Chapter 18
“What are you doing? Aren’t you supposed to lead the way?”
I stood up and nudged Sasha. I didn’t really have anything else to do anyway—my whole routine was just eating the food they gave me and wasting time. So heading to the training grounds was no big deal.
“But, my lady, I was only making a suggestion, not saying we should go right now.”
“Well, you know how it is—when an idea comes up, you act on it right away. Saying you’ll do it ‘later’ just means you won’t.”
“Still, showing up out of nowhere like this is a bit much…”
“Oh, come on. If you keep putting it off, nothing gets done. Now lead the way.”
I intentionally deepened my voice to sound serious. With a groan, Sasha reluctantly stepped out the door.
“Hmm~ You can already smell the scent of freedom. I love it.”
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Sasha gave me a nervous smile in return.
“Haha… Yes, the weather is lovely. Clear skies and warm sunshine.”
Even though it had been two weeks since I came here, I barely knew my way around. The only places I’d been were the dining hall and Edmund’s bedroom.
For someone as outgoing as me, it was torture.
“Really, this is the perfect day to go fishing.”
Fishing… like trying to catch my husband’s heart.
I couldn’t help but hum. The old wooden stairs creaked beneath my feet, but not even that could ruin my good mood.
‘There must be a truckload of hot knights at the training grounds, right?’
My heart fluttered. I felt like a hen finally escaping the coop. My chest thudded and my eyes lit up with energy.
After all, the knights of Edmund’s order were seasoned warriors, men among men who’d survived countless brutal campaigns.
And now I would see them in the flesh? What an honor.
“If only this were an R-rated webtoon… Such a shame.”
My inner thoughts slipped out before I realized. Sasha gave me a knowing look and sighed deeply, like she’d already gotten used to this side of me.
—30 minutes later—
“Are we there yet, Sasha?”
“Almost, my lady! Just a little further.”
“That’s what you’ve said five times already, Sasha.”
Dragging my heavy body forward, I wiped the sweat off my brow. The mansion was huge, and the training grounds were farther than expected. I was starting to get stubborn just from the effort it took to get here.
“We’re really almost there this time!”
After what felt like an eternity, something resembling a training ground came into view. As we got closer, I saw around a dozen young men gathered in small groups across the wide open field.
“If a pretty lady suddenly shows up, it might make them uncomfortable…”
I mumbled to myself and hid behind a pillar. Sasha, seeing my signal, silently joined me.
“But… do we really need to do it like this?”
“Of course! Know thy enemy and know thyself. Observing the field before stepping in is basic strategy.”
“K-Know thy… what? My lady, you’ve been saying strange things lately.”
I ignored Sasha’s muttering and carefully studied the group.
Well, what do you know—of all days.
There wasn’t a single hair of Edmund in sight.
‘Ugh, I wanted to see his muscles all pumped up from training. Where did he go?’
My disappointment was obvious. The other knights had impressive builds too, but I’d gotten used to Edmund’s ridiculous standards, so nothing else quite satisfied.
“No good, it’s all useless…”
I muttered with a tired sigh. Sensing my mood, Sasha quickly jumped in.
“Hahaha… I’ll find out exactly when the duke is usually here next time. For now, shall we head back?”
“Yeah… Let’s go. I’m soaked in sweat for nothing, and he’s not even here.”
Just as I turned away like a dog that had lost its chicken chase, one of the knights nearby suddenly shouted:
“How much did they say for the compensation!?”
“Five gold coins.”
“That bastard Gerita’s gone insane! How does he expect you to come up with that much in just a week? Those knights from the Hestern Marquisate are the worst. You should’ve twisted his neck instead of his nose, Tibero. So, what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. He’s demanding I pay right away, but where would I even get that kind of money?”
“He’s always been like that. Trying to provoke you again, saying their order is better than ours. Disgusting rat.”
The more I listened, the more my fists clenched.
Sasha, sensing danger, shook her head frantically—but it was too late.
