Episode 115. Springtime for Julius (3)
The place where Duke Bernardé was staying didn’t require inquiry; it was none other than the emperor’s office.
‘Looks like he’s working through what he couldn’t finish earlier.’
When Percy Stewart first had the young duke appointed as the chancellor, Julius had his doubts. Bernardé was young, had little experience with national affairs despite his tenure as a duke, and lacked a solid support base among the nobles.
However, the more Julius worked with him, the more satisfied he became. Bernardé’s words could be harsh, but he was diligent and, while inflexible, he was fair.
‘A day’s delay wouldn’t be the end of the world.’
Yet here he was, diligently working like a fool. Leaning against the doorway, Julius smirked and spoke in an amused tone.
“I heard you’re not going home tonight, Duke Bernardé. Such a tearful display of love for your country.”
“Your Majesty.”
Startled by the quip, Bernardé straightened, having been too absorbed in his papers to notice Julius’s arrival.
Julius strolled closer to the desk, his steps leisurely, his face adorned with a smile that could only be described as infuriatingly pleasant.
“If you had this much work, why didn’t you just say so earlier?”
That smile was a direct attack on Bernardé’s nerves.
“I did! I absolutely did! And who was it that threw a tantrum, insisting they’d personally go to the Stewart Duchy?!”
“Did I?”
Julius said, feigning ignorance.
His feigned innocence only added fuel to Bernardé’s irritation. Yet, seeing Julius’s relaxed demeanor, Bernardé sighed inwardly with relief.
‘At least he seems calmer now.’
He had been genuinely concerned that Julius might actually storm off to the Stewart Duchy again, leaving all the work behind.
‘I have a sister too, so I can kind of understand where he’s coming from.’
Briefly, Bernardé imagined Marianne declaring she wanted to marry Percy Stewart. The mere thought made him shake his head vehemently. Becoming in-laws with the Stewart family? Absolutely not.
While still harboring a tinge of annoyance, Bernardé glanced at the bundle Julius was carrying and gestured toward it with his chin.
“And what’s that?”
“Your sister dropped by the palace. She brought you some clothes.”
“Hand it over, then!”
Bernardé snatched the bundle from Julius with uncharacteristic haste, shaking it out as if to rid it of invisible germs. Watching this with mild amusement, Julius chuckled.
“You and your sister don’t look alike at all.”
“I agree. She takes after our mother,” Bernardé replied curtly.
“Marianne, was it? Lovely name,” Julius remarked casually.
Why was the emperor complimenting his sister’s name? The comment made Bernardé bristle.
“Weren’t you the one trembling in fear of women? And yet you spoke with my sister?”
“Lady Marianne felt more like a child. Not particularly intimidating,” Julius replied dismissively.
Bernardé’s sharp defensiveness melted away at the emperor’s nonchalant response. As a doting brother, he couldn’t resist adding more about his sister.
“She may look young, but she’s of marriageable age. I’ve been looking for a suitable match, but finding someone who fits her temperament hasn’t been easy…”
Mid-sentence, Bernardé froze, his face hardening as he realized something.
“Why the expression, Your Majesty?”
“What expression?” Julius asked, feigning ignorance.
“You looked like a cat that just found a fish,” Bernardé accused.
Julius’s relaxed face had softened into a mischievous grin as he listened.
Narrowing his eyes, Bernardé scrutinized him warily. Julius, sensing his unease, waved a hand dismissively and laughed.
“It’s just your imagination. You must be seeing things from fatigue.”
“…?”
Bernardé was unconvinced, but pressing further seemed pointless. Instead, he shoved a stack of papers toward Julius.
“Since you’re here, Your Majesty, why don’t you review these while you’re at it?”
Julius spun around theatrically.
“Unlike you, I need at least ten hours of sleep to function properly…”
“Your Majesty!”
Why had he even come, then?! Fuming, Bernardé clenched his fists as Julius strolled out of the room with a teasing wink.
Pausing at the doorway, Julius glanced back and quipped,
“If you don’t make it home tomorrow, your sister might come looking for you again.”
