Nigel lay in bed for a few moments longer before snapping out of it and getting up to wash and change his clothes.
The remnants of that dream still flickered at the edges of his mind, but he shook his head, trying to drive out the intrusive memories taking hold.
Now wasn’t the time to think about twisted freaks like Inas. What mattered more was being at his father’s side.
“I need to pull myself together.”
When he asked for breakfast a few moments later, a servant he’d never seen before entered the room looking visibly nervous. Judging by the rigid posture and fearful glances, it was clear Inas had turned the entire estate upside down after yesterday’s events.
Nigel was quietly satisfied that Inas had been concerned about him. He finished his meal and headed straight to Ruder’s bedroom.
“……”
Hayes stood guard outside the door. Though he bowed politely, a trace of wariness flickered in his eyes.
Hayes now served as the aide to Inas Idenbach Montstein, the current Duke of Magnus.
But in the original timeline, he had been Nigel’s aide—personally selected by Nigel and once his most trusted ally in handling the duties of the duchy.
That trust had been shattered in the previous loop.
“If you and Inas are at odds, most of your aides will side with him.”
That’s what Kay had said when he stopped Nigel from speaking to Hayes during their escape in the last loop.
Looking back now, Nigel regretted listening to him. He should’ve asked Hayes directly back then. He had no way of knowing how Hayes would’ve acted in that timeline.
If this truly was the final loop, then he would never again know whether Hayes would have chosen to stand by him. And seeing wariness in the eyes of someone who’d once stood at his side filled him with quiet regret. It meant there was no going back.
Still, that relationship was already over. As Nigel debated whether to enter the room, Hayes spoke first.
“What brings you here, Young Master?”
“Is Inas inside?”
“Yes, he is.”
Though Hayes answered calmly, his stiffened jaw betrayed displeasure.
Clearly, it bothered him to hear Nigel call the newly appointed Duke by name without a title.
Nigel had never shown Inas even the bare minimum of courtesy. Ruder had permitted it, and Inas had accepted it without complaint.
But as one of Inas’s men, unaware of the circumstances, Hayes naturally found it difficult to tolerate.
Nigel understood—but that didn’t stop the petty resentment from creeping in.
He glanced at the closed door.
Even if they were now legally father and son, there was no real familial bond between Ruder and Inas.
Since Hayes had been summoned, it must’ve been a work-related matter.
Rather than interrupting them, Nigel leaned casually against the wall and asked,
“How’s the war going these days?”
“The frontlines haven’t moved beyond the Pagan Mountains. No civilian casualties. Morale is high among the troops.”
Though a bit caught off guard, Hayes answered quickly.
“That’s good to hear. Is Inas going to the front as well?”
“The Duke always leads from the front.”
“Not exactly the most appropriate stance for a commander.”
He said it outright, and Hayes couldn’t completely hide his irritation. He lowered his gaze to avoid glaring at Nigel.
“Under normal circumstances, perhaps. But the Duke is the strongest swordsman on the continent. He can achieve what an entire knight order couldn’t on his own. There’s no reason for him to stay back.”
“Well, yeah, that’s true. I couldn’t do that even if I tried.”
“……That’s not what I meant.”
Sure, it’s not.
Nigel narrowed his eyes and looked Hayes up and down.
“I get that you don’t like me, but don’t be too obvious about it. I wouldn’t take the Duke’s title even if you handed it to me. Inas taking care of all that is a huge relief.”
“I apologize. That wasn’t my intention.”
Hayes bowed his head immediately.
Maybe Nigel had gone too far—there was a mix of lingering familiarity and betrayal that had prompted the teasing. But Hayes looked more troubled than expected, as if the jab had struck too close to home.
Nigel was still wondering how to wrap things up when the door beside them opened and Inas emerged.
“Don’t bully him, Nigel. I was the one at fault yesterday.”
“And what exactly did you do wrong?”
“I wronged you, dear, innocent Nigel. Mmm, should I say it here?”
Nigel shook his head without hesitation.
Whatever nonsense Inas was about to spew, he had a talent for turning even the most mundane words into something insane—better to stop him now.
Seeing Hayes’s confused and slightly horrified stare, Inas assured him he’d follow soon and sent him off.
Once they were alone, Nigel relaxed and faced him directly.
“What were you talking about in there?”
“Just a routine report.”
“Father’s not in good health. Are you sure you didn’t bother him unnecessarily?”
Nigel’s gaze darkened.
He didn’t want Ruder, who’d become Duke at such a young age and suffered all his life, to spend his final moments worrying about estate affairs.
Inas caught onto Nigel’s concern and soothed him gently.
“Precisely because he’s unwell, he wants to stay informed. Would you feel at peace, lying helpless in bed after a lifetime on the battlefield? Don’t worry, Nigel. I gave him news that’ll ease every one of his concerns.”
“Thank you… for that.”
“Think nothing of it. It’s my duty, after all.”
His voice soft as velvet, Inas reached out and brushed Nigel’s cheek.
