Chapter 40
'Flashy.'
That was Muriel's impression watching the carriage approach from afar, its flag emblazoned with garish patterns fluttering wildly. The Updyke Margrave family's carriage—which had held the empire's border margrave title for generations—was on par in size with the imperial ones.
"Anyway, it's showy."
Dominic grumbled, leaning crookedly against a pillar in the central hall as he eyed the carriage. Ever since hearing that the Updyke heir and Boild Baron couple had arrived outside the castle, he'd been in that mood—what was his problem?
"Why the constant grumbling since earlier?"
"Obviously the Mad Flower Deer. At least the Boild Baron's a noble guest. That guy's barging in like he's welcome. By the way, is the Duchess still unwell?"
The Boild Baron was the first official guest to Munheim Castle since Daniel became lord. Regardless of his true nature, over a dozen servants including the lord had gathered in the front yard to greet the historic ducal castle's first visitors. Yet the lady of the house, who should have stood beside Duke Rihardt, was absent. Word was the Duchess's health was poor, so Duke Rihardt had personally forbidden her outing. Early that morning, Muriel had handed Dominic the gold pouch and relayed the message.
"She's got a bad cold. Anton said she needs a few days' rest. Oh, don't forget to deliver the advance payment today. She worries it'll undermine trust from the start if even the date slips."
"One day won't matter. Thought she wouldn't trust a guy like me with something so important anyway."
Just then, the carriage pulled into the front yard. As the wheels halted, the wildly flapping margrave flag drooped limply.
"......The lady still doesn't know what you did. And she never will forever. So you stay the good person she sees now—don't say anything unnecessary."
"What? What do you mean......?"
"Live seeing only the pretty things, doing only what you want—life's short anyway. No need to know the dirty, ugly parts. Better off not knowing."
"So you're saying I'm dirty and ugly right now?"
As Muriel evaded his question, the carriage door opened. Eager to see the famed Heinrich Updyke for the first time, Muriel craned her neck forward.
"They say the Updyke heir's incredibly handsome......"
The moment the door opened, someone leaped out. Muriel watched the golden-haired man charge straight into Duke Rihardt's arms, her neck and shoulders thrust fully forward.
"Daniel! Wow, you really woke up. My hero's awake for real. How's your head? Okay? Why'd you throw yourself in for that bastard Dominic—should've let him die. I was so worried."
Heinrich Updyke lived up to his nickname, with round, large blue eyes like a flower deer. He poked and prodded the steadfast Duke Rihardt like an ancient tree, chattering nonstop.
"Wow...... Your body's already recovered this much? As expected of my Daniel. Daniel, listen, I...... Mmph."
Daniel shoved Heinrich's face away with a large palm and strode to the carriage. Extending a long arm inside, he bowed politely.
"You've had a hard journey, Baroness Boild. You too, Baron."
The woman with deep golden-brown hair nearing brown and green eyes descended with a radiant smile despite her fatigue. Boild Baron following paled far more than his wife. Muriel reasonably suspected Duke Rihardt's lingering golden-haired youth was the cause.
"That bastard's the same as ever."
Dominic pursed his lips and spat curses freely.
"Hm...... The Updyke heir's a bit different from the rumors."
"What's different? He's the Mad Flower Deer plain as day."
"His looks do match the flower deer nickname......"
Dominic scowled openly before Muriel could finish.
"Who said that? You think the nickname came from his looks?"
"It didn't? They say in battle he smiles vilely and beautifully with flower deer eyes......"
"Ha! Flower deer eyes my ass."
Is this woman's eyesight off? How could those eyes look like a flower deer? Dominic tsked loudly in disbelief.
"I coined that nickname. He jumps around like a deer with an arrow in its ass, acts like a madman with flowers in his hair. Can't you see?"
Shaking his head, Dominic turned to Daniel politely escorting Baroness Boild.
'That guy's acting noble for once.'
Sometimes Daniel truly seemed the 'real Duke Rihardt'—today was one such day. How could he keep his composure with that lunatic Heinrich beside him? Astonishing ability. Once thought he and Daniel weren't so different. Noble trash. Bastard without territory or title inherited. Such lives usually meant bullying from legitimate heirs. Often begged for scraps. Fortunately, the previous Duke Rihardt unusually tolerated his mistress raising another woman's child and cherished his son. Laura was an angel, needless to say. Envied, jealous of Daniel with such parents...... What an idiot. Fool. Even as a kid, how blind? Not seeing how that damned Margret eyed him. Like a fox pondering when to slaughter the cornered chicken—seeing benevolence, compassion? No wonder I relaxed. Even Laura begged me to stay by Daniel. But Daniel's true caliber showed after his mother's death. Turning chillingly cold-blooded for a child...... Whew. Father and I were floored. The kid bawling under covers grew sword skills terrifyingly. By sixteen, even Father quit sparring entirely. Dominic had surrendered early. Not just swordsmanship—etiquette training intensified post-Laura. Shendal wolves found no flaws. Childhood mercenary habits lingered in speech, but he never groveled vulgarly like me. Bastard yet noble blood, huh? Damn. When Daniel led the throne war vanguard, Father and I swore loyalty over mercenary pay. Flowed naturally. Even without Laura's dying wish, it'd ended the same. Sometimes think so.
