Chapter 5
A Favor to Ask in the Familiar
The flames were subdued as the torrential rain fell.
Drenched in sweat, rain, and ash, Richard collapsed onto the ground and asked, “Casualties?”
“There are none,” Gerard answered, panting heavily.
“Thank goodness.”
Richard gazed blankly at the charred remains of the mansion.
“It will take quite some time to restore this.”
Even if the restoration work progresses smoothly, it will take at least half a year for it to return to its former state. The unexpected and enormous loss left Richard exhaling heavily.
“First, we need to find new accommodations for the servants living here…”
“That won’t be necessary,” interrupted the mansion’s butler, Louis.
“Except for me and the head maid, all the employees live at their own homes, so there’s no need to find separate housing for them.”
It was a rule not to have people living in the mansion when there was no master. Often, servants who stayed for extended periods developed a sense of privilege and would recklessly wander the mansion.
To prevent this, Richard’s mansion operated a shift system, with two of the most trusted personnel working in shifts during the day and night.
It was only now that Richard recalled this and gave a small nod of approval.
“Then, we just need to find accommodation for you, Louis, and the head maid…”
“We have homes too, Master,” Louis replied with a bright smile.
Now that the problem had been resolved, Louis’s personal situation had been brought to the forefront.
“So, I just need to handle my own accommodations?”
“Yes, including Lord Greyston.”
“We can just stay at a nearby hotel.”
“Master, I believe you’ve forgotten, but during the spring in the Empire, there are as many travelers as in the autumn. With the annual events coming up soon, I believe all the hotels, including regular inns, are fully booked.”
Louis’s calm yet firm words silenced Richard.
“Why don’t we ask Duke Verdious for help?” Gerard suggested hurriedly.
Duke Verdious, like Paula, was a close relative of the late Empress Beatrice and one of Richard’s few true friends. If they asked, he would undoubtedly open the doors of his house without hesitation.
However, Richard shook his head.
“The Duchess is heavily pregnant. I can’t burden them with something unnecessary.”
Richard recalled the Duke’s face, grinning ear to ear at the thought of having a daughter.
“Then, what about the Imperial Palace?”
This time, Louis spoke.
“I don’t want to stir up any unnecessary rumors.”
Since Empress Beatrice’s death, there had been a certain rumor circulating like a ghost. The absurd claim that Princess Yvonne was not the Emperor’s child but Richard’s.
Though the Emperor had dealt with those who spread the rumor and had them executed as an example, the stain left behind had not faded easily and was still whispered about in secret.
If the subject of this rumor were to enter the Imperial Palace, what would happen?
The rumors, which had once died down, would surely resurface, strangling the young Princess.
“And, can I comfortably sleep in the place where the Empress who wants me dead resides?”
Richard felt a cold, venomous glare flash in his mind.
After the death of Empress Beatrice, the position of Empress had been left vacant. With her son, Albert, having the authority of the Emperor, there was a woman who possessed nearly the same power as the Empress.
For her, Richard, the Emperor’s loyal subject and Yvonne’s protector, was her number one target for removal.
“What about the Temple? There’s accommodation for monks there…”
Gerard quickly suggested, thinking of a place.
“Even if it’s just a short stay, what kind of rumors would arise if I stayed there?”
Richard glanced at Gerard with a meaningful look.
The Temple was a sanctuary for those who had turned away from worldly things and sought the divine. They chose voluntary sterilization to prove their purity, so staying there would mean…
“I don’t mind, but I assume you don’t want your marriage prospects blocked before you even start.”
“I didn’t hear that…,” Gerard muttered, blushing deeply.
The rain grew heavier. The dark clouds in the sky seemed to be filled with resentment.
Boom—
A thunderous roar, like the roar of a beast, echoed from beyond the clouds.
Perhaps the sky was angry, unlike the perpetual snow of the North. The capital’s weather was maddening.
“Actually, there is a place that might work.”
Louis clapped his hands lightly.
“Where is it?”
Hearing the pleasant sound, Richard turned to Louis, bright-eyed.
Louis didn’t answer but instead turned kindly to Gerard.
Richard followed suit and faced Gerard.
“Oh! That place!”
“The place you mean is…?”
Gerard stuttered, dumbfounded.
Richard’s eyes curved into a crescent shape.
He clapped Gerard’s shoulder with a firm pat.
“How’s your older brother, Lord Greyston?”
“I haven’t contacted him in a while, so I’m not sure, but I imagine he’s fine… Master, could it be…?”
There was no response.
Only the pressure from Richard’s hand on his shoulder.
Later…
“That’s about it.”
Richard finished his story with a hearty laugh.
Did I really just speak out of frustration, or did the house really burn down?
Eliana stared at Richard, her mouth agape in disbelief.
“I was hoping to stay somewhere temporarily until I can find a proper place. Can you help me, my lady? I won’t be a bother.”
Richard’s voice dripped with sweetness, and his handsome face suddenly loomed closer.
Under the chandelier, his amber eyes sparkled like jewels, and she felt as if she might be drawn into them.
Eliana took a step back.
It was not her concern whether she took in guests or not.
“You may stay as long as you wish, Duke.”
At that moment, Duke Emil entered with a warm smile.
With his gentle appearance, he cleared his throat, looking pale and shaken.
“It’s been a long time. Has it been nine years?”
“Indeed, it’s been some time. You’ve lost some weight, Duke. Are you unwell?”
Richard frowned at Emil’s unstable condition.
“It’s just a cold, from the change in seasons.”
“I see. Be sure to keep warm and rest. I can’t impose on a household with an ill resident, so I’ll be on my way.”
“I….”
Contrary to his usual stubborn self, Richard easily withdrew in response to Emil’s call.
He waved his hand as he walked toward the door.
As they approached the mansion’s entrance, Gerard shouted in disbelief.
“What about us?”
“You stay here. Isn’t it your house?”
“And you, Master?”
“I’ll manage things on my own.”
A calm smile stretched across Richard’s face beneath his wet black hair.
It looked lonely and sorrowful.
Had it been sympathy?
Eliana’s hand reached out and grasped his arm.
Her warmth spread across his cool skin.
He looked back at her, startled.
“Stay here. The weather’s bad, and big brother said it’s fine. You can stay.”
“Lady.”
“Lia’s right. If it’s because of me, please don’t worry.”
Emil spoke in a determined voice.
“Isn’t it unworthy for a Duke to refuse his family’s master over something as trivial as a cold? Please rest here.”
“Exactly!”
Gerard nodded repeatedly.
“And you brought back someone who hasn’t contacted us in seven years. Please let us show our gratitude.”
Emil ruffled Gerard’s head affectionately.
Gerard lowered his head in remorse.
Eliana still held his arm.
Looking into his bright green eyes, Richard finally surrendered.
“Greyston family members are all stubborn.”
“Of course, the late Duke was the same.”
Emil shrugged.
Richard followed Emil’s gaze and slowly made his way back inside.
Later that night…
Ding—Ding—
The clock struck three times, signaling the hour.
Eliana slammed her pillow and sat up in bed.
She couldn’t sleep. It had been a long while since she lay down, but sleep wouldn’t come.
I wasn’t supposed to take a nap.
She sighed and got out of bed.
She decided to walk around the garden or take a quiet stroll until sleep came.
She carried a lantern and walked softly down the hallway.
Creak—
As she passed the kitchen, she heard something moving beyond the door.
The footsteps were too heavy to be a mouse.
Curious, she quietly opened the door and peeked inside.
In the faint light of a candle, a large shadow moved slowly.
She caught a glimpse of the face and abruptly swung the door open.