The fingertips, featherlight, traced downward—under the ear, along the neck—sending a shiver so sharp it made Nigel’s skin crawl.
Nigel looked up to meet Inas’s gaze.
It was the exact same expression from last night’s dream—when Inas demanded something indecent as proof.
All that feigned affection failed to mask the sticky, simmering desire beneath.
Feeling himself get sucked into it again, Nigel slapped his hand away.
“Don’t touch me, you pervert.”
“Hm.”
Inas examined the hand that had been slapped, then let out a slow grin.
“If that’s enough to call someone a pervert, you’re still very young.”
“……”
The way he said it… really did make him sound like a pervert.
Not exactly something to brag about.
Nigel scowled at him and turned away. Inas said no more and instead opened the door to Ruder’s bedroom.
Nigel stepped inside.
Leona sat by Ruder’s bedside. She turned her head first, and Ruder noticed Nigel a beat later.
“Nigel. You’ve come.”
“Yes. I’m here. Good morning, Father.”
“Good morning.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m alright.”
Ruder gave a gentle smile.
Still, in the past, he would’ve sensed Nigel approaching even from afar.
It was clear he’d grown weaker, and the ache in Nigel’s chest deepened.
Leona rose and gave him space.
“He’s doing quite well today. We’ve already finished the examination, so take your time and talk as much as you’d like.”
“Thank you. I will.”
“I’ll be waiting just outside. Call me if you need anything.”
Leona left the room.
Now alone, Ruder reached out and clasped Nigel’s hand.
There was more strength in his grip than yesterday. His complexion looked much better too, and Nigel let out a breath of relief.
“You seem better than yesterday.”
“Yes, I feel a bit more energetic. Must be because you’re here.”
“I’m glad.”
Nigel smiled, but guilt crept up in the back of his mind.
Would Ruder have looked even happier if his real son were here?
The real Nigel who had given up his body for him—or Etna, who had been in a coma for years.
That guilt sank slowly beneath the surface.
Whatever the case, he was Ruder’s son now. And he couldn’t let this last visit be swallowed by regret.
“You must be bored, lying here all the time.”
“Indeed. Up until two years ago, I enjoyed hunting.”
Nigel, whether the real or fake one, had never liked physical activity. He’d always declined whenever invited along. Looking back, he regretted never going even once.
“I should’ve joined you at least once.”
Ruder chuckled and patted his hand.
“It’s fine. Your safety always came first. But don’t go doing anything dangerous later on either.”
“I won’t.”
“Doing good is fine, but don’t overextend yourself. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to talk to Inas. Understood?”
“Yes, I promise.”
Ruder’s advice went on. Things that would’ve sounded like nagging before—Nigel now listened to with rapt attention.
They were in the middle of a quiet conversation when a knock came at the door.
Inas entered. He was dressed for departure, clad once more in the pitch-black armor from yesterday. It emphasized mobility, yet still clung heavily to his frame, highlighting his strength. Crossing the room, he came to stand by the bed and bowed deeply.
“Lord Ruder. As I mentioned, I’ll be heading out to conduct patrol.”
“Alright. I leave it to you.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll bring back good news again today.”
Their exchange sounded more like one between a lord and his knight than a father and son.
So this is how he won over Father.
Nigel bit his tongue to hold back a sarcastic remark.
Inas turned to leave, then paused.
“Wait.”
Ruder stopped him. He exhaled deeply, shifted his gaze to Nigel for a moment, then fixed it back on Inas. He hesitated—something uncharacteristic—and then said quietly,
“……Also, I ask that you look after Nigel as well.”
The weight of his voice made it clear this wasn’t a simple request.
“Of course. I’ll protect Lord Nigel with my life.”
Inas answered without a hint of jest, his gaze locked not on Ruder—but on Nigel.
It was a look Nigel had seen countless times back when Inas had served as his escort, but in this context, it was unbearably embarrassing.
Only after Ruder nodded did Inas finally leave the room.
So much for keeping a distance this loop. Just when had Father figured it all out?
Flustered, Nigel covered his burning face with both hands.
“Nigel.”
“…Yes.”
He barely managed a whisper.
Ruder smiled and caressed his hand again. Even if it was a little awkward, everything Ruder did came from love.
Overwhelmed by how much he didn’t deserve it, Nigel gripped his father’s hand tightly.
“Tell me more about yourself.”
“As much as you want.”
***
Nigel spent several peaceful days with Ruder.
Ever since Nigel arrived, Ruder hadn’t once fallen ill or lost consciousness, even though he supposedly had been fainting and feverish before.
Now, he simply rested quietly—like someone recovering from brief fatigue. But on the sixth day since Nigel’s arrival…
While reading beside his father, Nigel suddenly realized Ruder hadn’t moved or responded for a long time.
Thinking he was just napping, Nigel touched him gently—only to find that he had already passed away.
Ruder’s face, still and calm, wore a faint, gentle smile.
A death as peaceful as falling asleep.
