Special Story 9

Warm sunlight streamed through the window. Inside the office, where only the scratching of a pen nib echoed, someone let out a small click of the tongue. The one disturbing his peace was Fedeshar.

 

Fedeshar spoke to Evan, who was glancing repeatedly at the clock with a disgruntled expression.

 

“Duke Weiss, I know you’re displeased, but please move your hands faster. I cannot let you leave until this is finished.”

 

“I don’t think that’s a necessary concern. Not only is my processing speed faster than Your Majesty’s, but I also have absolutely no intention of staying long. I am organizing these documents with the utmost effort.”

 

As he spoke confidently, a stack of completed papers sat beside him. However, his eyes remained fixed on the clock.

 

“If I’m late again, Lep will worry…”

 

“I apologize for unintentionally interfering with your quality time with her.”

 

“I’m glad you’re aware.”

 

Though Evan was responsible for public security and training knights as the Imperial Knight Commander, he often helped Fedeshar with his workload due to a shortage of manpower.

 

“Was it not you, Duke, who made me the Emperor? You must take responsibility.”

 

“Tsk. Can you not even handle one person’s share of work?”

 

Despite the borderline impudence of the remark, Fedeshar let it slide gracefully. He desperately needed Evan’s help due to his own perceived lack of ability.

 

After a whirlwind of blood swept through the Imperial Palace and a fierce struggle ensued, it was Fedeshar who ultimately ascended the throne. The lives of the Empress and the Emperor—both lives held the same value, but an attempt on the emperor was tantamount to rebellion.

 

Furthermore, for some reason, the Empress showed no significant movement, and Bastien was leading a life of self-imposed exile under the guise of traveling. It was a natural progression for Fedeshar, backed by House Weiss, to become Emperor.

 

“It is never easy to make a good start, is it?”

 

“Is it not because the former Emperor ruined so many things that the workload has increased?”

 

“Haha, I have no words to counter that.”

 

Though Fedeshar hated the former Emperor, he was still his father, so he showed a hint of embarrassment. As the scale of the national projects the former Emperor had forcibly pushed to establish Fedeshar as the heir came to light, the tasks to be resolved grew steadily.

 

“He certainly had his hands in everything. I expected as much, but still…”

 

Evan and the former Duke thought they had blocked the former Emperor’s movements well, but they couldn’t monitor everything. Winning over nobles is easy—as long as interests align, one simply needs to lend power and money.

 

Once Fedeshar became Emperor, the nobles who had paid such prices to the former Emperor began demanding their due.

 

“They could have avoided trouble if they had just stayed quiet…”

 

Evan glared at the documents with chilly eyes. The thought that these tactless nobles were cutting into his time with Lepina made his anger boil. Lately, he had been returning so late that seeing her sleep was all he could manage.

 

“…Let’s finish this quickly,” Evan said grimly.

 

Fedeshar shook his head at the sight of him. He knew of Evan’s love for Lepina, but it seemed to burn even brighter as time passed. Despite being married for several months, the two were still very much in their honeymoon phase.

 

Since he was working overtime nearly every day because of this, it was inevitable that Evan’s mood was hitting rock bottom.

 

“It’ll be over soon, so let’s hold on a bit longer. It’s only because the Duke is the only one I can trust.”

 

“Your Majesty, please try to make some other friends.”

 

“It seems all this is happening because of my lack of ability. As expected, my brother…”

 

Though Fedeshar had become Emperor, he still felt he fell short of Bastien in terms of capability. Evan set a document down with a thud and spoke.

 

“The ability to put others to work is also a talent. Look at my wife. Even if she doesn’t step forward herself, her subordinates do everything perfectly.”

 

“Ah, I heard the Grow Merchant Guild held something called a ‘fashion show’ to showcase innovative clothes and beautiful accessories. The noble ladies and young misses were raving about it.”

 

“It’s a natural result.”

 

Evan did not decline Fedeshar’s praise. In fact, he took it a step further.

 

“It’s because the secretary expanded well on the ideas Lep provided. Ah, not that Lep lacks ability. She is actually more brilliant than I am. My wife has her hands in many different things.”

 

Fedeshar was confused whether Evan was comforting him or bragging about Lepina. It seemed the latter carried more weight.

 

As if there were no end to his pride in Lepina, Evan spoke without rest. It was a world of difference from his usual blunt and silent demeanor.

 

Of course, the other side was the same. Fedeshar recalled a letter he had received one day. Lepina had expressed her displeasure at him making Evan work late every day with a quiet written protest. The two were still very much head over heels for each other.

 

“The Duke seems to have met a wonderful wife.”

 

There was no praise more joyful to Evan’s exhaustion-stricken face; a smile bloomed as if he couldn’t be happier.

 

“Of course.”

 

“Even the Duchess herself sent a protest to the Imperial Castle, worrying about the Duke’s health.”

 

Evan arched an eyebrow as if hearing this for the first time.

 

“She wrote asking what on earth was being done to keep her husband until late at night in this chilly weather. It was a letter that clearly showed how much the Duchess was worrying.”

