Chapter 58: The Estate Without Rodrick
by Iyo“Whatever the case, as long as you don’t misunderstand, it’s fine. There’s absolutely no chance of anything happening between me and Siana.”
“Absolutely? Isn’t that a bit… harsh on her?”
“Harsh? On who?”
“Lady Siana.”
Rodrick furrowed his brow deeply and was about to begin with a, “No, Siana—”
But he stopped, his expression turning thoughtful. Seeing this, Urien tilted his head, asking, “Lord Rodrick?”
Rodrick let out a deep breath and shook his head slightly.
“The one Siana likes isn’t me.”
“Really?”
Urien wondered if Rodrick was just oblivious, but as if he read that thought, Rodrick immediately added,
“It isn’t me. Definitely.”
“I see.”
“You met her for the first time today, so you might not know yet, but you’ll know eventually if you watch her visits to the knights.”
“Is that so?”
“Besides, even if she did like me, nothing would happen between us.”
Rodrick made a serious face as he said that.
Urien closed his lips instinctively. Rodrick’s golden eyes drew his full attention.
“Nothing would happen. I…”
“…”
“Even if we divorce, Urien, I won’t remarry.”
Urien didn’t know how to respond and fell silent.
His heart seemed to beat faster, perhaps due to the tension in Rodrick’s serious gaze.
He didn’t know why that was the case, hence why his body stiffened, making him unable to do anything but look up at him.
‘What should I do…?’ He didn’t know what he should say here. It would be easy for him to just throw an ‘I see,’ but the strange atmosphere choked his words.
“Live freely, Urien.”
The kindness in those words made him want to cry.
Then Rodrick lay down beside him. His “Let’s sleep,” spared him from forcing out a reply, but his heart was still pounding loudly.
Urien pressed his face into the pillow, waiting for his heartbeat to calm.
He could feel that Rodrick was still watching him. Though he didn’t know for sure, he sensed his presence beside him.
So, he closed his eyes and stayed still. Rodrick’s warmth, though their skin didn’t touch, brought comfort, and as he drifted toward sleep—
“Goodnight, Urien.”
That voice came softly.
In which he whispered back,
“Goodnight, Lord Rodrick.”
* * *
“Safe travels, Lord Rodrick.”
It was two months ago that Urien had said those words while seeing Rodrick off, watching him and part of his knight order depart for Barca.
In those two months, he hadn’t visited Rodrick’s room. Marx’ box was moved to his own room, and with Rodrick absent from the residence, there was no reason to go there.
Two months of having breakfast on his own, and he still wasn’t used to it. Though he spent his breakfast with Rodrick lately, he often ate alone, so there should be no reason for him to feel strange about eating alone, and yet…
“Lord Urien, are you cold?”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
Urien smiled lightly at Ella’s concerned look and picked up his pen.
Last night, a letter had arrived. It was from Rodrick, writing detailed accounts of his days in Barca, keeping him informed of his safety.
Compared to Rodrick’s thorough reports, Urien wasn’t skilled at writing letters. Sometimes he only wrote a few lines, but Rodrick didn’t mind and replied in his own way.
Urien glanced out the window. Autumn had passed quickly, and winter was approaching. The sky was gray, as if snow might fall any moment.
‘…When would Lord Rodrick return?’
Though they exchanged letters, Urien felt a slight unease.
According to Rodrick, the treaty was already signed, and he was now visiting major cities in the Barca Republic. Lustrand Kingdom’s royalty were part of this expedition, so the ducal knights were also serving as their escorts.
They were planning to deepen their ties through interactions among their dignitaries. Which meant, Rodrick’s return was likely still some time away.
No notable incidents had occurred at the ducal residence. It was peaceful, steadily preparing for the coming winter.
For Urien, winter was an unwelcome season.
“It’s almost time for Lord Marx to sleep, isn’t it?”
After all, Marx’ hibernation was fast approaching.
“Yeah.”
“It’ll be alright, Lord Urien. He’s still lively, isn’t he?”
“Mm.”
“Also, when Lord Marx hibernates, the master will be back.”
“Mm.”
Ella gave a bright smile, but it seemed forced.
Urien understood she was worried about him. In these two months, sleeping alone had led to more sleepless nights than before.