Chapter 25: Elder and Younger Brother

While eating the red berries that Rodrick had picked up for him, Urien looked up at his side profile as he fell silent, seemingly lost in deep thought. It was just as he expected. Despite his frank remark, Rodrick didn’t seem to be angry at all.

Of course, Urien had never felt regret or hurt by his attitude either.

He knew that he simply didn’t care about his consort, so there was no reason for him to feel that way.

——’Madam, do you dislike your husband?’

That was the question that Ella had asked him before.

It was during the end of the summer. A storm hit the duchy, Marx went into hibernation—a lot of things happened since then, but Urien’s answer didn’t change even the slightest.

He didn’t hate Rodrick, not at all. Ella asked that question due to her being in the dark about their contract, hence she viewed Rodrick’s coldness negatively, but it was overall a convenient contract for Urien.

This marriage would only last for two years.

In other words, a little over a year left before Rodrick would give Urien his freedom along with some money.

…Every time Marx went to sleep, Urien would sing him a lullaby.

He didn’t know if Marx actually understood it, but he didn’t care.

But, after he was asleep, Urien became at a loss of what to do.

‘What should I do next?’

Such a question always came to his mind.

——’In the next two years, you will have to live quietly in the estate. Don’t go out unnecessarily.’

When Rodrick pushed for the contract terms for the first time, Urien saw a ray of hope; that he’d be able to make his dream a reality.

‘After that, you’re free to live however you want.’

To live in a warm city near the sea with Marx.

An opportunity to achieve that dream finally presented itself.

…For the first time in his life, Urien believed that God existed.

“Want more?”

After he finished the berries, Rodrick gave him another batch. His frown seemed to have gone from his face.

“Why don’t you try some too, Lord Rodrick?”

“What kind of fruit is this?”

“Dunno.”

“You don’t know?!”

‘This person got surprised really easily,’ lately, Urien such thoughts often came to Urien’s mind.

“It’s tasty. Tastes similar to plums.”

“…”

Rodrick didn’t eat the fruit immediately, nor did he throw it away. Instead, he put it in his pocket. No one knew if he’d ever eat it or not. He was obviously being cautious here.

After checking through their usual route through the forest, they went to the forest’s exit. There was no point in going back to the shed since Marx was sleeping, besides, he was curious about Rodrick’s study.

He had been interested in the content of his bookshelf. Since the man himself was already here, he directly asked him, “Can I go to your study?” And Rodrick readily agreed.

“You aren’t gonna hunt with Theobald?”

But suddenly, as they left the forest, he asked that question.

“Hunt?” Urien asked, shaking his head.

“I’ve never even hunted before. Does Lord Theobald hunt often?”

“Only once a year. You should join him sometimes.”

Urien only replied with a, “Sure,” as he glanced at his profile. Oftentimes, Rodrick would talk about Theobald like this. He’d indirectly ask about his favorite food, what he was up to lately, or, just like what he was doing, share some information about him.

After the storm that hit the duchy had passed, Theobald had visited Urien’s room.

He started apologizing for some reason, but Urien only wanted to stay friends with him, not receive his apology.

Afterwards, he continued to visit Urien’s room. At one point, they’d even go to the western forest together. Contrary to what Urien had expected at first, Theobald treated him like a friend despite his status as the duke’s consort, hence why they were able to spend their time like friends again.

These days, he’d visit the shed to have tea with Urien occasionally when he was on break.

But, Theobald never talked about Rodrick, not even once.

“He’s actually good with firearms. If he were in the military, he’d be a decent shooter.” 

Indeed, he was the complete opposite of Rodrick here.

That was when Urien noticed.

‘Does he…want to get closer to his younger brother?’