Chapter 13
Herman, frustrated, pushed aside the pile of documents.
There was nothing more to see since the reports had stopped being recorded after the aide left the Ernst family.
“Getting angry won’t solve anything.”
Rubbing his forehead and leaning back, Herman recalled the words his father had told him since childhood.
“Herman, blaming the situation or resenting someone won’t solve the problem. Don’t waste your energy on pointless things—think about how to fix it instead.”
The late Duke of Ernst was a highly rational man, always focusing on solutions rather than comfort or sympathy.
His mother used to scold his father for being too harsh on their child.
But still, those words had always helped Herman in crucial moments.
When he lost both his parents in a fire, when his subordinates’ mistake caused a ship to sink, even when they were stranded on a deserted island—he never let negative emotions cloud his judgment.
And now…
Blaming his wife for everything wouldn’t be the right thing to do.
She must have had her struggles. Perhaps “luxury” was her way of coping.
Besides, she was no longer in a sane state.
“At least she kept her title and name… Is that enough?”
Whether she couldn’t give up the title of Duchess or wanted to keep what was left of the Ernst family’s wealth, was unclear.
Just then, a neat knock echoed through the office.
“Master, it’s Hoilun.”
“Come in.”
“The inspection of the castle is ready.”
The elderly voice carried the weight of years of hardship. The butler, Hoilun, had aged significantly in just a few years.
“Hoilun.”
“Yes, Master?”
“Thank you.”
“Oh, no, I only did what I had to do.”
“Not just that. Thank you for protecting Ernst in my absence.”
“Young… No, Master. That too was simply my duty. I always believed you would return one day.”
Though he said this, Hoilun’s eyes turned red.
Ever since the mansion in the capital burned down, the castle was the only place left where Herman could remember his parents.
Even after holding Herman’s funeral, the loyal old butler stayed, believing it was his mission to protect this place.
“You’ve gotten old. Getting emotional so easily.”
Feeling awkward, Herman teased Hoilun but still took out a handkerchief and handed it to him.
The butler took it without a word, dabbing his eyes. Herman chuckled at the sight.
“Let’s go. There’s a lot to do before dinner.”
“I will arrange for skilled workers soon. We will start with repairs on the third floor, where you and Madam will stay, then move on to the rest of the castle.”
As Hoilun explained the repair plans, he followed behind Herman.
Luckily, the butler couldn’t see his master’s face—Herman’s expression was growing darker and darker. His clenched jaw and tense muscles revealed his barely contained rage.
“Did they fight the entire Continental War inside the castle?”
All his efforts to suppress his resentment toward his wife were proving futile as he walked through the ruined castle.
Broken windows allowed crows to fly in and out. The floors had deep holes as if a well had been dug inside the halls.
And then—
Herman stopped in the central hall, where the portraits of his late parents were displayed.
Unlike the rest of the castle, this area had been somewhat maintained.
“Before I left, I’m sure I ordered a new frame for that painting.”
Yet, the portrait still hung in the old redwood frame.
The canvas was already deteriorating, slowly rotting from the edges.
“Ah, that…”
Hoilun hesitated.
He couldn’t bring himself to say that Madam had sold the new, jewel-encrusted frame to pay off her gambling debts.
Seeing this, Herman could understand why Tess harbored such resentment toward his wife.
“That woman…”
Herman sighed, rubbing his temples.
If his former crew members saw his face now, they would likely shiver in fear.
“Master!”
A hurried sound of footsteps echoed through the hall.
“Master—huff—Master!”
Tess, panting, had been searching all over the castle for them.
“Calm down. I have plenty of time now.”
Herman’s tone was laced with dry humor, but Tess seemed unfazed.
“Madam wants to have dinner with you tomorrow.”
“Dinner?”
Herman clenched his fist.
“Does she have a rose garden growing in her head?”
The castle needed repairs, servants needed to be rehired, debts had to be settled—expenses were piling up.
And yet, she wanted to have a fancy dinner?
“Tell her this—if she wants to eat well before dying, we don’t have the money for it.”
Turning away, Herman was about to leave, but Tess’s next words stopped him.
“But Master… Madam seemed regretful that she hadn’t properly welcomed you back. She insisted on preparing a fine meal for you and even gave me this.”
Tess pulled out a pouch filled with gold coins.
“She used her own money for it.”
The pouch bore the seal of the Seymour family—her family’s crest.
Using her dowry to prepare dinner for him…
It was a thoughtful gesture, but Herman had already been too disappointed by her actions.
“If only she had shown this sincerity before attempting suicide.”
He exhaled slowly.
“I’ll handle the preparations with Hoilun.”
When Herman remained silent, Tess pressed on.
“Come on, Master. You need some time to talk with Madam anyway.”
“Fine, fine. Just stop pestering me.”
Giving in, Herman sighed and walked away.
—
The dining room was silent.
There was no clinking of silverware—just an oppressive stillness.
“Um, Your Grace.”
Breaking the long silence, I hesitantly spoke, looking at Herman seated across the long table.
“I read about you in the Imperial Newspaper.”
Starting a conversation with someone awkward was easy.
“It said you survived on a deserted island for two years and returned without losing a single crew member.”
A good way to break the ice was to acknowledge the other person’s achievements.
“That must have been incredibly difficult. You truly are a hero of the empire. I was deeply moved after reading the article.”
Herman, who had been cutting his meat, suddenly stopped.
Thinking he was listening attentively, I continued.
“It’s a little late, but I sincerely congratulate you on your return, Your Grace.”
Then—
Clank!
Herman set his silverware down loudly.
Considering his usual refined table manners, it was clear that my words had irritated him.
I glanced at his fork and knife, wondering what I had said wrong.
“What is he upset about? I didn’t say anything offensive…”
Just as I was growing anxious over the suddenly halted meal, Herman spoke.
“Most families would say, ‘I missed you,’ not ‘I sincerely congratulate you on your return.'”
“…”
“And another thing.”
Herman closed his eyes briefly, as if suppressing his frustration, then reopened them.
“Where’s the person who once told me I wasn’t just her subordinate?”
I blinked in confusion.
“Your Grace, did I say something wrong…?”
“That damn ‘Your Grace’ again.”
Herman let out an exasperated sigh.
“With how this castle looks like a warzone and how I still have to hear ‘Your Grace’ in my own home, it doesn’t feel like the war is over.”
“Then… what should I call you?”
Herman replied smoothly.
“Dear, honey, darling. That’s what most people say.”
I stared at him in shock, feeling my face grow hot.
“Did I just hear that?”
