CHAPTER 41
Harvich arrived at Hue’s room and began looking for traces.
If Hue had helped Lincia escape, it had been less than a day, so there should still be some evidence left behind.
Still, the woman was of royal blood. If Hue, who cared deeply for the Grand Duchy, had aided her, he would have ensured her safety.
Even though no one was there, the fireplace was still burning. Inside, instead of firewood, there were crumpled sheets of paper turning to ash.
When Harvich reached toward the fireplace, Hue stepped in front of him.
“What are you doing?”
Hue, who had followed him in without a sound, looked at Harvich in shock.
“I burned everything. Nothing remains. You know my nature well, my lord.”
“Why did you help her escape?
Even if she’s carrying another man’s child, she’s still of imperial blood.
If something happens to the baby, the woman too will…”
“Is that why you’re looking for her?
You should be blaming the Emperor instead!
You should be saying we have to find her because His Majesty might hold us responsible for her disappearance!”
Hue’s rebuke snapped the last thread of Harvich’s self-control.
He swung his fist at the man’s jaw. A dull thud echoed, and Hue stumbled back. He looked at Harvich with disbelief.
“Where did you send her?”
“……”
“Where did you hide her?”
Hue stayed silent to the end. Harvich looked at him, let out a deep sigh, and turned away.
Snow began to fall.
***
The plan Hue had given her was reasonable and well thought out.
The journey included places where she could rest along the way, and even instructions for crossing into the Kingdom of Rensier, meeting a broker who would help her assume a new identity, and other small details.
The two-story house Hue arranged was far too good to be just a temporary shelter.
The sound of crackling firewood filled the house—it was cozier and warmer than the Grand Duke’s castle.
It had clearly been maintained for a long time; not a speck of dust could be found in the spacious house.
“His Grace probably won’t come looking for you, even if he learns you’ve disappeared.”
“I’m sure he won’t. But if he does, stop him.”
“I will. Your leaving is what’s best for this land. So please, don’t be too heartbroken. Everyone has their own duties and circumstances.”
Don’t be heartbroken, Hue said, yet his words pierced Lincia’s heart like a knife.
At the very end, Hue bowed deeply to her—a courtesy she had never once received from him before.
It was only then that Lincia realized that leaving this place was, in his eyes, the most Grand Duchess-like thing she had ever done.
If she had been someone who truly benefited the Grand Duchy, could she have gotten along with Hue?
No, not just Hue.
Harvich too…
Lincia watched the lantern light flicker as she placed a hand over her stomach.
The child she carried was growing well. Her once-flat belly now had a gentle curve.
“…Your Highness, isn’t this too dangerous? The people of Rensier can be quite shrewd, and they’re not exactly welcoming to outsiders.”
Anna sounded genuinely worried, but Lincia knew she could no longer stay here.
It was suffocating, trying to live among people who despised her.
“There’s no place for me in this empire. I can’t breathe here. It feels like everyone in this land wishes I didn’t exist.”
“……”
“And Julius won’t leave me alone. He’ll find me…”
And he’ll kill me.
Unable to finish the sentence, Lincia bit down hard on her trembling lip. Anna, seeing her reddening eyes, spoke softly.
“Your Highness, let’s go back to the palace. You could speak with His Majesty and—”
“Go.”
Lincia didn’t want to hear any more.
“If you want to return to the palace, you can. But I won’t. I’m afraid of Julius. I hate him. Please, don’t tell me to go back.”
She broke down like a child, tears streaming freely.
The sorrow came pouring out uncontrollably.
Why? She had survived all this time without anyone on her side.
So why did Anna’s words hurt so much?
She knew the maid’s plea came from concern, not reproach.
“Your Highness, please don’t cry. It’s my fault.”
“…Julius hates me.”
“You’re right. How awful of me to tell you to return to that man. I was wrong, Your Highness.”
Anna had never spoken ill of Julius before. Lincia knew she only said it to comfort her. That kindness made the tears fall even harder. Anna held her tightly in her arms.
When Lincia’s trembling finally eased, Anna stood up.
“Your Highness, I’ll make some stew I used to love as a child.
Sir Hue packed some ingredients for us—there’s even some pumpkin.”
Lincia grabbed Anna’s sleeve and shook her head.
“No, you shouldn’t. You haven’t eaten either. That’s not good for the baby.”
Lincia bit her lip again.
“…All right.”
Before starting the meal, Anna brought her a cup of warm cocoa.
“I’ll be right back!”
The sound of clattering dishes came from the kitchen.
Lincia, long used to silence, found comfort in the ordinary noises of another person moving around.
She hugged her shoulders and listened to the fire crackle.
Ah… this feeling of peace—it had been so long.
Only now did Lincia realize that she had never once felt at ease in the Grand Duke’s castle.
When Anna returned with a bowl of pumpkin stew, Lincia had dozed off for a moment.
“Be careful, it’s hot.”
“What about you, Anna?”
“I’ll eat with you.”
It felt strange to eat on the bed without a table, but with Anna beside her, it was the most she had eaten in a long time.
After clearing away the dishes, Anna looked at her seriously.
“Your Highness, please don’t take this the wrong way. I’ll always be on your side, and I’ll never do anything you don’t want.”
Lincia realized she had been too emotional.
Over the past week, she had confided in Anna about everything that happened with Oberok—and even about Julius.
Her story had been messy and tearful, but Anna had pieced together the truth.
Someone like Anna would never suggest something that could harm her.
“Yeah… I think I was too sensitive.”
“No, I was too hasty. You haven’t eaten much and you’ve been traveling for days.”
Just as Anna was about to continue speaking, someone began pounding loudly on the door.
