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Chapter 43
“Have you tried?”
The Grand Duchess asked sharply.
Davitt paused for a moment.
Her words were so abrupt that he thought he misheard.
“…What do you mean?”
“You haven’t tried anything. You haven’t even thought about doing anything. You’ve never even considered the faintest possibility of what you could do for the people of this country,” the Grand Duchess snapped mercilessly.
Davitt felt her words hit the mark precisely.
He couldn’t find a reply and just stared at her, stunned.
It was all true. Davitt had no sense of responsibility toward the people of Dvorca.
Being a hostage in a foreign land, his first priority had always been to survive.
Before crossing the sea, his responsibilities had only been to provide for his hiding younger sister and their nanny.
He felt pity for the people of Dvorca, now a lost nation, but never considered them a responsibility.
The very will to try something had no soil to take root in.
While serving in the knightly order, all he had to do was obey his superiors, and he barely recognized himself as royalty; becoming a sovereign had been beyond his imagination.
Amid all this, one question arose in his mind.
‘Why is the Grand Duchess of Levantea saying something like this?’
Watching Davitt remain silent, she spoke in a calm, measured voice.
“Don’t say you can’t do something before even trying.”
“You… you want me to imagine I can do something? Even if I did, I have no power… What could I possibly do?”
Davitt struggled to get the words out from his chest. The air above the table felt heavy, like damp cotton.
“That’s true. You, Grand Duke, are a ruler without actual governing authority. I can’t create power out of nothing and give it to you. But you know… just because you don’t have something grand doesn’t mean you can’t do anything at all.”
Her voice was calm and steady.
Davitt was still confused.
Her conviction ran so deep that it felt almost tangible.
It seemed as if she possessed a will he had never had.
“Whether you have power or not, you are the representative of the Dvorcan people. When you stand tall and wave to them, it gives them a reason to live. Even someone like me, bowing before you, feels relieved just by your presence.”
“…”
“Showing people what they long to see isn’t something just anyone can do. To become a light in the hearts of the oppressed—that has an influence you can’t ignore.”
“What else can I show? I… have nothing.”
“You say you have nothing, but do you really think you’re alone?”
The Grand Duchess propped her chin on the table, narrowing her eyes.
“…Yes, I think I am alone.”
“You came to me, didn’t you, all alone?”
She gently traced the edge of a napkin as she continued.
“You may have nothing, Grand Duke, but I am by your side. I have money, status, and power.”
…You are by my side.
The words didn’t resonate with Davitt.
He regarded the Grand Duchess more as an independent person than as his wife.
He was indeed curious about her surprisingly inclusive attitude toward Dvorcans.
He wanted to know her better—but he believed he could never get too close.
A woman who had lived surrounded by praise and admiration, dazzling in every gesture, confident and refined from birth—so different from someone raised entirely in the shadows like him.
“You said you’d let me use you, Grand Duke. Then consider using me too.”
“Use… you?”
“Yes. As Grand Duchess, I will assist you, and as a lord, I will support you as a ruler. I will do everything I can, and even attempt what I cannot do.”
The corners of her mouth curved into a smooth, confident smile.
Her silver eyes sparkled like mermaid scales.
Her bold, fearless smile seemed to promise she could reclaim even a lost country.
Perhaps because of the morning sunlight streaming through the windows, she even looked dazzling.
Captivated by her gaze, Davitt took a deep breath.
He couldn’t find the words.
Suddenly, he felt embarrassed. He felt so small and inadequate that he could barely lift his head.
The ceremonial crown from the banquet yesterday seemed to press down on him with unbearable weight.
A crown placed on him solely by obligation.
Could he bear this weight? Someone who had lived in such a narrow world, who had never thought on a grand scale?
Could he, as she said, become a guiding light for the people of a country reduced to a colony?
“I’m not asking much of you, Grand Duke. Just continue to act well in public appearances as you are now. Be composed and dignified.”
“…Do you think I’m doing well?”
“Of course. You protect not only my pride as your wife, but also the pride of the Blansk people. Soon, we’ll travel across the country together, so I’ll be counting on you then as well.”
Davitt stared quietly at the Grand Duchess.
‘I don’t know why I feel like I can’t let this person down.’
Resigned, he nodded.
It felt strange. Even if it was just pretending, he wanted to comply willingly.
The sun set, and the evening sky turned purple.
Davitt opened the window wide and lit an oil lamp.
The warm, reddish light flickered and spread gently, accompanied by the crackling of burning oil.
