Ch#201
The beast stood frozen for a moment as if conflicted, then slowly stepped out from the thicket.
Varkas gently stroked the wolf’s damp fur. Though the beast wrinkled its snout in distaste, it quietly accepted his touch.
Perhaps this wolf was a superior species with intelligence far surpassing that of an ordinary animal. It was well known that alpha Direwolves possessed high social intelligence and an exceptional ability to bond.
Undoubtedly, having been raised by Talia since it was a pup, it must have become attuned to her emotions.
Having reached a logical conclusion, Varkas pulled his hand away from the wolf’s head and stared into its expressive, blue-gray eyes.
One thing was clear: this beast harbored a powerful attachment to her. And she, in turn, showered the wolf with affection.
Mulling over that fact anew, Varkas shifted his gaze to the tombstone surrounded by clusters of flowers.
It seemed she came here often with the wolf. Just imagining the scene made his solar plexus ache, as if he had swallowed a lump of lead.
He covered his forehead with his hand and closed his eyes tightly.
If even this wolf hadn’t been there, she would have had to come here all alone.
Once he reminded himself of that, the wolf’s true nature no longer mattered.
“……Let’s go.”
As if understanding his words, the wolf quietly followed behind him.
Varkas passed the chapel and approached the inner castle wall.
“The wolf has been found. Tell the guards to cease the search.”
The gatekeeper, flinching at the sight of the Direwolf, hurried off toward the training grounds.
Varkas passed through the arched gateway and stepped into the garden. The wolf, following closely, dashed straight across the flowerbeds and into the Great Hall.
Standing in the middle of the garden, Varkas watched the sight before turning toward the path leading to the rear garden. Before long, the window of her bedroom came into view.
He looked up for a long time at the small silhouette perched on the windowsill.
The woman, who had been hugging her knees with her forehead pressed against the glass, suddenly turned her head over her shoulder. At that moment, the shadow of a massive beast appeared in the window.
Varkas turned away just as she threw her arms around the wolf’s neck.
Above, a hazy veil of clouds had draped across the sky.
Staring silently at the heavens that looked ready to pour rain, he began to retrace his steps.
As autumn began to set in, the desolate atmosphere in Kalmor, which had been restless due to the crackdown on pagans, gradually began to settle.
Naturally, the grim rumors surrounding the Grand Duchess also subsided. As she remained confined within the castle walls, the citizens of Kalmor seemed to instantly forget the existence of the Grand Duchess—who was as beautiful as an earth spirit—and the gray wolf that followed her.
However, this was merely an artificial silence created by the crackdown. Most citizens held their breath, fearing they might be branded as pagans just for mentioning her name.
The atmosphere inside the castle was no different. Not only the vassals but even the servants treated her as if she didn’t exist.
It was the result of them choosing silence out of fear of drawing the Grand Duke’s ire, even as they inwardly suspected Talia was the culprit who had lured the raiders.
Yet, despite her total isolation, she appeared peaceful on the surface.
After her house arrest was lifted, Talia acted as if nothing had happened, strolling through the rear garden or walking freely through the castle with the wolf in tow. It reached a point where she seemed to actually enjoy the fact that people treated her like a ghost.
Watching his wife gradually regain her vitality—her haggard appearance nowhere to be seen—Varkas felt a strange mixture of relief and bitterness.
He was relieved that she no longer seemed to be suffering. At the same time, the fact that she no longer seemed to be suffering damaged something inside him.
As if to shake off those contradictory feelings, Varkas immersed himself even further in his official duties.
As that turbulent autumn deepened, an urgent telegram arrived from Daren. It was a letter stating that the atmosphere near the Valto border was suspicious and requesting his swift return.
Varkas immediately began preparations for departure. Despite heading back to the battlefield less than four months after his return, his heart felt lighter. Staying at Raedgo Castle had become increasingly exhausting.
He was tired of seeing her freeze like a pale ghost every time they crossed paths, and he was tired of forcing himself to look away from her.
He vowed that once he departed this time, he would not set foot in the castle for a while.
“How about I go in your stead, brother?”
While Varkas was in the middle of reviewing military supply routes with Beirop, Lucas burst into the office and made the suggestion.
Varkas lifted his gaze from the map to look at his younger brother. Having spent the summer leading the security guards and spearheading the pursuit of the raiders, Lucas had become noticeably more dignified.
With a serious expression on his bronzed face, Lucas strode up to the desk.
“The castle is still in disarray. It would be better for morale if you remained here to stabilize the public sentiment.”
Varkas set down his quill and stared into his brother’s amber eyes. A strong sense of anxiety flickered within those eyes, darkened by worry.
Since the death of the previous Duke, Lucas had built a solid career and reputation as a soldier. However, he was still woefully lacking in political and administrative skills.
Aware of his own limitations, the younger brother seemed concerned that Kalmor’s situation would fall back into chaos in the Grand Duke’s absence.
Varkas let out a low sigh.
“The movements of the lords in the southeast are suspicious. If it is true that they are colluding with the northern forces, this could escalate beyond a simple dispute into a civil war. You lack the experience to handle such a sensitive situation.”
“Then it would be better to put Daren in charge as a proxy while I gain experience by your side……”
“Enough.”
Varkas cut him off firmly.
“What would be the point of the eldest and second sons of the house leaving for the battlefield at the same time? It is your duty to take responsibility for this household while I am gone. It is time you learned the duties of the Grand Duke as well.”
Dismay washed over Lucas’s face.
“I am not capable enough for that.”
“If you are lacking, then build your capabilities,” Varkas snapped coldly.
“You are currently the sole heir to this house. If something happens to me, you must inherit this position. So stop with the weak talk and fulfill your share of the responsibility.”
“Why would something happen to a man who is perfectly fine even after consuming Agor’s Deadly Poison? Rumors are rife in the East that the current Grand Duke of Shikan is immortal.”
Lucas spoke playfully, as if trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.
“You’ll easily live to be a hundred, brother. I’ll probably become a hunched-over old man before you do.”
“I have no intention of holding this position for that many years.”
At the dry response, the smile on Lucas’s lips slowly faded. Varkas continued in a calm tone.
“If you truly hate the idea of succeeding me, then get married and have a child. Once that child can hold their own, I will hand this position over.”
“……Are you being serious?”
“Have you ever known me to make empty promises?”
“…….”
“I intend to officially announce you as the heir soon. Build up your strength so that no one can object when the time comes. I’m getting tired of bickering with the vassals.”
Finishing his words flatly, Varkas folded the map and handed it to Beirop.
The aide, standing frozen with an expression as shocked as Lucas’s, took the map and hurried out.
Once they were alone, Lucas spoke cautiously.
“Is this because of my sister-in-law?”
Varkas’s eyes grew cold and sunken. After flinching for a moment, Lucas continued in a firm tone.
“Is it because she has a body that makes it difficult to conceive, so you’re trying to use me as a shield?”
“Lucas Raedgo Shikan.”
The ominous ring in his voice silenced his brother’s babbling lips.
Varkas added softly, “Do not cross the line. The atmosphere in this house is already unsettled enough; I have no desire to add rumors that the Grand Duke took turns throttling his brothers.”
Lucas’s jaw set hard.
Varkas picked up his discarded coat and draped it over his shoulders. As he was about to leave the office, Lucas muttered in a choked voice.
“I truly cannot understand you, brother. Why do you treat her so coldly to her face, when you go to such lengths to protect her behind her back?”
