Chapter 36
‘The scope is too wide.’
There were people everywhere who wanted to exploit House Hillierd’s weakness.
Even though the Grand Duchy was being eroded by demonic energy, it was still the Empire’s treasure vault.
The moment it showed a crack, vultures would swoop in to tear it apart.
That was precisely why this incident could not be overlooked.
“I’ll interrogate them myself.”
“We’ll escort them to the underground chamber.”
“Before that, I need to see Tedian first.”
Rising from his seat, he left the room with his subordinate.
Tedian was currently under treatment and recovering.
Fortunately, there was no major injury.
The sedative used on him had been quite toxic, but the doctor had said that with an antidote and a few days of rest, he would be fine.
‘He needs to be fully recovered before the swordsmanship tournament.’
The butler had mentioned that Tedian had been training hard to win the upcoming competition — that he’d been feeling impatient, aware that he was behind his brothers.
To Matthias, his youngest brother was simply an adorable, lovable boy who was finally trying to stand on his own feet.
As an older brother, it was only right to support him.
‘Once he’s feeling better, I’ll spar with him for the rest of the training period.’
Matthias reached the door of Tedian’s room.
Just as he was about to knock, laughter drifted out from inside.
Someone else was there.
He stopped instinctively and listened.
“I’ve been resting well. You look much better today too, young master.”
The voice belonged to Eleanor.
Ever since Tedian had woken up, she had been visiting him once a day.
Her tone was bright and cheerful.
“That’s because my sister-in-law and nephew came to visit me.”
“You’re not overexerting yourself, are you?”
“Not at all! I could fight for my nephew right now! And for you too, sister-in-law!”
The room was filled with laughter and warmth.
But Matthias couldn’t smile.
Because Tedian had just called Eleanor sister-in-law.
If there was one new problem that had arisen from this incident, it was the rumor among the knights — that Eleanor and the baby were his lover and child.
All because of something Tedian had blurted out before fainting.
And now, he was making it worse by consistently referring to them as “sister-in-law” and “nephew.”
‘This can’t go on.’
He had to tell Tedian to stop spreading strange ideas.
He’d postponed the conversation because Tedian hadn’t been well, but if he waited any longer, the entire Grand Duchy would be under a huge misunderstanding.
‘And how did he even find the secret passage, anyway?’
He should’ve known better — his curious, troublemaking little brother was always snooping into whatever his elder brother did.
“Ahem.”
Matthias cleared his throat loudly.
The laughter inside stopped at once.
He knocked twice and called out, “It’s me. I’m coming in.”
When he entered, the two people in the room turned toward him from where they’d been sitting near the bed.
For a moment, Matthias felt like an intruder interrupting a pleasant gathering.
Only the baby welcomed him, giggling happily.
Feigning ignorance of the atmosphere, Matthias asked,
“How are you feeling today, Tedian? Any better?”
“I’m fine, brother.”
Tedian’s tone was calm — but oddly cold.
Was it just his imagination?
As Matthias stepped closer, Eleanor rose as if to offer him her seat.
But Tedian stopped her.
“Sister-in-law, please stay seated.”
“But the Grand Duke is here…”
“He can stand if he wants.”
It wasn’t his imagination.
Tedian was being cold.
Matthias was so shocked his jaw dropped.
He’d seen his younger brothers go through rebellious phases before, but this was on another level.
Tedian shot him a sidelong glare and muttered,
“A coward who can’t even protect his own wife and child.”
“Tedian?”
“How could you raise a real sword against your own family? I’m so disappointed.”
Tedian grumbled — clearly making sure Matthias could hear every word.
Matthias glanced at Eleanor.
She gave him an awkward, helpless smile, as if to say, I have no idea what to do either.
Matthias sighed inwardly and tried to explain.
“Tedi, that time… you were hurt and unconscious, I was just so shocked. That’s all.”
“Sister-in-law saved me. I would’ve died at my teacher’s hands if not for her. But you— you didn’t even notice I’d been kidnapped and beaten!”
“That was… truly my fault. All of it. I didn’t see it coming.”
Who would’ve thought that the very instructor he’d trusted would pull such a stunt — right in the heart of the Grand Duchy?
It was the perfect example of the saying: the darkest place is right under the lamp.
“I promise, it won’t happen again. Please forgive me just this once.”
Tedian pouted and turned his head away.
He didn’t look ready to forgive.
At this rate, even if Matthias told him to stop calling Eleanor “sister-in-law,” it wouldn’t work.
Maybe it would be better to talk through Eleanor instead.
Suppressing another sigh, Matthias said to her,
“Eleanor, could I speak with you privately for a moment?”
Tedian reacted instantly.
“Why? What are you going to talk about?”
“It’s something for the adults.”
“No. Say it here.”
Tedian slid closer, positioning himself protectively in front of Eleanor.
“I’m listening too.”
“Tedi, what are you doing? Even if you’re sick, that’s no excuse to be rude. Who told you to behave like this?”
“You’re just going to hide Sister-in-law and the baby again! I know it!”
Tedian shouted — so loudly the whole room seemed to shake.
“You locked them away in the annex before! Like Grandpa hiding his mistress from Grandma — no one could see them or visit them! If you take them away again, where are you going to hide them this time?”
“What…?”
“I won’t let you! No matter what, I’ll protect Sister-in-law and my nephew! Even from you!”
Tedian spread his arms as if to block Matthias from approaching Eleanor.
For a moment, Matthias was speechless.
Then he felt the eyes of the maids in the room.
They quickly lowered their gazes, but it was too late — the damage was done.
‘Great. Now there’ll be rumors about the annex too.’
“Please calm down, young master,” Eleanor said gently. “The doctor said you shouldn’t get stressed.”
“I’m fine. So please don’t—”
“I’ll be okay. I’ll just have a quick word with His Grace.”
“Sister-in-law! But—”
“Nothing bad will happen. Not when someone like you is so sincerely looking out for me and the baby.”
Eleanor gave him a warm, reassuring smile.
“I’ll be right back. Could you look after the baby while I’m gone?”
“I can do that… but are you sure you’re okay?”
“Of course.”
Tedian took the baby in his arms.
The little one giggled and waved tiny arms.
Holding the warm, squirming baby close, Tedian glared at Matthias.
“Brother, you better behave. I’ll be watching.”
“Ha…”
“If he tries to do anything bad, scream, Sister-in-law. I’ll come save you.”
“Thank you.”
Eleanor smiled softly and stood up.
“Ugh…”
With a sigh, Matthias followed her out of the room.
This is soooo funny
😂😂😂