TDLOT 40

Chapter 40. Kindly, Boldly, Actively

‘How extravagant.’

That was Muriel’s impression as she watched the carriage decorated with loud, fancy flags approach from the distance. The carriage of Marquis Updike, a long-standing frontier noble family, was almost as large and grand as the Imperial family’s.

“So flashy,”

Dominic muttered, leaning against one of the main hall’s pillars as he watched the carriage. He’d been grumbling ever since he heard that Young Master Updike and the Boild Baron couple had arrived outside the castle.

“Why do you keep grumbling?” Muriel asked.

“It’s that crazy deer’s fault. The baron is fine, but who asked for that guy to barge in here? Anyway, is the duchess really unwell?”

The Boild Baron was the first official guest at Munheim Castle since Daniel became lord. Everyone, including the lord and about a dozen servants, waited outside to greet them. But the lady of the castle, who should have stood next to the duke, was missing. Word had spread—delivered by Muriel handing Dominic a pouch of gold that morning—that the duchess was too sick to leave her rooms and the duke had forbidden her to go out.

“She’s really sick. Anton said she should rest for a few days. Oh, and don’t forget to pay the advance today. Everything runs on trust here. She’s worried since you were late already.”

“It’s just one day. I thought she wouldn’t trust a guy like me with anything important. But she actually did?”

Just then, the carriage arrived in the front yard. When the wheels stopped, the flapping family flag dropped limply.

“…The lady doesn’t know what you did yet. She never will. So don’t say anything unnecessary—just keep being a good person.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Dominic asked, puzzled.

“Life’s too short. Just look at what’s nice, do what you want, and don’t worry about the ugly stuff. Isn’t it better not to know?”

“Are you saying I’m dirty and ugly?”

Muriel dodged the question as the carriage door opened. Eager to see the famous Heinrich Updike, Muriel craned her neck to get a better view.

“They say the Updike heir is really handsome…”

The moment the door opened, a blond man leaped out and ran straight into Duke Richard’s arms.

“Daniel! Wow, you really woke up! My hero is back! How’s your head? Are you okay? Why did you have to throw yourself in front of Dominic like that? I was so worried about you.”

Heinrich Updike, true to his nickname “Flower Deer,” had big, round blue eyes. He couldn’t stop talking as he checked Daniel all over, as if making sure he was real.

“Wow, you’ve recovered so much already? That’s just like you, Daniel. I…”

Daniel cut him off, pushing his face away with one big hand before turning to the carriage.

He politely helped the Boild Baroness out of the carriage—a beautiful woman with dark blond hair and green eyes, smiling brightly despite her fatigue. Her husband, Baron Boild, followed, looking far more somber. Muriel guessed it was because of the blond young man standing behind Duke Richard.

“That guy hasn’t changed,” Dominic grumbled.

“Heinrich doesn’t quite match the rumors, does he?” Muriel asked.

“What do you mean? He looks exactly like a crazy deer.”

“His eyes are pretty like a deer, but…”

Dominic growled before she finished.

“Who said he got that nickname because of his looks? I gave it to him! He jumps around like a deer with an arrow in its butt and acts like an idiot with flowers stuck in his hair. Don’t you see?”

Dominic glanced over at Daniel, who was now guiding the baroness with perfect manners.

‘He looks like a real duke today.’

There were moments—like today—when Daniel truly seemed like Duke Richard. Even with crazy Heinrich by his side, he remained perfectly calm and dignified. That took real talent.

Dominic remembered how Daniel changed after his mother’s death. He’d grown cold and sharp, almost frighteningly so for a boy his age, becoming skilled with the sword and perfect in manners. Even his illegitimate birth couldn’t hide his noble blood.

‘Yeah, Daniel. You really are something,’ Dominic thought with a tiny smile as he watched Daniel lead the guests inside.

As everyone entered the castle, Muriel whispered,

“The Marquis Updike is known for being strict, but his son is… surprising.”

“Don’t bother with him. He’s worse than a thug.”

“Are you two not on good terms?”

“His attitude is the problem. If he’d just keep his mouth shut, he’d be bearable…”

Suddenly, a loud, shocking voice echoed behind them.

“Hey, Daniel! Isn’t that the Hakborn girl? I thought she’d be half-dead by now, but look at her—she’s walking around just fine!”

Muriel realized then—there was always a reason someone earned a reputation for being crazy.

Another dizzy spell hit Frida as she clung to the railing on the second-floor staircase. Daniel had told her to rest and let him greet the guests, but she just couldn’t stay in bed. She was the duchess of this castle, after all.

Frida hurriedly dressed up and stepped out, coming face to face with the guests walking down the corridor. Three unfamiliar faces—one of them must be Heinrich Updike, with bright blond hair and big eyes.

“Just let whatever that man says go in one ear and out the other,”

she remembered Daniel warning her. True to his word, the first thing Heinrich did when he saw her was yell something outrageous, which she ignored.

She greeted the Baroness Boild first, as manners dictated, since the baroness was the wife of a titled noble, while Heinrich was not.

“Baroness Boild, I am Frida Cloud Richard. Please forgive my rudeness for not meeting you outside myself.”

The baroness smiled warmly and bowed.

“No forgiveness needed. The duke told me you weren’t feeling well. I’m happy to meet you, my lady. I’m Matilda Agnes Boild.”

“You must be tired from the trip. I’m sorry if your rooms aren’t fully prepared since you arrived early.”

“That’s fine. The beauty of your domain already makes up for everything.”

Frida turned to greet Baron Boild next.

“Welcome, Baron Boild. I’ve heard you are very capable. Both the duke and I are looking forward to working with you.”

“Thank you for your warm welcome, duchess. If I may—could I make a sudden request?”

“A request?”

“Stefan, I said I’m fine,” the baroness protested, holding his arm.

Baron Boild drew Frida aside and whispered,

“My wife is pregnant. She may look fine, but she’s very tired. I know it’s improper, but could you show us to our rooms right away?”

“Oh!” Frida gasped, covering her mouth.

She hurried back and took the baroness’s arm.

“You must go to your room right away, my lady. Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Dominic!”

Dominic hesitated, but Frida called him over.

“Go to Scadi Hall and air out the baroness’s room—quickly!”

“Why do I have to do it? We hired new servants for this.”

“They’re all busy in the kitchen. Actually…” She whispered something in his ear, and Dominic nodded and hurried off.

Then, Frida grabbed Daniel’s arm and pulled him toward the stairs.

“What is it?”

Daniel was surprised to see her acting not just as a perfect duchess, but also—suddenly—so excited, like a child. Frida leaned close and whispered in his ear,

‘He told me to be as kind, bold, and active as possible.’

She pressed herself against him, stroking his arm.

“Daniel, I have a favor to ask.”

‘D-Daniel?’

Her voice was overly soft and gentle in his ear, her breath unnecessary… and very tempting.