HSFCWH 35

Chapter 35:

The Emperor loved his daughter, but he was also the kind of man who would sell her to the highest bidder.

That didn’t mean the princess had fallen for Leonel. She clearly had her own schemes.

Should I give the young master a heads-up?

“I look forward to our next meeting.”

At the Count’s final farewell, Elliot took his eyes off the princess and subtly checked on the Hero.

He expected her to be sad about parting with her family, but to his surprise, she remained calm.

“Let’s go.”

Elliot escorted Evelyn onto the magic circle. Behind him, others were already waiting their turn to use the next one.

“Your Grace, when you return next time, you must visit my palace with the Grand Duchess.”

As the magic circle activated, the princess left behind a cryptic remark.

“Um, just a moment ago, Her Highness the Princess—”

After arriving in the North, Evelyn turned to the Grand Duke, still pondering the princess’s words.

“It’s fine. Whatever she’s planning, she won’t do anything that harms the Empire.”

The Grand Duke responded while being greeted with a bow from the butler, Albert, and led Evelyn onward. The princess had shown her affection but hadn’t crossed any lines—because she was someone who knew her place.

It was also why he hadn’t done anything, even though he didn’t like her attaching herself to the young master of the Barrett family.

“Do you think my brother will be okay?”

Evelyn asked as she walked alongside Elliot.

“If you mean the young master, I think he’ll do well.”

The fact that he had been around the princess for this long without any scandal was proof enough.

Click.

“This will be your bedroom. The next room is mine—feel free to come in whenever you need anything.”

Elliot opened the large door as he explained.

“Wow.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened as she took in the beautifully decorated room.

“If you don’t like it, we can change it.”

“It’s already so beautiful.”

Evelyn was impressed by how the room was decorated not just to suit her tastes, but even more luxuriously and elegantly than she expected.

“I’m glad.”

“When does training start?”

“Do you want to begin right away?”

Elliot chuckled at her expectant golden eyes.

“We should rest for about a week—there are introductions with the staff, and you need time to adjust.”

Faced with his gentle suggestion, Evelyn reluctantly nodded. She had been too eager.

“We’ll also need time for your attendants from the capital to arrive and settle in. How about we greet everyone before dinner?”

“Sure. I’ll get some rest.”

Elliot gave a courteous nod and left the room. Evelyn slowly examined her surroundings.

White curtains and marble floors. Pale wooden furniture harmonized with the bed.

It looked expensive but not gaudy—elegant, like it belonged to someone with refined taste.

So this is how things are in the Grand Duke’s house.

She had felt it in the capital too, but the northern Grand Duchy had a heavier, more grounded atmosphere than the capital.

Can I really do well here?

Evelyn slowly ran her hand across the sofa. The fabric was so soft, it felt like it was comforting her—telling her she could do it.

Knock knock.

“Grand Duchess, it’s Seril.”

Just as Evelyn sat down to catch her breath after exploring the room, Seril knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

“I brought some comfortable clothes for you.”

“Where’s Tinya?”

“She was assigned a room and is being shown around. Since you’re now in the North, two more maids will be assigned to serve you exclusively.”

Seril chirped cheerfully, giving even more information than Evelyn had asked for.

“The Grand Duke has also prepared a separate training ground. When would you like a tour of the castle?”

“I’ll change into comfortable clothes and go right away.”

“You’re not going to rest?”

Nod.

Even that morning, she had taken her time getting up and traveled via the teleportation circle. She was actually feeling restless from not moving around enough.

“I’ll bring something warmer. This outfit is for indoors.”

Thanks to Seril’s quick thinking, Evelyn was able to tour the Grand Duke’s estate before formally greeting the staff.

✦✦✦

“Welcome to the North, Grand Duchess!”

All the servants gathered in the first-floor hall of the castle shouted in unison. Evelyn wore a dazzling and elegant gown befitting the dignity of a Grand Duchess.

The staff had been shocked by the sudden marriage of the Grand Duke. That young lady who had visited last time… was now the Grand Duchess?

