Chapter 59

“Your Highness, the Second Prince. Allow me to guide you to the guest room.”

 

Following the servant Norman who walked ahead, Freyer quietly observed the interior of the manor.

 

‘Charming.’

 

The manor was decorated with portraits of Lilithia from her childhood—lemon-colored hair, amethyst-like eyes, fair skin, and plump cheeks that looked the same then as now.

 

The hallway to the room was filled with cute ornaments here and there, making the atmosphere pleasant.

 

“This will be the room Your Highness will be staying in.”

 

Norman stopped and opened the door. Freyer stepped inside. It was a rather simple guest room, and Norman spoke cautiously.

 

“We lack proper guest rooms, so the accommodations may not be ideal.”

 

“It’s fine. I’m the one who abruptly insisted on staying here.”

 

“Thank you for your understanding.”

 

Compared to the silent, cold palace, this place felt warm and familiar. Freyer scanned the room and walked toward the window. From there, he had a clear view of the manor’s small garden.

 

“The location is nice.”

 

If he sat here reading while looking out, he might occasionally catch sight of Lilithia strolling through the garden.

 

“It’s my favorite spot as well. The scenery is beautiful.”

 

Norman came to stand beside Freyer.

 

“Since Your Highness will be staying here, I suppose I won’t be able to come into this room for a while.”

 

“Thank you for yielding it to me.”

 

“It’s a pity not to see the view for a few days, but I’ve seen it for decades—so I will gladly give it up to you.”

 

Norman smiled leisurely.

 

“I don’t recall saying I would stay here only for a few days.”

 

Freyer had no intention of leaving the Baimery manor anytime soon. He vowed he would never again allow her to be in danger—he would not leave her side.

 

“Your Highness, may I ask you something?”

 

“What is it.”

 

“Have you taken an interest in my lady?”

 

At the question, Freyer leaned casually against the window frame, crossing his arms.

 

“I have.”

 

“I thought so.”

 

“You’re quick to notice.”

 

Since the Second Prince’s unannounced visit the other day, and then his desire to stay in the manor, Norman had been convinced that the prince held feelings for Lilithia.

 

Even Winnie, who usually lacked awareness, noticed immediately.

 

“All the household staff are aware of it, Your Highness.”

 

“But it seems Lilithia herself is not.”

 

“Our lady is indeed… very slow in such matters.”

 

“She does seem that way. I’ve made it quite obvious.”

 

He realized again and again how oblivious she could be.

 

‘Someday, she’ll understand my heart.’

 

It didn’t matter if she didn’t yet. Even if she realized late, it was fine. Freyer had already vowed to live for her. He didn’t want to imagine a life without her anymore.

 

“Our lady may appear strong, but she carries many wounds. She does not easily open her heart.”

 

Norman slumped slightly, eyes lowered.

 

“After losing Madam Leticia, the baron devoted himself entirely to work. Because of that, our lady grew up very lonely.”

 

“……”

 

“She was quite the rascal as a child, yet more mature than others her age. And after taking charge of the trading company, she carried so many burdens that she began hiding her emotions.”

 

His hunched shoulders revealed his sorrow.

 

“All the staff know. She never says anything to us, and handles everything alone. It pains us, but we also know… that we cannot heal the emptiness in her.”

 

“……”

 

“I say this knowing it may be rude, Your Highness, but I wished to ask one thing. If you are approaching our lady merely out of curiosity, please stop. My only wish is for our lady to be with someone who truly sees her.”

 

“It’s not curiosity. You may rest easy.”

 

“Thank you for answering my presumptuous question.”

 

“Thank you. I will remember what the butler has said.

 

“Our lady’s lack of awareness must trouble you greatly. My apologies, Your Highness.”

 

Norman smiled faintly.

 

“Oh—one more thing. Starting tomorrow, my lady will be taking meals in her room. I was told to inform you in advance.”

 

“……”

 

“If you need anything, please pull the service cord. I’ll take my leave.”

 

 

***

 

 

Lady Baimery had been threatened, and His Highness had declared he would stay by her side.

 

‘I didn’t think he’d actually follow through…’

 

Derek, entering the manor, could not hide his surprise. He was extremely curious about what words were exchanged to gain permission to stay.

 

Winnie approached with a bright smile as soon as she saw Derek enter.

 

“The weather is lovely today, isn’t it, Lord Derek?”

 

“Lor—Lord… Derek?”

 

He had never been called that before. Normally it was “Derek,” “Derek Robero,” “Sir Derek,” or “Knight Derek.” The unfamiliar title startled him.

 

“Oh! I’m sorry. I should’ve called you Sir Derek… Was that rude?”

 

Since Baimery Manor had no resident knights—only contracted guards and mercenaries—the title “sir” felt foreign to Winnie.