 

Fedeshar looked up at Evan and doubted his eyes. Evan’s cheeks were flushed with a shy red. Even Fedeshar, who thought he had developed some immunity to this, was startled.

 

“Lep… she was worrying that much…”

 

A satisfied smile played on Evan’s lips. It was proof that not only he, but Lepina was also feeling lonely. Evan immediately looked at the clock.

 

“Your Majesty, I shall head out now.”

 

“Duke! The work is still—!”

 

“I have finished my portion. I cannot very well wait until Your Majesty’s work is done. I have someone waiting for me.”

 

In the middle of their conversation, he had somehow finished all the documents. Fedeshar, who thought his own document-processing skills were second to none, was dazed.

 

“I cannot stay still knowing my wife is waiting for me in loneliness.”

 

Fedeshar, having listened to Evan’s bragging about Lepina for so long, decided it would be faster to get his own work done if Evan left. As soon as Fedeshar waved him off, Evan turned on his heel immediately.

 

 

***

 

 

As soon as I stepped out of the carriage, I hurried into the house. The biting wind felt like it was seeping into my bones. Even though I was only exposed to the outside air for a moment, my body shivered.

 

“Ugh… so cold.”

 

“Madam, welcome home.”

 

As I blew on my hands to warm them, Liman hurried over and draped a cardigan over my shoulders.

 

“I’m a bit late, right? Where’s Evan?”

 

Knowing Evan disliked me returning late, I glanced around tentatively.

 

“He has not returned yet.”

 

I had arrived later than usual because of many meetings, and Evan wasn’t home yet?

 

“Overtime again today?”

 

“Yes. My apologies.”

 

“No, there’s nothing for you to be sorry for, Liman. That jerk Fedeshar… what is he doing keeping Evan? He didn’t seem to be in good health lately either…”

 

I let out a deep sigh. I’m quite busy with various tasks myself, but it was incomparable to Evan. With Fedeshar’s enthronement, Evan had become busy as well.

 

Sure, I understand. But he should at least let him rest! He’s already got a fragile constitution…!

 

I had been startled when I heard him coughing the other day. It was because the sound of him coughing naturally brought back memories of the past when he used to cough up blood.

 

‘I wonder if his condition is okay…’

 

Because he was the type to always have the words “I’m fine” attached to his lips, I was even more worried.

 

“The weather is cold, too…”

 

I looked out the window where not a single light could be seen.

 

“I should finish this quickly.”

 

“The Duke will be very pleased.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

Thinking of the freezing weather and his cough, I had been hurriedly knitting a scarf. I could have bought one at a shop, but wouldn’t there be more meaning in something handmade?

 

Even as I stayed up all night knitting the scarf for Evan, he did not return.

 

“He’s still not back…? When he arrives, it’ll be time to just wash and go straight to bed.”

 

I stretched my body out. My hard work had paid off. Even to my eyes, the scarf turned out beautifully. The problem was that the person who was supposed to receive it wasn’t here.

 

In the end, he didn’t arrive until I was overcome with drowsiness.

 

“I can’t just sleep today! I have to give him the scarf, and I haven’t even seen his face…”

 

Even as I told myself to endure, my eyelids felt as heavy as iron bars. I rolled around on the large bed. If I stayed like this, I would fall asleep in my room again.

 

“He won’t wake me up even if I tell him to… Should I wait in Evan’s room instead?”

 

If I waited on his bed, he would naturally wake me up.

 

“Perfect!”

 

I used the secret passage for the first time—something I had never used before. Carrying my pillow, I dove straight onto Evan’s bed.

 

“It’s been a while since I smelled Evan’s scent…”

 

As I buried my face in the blanket, his scent filled my nose. I had crossed over to his room specifically to avoid falling asleep, but it only made me sleepier.

 

 

***

 

 

“You have returned.”

 

“Where is Lep?”

 

A smile spread across Liman’s face at Evan’s immediate action of tossing his coat and looking for Lepina the moment he arrived. The two were truly alike.

 

“She has already arrived. She seemed disappointed to hear that you had not returned yet.”

 

Evan looked for where Lepina might be. Sensing her presence in his room, his footsteps quickened. When he swung the door open, he saw Lepina sleeping while clutching the duvet.

 

“Lep, were you waiting here?”

 

“Mmm… Evan…? You’re late…”

 

Rubbing her bleary eyes, Lepina woke up. Evan laid her back down so she could sleep comfortably. His actions nearly lulled her back to sleep, but Lepina forced her eyes open.

 

“No! I have something to give you today!”

 

Then, Lepina swung the scarf she had next to her around Evan’s neck.

 

“Don’t catch a cold and make sure to wear this scarf! You’re walking around late at night. Health is important!”

 

Evan blinked blankly. The fluffy knit scarf was warm, just like her words. The corners of Evan’s mouth curled into a smile as he kissed her forehead.

 

“Yes, thank you. I will cherish it forever…”

 

Smiling proudly, Lepina fell back asleep after telling him to make sure to wake her up tomorrow so she could see him off.

 

Evan chuckled softly and sat by the bed, gently stroking her hair.