Chapter 61
A knight who spent most of his life on the battlefield was bound to develop certain habits.
Caligo was no exception.
There were routines that had long become ingrained in his daily life.
For instance, he always checked the laces of his boots before heading out on a campaign.
Even when attending a ball, he would prepare his armor just in case and inspect the blade of his sword nightly.
He also rose early every morning to train and maintain peak physical condition, ready to fight at any moment.
“Now that I think about it, it’s been quite a while.”
Watching his master habitually check the time, the butler casually broke the silence.
“What has been a while?”
“The watch you carry, my lord.”
The watch Caligo carried was incredibly worn.
Although the strap had been replaced several times, it was still frayed, and the once-clear glass was now cloudy.
At the butler’s words, Caligo glanced at the watch in his hand.
“You’re right. I’ve used this for quite a long time. I suppose I’ve grown used to carrying it.”
“It seems you’re quite fond of keeping things for a long time, Your Grace.”
Even when offered a replacement for the old watch, Caligo stubbornly stuck to the one he had.
It wasn’t because he was frugal; he simply continued using it because he liked it.
He had been born with everything and had little desire for possessions, but on rare occasions, something would catch his fancy.
When that happened, he would make sure to obtain it and keep it close for a long time.
“There’s no other reason. I just like it,” he replied.
“Isn’t it a bit too simple for someone of your stature, my lord?”
“What does that matter? If it pleases me, that’s enough.”
He clasped the round watch in his palm.
“Have you considered replacing it?”
“No. Why would I replace something that still works perfectly well?”
“But the strap is far too worn. Please allow me to replace it for you.”
Taking the watch from Caligo, the butler inspected the old, worn item.
It felt oddly plain for the wealthiest man in the empire.
Still, the more he looked at it, the more elegant it seemed.
Perhaps the perceptive young duke had recognized its value early on.
“It reminds me of the madam, in a way,” the butler mused.
“What about this watch and that woman could possibly be alike?”
“I couldn’t help but think of her. The color is similar to the madam’s hair, and the glass in the center resembles her eyes.”
“Nonsense.”
Caligo replied curtly, snatching the watch back from the butler.
“I told you the strap needs replacing,” the butler reminded him.
“It hasn’t broken yet, so I’ll keep using it,” Caligo replied, gazing at the well-worn watch in his hand.
“You’ve been up to some pointless meddling lately, butler,” Caligo said.
“What meddling, my lord?” He asked innocently.
“You told her I nap in the study every afternoon. That was your doing, wasn’t it?”
“I didn’t say it outright, my lord. I simply asked the madam to bring your blanket.”
“Why ask her to do something you could easily handle yourself?”
“Perhaps I, too, am rather fond of the madam,” the butler replied lightly.
“Hmph. At least in Frantor, it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t like her. Wouldn’t you agree, my lord?”
“You’re not as perceptive as I thought. Seems age is catching up to you,” Caligo replied.
“Does that mean you dislike the madam, my lord?”
At the his bold question, Caligo hesitated briefly.
“…You must have too much time on your hands,” Caligo muttered irritably, turning away.
“Get back to your duties.”
“Ah, time flies, doesn’t it?”
Leaving behind a faintly mischievous smile, the butler excused himself.
“I’ll take my leave now, Your Grace. I should prepare for our return to Frantor.”
As he departed, Caligo was left alone, rolling the worn watch in his hand.
It wasn’t made by a famous craftsman or anything special—just a watch he had stumbled upon at the market.
Others might have passed by the ordinary watch without a second glance, but for him, it left a lasting impression.
In the time he hesitated to buy it, the watch had gone unsold and was eventually removed from the display.
He had gone to great lengths to acquire it, rescuing it from being discarded.
Now, it had become a natural part of him, always by his side as if it were an extension of his body.
The watch, kept in the inner pocket of his coat, was always near his heart.
“What could possibly resemble her about this?”
It wasn’t adorned with jewels but had a green glass embedded in it.
Though not as dazzling as a diamond, the faint glow of the glass strangely drew his attention.
Upon closer inspection, perhaps it did resemble her.
With that thought, he placed the watch back in his coat pocket.
—
It was time to leave Seantillen.
They couldn’t leave Frantor unattended for too long, and the social season would begin next month.
