Chapter 44

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 44

Chapter Title: The Absent Letter

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It was strange. Three weeks was more than enough time for Lucia to have sent a letter.

Considering the usual volume she sent, he figured at least three would have piled up by now...

Herwin finally shook the bell cord to summon the butler.

"Did you really bring every letter addressed to me?"

"Yes, Young Master. Is there something in particular you're waiting for?"

Herwin paused just before saying Lucia's name, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

"Then, have all the letters from the capital mansion arrived as well?"

"Yes. They send them periodically from the capital. There are definitely some among your letters, Young Master."

Reexamining the letters at the butler's words, he spotted a few envelopes with double stamps.

That meant Lucia truly hadn't sent even a single one.

A hollow ache settled in one corner of his heart. She had never once failed to write before.

"Young Master, if you're looking for something specific, may I assist?"

Only then, hearing the butler's voice since he hadn't yet departed, did Herwin snap back to attention. He shook his head hastily.

"No, it was a mistake on my part. You're dismissed."

"Very well. Please call if you need anything else."

Click.

With the butler gone, Herwin scanned the letters, his emotions tangled.

Why hadn't Lucia sent a letter?

From childhood, whenever they were apart, they always exchanged letters.

To be precise, Lucia would bombard him with them constantly, even before he could reply.

"Ah, could it be..."

A sudden thought flashed through his mind. Before heading north, the last time he'd seen her, Lucia had shown tears for the first time.

He'd told her to show him her smiling face again, but if she hadn't sorted out her feelings yet, it made sense that she hadn't written.

The image of Lucia pushing him away with a tear-streaked face flickered vividly before his eyes.

A heavy discomfort weighed on his chest like a stone.

Why on earth did she like him? She knew full well he had feelings for another woman.

Lucia was a wonderful friend, but knowing she harbored deeper emotions left him awkwardly conflicted.

Yet he couldn't draw a harsh line with her as he might with other women—she had become too precious for that.

He didn't want to become strangers with Lucia. And so, unable to return her feelings, he also couldn't bring himself to be cold.

As the vision of her crumbling expression resurfaced, Herwin grimaced and rubbed his face.

Then he shook his head to dispel the lingering image.

"Get it together. Come on."

Shaking out his still-damp hair, Herwin turned his focus back to the letters.

Half were invitations to social events from those eager to befriend Herwin; the other half came from friends excluding Lucia.

Ethan, Brian, Christine, and even Arista.

Herwin read their letters one by one. They were nothing more than ordinary notes checking on his well-being.

The warmth in them, mingled with questions about when he'd return and pleas to take care, drew a soft chuckle from him.

He saved Arista's for last. Her neat handwriting alone brought an involuntary smile to his lips.

Reading on with a gentle smile, he found some significant news.

"An engagement..."

Soon to sweep the entire empire: the engagement ceremony between the princess and Lydia Ducal House's young lord, Ares Lydia.

Arista had mentioned talks with the imperial family before—he'd wondered, but hadn't expected it to actually happen.

Well, with no eligible princes, Ares's engagement was far more realistic than anything for Arista.

Still, the thought of her tying herself to the imperial family had left him uneasy.

No matter who it was, Arista deserved someone exceptional.

If it were a political marriage dictated by the family, there'd be no choice—but he hoped her partner would possess both scholarly and martial prowess, along with striking looks.

He'd never once imagined himself with Arista. Their families' relations made it impossible anyway.

For Herwin, who had only just entered marriageable age, wedlock felt like a distant prospect.

That evening upon returning to the mansion, Herwin shared dinner with his family for the first time.

"The princess is holding an engagement ceremony."

"Yes, so I suppose I'll have to head back to the capital soon."

"Thanks to you, we've surpassed our monster extermination quota. You're free to go."

Hail savored his food as he gave permission. Scarlett pulled a sullen face at the stark father-son exchange.

"It's such a shame our son has to rush off again—he's far too busy. That's why I kept telling him to visit the castle more often, if only to show his face."

"I'm sorry, Mother. I'll stay longer next time."

"And you! How could you send our son, who's finally home after so long, straight to a monster-infested wasteland? He should rest at least a day in the castle!"

"He did offer to help with the subjugation, but choosing to go directly was his own decision."

To dodge Scarlett's scolding, Hail redirected her ire toward Herwin.

Herwin shot him a look that screamed too far, only for Hail to reply with eyes pleading placate her, please.

"Once you're in the capital, when will you come back?"

"Hard to say. I'll know more once I'm there."

Scarlett's eyebrow twitched at the bland response.

"Why not end these northern trips altogether? It's time you inherited the duchy."

"After graduating from the academy and lingering in the capital so long, yeah, it might be time to return."

Hail chimed in agreement.

Herwin had anticipated this, but not that they'd urge him to return north right away. Instead of replying, he fell silent.

