coming here. Where did she go?”
Lastly, he touched her neck. Wherever Daniel’s hand touched, Frida’s skin burned hot. She finally managed to answer, swallowing hard.
“She went to the kitchen to get food…”
Daniel looked around the room, still filled with the scent of flowers. The maid was gone, and even the ever-present Lady Knight was nowhere to be seen.
“Where’s Sir Rosivalt?”
“She’s looking over old road documents… Oh, that’s what I wanted to tell you.”
Trying to control her pounding heart, Frida remembered why she had come.
“To start the road project, we need a lot of money…”
“I’ve said it many times: you don’t need to report to me. Do as you wish.”
How many times did she have to say the same thing? He was clearly annoyed. He noticed a small washbasin of water and a wet towel in the room. While Daniel went to get the towel, Frida sat up straight and continued talking.
“The rules say I should report to the royal family first and get permission. But is there a way… maybe to start building and tell them later?”
Of course, there are many ways. Royal approval is just a formality. The empire, after long wars for the throne, owned vast lands. Nobles were rich because the imperial family let them rent lands. Building roads means more money for everyone, so the empire usually did not object—unless the builder was Duke Richard.
‘So the clever Duchess Richard already figured it out.’
Daniel squeezed out the towel and brought it to the bed. Frida’s pale face was dotted with red from the fever. She watched him closely.
“If possible, I’d like to finish the tree-cutting part before the royal family hears about it. That way, we could keep it quiet until next year… Huh?”
Daniel slowly laid Frida’s head and shoulders on the bed. He put the cool towel on her forehead and watched her blinking face.
“The road from the dukedom to the capital is dangerous. Messengers often die on the way. That excuse could buy you about a year.”
We just send the approval letter and wait. If it never arrives, it’s fate. Frida’s lips parted in surprise.
“Are you saying… we should send a messenger and then… get rid of him?”
That’s a wild idea for a noble lady. Daniel’s lips twitched just a little.
“It would be more certain that way. We’ll talk more after your fever goes down.”
“But…”
Frida tried to get up, but Daniel easily held her down with a finger.
“From today, I’m adding a new condition.”
“A… a condition? About the vault? But you said I could use it as I wished…”
“I never said there would be only one condition.”
Frida’s purple eyes turned from friendly to suspicious. Her honest eyes and beating heart always showed what she felt. Daniel’s lips twitched again but quickly returned to normal.
He has power, fame, money, and a sharp mind. His wife is a dangerous woman. Daniel’s face became unreadable again.
“If you are unwell, the vault will stay locked.”
“What?”
Daniel pressed her shoulder down again, not hard but firm enough. His eyes were clear and serious.
“I’m taking the key from you today. When your fever is gone, you can come get it.”
“N-no way. This isn’t fair. I’m sick almost every day!”
“Then the vault will stay locked for a long time.”
Frida, shocked, gripped her skirt tightly. Daniel reached for the same spot.
“Excuse me.”
“D-duke!”
Of course he guessed she kept the key on her. According to Dominic, she visited the tower several times a day and always came out with a smile. Daniel’s hand followed Frida’s hand under her skirt and easily found the cold metal key. He quickly pulled it out, and Frida’s hand shot out too late.
“Please forgive my rudeness.”
Daniel bowed politely and went to his own room.
“How can he do this? How can he just take it back like that?!”
Frida’s anger was loud and clear.
“You… you liar!”
He had never actually lied, just left out a few words, but things went as he expected. As he closed the door between their rooms, a sudden noise surprised him. Water splashed on his leg through the crack in the door—a basin must have hit it. Daniel had to cover his mouth to hide his laughter.
“Hehehe… Hehehehehe.”
She threw the basin! How angry must she be to throw it with those thin arms? Peeking through the door crack, he saw Frida breathing hard and glaring at him. It was really fun to watch. He wished he’d taken the key sooner. Daniel leaned against the wall, still holding the key, and quietly laughed.
“Just wait. No matter what, I’ll get that key back.”
“Hoo…”
Muriel watched Frida making up her mind, then sighed and held her forehead. Maybe she should have warned Dominic. Frida is not as gentle as she looks. But Dominic probably knew. Today’s mess happened only because the Duke underestimated the woman he married.
Muriel checked the floor for water, not wanting anyone to slip.
“The Duke probably did it because he’s worried about you. He said you can get the key back once your fever is gone.”
“How is that different from never giving it back?!”
Frida yelled, still glaring at the door connecting the rooms.
“You know, Muriel, I’m sick every day. I always have a fever. I… I don’t have much time left.”
