RTPM 18

Chapter – 18

Thus, Decarno rarely showed his emotions. As the heir of the Teze Ducal House, it was both his duty and his virtue. When his father, the late duke, passed away suddenly in an accident, his sense of responsibility reached its peak—and it had been that way for over ten years since.

He had never felt particularly stifled or burdened by it. It was different from simply getting used to something. If getting used to something meant adapting to something difficult, then he had always been Teze. Even the duties and responsibilities assigned to him felt natural, and at some point, he even realized he enjoyed them.

The time he spent with Evangeline was included in that.

It was natural. She was a woman who could become a duchess just as perfect as he was.

So, he assumed she would enjoy this life as much as he did. For a while, it seemed that way.

But recently, the things that irritated him had gradually increased. Even though Evangeline made every effort he could want, his heart simply did not respond. He wondered if spending less time together would help, but it did not.

“Ah, no, I’m fine.”

Fine, indeed.

Every moment she smiled gracefully, spoke elegantly, and maintained her poise somehow grated on him. Trying to pinpoint what irritated him most, Decarno gazed at the fireplace, where even the traces of letters were gone.

Then it struck him.

He had never received even a letter like that from her.

“Your Grace, there you are.”

“….”

Decarno, standing before the fireplace, turned at the sound of Michael’s entrance. Perhaps because of the flickering shadows of the fire, his expression looked even more fearsome, and Michael flinched. While his master had never been gentle, he now seemed almost cruel. Michael tried his best to appear unfazed and shifted the matter to work.

“The Emperor has recommended that Your Grace accompany him on next week’s eastern tour. Since you accompanied him on the previous two, it would be acceptable to decline, if you wish.”

To be precise, it was not that he could refuse.

It wasn’t that he felt sorry for the Emperor’s personality, and it certainly wasn’t a miscalculation. Decarno’s assistance would be invaluable in every aspect of the tour. But for the Emperor to get that level of help, he would normally have to give up something in return.

Especially in the east—the roughest and most inconvenient of the four regions. Accompanying the Emperor there for a week would normally require at least one or two major state project rights to be granted in the Upper Council. Having already granted much on previous tours, even the Emperor couldn’t push for more. Michael, observing the unyielding nature of the duke, accepted that and moved on to the next matter.

“And I’ve brought the list you requested. It’s the guests from that party who spoke to Lady O’Hara even once.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes. As far as my investigation goes, except for the last person she spoke to.”

“….”

Decarno’s eyes flashed even more fiercely. Michael, swallowing hard as if he’d made a mistake, relaxed his shoulders. While not as strict as the duke, Michael had spent over ten years as his aide, handling matters rationally and efficiently.

The list he presented today was no different. All unnecessary side notes were omitted, containing only the essential information.

“Only the naval captain was favorable; the rest were not.”

“Of course.”

Decarno’s lips twisted in a grimace that mixed heaviness with a hint of mockery. But Michael thought the duke’s displeasure stemmed from a different reason. Just the fact that he had been tasked with making such a list indicated as much.

“There are three who seem particularly close to the Princess. Apparently, the princess worked to ensure their families could bid for the landscaping of the city park under royal jurisdiction. Though the announcement hasn’t been made yet, it seems the other families’ bids were blocked—effectively decided. The stakes may be small, but those families depend on this for their livelihood.”

“I see.”

“I suggest a mild warning. Making it a big issue would seem like personal revenge, which wouldn’t look good for the Teze Ducal House either.”

Michael proposed the most appropriate solution.

If it were a direct provocation to Evangeline, the future duchess, it would be utterly outrageous. But technically, she was not yet part of the ducal house. Considering that public opinion regarding her remained unfavorable, it was better to be cautious.

“If Your Grace has no other objection, I will proceed accordingly.”

“Do you think a warning like that will even be understood?”

“Your Grace…”

“Enough. When does the Emperor depart for the tour?”

Decarno, showing interest in the tour, made Michael widen his eyes in surprise. Beyond his quick calculation skills, the duke was meticulous about his own value. Having made up his mind, he subtly left his conditions.

“Good. It would be enough to secure the city park landscaping project.”

◇ ◆ ◇

Evangeline had spent several days clutching her father’s belongings, only realizing reality after exhausting all her strength.

Her father was gone.

She had to accept it. The time had come to let go of her last hope and lingering attachment. But she had no idea how to do it, leaving her utterly lost.

Evangeline had never known how to give up anything. She had never faced a situation requiring surrender or forced herself to change her heart. At least, as her father’s only daughter, she knew what she needed to do for him, and that much was a relief.

Tetron, 3rd Street, F Row, No. 30

This was where her father would lie. Though not his real body, the funeral had to be conducted as if it were. Clinging to that sole determination, she exchanged letters with Philip and managed to secure a small plot of barely two pyeong.

Though it was in a slum she had never visited, it was better than keeping her grief locked in her heart. She had prepared all she could—her father’s favorite items, some personal effects—and waited for the date Philip mentioned.

Yet one more challenge was almost as difficult as letting go of hope: she had to bear the entire process of her father’s funeral alone.

Only now did she realize that for the fallen, even a funeral was a luxury. No one would comfort her, no one would attend. She had to complete it unseen.

“…Not a hint of contagion, indeed.”

Evangeline muttered, with not even bitterness left in her voice. Day by day, as she prepared the funeral and accepted her father’s death, her body and mind grew hollow. She couldn’t speak to anyone, suppressing the surging grief alone. She tried to bear it by holding Rex, but the emptiness inside only deepened. Each day, she clutched her boiling heart dozens of times, fearing it might explode.

So much so that she longed for the man himself.

“Your Grace said you would be busy with state affairs and wouldn’t return for a while.”

A few days ago, she had aimlessly lingered in front of the main hall, her pride abandoned, and blushed when the steward spoke. She had ignored his pitiful gaze and returned to the annex, but her anxiety grew.

Ironically, the only man she could tell about her father’s secret funeral was Decarno. She knew he had no perfect secrecy, but it wasn’t the only reason.

Her father had only her—but for her, there was only him.

It was ridiculous, but true.

Though pride wounded, when thinking about conducting the funeral alone, Decarno’s face was the first to come to mind. Not her real husband, but having spent two years together—and if the late duchess had not passed, he would now be her husband. As she tried to focus her blurry gaze, the lights in the main hall flickered on.

“Ah…”

The duke must have returned.

Evangeline leapt to her feet and ran toward the main hall without thinking. The startled maids tried to stop her, but she clutched her dress desperately, abandoning all dignity. If she missed him now, she wouldn’t know how long she would have to wait. And if her father’s funeral passed within a week… the thought made her shiver.

“Evangeline?”

“Haa… haa!”

Fortunately, he was still in the hall. Judging by his attire, he would soon leave again, but just seeing him in the house brought her immense relief. Out of breath, she pressed her hand to her chest as Decarno handed her a glass of water from the table.