Chapter 72

While I was unconsciously staring down at Edwin, he must have felt my gaze because he suddenly looked up.

Startled, I quickly turned my head away.

“S-so anyway, have you decided on the next governor?”

“I’m reviewing several options.”

“It’s something that requires careful thought, but I think it’d be better to decide on a successor sooner rather than later. For Bellamare’s stability too.”

The people of Bellamare had lived under oppression and fear for a long time.

So at the very least, while I was still here, I wanted to observe personally and add my opinion when choosing the next governor.

“It’d be best if it’s someone capable and familiar with Bellamare’s situation.”

“Are you considering someone local?”

“Not necessarily…”

Actually, I had been thinking about Ramon for the position.

Compared to the former governor from a Lombard collateral line, he’d lack legitimacy, but that would be true for any family.

He lacked subtlety, but he had strong administrative ability and drive.

Of course, if he left, poor old Berthold would probably be crushed under paperwork, but aside from that there wasn’t a better candidate.

“There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, Eli.”

“Go ahead.”

Edwin adjusted my skirt carefully after checking my bandages and moved to sit across from me.

He looked serious, so I straightened instinctively—

“I’m considering turning Bellamare into a duchess’s direct domain.”

“…?!”

I nearly sprayed the tea in my mouth at the most ridiculous nonsense I’d ever heard.

He looked perfectly sane on the outside, but had he already gone senile?

“A duchess’s direct domain? What are you talking about? You don’t mean me when you say duchess, right?”

“Who else in Lombard is the duchess besides you, Eli?”

“No, no! There’s no guarantee I’ll remain duchess forever. Something could happen to me and I might die early…”

Honestly, ruling Bellamare directly wouldn’t be bad.

The hardship would fall on the officials running back and forth between Lombard Castle and Bellamare. And if necessary, I could appoint a proxy as mayor.

The problem was the next duchess.

I didn’t know how or when I’d step down, but sooner or later a new duchess would enter Lombard.

How could I guarantee she’d be capable in administration and attentive to the people like me?

‘Even the former duchess, Edwin’s mother, was kind.’

But sometimes mistakes made without malice cause even greater ruin.

While I was deep in thought, Edwin’s expression hardened.

“That won’t happen.”

“Huh?”

“I won’t ever let go of your hand first. So please don’t say things like that. I ask you.”

There was bitterness in his eyes. He’d misunderstood something I said.

‘Even I don’t think Edwin would confine me or discard me now…’

If I died before my time, Edwin would eventually take another wife.

Or maybe I’d outlive him and pass the duchess’s seat to the next generation.

That’s all I meant.

But Edwin had clearly taken it another way.

‘Well, our relationship has changed a lot since the beginning.’

It started as nothing but a bad connection.

I had memories of my previous life, and he had his father’s death. We had growled at each other in suspicion.

But after everything that happened, my thoughts about Edwin shifted.

Ironically, in every dangerous moment, he was the one who saved me. As if he’d run to the end of the world if he had to.

Maybe that’s why that bitter look bothered me.

Embarrassed, I grumbled and changed the subject.

“T-then don’t say such nonsense in the first place.”

“It’s not nonsense. I truly believe you’d do well, Eli.”

“That’s not the point!”

Unless I lived a thousand years, talk of duchess direct domains should never leave his mouth again.

Trying to lighten the mood, though still half serious, I went on lecturing him.

“Do you understand?”

“If that’s how you feel, Eli…”

He looked genuinely disappointed. He tried to hide it, but his lower lip stuck out slightly.

That made me more frustrated.

He really meant to push it through, didn’t he?!

“From now on, discuss everything with me first before making decisions. Everything. Got it?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“Don’t just answer nicely. Actually do it!”

“If that’s what you want, of course I will.”

For a brief moment, I wondered if I’d fallen into a trap.

Was he pretending to accommodate me while smoothly shifting administrative responsibility onto me?

But the expression he gave me was completely sincere.

The word scheme didn’t suit him at all.

‘Hmm.’

I must be overthinking.

Shaking off the suspicion, I continued.

“Before deciding on the next governor, we should check Bellamare’s public sentiment first.”

“A good idea. Then I’ll dispatch investigators.”

“I hope there are capable people in the office…”

There were historical reasons why Bellamare had been left autonomous.

But times had changed, and the people who suffered under tyranny might lean differently now.

Still, the more careful the decision, the better.

“I’ve been thinking too much. My head hurts. Let’s stop here and go back for today.”

“Is your ankle all right?”

“Of course. Someone doesn’t even let my feet touch the ground.”

Most of my headache actually came from incompetent officials who couldn’t even process basic instructions.

At Lombard Castle, if you tore into officials they improved.

Bellamare’s officials were hopeless whether scolded or coaxed.

How did such idiots become officials?

I was almost afraid to see how rotten the internal administration might be. I only reviewed the most urgent documents.

“Ed?”

I stretched out both arms, meaning for him to pick me up.

I wanted to return to the mansion that was officially mine and rest without thinking. I longed for the comfort of a soft bed and warm blankets.

And I wanted to see the portrait of Nero that Berry had sent.

“Eli, you really are…”

But for some reason, Ed just stared at me for a long moment.

Then he suddenly sat down heavily, as if dizzy, lowering his head and letting out a long sigh.

The tips of his ears were slightly red as he gripped the armrest.

“Ed, are you okay? Did you overdo it and get a fever?”

“No. I’m, well, anyway, I’m fine.”

Only after some time did he finally lift his head.

“I still have official matters to handle. Unfortunately, you’ll have to return first today.”

“Don’t worry about me. Finish your work. I’ll ask Sir Gareth.”

“No. I’ll at least carry you to the carriage.”

With that, Edwin gently lifted me.

He’s nearly two meters tall, so my view rose high, but strangely I didn’t feel afraid of falling.

Tired, I rested my head comfortably against his broad shoulder.

* * *

At the entrance, Edwin waved until the carriage disappeared around the corner.

Ramon, who had come to see the duchess off, rolled his eyes subtly.

“Your Grace, why didn’t you go with her?”

“If I stayed, she wouldn’t have the courage.”

“Hm? Who needs courage for what?”

Truthfully, like the other officials, Ramon feared the duke.

Overwhelming martial strength that felt inhuman, a cold and merciless personality. Not tyrannical, but not attentive either.

It was irreverent to think, but sometimes he felt like a living corpse.

There was no visible desire, joy, anger, sorrow, anxiety, or fear.

But after the duchess arrived, His Grace began changing little by little.

Ramon thought it was a good change. He was genuinely glad.

‘Still, sometimes I just don’t get it.’

Recently their relationship improved so much it looked like a honeymoon, yet now that gloomy expression again.

As if reading his thoughts, Edwin murmured softly.

“You’ll understand soon enough.”