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Chapter 6
“Erno…”
Under the sunlight, Erno looked even more beautiful than Diana remembered. His long black hair, braided neatly, shimmered blue like a raven’s feathers. His proud posture reminded her of a mountain peak facing a snowstorm head-on.
When he stood close, she only thought he was big. But from a bit farther away, she could see that he wasn’t just large—his whole body was balanced and athletic. His long, straight arms and legs looked like white birch trees.
Erno walked up to her, stopping just a couple of steps away. He crossed his arms and looked down at Diana with a displeased expression.
“You must have a death wish.”
“…What?”
What did I even do wrong? Diana, feeling wrongly accused, frowned and opened her mouth halfway in confusion.
“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about. Like I said yesterday, I really didn’t—”
She thought this was a good chance to clear up the misunderstanding from the night before and began to speak.
But then, Erno raised his arm.
Is he going to hit me for talking back?
The memory of Baron Lapin striking her flashed through her mind, and she instinctively shut her eyes tight.
But instead of hitting her, Erno pulled her toward him.
At that exact moment, a loud crash sounded behind her—an enormous icicle had fallen right where she was standing.
“…?”
Diana opened her eyes slowly—and gasped.
Erno’s strong arm was wrapped around her. No, not just his arm—his whole body was shielding her. She hadn’t even realized what was happening.
She’d thought the icicles hanging from the roof were large, but seeing one up close, it looked like a giant column. If that had fallen on her head…
Just imagining it made her body tremble.
“So how am I supposed to understand you walking under falling icicles with no maid in sight? Do I look that foolish to you?”
His voice was calm, but there was anger in his tone.
Veronica had come to the castle early that morning, saying there was much to teach the new duchess. When she heard what happened last night, she clicked her tongue in disapproval.
‘I told you, she’s no different from the others. Why did you even bet on her?’
‘Whether I win or lose, she’s staying here anyway. I’ve got nothing to lose.’
‘If you keep letting things slide like this, she’ll think you’re a joke.’
‘It’s only happened once.’
‘Once becomes twice, and then ten times in a flash.’
Once again, Veronica was right. Letting one lie go had led to this. Now Diana wasn’t even pretending to hide anything. Erno was beyond angry—he was disappointed.
Diana had no idea what had made him so upset. But she knew for sure: if he hadn’t been there, her head would’ve been split in two.
“I… I didn’t know. I just thought the icicles were pretty, so I wanted to look at them…”
Diana’s voice trembled. She had truly almost died.
“Of course you didn’t.”
Diana fell silent. Whatever she said now would just sound like an excuse. She wanted to clear the misunderstanding—but it seemed she’d only made it worse.
“Are you alright, Your Grace? I heard a loud noise… Oh! I greet the Duchess.”
A familiar knight ran over from a distance.
“Akila?”
He too was dressed for going outside.
“Ah, so this icicle was the cause of that noise. Were you hurt?”
“No, I’m fine. He saved me just in time. Oh, I forgot to thank you. Thank you for saving me.”
Diana tried to sound cheerful, even though she’d been shaking a moment ago. Erno let out a dry laugh. Did this woman even realize how close she was to death?
“Before we return, make sure all the icicles around the castle are removed. If a guest at the banquet gets hurt, it’ll be a serious problem.”
Although honestly, it wouldn’t be so bad if one was left to fall on that old man’s head.
“Let’s go.”
“Where are you going?”
It was Akila who answered.
“There were reports of a monster nearby. We’re heading out to take care of it. It won’t take long, so there’s no need to worry.”
At the word monster, Diana flinched. She was suddenly reminded how close this place was to the border between human and monster lands.
“Wait… Erno!”
“Do you have something else to say?”
Erno turned completely around and stood directly in front of her. His face clearly showed his irritation—he should’ve left already.
Diana suddenly realized again how much bigger he was than her. The size difference made her feel small and nervous, but she forced herself to stay calm and spoke.
“…Please be careful.”
“Hah.”
Erno smirked and stepped closer. Just two steps for him brought him almost chest to chest with her.
His tall shadow covered her from head to toe, making her feel trapped. She shrank a little in fear.
Erno leaned down to whisper in her ear.
“Don’t say things you don’t mean, Bi.”
“…!”
“You do know that if I die, all of Fenril’s property goes to you, right? Oh—were you telling me to survive three days and then die?”
“Erno!”
“Let me make this clear now. I hate liars. So don’t ever pull this kind of stunt again.”
Without even glancing at the stunned Diana, Erno turned and walked back to his soldiers.
Left alone, Diana stood there, breathing heavily.
He hadn’t hit her—but his harsh words reminded her so much of Baron Lapin. No, it was worse. She was supposed to live with this man for the rest of her life.
She was so shocked she couldn’t even speak—but she couldn’t just stand there either.
The dressmaker was supposed to arrive soon. Remembering that, Diana slowly made her way back inside, still unsteady on her feet.
“…Is monster hunting very dangerous?”
At the sudden question, both Veronica and the dressmaker paused their work and looked at the duchess.
She’d gone for a walk, yet returned pale and shaken. Clearly, something had happened.
“I heard from Erno earlier. He said they were heading out because a monster had appeared nearby.”
“Whatever you’re imagining—it’s at least ten times more dangerous,” Veronica answered, setting down her teacup.
“Oh right, you probably don’t know this.”
“Know what?”
“Have you ever wondered how people survive in such a cold place like this?”
Now that she mentioned it, Diana realized she never had.
Veronica nodded as if she’d expected that and began to explain.
“This land was once ruled by five families. Now only three remain, but that’s not important. Each of those five families had special powers.”
Hearing something new, Diana listened carefully.
“They had the ability to use the strength of animals. And among them, Fenril was the strongest—strong enough to protect everyone, like a pack leader wolf.”
“So Erno too?”
Veronica nodded gently. Though becoming that strong had come with a price—but that wasn’t something the duchess needed to know.
“To think he’s that strong… Maybe I really was meddling for no reason.”
The spark of curiosity in Diana’s eyes faded again, replaced by gloom.
“Did something happen?”
Well, well. What’s this? Veronica’s eyes gleamed behind her veil. It seemed something had occurred between the two.
Whatever it was, it wouldn’t hurt to know. Especially if it could be used to drive a wedge between them.
“It’s okay. I’m on your side, Diana. So don’t worry—just tell me everything.”
Veronica gave a kind smile from beneath her veil.
