Chapter 39
Arnulf had only visited the Duke of Valdeck’s estate once in his life.
It had been shortly after he graduated from the Academy.
Before departing for the frontier, Duke Valdeck himself had visited and invited him to a farewell banquet, saying he wanted to give him a proper send-off.
Arnulf originally intended to leave for the frontier alone.
But when Sigmund heard the news, he insisted on accompanying him.
Naturally, Arnulf refused.
But Sigmund didn’t back down, and their standoff dragged on for days.
“It’s an uncertain schedule—I don’t even know when I’ll be back in the capital. So, I can’t take you with me.”
“I don’t mind.”
“Even though you don’t know what kind of danger there might be, you still want to go?”
“That’s all the more reason to go. It’s my duty to have your back, Lord Arnulf.”
“Your father, Duke Valdeck, won’t allow it.”
“Hmm… we’ll see about that.”
When Arnulf said that, Sigmund had given a strange, evasive answer.
It didn’t take long for Arnulf to understand what he meant.
Word soon spread that Duke Valdeck was delighted his son would be patrolling the border—and had even promised full support for the journey.
That made Arnulf’s feelings all the more complicated.
He couldn’t help but think how similar his own situation was to Sigmund’s, and the thought left a bitter taste.
As he reminisced, the carriage rolled through the estate’s vast garden—so wide it seemed endless—and finally stopped before a grand spiral staircase.
“Welcome, sir.”
A polite voice from outside asked if they could open the door.
“Go ahead.”
As soon as Arnulf gave his curt reply, the carriage door opened, revealing a man bowing deeply. Arnulf stepped past him and began climbing the stairs.
Even the first time he came here, Arnulf had been struck by how magnificent the Valdeck mansion was—every bit as splendid as the royal palace.
But this time, something else caught his eye.
“I’ve been waiting for you.”
The man who greeted him was even more dazzling than the mansion itself—elegant, handsome, and radiant.
It was Sigmund, smiling brightly.
Behind him, nobles filled the hall, watching the two of them with great interest.
“Lord Sigmund.”
Arnulf sighed the name under his breath.
Sigmund couldn’t possibly be unaware of how inappropriate this looked—yet his smile didn’t falter.
“You’re late.”
His tone was even softer than usual as he approached Arnulf.
Late? Impossible. Arnulf was habitually early to every appointment, and today was no exception—he had arrived before the ball had even begun.
He had planned to leave later, actually, but ever since the afternoon, Finn had been pacing around anxiously, making it impossible for him to delay.
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. But… why are you here?”
Arnulf feigned ignorance, pretending not to understand what Sigmund meant by waiting. He didn’t want to believe it.
“I thought you might have trouble finding me when you arrived.”
“That wasn’t necessary.”
Sigmund, tall and striking as he was, could never blend into a crowd—anyone could spot him instantly.
And yet, here he was, pretending otherwise.
Arnulf, for his part, had no intention of seeking Sigmund out at all.
He simply planned to attend quietly and leave unnoticed.
Sigmund likely knew that—and was deliberately waiting here to make a point.
“Of course it was necessary. I invited you, didn’t I? It’s only proper that I greet you personally.”
Arnulf could only stare, speechless, as Sigmund continued to smile serenely.
“Let’s go.”
At least he didn’t offer his arm or reach for Arnulf’s waist.
He merely extended his palm forward, a courteous gesture of invitation.
Arnulf hesitated but ultimately followed him up the stairs—he had no choice, since more guests were arriving below, and eyes were turning toward them.
Thanks to Sigmund’s company, Arnulf didn’t need to show his invitation at the entrance.
One of the servants glanced up, recognized him, and looked momentarily startled before hurriedly averting his gaze.
“I’ll have some light refreshments brought for you.”
Sigmund whispered suddenly, standing so close that Arnulf’s ear twitched involuntarily at the ticklish sound.
“That won’t be necessary.”
He didn’t want food or drink—he just wanted to avoid drawing attention.
“Understood.”
Sigmund nodded as though he understood completely, then scanned the room.
Spotting a passing servant with a tray, he gestured for him to approach.
Taking a glass from the tray, he offered it to Arnulf.
The pale, ivory-colored liquid shimmered under the lights. Arnulf hesitated before accepting.