Joshua had decided to remain in Seantillen for a while and head to the capital later.
After promising to meet again, they said their goodbyes.
Joshua, who first exchanged farewells with Caligo, eventually approached her as well.
“Take care of yourself. Don’t skip meals, no matter what. Never skip meals.”
“Why do you keep repeating yourself?”
“Because it’s important. No matter what happens, don’t miss a meal. Understand?”
Helena gently patted the child’s head with a warm smile.
“You know, it takes just a moment to harm your body, but a long time to recover. So even if you don’t feel like eating, have a little something. And if you’re ever unwell, write to me.”
“Why should I write to you? Would you even come if I did?”
Embarrassed, Joshua grumbled, faintly resembling Jeremy in moments like this.
“Of course, I’d come.”
When she replied so casually, his face turned even redder.
“If you call for me, of course, I’ll come. Why ask about something so obvious?”
“…Is that obvious?”
“Yes. Why?”
“It’s nothing.”
At his quiet murmur, Helena patted his head once more.
“Stay healthy until we meet again.”
“Wait.”
Just as she turned to leave, Joshua spoke up.
“Yes?”
“Take this.”
He held out a bracelet.
It was a light, slender bracelet made of silver.
“…This is…”
“I saved up money from working with the guild to buy it. It’s not that expensive.”
“You’re giving this to me?”
“It’s not just for you. I got separate gifts for Father and Jeremy too. I just thought it’d be awkward not to get something for you as well.”
Joshua quickly explained, almost rambling.
“So here, take it.”
“Thank you. I’m really happy.”
She mumbled in a trembling voice as she fingered the bracelet.
“This is the first time I’ve ever received a gift like this.”
“Are you really that happy?”
“Yes. It’s so beautiful.”
It wasn’t an expensive or extravagant gift, yet she was overjoyed.
Embarrassed, Joshua deliberately avoided her gaze.
“I’ll give you something even better next time.”
“Thank you, Joshua.”
Joshua then said his goodbyes to Jeremy as well.
The two boys, having already parted once before, didn’t seem as sorrowful this time.
“Take care.”
“Yeah, you too. Don’t get hurt.”
With brief farewells, they parted ways.
She glanced at Jeremy, thinking he had grown quite a bit.
“H-heuh, h-heup… Uwaaah…”
“You said your goodbyes yesterday. Why are you crying again?”
“I’m not crying because I’m sad about saying goodbye to Joshua. Definitely not!”
“Sure, if you say so.”
She embraced the child and patted him gently.
In her arms, Jeremy sobbed for a long while, tears and sniffles flowing freely.
*
Upon returning to Frantor, preparations were promptly made for the journey to the capital.
Caligo mentioned that their stay in the capital likely wouldn’t be long.
He couldn’t afford to be away from the battlefield for too long and seemed reluctant to linger in the capital, wary of causing unnecessary trouble.
After all, the Emperor still viewed him with suspicion.
Before heading to the capital, Helena and Jeremy watched as the wagons gradually piled up.
Of course, Helena also used this as an excuse to steal a glance at Caligo.
“Honestly, it’ll be more comfortable living in the capital. It’s warmer there than here,” Jeremy said, seemingly excited about the move to the capital.
He began describing the Frantor estate in the capital with enthusiasm.
Since she had moved to Frantor immediately after getting married, it would be Helena’s first time visiting the Frantor estate in the capital.
“There’s a big greenhouse there and a huge garden, too. You could probably turn the backyard into an orchard and still have land to spare.”
“Really?”
“Yeah! You’ll probably get lost the first time you go there, so make sure to stick close to me.”
“Alright, I’ll rely on you, Jeremy.”
While looking around, Jeremy suddenly asked Helena, “Where’s that doctor?”
“He went ahead to the capital,” she replied.
Aiden had left earlier, saying he planned to visit his mentor in the capital, leaving behind a note explaining his intentions.
“I hope he never shows up again.”
“What kind of thing is that to say?”
Helena chuckled awkwardly at Jeremy’s lack of interest in getting along with Aiden.
Would her time with Caligo increase once they were in the capital?
She found herself pondering the thought idly when—
“Your Grace!”
A knight rushed toward Caligo in haste.
“What’s the matter?” Caligo asked.
“We’re under attack. The enemy has crossed the border and is advancing!”
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