“She probably will. She’s a good girl.”
“Indeed…” Julius’s voice trailed off, tinged with meaning Bernardé was too engrossed in paperwork to notice.
The next day arrived, and Bernardé, assuming the emperor had finally come to his senses, waited patiently.
What came instead was a shocking message.
“His Majesty left?!”
“Yes, Your Grace. He said… he suddenly felt like going hunting…”
“That man is unbelievable!!”
For yet another day, Julius shirked his duties, leaving Bernardé seething in frustration.
* * *
Bernardé had been stuck in the palace for a full week, unable to return home. Meanwhile, Julius spent his morning lounging around before heading to the main gate at precisely the appointed time. As planned, Marianne was there.
“Here to deliver clothes for your brother again?”
Julius greeted warmly.
“Huh?”
Startled by his familiarity, Marianne quickly bowed her head.
“Hello, Sir Knight.”
“Lovely evening,” Julius replied.
Thanks to his decision not to reveal his true identity, Marianne still believed he was just an ordinary royal knight.
Handing Julius the bundle of clothes she had brought, Marianne fiddled with her fingers and sighed.
“My brother’s been working late so often lately. I’m worried about him since his health isn’t very strong.”
“I’d say Duke Bernardé is likely more worried about your health,” Julius remarked.
“Oh, I’m perfectly healthy,” Marianne said with a smile.
Julius chuckled. Marianne looked so delicate that her assurance of good health felt almost ironic.
‘Bernardé seems perfectly fine pulling all-nighters for a week straight,’ Julius mused.
Her concern for her far sturdier brother seemed adorable. Watching her with a fond smile, Julius offered.
“Why don’t you stay and see him? I’m sure he misses you.”
“Thank you for the kind offer… I’d like that,” Marianne replied, nodding hesitantly.
By now, she had grown comfortable enough with Julius to accept his suggestion.
As they walked through the quiet, empty palace corridors, their conversation was light and casual.
“What do you usually do to pass the time?” Julius asked.
“I spend most of my time reading. I really love books. Lately, though, since my brother hasn’t been home much, I’ve been handling some of the household affairs that require his approval,” Marianne explained.
“That’s very responsible of you,” Julius said, his tone carrying an almost brotherly pride.
Marianne giggled softly, covering her mouth.
“Really? I’ve always thought I was too laid-back compared to other young ladies. Most of them are busy with social gatherings and lessons, but I rarely attend social events.”
“Won’t avoiding socializing cause problems later?”
“Exactly. My brother says I shouldn’t worry about such things and just do what makes me happy, but I’m not sure a future husband would feel the same way.”
“Bernardé! What a great brother,” Julius thought. Fully agreeing with Bernardé’s priorities, Julius nodded vigorously.
“Why wouldn’t he? You should find a husband who shares your views. If not, there’s no need to marry at all,” Julius said firmly.
“You sound just like my brother,” Marianne said, laughing brightly. Even in the dim corridor, her smile was as radiant as a star.
Watching her cheerful expression, Julius felt a strange warmth stir in his chest. He placed a hand on his chest, trying to calm the odd sensation.
Before he knew it, they had arrived at the emperor’s office. Julius, ever the showman, dramatically opened the door for her.
“Here you are. Please, step inside.”
“Thank you for guiding me,” Marianne said, bowing her head before stepping lightly into the room.
Bernardé, his face buried in paperwork, looked up and beamed.
“Marianne! What brings you here?”
“A kind knight guided me,” Marianne explained.
“A knight?”
Bernardé tilted his head in confusion, only to scowl when he saw Julius peeking through the door with a grin.
“Your Majesty!”
Leaning casually against the doorframe, Julius crossed his arms and smiled.
“What do you think? Am I not the kindest?”
“Do you have any idea whose fault it is that I’m working overtime? You give me the poison and then the antidote!” Bernardé grumbled.
“In that case, should I escort Lady Marianne back outside?” Julius teased.
“No! I take it back!” Bernardé quickly backtracked.
When it came to his sister, Bernardé had no defenses.
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