“It’s fine—drink.”
Sigmund spoke as if he could read Arnulf’s thoughts.
Come to think of it, he had done the same thing during their last meal together—watching for reactions.
Was it coincidence again this time?
“Something wrong?”
Sigmund tilted his head.
“…No. It’s nothing. Thank you.”
Don’t overthink it. Arnulf forced the suspicion from his mind and took a sip.
The champagne tasted faintly sweet—but not the peach flavor he expected.
He frowned slightly.
“Try this too.”
Startled, Arnulf turned. Sigmund had already returned with a plate of food.
Arnulf blinked at both the plate and the smiling man holding it.
“…Thank you.”
The plate edged closer until Arnulf finally accepted it.
He picked up a grape and turned his face away as he ate, pretending not to notice Sigmund’s gaze lingering on his cheek.
Thankfully, Sigmund didn’t speak again.
The ballroom was filled mostly with young nobles.
In Hessen, marriages were overwhelmingly between men and women—but for political or personal reasons, same-sex unions also occurred.
Most likely, Duke and Duchess Valdeck had carefully selected promising candidates from noble families to introduce to Sigmund tonight.
Yet Sigmund seemed completely uninterested in any of them.
He remained beside Arnulf the entire time, which left Arnulf feeling awkward and oddly conflicted.
“Did you train again today?”
When their eyes met, Sigmund smiled and asked casually.
Arnulf nodded while eating a Leberknödel—a small ball of minced beef and liver.
Watching him, Sigmund’s lips curved upward.
He had seemed aware of the stares around them moments ago, but now appeared to have forgotten them completely.
“I should’ve joined you. It would’ve been nice to spar.”
“What are you talking about, my lord? You must have been busy preparing for the ball.”
Arnulf frowned slightly. Sigmund widened his eyes in feigned surprise.
“Preparing? You mean me? This is my mother’s event, to celebrate the coming of autumn—it has nothing to do with me.”
He spoke as though it were the first time he’d heard otherwise.
Of course, everyone knew that the so-called “autumn ball” was merely an excuse—its real purpose was to find a suitable match for Sigmund.
But the man himself seemed completely oblivious, tilting his head innocently.
“Yes, of course. Still, it’s an event you should take seriously.”
Arnulf’s tone was dry, as if to say, Fine, believe what you want.
“You’re not planning to abandon me to that crowd, are you?”
Sigmund raised his hand to his cheek in mock horror, as though the idea were unbearable.
Arnulf gave him a look of disbelief at his exaggerated expression.
“What are you—”
Before he could finish, the soft music faded, and a clear voice rang out:
“The Duke and Duchess of Valdeck are entering!”
All chatter ceased instantly.
The grand doors opened, and a dignified middle-aged couple entered arm-in-arm.
The Duke, with sharp eyes, a proud nose, and firmly set lips, exuded authority;
the Duchess, graceful and refined, provided a perfect contrast.
As they passed between the parting nobles, applause and cheerful laughter rippled through the hall.
The Duchess smiled and exchanged greetings with everyone—until her violet eyes, so similar to Sigmund’s, met those of her son standing beside Arnulf.
For a brief moment, her expression froze before smoothing over again.
Sigmund, quick as ever, knew exactly why.
He had been avoiding her all evening, even though he knew she’d been looking for him since his arrival.
“Shouldn’t you go to her?”
Arnulf’s quiet question drew Sigmund’s attention back from his mother.
He clearly hadn’t noticed her reaction, only asking because it seemed natural to join one’s family at such a moment.
“No.”
Sigmund’s refusal was immediate—but short-lived.
“Sigmund, there you are.”
The voice called from behind.
Sigmund didn’t turn, but Arnulf did.
He saw the Duchess approaching, dressed in an elegant gown as luminous as her eyes.
At her side was a young lady with a sweet, charming face.
Arnulf instantly understood who she was—one of the noble daughters the Duchess meant to introduce to Sigmund tonight.
Should I step aside?
He considered it, but something told him Sigmund would say something outrageous if he did.
Sigmund, noticing the subtle shift in Arnulf’s gaze, sighed internally.
Even so, he turned his attention toward the approaching women—intent on driving away these troublesome “rivals” who were bothering Arnulf.
