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Chapter 40
Kirzen’s face hardened.
“What circumstances.”
“Of course, her reputation in society. You know, back when that business with Baron Prukin happened, and you… dealt with every suitor who came near.”
Jerome spoke cautiously, watching Kirzen’s expression.
“It seems word of that spread. The lady’s position isn’t so good.”
Because his lord cared about this particular young lady, Jerome’s words were delivered with extreme care.
As expected, Kirzen’s expression grew even colder.
“Why didn’t you report this sooner?”
“At first, it wasn’t worth worrying over. And more than that, the timing… you know your own temper, my lord. I couldn’t just bring it up then.”
“That’s for me to judge.”
Kirzen ground his teeth as he replied.
Jerome sighed deeply, looking troubled.
“At the time it was really nothing. There was just some rumor that anyone who courted the lady would end up emasculated. What was the point of repeating such nonsense?”
It was embarrassing to even say it aloud.
The truth was, he suspected that ridiculous rumor had been of his own making, which made him all the more reluctant to report it.
And besides, the story had the useful effect of keeping away men who would approach her out of idle curiosity. He hadn’t seen much reason to put a stop to it.
The real problem came afterward.
“So, now?”
Kirzen pressed the issue.
“Now… there are whispers that she’s a stone woman—that something is wrong with her as a woman.”
The word was said very carefully, Jerome’s tone unusually cautious.
Kirzen’s face froze.
So too did Rosie’s.
Jerome added quickly, as if to soften it:
“As you might guess, the young lady must have suffered terribly because of this reputation.”
It wasn’t just emotional pain. As a noblewoman, her honor had been scarred.
Kirzen squeezed his eyes shut, his heart heavy.
He had never intended to harm her. But his misguided possessiveness had backfired.
The source of that blasphemous rumor lay with him.
With a weary hand, he rubbed his face.
“…Since when?”
“Pardon?”
“When did those rumors begin?”
Jerome did not answer at once.
Or rather—he hesitated to answer.
The timing, without doubt, was before their campaign.
And Jerome had known this, yet chose not to report it.
Out of fear his lord might make rash decisions, he had decided on his own to withhold it.
In effect, he had ignored the young lady’s suffering, pretending not to know.
It was difficult to confess that outright.
“Rosie. You tell me.”
Kirzen didn’t wait.
Seeing Jerome stalling, he turned instead to Rosie.
Rosie, who had been quietly listening, answered calmly.
“As far as I know… it’s been five or six years. Since the lady came of age, she has endured it without pause.”
Five to six years.
That was exactly when Kirzen had begun driving away men who approached Emilina with dishonorable intent.
At that time, he had kept his distance from society, and so his ears were deaf to rumor.
All news of her had come through Jerome, while Kirzen focused on building his strength.
He had trusted Jerome to handle it well.
Not knowing that was the root of disaster.
Kirzen looked at Rosie with a pained expression.
“What was your intent, handing me that letter?”
His voice was low, carrying an undercurrent of dread.
Rosie, who had expected this moment, gave the answer she had prepared.
“I had no great scheme. I only wished to convey the young lady’s well-being to you…”
She paused, drew a breath, then chose her words with care.
“…And since the rumors have weighed so heavily on her, I hoped you would take responsibility and resolve them.”
It was an audacious statement.
For a mere commoner to demand accountability from a nobleman—it was grounds for punishment under laws against insulting the nobility.
But words once spoken could not be taken back.
Rosie’s heart pounded, threatening to burst, but she held firm.
“I know it is presumptuous. But the lady, who seldom shows her pain, says she is growing weary. I cannot help but worry.”
As her friend, I beg you.
Rosie bowed deeply as she finished her plea.
Kirzen let out a bitter laugh.
How laughable, that only now he realized his blunder and tried to repair it.
Pathetic, truly.
Pathetic that things had reached the point where even this girl was forced to beg him.
His golden eyes turned icy.
“Jerome. You mean to say you kept silent until it got this far.”
His voice carried the chill of restrained anger.
Jerome bristled, feeling wronged.
“Do you think I did it on purpose? With your campaign underway, could I really distract you with the lady’s troubles? I delayed for your sake.”
“To you, a delay means six years? If you hadn’t acted on your own judgment, such filthy rumors wouldn’t have spread.”
Kirzen growled fiercely, and Jerome swallowed hard before replying.
“Yes, of course. Had you put the war aside and ordered me to deal with it, then that’s what I’d have done.”
Jerome went on bitterly.
“That’s why I stayed silent. Frankly, whenever Lady Klein is involved, you lose all reason. How could I report it? My lord, you are my priority.”
The truth was, the Duchy of Ditrio was effectively in Count Monteiro’s hands.
Though Kirzen was the rightful heir, most vassals had thrown their support to the count.
Even many of Kirzen’s former supporters had turned away.
Their shift of loyalty had been largely due to his decision to go to war.
At his young age, few believed he could survive, much less return unscathed.
Even if fortune favored him and he won, they feared he would come back maimed.
In such a climate, giving the count any pretext was unthinkable.
Monteiro would seize upon any weakness—especially the lady. His character made that certain.
Kirzen knew this as well as anyone.
“I won’t deny responsibility. I do feel indebted for what has happened to the young lady. But you can’t say the possibility never crossed your mind.”
“I did not expect this. If I had known such rumors would arise, I never would have given that order.”
“Ha. Really.”
Jerome gave him a look of disbelief.
“A young lady of marriageable age, and yet all her suitors were driven off? Of course there would be scandal.”
“…”
“If you were concerned, you could have sent a notice in advance, or submitted a proposal of marriage yourself. But you didn’t. That was your decision.”
It wasn’t wrong.
Hadn’t Kirzen considered proposing?
But the obstacles had been too great.
And more than that, he had wanted to stand before her without blemish, without compromise.
That pride—how foolish it seemed now.
He realized too late how empty it was.
But regrets had no meaning anymore.
“…Then I amend my orders. Assemble the entire army in secret. Before sunrise, we march on Genova.”
Kirzen’s eyes flashed coldly.
There was no more reason to hesitate.
This war ends now.
Whatever it takes.
No longer would he dance to his uncle’s schemes.
* * *
News soon reached King Rioneph: Duke Ditrio had struck the Genovan forces in a surprise attack, annihilating their outpost.
The king rejoiced, raising his cup in celebration. He proclaimed the victory to his people, using the triumph to strengthen his own standing.
Thanks to his announcement, the capital—long clouded with the gloom of defeat—began to stir with life again.
The tidings of victory, and the promise that the war’s end was near, filled the people with hope.
“Mr. Merlin! Did you hear? They say the war will be over soon!”
“Jessie! Barging in without knocking—what manners are these? Apologize at once to our guest!”
“Ah! Forgive me, honored guest! I was so overjoyed that I forgot myself. Truly, I’m sorry!”
The cheerful girl called Jessie gave a flustered bow and darted out of the parlor.
Watching her retreating figure, Merlin sighed and turned apologetically to Emilina.
“Madam Emilie, please forgive the girl’s rudeness. Her brother was conscripted, and she’s been worried sick.”
“It’s fine. Our negotiations are nearly complete anyway. Such joyful news deserves excitement—don’t scold her too harshly.”
Relieved by Emilina’s graciousness, Merlin smiled in gratitude.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
“It’s nothing. More importantly, since the war seems about to end, I’ll need to make preparations for disclosure. Best to finish quietly while everyone’s attention is elsewhere.”
At those words, Emilina felt the reality of the approaching peace settle upon her.
