ISHM 30

Episode 30

“ I was wondering if there’s a single word that could define Sergeant Isaac.”
Is it really that hard?
“If you’re just trying to choose your words to match my feelings, you don’t have to. Just speak as you are.”

I expected some grand statement after a long pause, but the answer was surprisingly simple.
“An honest and upright man.”

It wasn’t much, but it perfectly described my father.
‘Even in the military, Father remained consistent.’

A lump rose in my throat. I took a deep breath, forcing my trembling voice under control as I asked,
“And how was the end? Did he suffer a lot…?”

Johannes flinched.
The cigarette he was holding fell into the wine glass. The short stub quickly became soaked.
I stared blankly at the cigarette brand’s logo on the tip.
‘Is this a story that’s hard to answer?’

From what I had observed, it was one of the few habits Johannes had. A moment where the demeanor of a seasoned soldier, who had survived countless battlefields, slipped through—something a member of the Schultz ducal family would never show.

It was rare to see this from someone who usually hid his emotions well, usually triggered by an unexpected question or a topic he found difficult to answer.

Like now.

But just as I feared, he quickly returned to his usual composure.
“I don’t remember well.”

“…What exactly was the illness?”
“Food poisoning, severe cases could be cholera. Those were the symptoms.”

I instinctively twisted my face.
“Symptoms? You didn’t know the exact illness? How is that possible? And it was just food poisoning…! Didn’t they have a proper doctor?”

The emotions I had tried to suppress burst out uncontrollably.

It was absurd. What were the military doctors doing? If I had been there, he wouldn’t have passed away so needlessly…!

“In harsh environments like battlefields, that’s usually the case. Even a minor illness can be fatal.”
“How is that—”
“This time, it was only Dochilias’ army. That’s why we lost.”
“Eh…?”

Seeing that I didn’t understand, Johannes added calmly,
“The official reason was tactical failure. The real reason was a shortage of military supplies.”

My mind went blank.

Before the war, Dochilia was one of the countries thriving thanks to technological advancements. Its trade was active, making it fairly wealthy.

And yet, there was a shortage of supplies?

I grabbed my head, unable to comprehend it.
“This doesn’t make sense. Dochilia had the upper hand.”

Johannes maintained his impassive expression, as if discussing someone else’s affairs.
“Then someone must have embezzled military funds—”

I couldn’t finish the sentence. A thought that should never exist crossed my mind.

I checked the firmly closed glass doors to make sure no one could overhear. Luckily, people were enjoying the reception, and it seemed no one was eavesdropping.

I prayed over and over that it wasn’t true, and asked,
“Is that what happened?”

Thoughts spiraled out of control. But the idea that haunted me couldn’t be true.

If the royal family had embezzled hundreds of millions of Berks through the war to enrich themselves, and when they lost, had created a scapegoat to take all public blame… and that scapegoat was the late Duke Schultz?

No matter what, that couldn’t be true.

Johannes, who was looking at me, neither confirmed nor denied, lifting the wine glass with the cigarette in it.

Reading the answer from his actions, I closed my eyes for a long moment and then opened them.
“Why, why didn’t you tell me something so enormous?”

I asked in a trembling voice.
“It had nothing to do with you.”

His words came out sharply.
“How could it have nothing to do with me? My father died!”
“If I told everyone, I’d be revealing unproven facts. Too many died in battle.”

So he had been carrying the weight of this terrible truth alone? I forced the words rising to my throat back down.

Everything went dark before my eyes. Whether it was the alcohol or the shock, I couldn’t tell.

As I staggered, gripping the railing, Johannes steadied me by the shoulder.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine.”

I pulled his hand away and muttered an apology.
“…I’m sorry. Asking about this on a happy day.”

Though I had become Johannes’ wife, it was only a nominal title. Even if it weren’t nominal, who knows how much influence I could have over my husband’s affairs?

And Johannes himself was so calm—what right did I have to intervene?

As I absentmindedly held the railing, Johannes spoke softly, hiding all sharpness.
“There’s no use worrying over something that’s already past.”

He was right. I understood that. Yet, my heart still felt uneasy.

Fearing the situation could worsen if I lingered on it, I forced myself to change the subject.
“Yes, I understand. I understand your position, Duke. But….”

I looked toward the reception hall and trailed off. At the window, where no one had been a moment ago, ladies had gathered and were watching us.