The news that the Grand Duke had someone he loved filled the servants with excitement.

How did they even get married? Curious eyes turned to Evelyn, who gave them an awkward smile.

Only a handful of people knew she was the Hero. It was no surprise they had so many questions.

I need to prove my worth here in the North—that’s the only way I can help the Grand Duke.

Evelyn took a short breath and spoke.

“I look forward to working with you all. I’ll do my best to protect the North alongside the Grand Duke, so I hope you’ll support me as well.”

It was all she could say. It was also her final goal here in the North—to defeat the Evil God and protect this land.

Her sincere voice lit up the eyes of the servants. Though a few seemed unsure about Evelyn suddenly becoming Grand Duchess, they quickly masked their expressions.

After the greeting, Evelyn moved on to be introduced to the higher-ranking staff.

“Seril and Tinya will be joined by these two girls to serve the Lady.”

Sophia, the head maid, summoned three maids.

“This is Anna and Rone.”

Evelyn carefully observed the maids bowing before her. Their posture was upright and disciplined.

As she had felt when she first met Seril, their bodies were trained—unlike Tinya’s.

“Do even the maids receive training here?”

“Yes. All the Grand Duke’s servants undergo training.”

It was essential for survival in the North.

As Sophia explained further, Tinya’s face grew glum.

“Tinya, hang in there.”

“Yes, Grand Duchess.”

Tinya replied with a deflated expression, which made the other maids smile softly.

“Lady Evelyn, let’s go to the office.”

Sophia led Evelyn to the Grand Duke’s office.

“I’ve been briefed on everything by His Grace.”

Once the other staff were dismissed, Sophia gave a respectful bow.

“What did he tell you?”

“That Your Grace is the next Hero and that you chose to support the North by joining with the Grand Duke.”

That’s not… quite right.

To save the continent, she had no choice but to defend the North, and for that, she had to borrow the Grand Duke’s power.

And since he offered to be her shield, it was a necessary alliance.

As the elderly Sophia bowed deeply, Evelyn felt a strong urge to confess the truth.

“Sophia, that’s not exactly—”

“Just the fact that there’s hope in the North again is enough.”

When Evelyn tried to explain, Sophia shook her head with a knowing smile.

“I still have a lot to learn. Don’t expect too much from me.”

“I heard you received heir training from the Barrett family. It’s a great house, so I’m sure you’ll adapt quickly.”

Wait… are they expecting me to work?

Tinya had hinted at this, but were they seriously going to give her actual duties?

Evelyn had genuinely believed she’d just be swinging her sword in the North.

She assumed that after defeating the Evil God, she and Elliot would get a clean divorce and part on good terms as comrades.

Of course, she hadn’t actually asked Elliot what he thought.

Still, she was certain that while she focused on training and battle, Elliot would handle all the complicated matters.

Now, looking at Sophia’s hopeful face, she found herself at a loss for words.

“Wait… don’t tell me I’m expected to help manage the inner castle?”

“What do you mean, ‘don’t tell me’?! Of course the Grand Duchess should be in full control!”

Sophia looked at her like she had just heard something outrageous.

“You’ll need to manage your private funds and create your own personal budget!”

Evelyn blinked in surprise at Sophia’s bold suggestion that she pocket some money.

“The Grand Duke already set aside an allowance for me. I don’t really want to go that far…”

“If you act too innocent now, you’ll be dragged around by your husband later. Trust this old woman’s advice.”

Sophia winked conspiratorially.

“But we’re not… that kind of couple. Who’s managing the estate affairs now?”

“That would be me.”

“Sophia, I think you should continue. I have no intention of taking your authority. I’m someone who will eventually leave, after all.”

Evelyn quickly observed Sophia’s reaction. Her words seemed to genuinely shock the older woman.

“What do you mean ‘leave’? Why would you say something so sad? Is the Grand Duke not to your liking? Sure, he only has his looks going for him, but that alone is splendid, isn’t it?”

Sophia spoke in a flurry, clearly distressed at the idea of Evelyn leaving.