Chapter 56: After Divorce

Rodrick was alone, probably because he was done with his business with the vice-commander. ‘Has he been eating Lady Siana’s cookies?’ Urien turned his glance at Siana, but the lady seemed to be absorbed in her conversation with Kurd.

Trying to be considerate, Urien called out to Rodrick, who was about to leave, “Lord Rodrick.”

“What is it?”

Rodrick, who had descended a few steps from the folly toward the path, turned back to face Urien. With him now standing on a lower ground, his tall frame aligned his gaze directly with Urien’s. He assumed a posture to listen to what Urien had to say. Hesitantly, Urien asked,

“Um, is it alright for you not to talk with Lady Siana?”

“With… Siana? …Of course it’s alright.”

“But, she came all this way…”

“I don’t want to be in the way of those two.”

“Huh? But…”

“Let’s leave those two and go see my master. He’s waiting. Theobald, you come too.”

‘Is that really okay?’ Urien had never been involved with others’ romances, so he didn’t know how to act in such situations.

Noticing Urien’s hesitation to descend the stairs, Rodrick seemed to interpret it as him having difficulties taking a step, so he offered his hand.

Urien stared at the large palm. Strangely, the turmoil and hesitation in his heart began to settle.

Before he realized it, he was already holding Rodrick’s hand and began descending the stairs. Even as they started down the path, their hands remained clasped. As the folly grew distant, he realized that it was time to let Rodrick’s warm hand go.

He looked up, noticing that there was a stern expression on Rodrick’s face. After seeing that face, Urien, who had been unsure of when to let go, decided to do it right there and then while saying, “Sorry, I held on too long.”

At that, Rodrick turned back, surprised.

“No, I was holding on too.”

“I should’ve let go first. It was uncomfortable, wasn’t it?”

“Of course it wasn’t.”

Rodrick replied in a hurry, but Urien, recalling his previous expression, only smiled in response. Meanwhile Theobald, who was watching them from behind, threw them an annoyed look.

Urien decided to let go quickly so that Rodrick didn’t feel uncomfortable, yet it was Rodrick who apologized first. He knew that Rodrick was a kind man towards those he was close with, but at the same time, he had to keep one thing in his mind: he wasn’t part of his family.

After all, he’d be leaving the estate in a year. With that in mind, he decided that he shouldn’t grow attached to his kindness. Especially when their contract marriage originally included a clause, ‘No interfering with each other’s lives’.

Though that clause was somewhat rescinded after the incident at the old cabin, Urien couldn’t forget its existence. Holding hands like lovers was something to avoid.

He shouldn’t dare think of meddling with Rodrick’s heart.

Rodrick still seemed to want to say something, but he kept his silence, even until they reached where Count Helder was.

Back at the folly, Rodrick had mentioned that his master was waiting, but that didn’t seem to be the case at all.

Count Helder, a former royal knight, was a large man with a physique as imposing as Rodrick’s. The bearded, handsome count gave a stern first impression, and speaking with him didn’t soften it.

Regardless, Urien knew that he was kind. His tone was gentle and considerate, while the gaze he sent toward Rodrick was soft, like a parent’s.

At one point, the count said, “Please take care of Rodrick, Madam,” before heading to the training grounds. That was when he realized the real reason why the count frequented the duke’s estate was not to train the knights, but rather to take care of Rodrick.

The three then moved to the study as Rodrick announced that he had something to discuss.

What he brought up was a talk about another ‘count’.

*   *   *

“…Count Lowe Family…”

Recalling the conversation during the day, Urien let his voice drift into the night breeze.

It was after dinner. Urien left the dining hall and stood on the balcony of Rodrick’s room, taking care of Marx. Rodrick, who had eaten with him, went to the study to continue his work, while Ella and the other servants had returned to their rooms, leaving only him and Marx.

Earlier today, Rodrick mentioned a candidate for his guardian after the divorce. In line with his wish to live in a warm city near the sea, Rodrick had proposed the Lowe Family.

They were a branch of the Edel ducal house, and their estate was located in a southern region by the sea. He suggested Urien live there under the count’s protection.

It was a wonderful proposal, so Urien said, ‘That sounds lovely,’ with a trembling voice. At that, Rodrick nodded while replying, ‘If that’s what you want, we’ll make it happen,’ as his eyes softened.

Urien hadn’t expected Rodrick to consider his future so deeply, so his voice shook due to the emotion he felt. Rodrick seemed to be pleased to see his reaction, but Theobald, for some reason, let out a sigh with a complicated expression, saying, ‘Elder Brother…’ in a low voice.

Apparently, Theobald had decided to call his brother ‘Elder brother’ instead of his usual ‘Your Excellency’. It was a vast improvement from before, proof that their relationship was gradually changing.

“We’re changing too, aren’t we?”

Placing Marx on his palm, Urien smiled at him.