“That guy’s trash! Dragging someone’s family into it? That’s low.”
My voice boomed out from behind the pillar. The knights turned pale.
“Dear heavens…”
I heard Sasha whisper under her breath in horror. Not only had I suddenly jumped out, but I also used words no noble lady should know. A chill silence followed.
“Aren’t you Lady Randolph? What brings you here…?”
One of the knights who had been arguing looked at me cautiously.
“Ah… I came for a walk. I was hoping to see the duke. He’s not here, is he?”
I asked sweetly with a fake smile, loosening my clenched fists.
“No, he went to his office just a while ago.”
The conversation came to a halt after that. Dozens of eyes focused on me. For a brief second, thoughts raced through my mind.
‘He’s not here? Even better.’
Edmund was a knight through and through, and he cared deeply for his knights. Having gone through countless battles together, their bond was practically family.
‘Alright, then I’ll win over his knights first!’
There was no way I could let this golden opportunity slip by. After a moment’s thought, I cautiously spoke.
“I overheard… something about a compensation fee?”
“Wh-What?!”
The knights looked stunned. I quickly waved my hands.
“N-No, I mean—compensation! I heard someone needs to pay?”
“Yes, my lady. There was a small incident last night…”
The knight called Tibero trailed off weakly.
“I’ll pay it.”
The moment the words left my mouth, the area was filled with gasps again.
—
Meanwhile, in the duke’s office
While Edmund calmly reviewed documents, Melvin’s face was dark with worry. He couldn’t stop thinking about the duchess’s expression from earlier.
Let’s see how long you can keep up that wall, Sir Duke. I’m not backing down either!
It didn’t seem like she was bluffing. Ever since the accident, she had been quietly following Edmund’s orders—but her true nature wasn’t that mild.
Too quiet… Something’s off.
The afternoon was strangely peaceful. The only sounds were Melvin’s sighs and the scratching of a fountain pen.
After the 15th sigh, Edmund finally snapped.
“If you have something to say, just say it. Stop glaring at me from the side.”
Melvin hesitated, then gathered his resolve.
“Why are you treating the lady so coldly? There’s no need to go that far.”
“I was never affectionate to begin with.”
“But things are going well right now. The duchess is warm toward you. Wouldn’t it be better for your future to build a good relationship now?”
“She’s impossible to read. She’s dangerous up close.”
“So you plan to keep drawing lines forever? Didn’t you see earlier? She’s seriously trying. Can’t you at least pretend? She’s putting in effort.”
“So what? Am I supposed to smile and sleep with her just because she said so?”
“I-I didn’t mean exactly that…”
Melvin trailed off, nervously watching Edmund—when suddenly…
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The heavy knock practically shook the door as the head of security burst into the room.
“Duke! I have urgent news!”
With a scowl, Edmund raised his head. Melvin glared sharply.
“Captain Lewendel! I told you not to interrupt unless it’s critical!”
“I apologize, but this really is important…”
At those words, Edmund leaned back in his chair. Though it looked lazy, the pressure he gave off was intense.
“Let’s hear it then.”
There was ice in his voice. Captain Lewendel hesitated.
“Th-The lady has gone missing.”
“What do you mean ‘gone missing’!? Explain yourself!”
Melvin raised his voice in disbelief. That eerie sense of peace—it had been the calm before the storm.
Edmund didn’t say a word, but his cold expression said enough. Like a predator crouching before the hunt.
“She was in her chambers with her maid just moments ago, but she disappeared the second the guards left their post…”
“I told you not to let your guard down.”
Edmund growled lowly, running his hand roughly through his hair.
“I’m sorry… It was during the shift change…”
Edmund silently nodded. For a second, Lewendel looked relieved—but that quickly changed.
“The moment she leaves this estate… no one will leave unscathed.”
“…”
“Bring her to me. Now.”
His crimson eyes blazed. His voice held not a shred of falsehood.
Without another word, his long legs strode swiftly down the corridor.
