CHAPTER~13
In the northern territory of Noscal, snowflakes whipped fiercely day and night, throughout all seasons. The endless snowfields blurred the line between sky and earth, and even during the day, the sun scattered only faint light.
The land was so barren and harsh that nights were naturally longer than days, but recently the north had been engulfed in unusually deep darkness.
“It’s been several years since the red moon has appeared. Decart’s power is weakening day by day. And that’s not all. Continuous heavy snow has killed crops and plants. At this rate, the Decart family may lose the influence established by the previous dukes!”
“Indeed!”
In the central main hall, elders and heads of vassal families gathered, passionately voicing their opinions. The main topic of this meeting was, without doubt, ‘the vanished red moon.’
The family had produced the first Sword Master of the Averk Empire and was home to a war hero who had risen in troubled times.
But beneath the glamorous titles, the real situation of the Decart family was far from favorable.
“Surely, it must be because of a curse. The deity who protects Decart said that harmony between master and servant is crucial.”
When one elder mentioned the word ‘curse,’ the hall stirred. Some coughed nervously and showed discomfort.
“It does seem to be a curse. Otherwise…”
“Exactly.”
Some agreed, feeling it made sense. Amid this serious discussion, one person seemed detached: Frezen Decart.
“……”
Since yesterday, he had not rested for even a moment.
He had been reluctantly dragged to this family meeting, as his attendance was insisted upon, but hearing the same arguments repeatedly, he could not help but feel bored.
Above all, his mind was full of the conversations he had shared with Mela.
‘No, Aunt Evlyen did nothing wrong! Absolutely! It’s all because I was sick…’
Mela had clearly called Evlyen ‘mom.’
But judging by her cautious correction afterward, it was obvious she could not call her mother ‘mom.’ How heartbreaking.
‘Uncle, so please… protect my aunt.’
She even asked him to protect her ‘aunt.’ At just five years old, could a child be so mature?
‘…I’m not someone who should ask the duke for help. I appreciate his kindness.’
That was probably thanks to Evlyen’s education. She was naturally firm and wise, and likely raised Mela without making her feel the absence of her father.
Even after forcing his thoughts aside, the touch of Mela’s soft, tender skin and her breath lingered on his shoulders and neck.
He resolved to find an excuse to meet her again as soon as this family meeting ended.
“This is why you must be careful whom you bring into the family. From the start, it was a mistake. Ever since the daughter of that mediocre family became the lady of the duke’s house.”
A sharp voice pierced Frezen’s ears.
The hall cooled instantly, as if the earlier turmoil had never existed.
“Why are you all like this? I’m not wrong, am I? The Decart family has never had a divorce in history. That’s when the family started to decline!”
“But, the duke himself is present, and such words…”
“I’m not saying something forbidden. The duke should know the cause as well.”
Tensions among the elders grew. Frezen’s mood worsened with each comment.
‘Surely you didn’t know? What your family did to the Leella family.’
‘You shouldn’t know only roughly. It was vile. I’d be disgusted too.’
At the same time, he recalled Mikhail’s words and smiled bitterly.
What were the Decart elders like? They blocked new generations to protect the family’s bloodline and history.
Their influence was immense, even inside the family. Even the previous duke, Frezen’s father, could not act freely. That was probably why Evlyen left his side.
“From the start, taking a daughter from a mediocre family who had no real ability…!”
Frezen ground his teeth and slammed the podium with such force that it cracked. Fearful silence filled the hall as he spoke with a heavy voice.
“I understand the thoughts of the elders very well. And the nasty temper of those who mention absent people remains the same.”
“Duke! Your words are excessive! Nasty, you say? We only care for the prosperity of the family…”
“Those who claim to care for the family sit at the table spinning their heads? Do they even know the state of affairs outside?”
The elders could not hide their discomfort at his sharp words. The heads of families were equally frozen, darting their eyes nervously.
“Because they were displeased, they even drove away a nanny who contributed to the family for thirty years.”
“…That person! It wasn’t simply because of displeasure. There were reasons, Duke! You know that too, don’t you?”
Frezen was not just baffled; he was incredulous. His sharp eyes grew even fiercer as he asked,
“They must have created a reason to expel her. Even the former duchess was desperate to drive her out.”
Frezen mentioned ‘Evlyen.’
The elders erupted in outrage, vehemently opposing him.
It was laughable, even pathetic, that they spoke without acknowledging their own faults.
The meeting reached its peak, and soon, a cough brought a temporary pause.
“Then, Duke, do you have a plan? We can only engage in theoretical debate, but you seem different.”
It was Ulrich Decart, the current power in the elders and Frezen’s uncle.
“Ah… or rather. How about this? I happen to have a good idea.”
Frezen furrowed his brow mercilessly at Ulrich’s words and asked cautiously,
“What idea, Uncle?”
Ulrich, somehow, creased his eyes and smiled cunningly.
“Take a new wife. A duchess worthy of the Decart family. Who knows? Perhaps then the deity will be appeased. Besides, Duke, you’ve recently graced the front page of the Imperial Gazette. Though the partner may be very unexpected.”
The hall, which had quieted, stirred again at the mention of a word that had never been uttered since the divorce.
Frezen said, “So, Uncle, you mean I should take a new wife and pray for forgiveness from the heavens?”
He chuckled at the notion of being treated as a sacrifice.
Normally, he would have immediately refuted such a suggestion, but today, a strange thought crossed his mind.
A new wife… Frezen’s lips curled slightly as he pondered further.
“If that is your advice, Uncle, then so be it. It is for the prosperity of the family, after all.”
Ulrich and everyone in the hall were surprised at his unexpected response.
Feeling the gazes upon him, Frezen declared confidently,
“But from now on, let no one oppose anything I do. No one.”
Even if it were his uncle. With that, Frezen adjourned the meeting and left the hall.
* * *
The rare family meeting ended in a chaotic atmosphere. As soon as he returned to his office, his aide, having received the news, asked with concern,
“What do you plan to do now, Duke? Will you really remarry?”
“Well. If it is the will of heaven, I shall accept it. I am merely a servant of the Decart family. Any other news?”
Frezen replied as if it were someone else’s matter and sat at his desk. A mountain of work awaited him.
“Yes, the nanny’s whereabouts are still unknown. I will inform you as soon as we find her. Oh, and a trade request has come from a merchant group in the capital.”
The aide did not ask further, and Frezen responded indifferently.
“Handle it. Judging by the circumstances, it seems to involve the closed mine. What is the merchant group’s name?”
“Ah, yes. It is the Carencia Guild, mainly dealing in sundries. But just in case, I will go and discuss.”
“Go ahead.”
After the brief conversation, Frezen returned to his work. Soon, he stopped and called the aide who was about to leave.
“Wait, Carencia?”
“Yes. Do you know this guild?”
“I think I do, somewhat.”
Frezen’s expression was enigmatic. He stared into space, lost in thought, then said,
“I’ll handle this trade myself.”
Realizing something, he sprang from his seat with a refreshing smile.
“What? The trade and its volume are too small for you to handle. Should I go…?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Despite the aide’s objection, Frezen was firm. His face radiated an inexplicable sense of anticipation.
“It just so happens, there’s someone I wanted to meet.”