 

“N-not at all. Please call me however you like.”

 

“Then… may I call you Lord Derek?”

 

“Of course.”

 

With no sisters, no female colleagues, and little experience speaking with women, Derek became clumsy and stiff. Winnie smiled with her eyes and continued:

 

“I heard His Highness is staying here because the imperial palace is under construction. That means I’ll see you often, Derek-nim. I look forward to it.”

 

“I—I look forward to it as well.”

 

A bead of sweat slid down Derek’s forehead. Winnie, noticing the change in him, tilted her head.

 

“You must be hot. Shall I bring you a glass of water?”

 

“……Yes! Please!”

 

“Just a moment!”

 

Winnie hurried toward the kitchen. Derek fanned his flushed face.

 

“It’s not even that warm today.”

 

A voice came from the second floor—Freyer.

 

Derek looked up to see Freyer descending the stairs in a neat navy suit.

 

“Did you rest well last night, Your Highness?”

 

“The manor staff took excellent care of me.”

 

Freyer stepped down the stairs. Derek walked beside him and asked:

 

“It’s your first day reporting to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Are you nervous, Your Highness?”

 

“It’s closer to excitement.”

 

Today, with the diplomatic authority granted by the emperor, he could finally establish his own position. He had long waited for this day—both eager and tense.

 

Freyer spoke low.

 

“Jaybil?”

 

“He’s with Bilion at Silvertone today, searching for the movements and hideouts of the mages.”

 

“Guildmaster Ricardo and his aides?”

 

“I contacted them last night. They are currently traveling toward the capital. But since Guildmaster Ricardo’s region doesn’t use stable Gate transport, it will take time for them to reach the city.”

 

Freyer nodded. He needed the right timing—disrupt the foreign ministry’s corrupt order, then rebuild it. Ricardo’s arrival would be timely.

 

“Good. Let’s go.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness.”

 

As Freyer stepped out of the manor toward his horse, the door opened. Winnie emerged with a silver tray and crystal glass.

 

“I greet the Second Prince.”

 

She bowed. Freyer nodded politely.

 

“U-um…”

 

Winnie glanced at Freyer, then held the tray out to Derek.

 

“Your water, Lord Derek…”

 

“T-thank you.”

 

Derek moved awkwardly like a stiff doll, taking the glass and gulping it down in one go.

 

“Very refreshing!”

 

His tone and movements were painfully unnatural.

 

“If you ever need more, please tell me. I’ll be off now.”

 

Winnie collected the empty glass and hurried away. Freyer narrowed his eyes and smirked faintly at Derek.

 

“It would be best if Jaybil never sees you like this.”

 

“W-what do you mean!”

 

“You claimed to be skilled in romance, yet you hardly look the part.”

 

In their usual banter, Derek always boasted about his romantic expertise. But judging by how he struggled to even speak to a woman, Jaybil would absolutely tease him for this.

 

“Your Highness! That’s not—!”

 

Freyer shrugged and grabbed the door handle. Ignoring Derek’s protest, he mounted his white horse and rode toward the imperial palace.

 

 

***

 

 

Freyer passed through the West Palace and arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

“Your Highness, we have been awaiting you.”

 

All of the ministry staff were already gathered. They were far from pleased, but the authority had been personally granted by the emperor—so refusal was not an option.

 

A thin, sharp-featured, brown-haired middle-aged man stepped forward.

 

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Riulfo Bertol, Special Envoy of the Ministry.”

 

Freyer looked him up and down. A supposedly clean, upright noble—and a core figure of the pro-imperial faction.

 

‘They say he takes bribes like a starving man.’

 

Special envoys handled diplomatic missions in place of the emperor. Riulfo’s public image was impeccable, but in private he was known for taking bribes, chasing women, and behaving like a self-appointed emperor.

 

‘Not while I’m in charge of the ministry, Riulfo.’

 

Hiding his thoughts, Freyer extended his hand.

 

“Envoy Riulfo. I look forward to working with you.”

 

“The pleasure is mine. We expect great leadership from Your Highness.”

 

Riulfo grasped Freyer’s hand with both of his, overly polite.

 

“I’ll show you to your office.”

 

“Lead the way.”

 

“We had to prepare it in haste, so it is not on the same floor. I ask for your understanding.”

 

Riulfo guided him to a room at the end of the corridor on the floor above.

 

“This is it.”

 

Freyer stepped inside and looked around. It was tidy and neatly furnished, with a communication orb on the desk for contacting diplomats.

 

It looked like a private office prepared solely for him—but its true purpose was obvious: to keep him isolated from the rest of the ministry.

 

‘Even better.’

 

Freyer preferred to be as far from the current staff of the ministry as possible.