“There are quite a few who take an interest in you, my wife.”

Johannes spoke, acknowledging the gazes that didn’t even try to hide their intent.
“I see. Not an interest in me, but an attempt to gain attention for my husband through me, I suppose.”

I didn’t know all the hearts of the nobility, but I had a sense of human nature.

People seeking power exist everywhere. These women were no different. They likely sought the remaining influence of the Schultz ducal family.

Trying not to glance at the door, I listened as he added,
“Or perhaps they have expectations of us.”
“Expectations…?”

I frowned. Johannes leaned on the railing, tilting his head slightly.
“It may seem like a fight. Not entirely wrong.”
“That’s impossible.”
“For it not to be, your expression is far too serious. A moment ago, someone seemed intent on making things clear.”

Johannes’ neatly arched brows rose.
“They’ll likely see it as a minor love quarrel. A brief incident, nothing more.”
“Hmm. Yet when Edward Windsor was present, you at least managed your expression. Or did you like Windsor?”
“Of course not!”

My voice rose. I watched the ladies and changed my expression quickly.

Was he always like this?

I tilted my head and looked up at Johannes. Lately, I felt as if he was testing me—or…
‘Trying to annoy me?’

But that couldn’t be. What reason would he have to bother me?

I shook my head slightly and continued,
“…Indeed. Leaving room for doubt on the wedding day isn’t a good idea.”

A kiss was too obvious. Choosing a subtle, misleading gesture, I slowly raised my hand to Johannes’ cheek.

When I smiled gently, his expression stiffened.
‘Ah. Could it be he’s annoyed because I overstepped earlier?’

Disappearing with Edward Windsor, leaving him in an awkward position—perhaps that was why he seemed sharper.

“I’m sorry. You may be displeased, but I thought this was the best I could do.”

It felt strange to smile while saying that, but I didn’t want to leave a negative impression on someone important.

I awkwardly asked the silent Johannes,
“I think I’ve shown them what they want to see. What should I do now?”

“Why are you asking me that?”

He narrowed his eyes and pulled my hand toward him. The distance closed instantly.
“Your expression says it all. And…”
“….”
“From now on, you are the lady of the Schultz family, Edith Schultz.”

A warm touch met my chilled earlobe from the cold air. His gentle hand swept stray hair behind my ear.
“That is for you to manage, my wife.”
“…Ah.”

A brief realization washed over me.

Lady of the Schultz family. A title that had felt so distant was now placed right before me.

It felt as if the alcohol had vanished from my system. That a single word from Johannes Schultz could shift my position like this was both astonishing and humbling.

“Is that so.”

I replied calmly, hiding any feelings. Moving away from Johannes, I gave the ladies a polite, balanced smile.

They, as if expecting it, approached the balcony door.
“Duchess!”

Unlike other noblewomen, they were flamboyant, showing no restraint.
“How long have you been learning etiquette, Duchess?”
“You look as natural as if you were always noble. Truly, grace must be innate. You two suit each other perfectly.”

Flattering words flowed from women adorned with extravagant jewelry. I felt better than before.

As Johannes said, their attention was likely on me, not him.

Wherever there are people who dislike you, there are also those who like you.
These women seemed to belong to the latter group.
‘At least on the surface?’

Lord Gunner had mentioned that even among noblewomen, factions existed. So the ladies who approached me were probably…
‘Of lower or middle nobility, or from the working class. Given the era, I’m not the only noblewoman of common origin.’

I hadn’t married Johannes merely to socialize with the ladies, but as Duchess, I had a duty to maintain good relations with them. Leaving a positive impression was not a bad choice.

I listened to their chatter, replying with a polite smile,
“If you ladies are agreeable, I’d like to invite you to Evansstein Castle next time.”
“Really?”
“Yes, of course… is that alright, Johannes?”

I meant to ask politely but quickly softened my tone after glancing at the ladies.

Johannes looked at me with gentle eyes, hiding any remaining sharpness.
“If my wife wishes.”

A smile seemed to form on his lips.
“…Thank you.”

Before I could awkwardly return his gratitude, the boisterous reception hall fell silent at someone’s shout.
“They say it’s a murder! There’s been a murder right in the city square!”

Instantly, a hush fell inside the hall, all eyes turning toward the voice.

My wedding day. In Mussen, the most peaceful city in Dochilia, a title that had seemed unchanging was shattered.