A shadow danced across the topaz-colored stationery. Davitt dipped the tip of his quill in ink.
Leaving the space for the recipient’s name blank, he began writing.
*”Hello. It’s already the last month of summer.
On midsummer nights, you would stay up late, claiming the stars kept you awake.
I don’t know if you still do that, but I hope you go to bed early today.
I miss you again today. So, I write another letter that I can’t send.
Are you doing well?
I’m doing all right.
I miss Padon Island where you are, but this place isn’t bad either.
It’s actually not Levantea, but Blansk, in the south-central region of Dvorca.
A small town that has recovered as if wiping away the scars of war. Its peaceful, simple scenery is soothing.
Most importantly, people here smile easily. Cheerful and lively, they all go about their busy lives.
There’s even a school for deaf children. Kids with difficulties like yours go to school, study, and enjoy themselves.
I hope to bring you here one day to live together.
I hope you also have peers who can communicate in sign language.
Sometimes I imagine you walking down the streets near the school with a lively step.
There’s a charming accessory shop in front of the school. I bought a pale pink ribbon for your hair, then went back for a sky-blue and yellow one, a hairpin with crystal beads, and a small rabbit doll.
As I gather things, the gifts pile neatly in the drawer.
I hope the day comes when I can give them to you.
Ah, and in case you’re curious about my married life, the woman who became my wife…
She teaches me many things I didn’t know.
Thanks to her, I realized I had been lazy, selfish, and unmotivated.
I reflect a lot now.
After marriage, I went through an empty period.
I had quit my work as a knight and thought I had nothing else to do.
But I realized I do have a role.
If even one person relies on me, I feel I must do something for them.
I feel a bit of motivation slowly building, though it’s still vague.
I’m sorry if I’m too vague; it’s a rather grand story, and I can’t write it concretely.
I also need to apologize.
I remembered your earnest request late.
Ten years ago, you asked me to find a Levantean woman who came to the cabin in Brimwood.
I remember her appearance well and will try my best to find her.
Even if I can’t, don’t be discouraged. She surely remembers you.
You’re a kind and lovable child, unforgettable at first sight.
If there’s anything you want or need, tell Olenka.
She has enough leisure now to grant anything.
That’s all for now.
Give my regards to Olenka too.
Always thinking of you, Davitt.”*
He placed a period at the end of the carefully written letter.
Thinking of his sister left on Padon Island, Davitt faintly smiled.
Just then, he looked up absentmindedly.
“Your Highness, what are you writing so diligently?”
Sir Julio stood by the desk, peering down at him.
“…When did you come in?”
Davitt quickly folded the letter and hid it in the last drawer of the desk.
Through a small opening, pastel-colored ribbons and tiny hairpins were visible.
Just before the drawer closed, Sir Julio glanced at its contents and smirked.
“Heh, I knocked three times. Love letters in the same household—truly newlyweds. Given your quiet personality, writing might be a good way to express yourself. Your handwriting is as fine as your appearance.”
Sir Julio gave a thumbs-up with both hands, grinning.
Davitt frowned. Julio had misunderstood something badly.
“This isn’t what you think. What do you want?”
“Oh, I was just formally appointed as your Highness’s personal assistant. The lord instructed me to take good care of you.”
He saluted with his fingertips by his eyebrow, precise as a retired colonel.
“How is the Grand Duchess…? She looked unwell from the hangover this morning.”
“Oh, even if the lord drinks too much, he recovers in half a day. No need to worry; he’s very robust.”
Good to know she recovered quickly.
Davitt became curious about the Grand Duchess.
“…I have a question.”
“Go ahead, Your Highness.”
“Does the Grand Duchess drink often?”
“She enjoys it, but… well, in my view, drinking isn’t the issue with her.”
“Then what is the issue?”
“Yes, it’s the rain. The peasants must farm, so we can’t stop it from raining. Alas.”
Sir Julio complained with a tone of lament.
Davitt didn’t understand. How could rain be a problem for her?
“Rain?”
“Oh, since Your Highness arrived, there hasn’t been a single day of rain or thunder. Just so you know in advance, it will happen eventually.”
Sir Julio leaned close and whispered into Davitt’s ear.
Startled, Davitt listened.
“In simple terms, she acts a little… unhinged when it rains. She might seem a bit crazy, but don’t touch her. When the rain stops, she returns to normal.”
A rather ominous warning.
Davitt found it hard to believe. How could rain make someone go mad?