'Yeah, Daniel. You're great.'
Recalling the past watching Daniel flawlessly escort Baroness Boild up the stairs, Dominic chuckled softly. As they entered the first-floor corridor led by the Duke, Muriel muttered.
"The Updyke Margrave's famed for sternness...... His son's unexpected."
"Don't associate. Noble name only—worse than street scum."
"You two get along poorly?"
"His head's the issue, but that mouth's the real poison. Bearable if shut......"
Then a booming, ear-doubting voice rang from behind.
"Hey, Daniel! That Harkbon girl? What? Thought she'd be dying today or tomorrow—alive and walking fine!"
Muriel realized: those called mad have reasons. *** Dizziness hit again; Frida gripped the second-floor railing tightly. Daniel said he'd greet guests, for her to rest—but she couldn't lie down. She was Duchess Rihardt, Munheim Castle's lady. Hastily dressed, Frida faced the approaching guests from the top of the stairs. First faces: one, two, three. The bright golden-haired, big-eyed youth must be Margrave Updyke's heir, Heinrich Updyke.
"Let one ear hear, the other let go what he says."
As her husband warned, she ignored his shout upon seeing her. Next, the dark golden-haired green-eyed woman on Daniel's arm. First impression of Baroness Boild was excellent. Nearly forty per Muriel, yet looked a decade younger. Beautiful smile despite long travel fatigue. Trailing Boild Baron: brown-haired, blue-eyed stern middle-aged man. Confusion plain on his face alternating between Frida and Updyke heir. Naive—no, bumbling for Dowager Empress's pick. Greeting each, Frida descended slowly, hand on railing.
Frida Cloud Harkbon, living on others' worry and aid, wasn't here. I am Duchess Rihardt. As Daniel ordered, descending elegantly and proudly, Frida stood first before Baroness Boild. Heinrich Updyke was margrave's son, not yet titled. Protocol: greet titled baroness first among couple.
"Baroness Boild. Frida Cloud Rihardt. Forgive my rudeness not greeting you personally."
Baroness Boild's soft smile deepened as she bowed to Frida.
"Rudeness? The Duke just said you're unwell. Pleased to meet you, Duchess. I'm Matilda Agnes Boild."
"You've had a hard journey. First, my apologies. Arriving early, your quarters may not be perfect."
"It's fine. The duchy so beautiful—I'm thrilled already."
Returning a gentle smile, Frida lightly greeted Boild Baron.
"Welcome, Boild Baron. Heard you're highly capable. Duke and I expect much."
"Thank you for the welcome, Duchess. I...... Know it's sudden, but a request?"
"A request?"
"Stefan, I'm fine."
Baroness Boild grabbed her frowning husband's arm troubledly. As wide-eyed Frida watched, Baron stepped aside signaling words. Stefan whispered to following Frida.
"My wife's with child. Hiding it, but exhausted. Know it's rude, but could you guide to quarters immediately?"
"Oh!"
Clapping hand over mouth in shock, Frida hurried to Baroness.
"To your room now, ma'am. Why mention such vital news now? Come, Dominic!"
Dominic, glaring at Heinrich outside, hesitated at Frida's call.
"What? Dominic Molly, you hiding the......"
Overtaking greeting Heinrich, Frida yanked Dominic's arm.
"To Skadi Hall quick—ventilate Baroness's room. Hurry!"
"Why me? We hired plenty servants."
"All busy in kitchen. Actually......"
Whispering in Dominic's ear, he nodded knowingly and dashed off. Tugging Daniel's arm next, Frida pulled him toward stairs.
"What is it?"
More perfect elegance than expected—why suddenly excited like a child? Daniel asked calmly. Frida leaned lips near his ear.
'As affectionately, boldly, actively as possible—touch.'
Pressing close, Frida stroked his arm.
"Daniel, a favor."
'D-Daniel?'
The whisper near his ear overly sweet, breath on earlobe unnecessarily...... stimulating.