"It'd be nice if you settled an engagement before taking the title. What do you think?"

"An engagement... Marriage is inevitable someday, so scouting now isn't a bad idea. No ladies in the capital catch your eye?"

Seeing their eyes gleam with interest, Herwin feigned discomfort.

"Must we discuss this today of all days?"

"My dear, when else? Once you head to the capital, you won't surface for ages—when would we even have the chance?"

Scarlett scolded as if it were obvious. Then, with a sly glint, she leaned forward and whispered,

"What if you got engaged to Lucia?"

"Mother!"

"Why shout? If there's no one you fancy, Lucia would be perfect."

Herwin gaped at Scarlett's curt retort before rubbing his parched face.

"Hm. Lucia. Not a bad choice."

"See? You agree. Imagine how wonderful it'd be to have such a cute, kind girl as our daughter-in-law."

"Shall we send a formal letter to the Agnes Count House?"

Ignoring Herwin entirely, Hail and Scarlett buzzed on about welcoming Lucia as his fiancée.

"He's right here—what are the two of you doing?"

"And why are you so against it? Don't tell me you dislike Lucia."

"Exactly. Scarlett's right. What's so wrong with Lucia?"

Herwin hesitated. They had a point—Lucia would make an outstanding bride.

But he simply couldn't picture himself engaged to her.

"Since it's come up, let's ask outright. From what I know, Lucia's been fond of you for over ten years. But have you truly never seen her as a woman, not even once?"

Scarlett's serious tone left no room for evasion.

As Herwin fumbled for words, Lucia suddenly came to mind.

Her petite frame barely reaching his chest, her round and endearing features, her kindness so profound it could feel stifling.

Her image sharpened vividly, naturally.

The bright smile crinkling her eyes at the corners—a familiar sight from their childhood days.

Had he ever viewed her romantically?

Well... he wasn't sure.

She was undoubtedly a close friend he never wanted to lose, but as a woman...? Not quite.

Hail and Scarlett exchanged glances at Herwin's misty red eyes and troubled expression.

"...Well, to me, Lucia is simply my most precious friend."

Herwin finally managed an answer. Yet his voice came out subdued, heavy.

Scarlett found it odd—did a simple question about romantic interest warrant such prolonged, earnest deliberation?

In her eyes, at least, Herwin didn't seem to view Lucia as just a friend.

Still, pressing further risked silencing her stoic son for good, so Scarlett held back.

"If that's how you feel, I won't push. But give it some serious thought."

She'd offer that much advice, at least.

"Lucia will eventually get engaged to someone, marry. If you can watch her take another man's hand with calm acceptance, then you're true friends. If not... well, think it over carefully."

Herwin's red eyes quivered faintly. But the tremor soon stilled, his face regaining composure.

Scarlett could see it nonetheless: he was more rattled than he'd admit.

"That was enjoyable. I had high hopes since it's the most talked-about play lately, and it exceeded them. What did you think, my lady?"

"Yes, I enjoyed it too. The actors' performances and the singing were delightful."

Lucia exited the theater alongside Bern, a serene smile on her face.

Two weeks after their first meeting, they'd quickly arranged another.

Today marked their third.

He'd mentioned booking seats for an amusing play, and though she'd suspected... it turned out to be The Other Side of Love.

The very same one she'd seen before her final confession to Herwin.

Seeing it again felt a touch repetitive, but this time, she could relax and savor it.

"Which part resonated most with you, my lady?"

"Hmm, it was all wonderful overall, but I especially liked the ending—where the heroine sets off to find her true love."

In truth, the moment that lingered most was the unchosen male lead's bitter departure.

Not that she'd liked it—it had simply seared itself into her memory.

Better than being honest, surely.

Her answer was the sort anyone would approve of.

"Is that so? For me, the monologue from the other male lead—the one not chosen—hit harder."

Lucia's eyes widened upon realizing Bern shared her unspoken thought.

"The happier those two become, the more desolate the one left behind feels. It's heartbreakingly sad."

Bern spoke wistfully, then turned at the ensuing silence.

Lucia stared at him, lost in thought.

He offered an awkward smile, softening his kind eyes.

"Was that too gloomy? Most people love the grand finale, so I suppose..."

"No. I was just surprised by the unexpected answer. It wasn't strange at all. I'm glad to hear your thoughts, Marquis."

Her faint smile made it clear she wasn't feigning.

"Then I'm relieved."

Bern cautiously extended his arm—an offer to escort her.

Lucia glanced at it briefly before gently resting her hand on his firm forearm.

Like approaching a deer in the woods, Bern closed the distance gradually, ensuring she felt no pressure.

Sensing his consideration, Lucia lowered her own walls to match his pace.

Being with him didn't feel uncomfortable at all.