Chapter 122
It was strange.
Everything was exactly the same. Even the timing of the moonlight brightening was as described in the novel.
But for some reason… The more Ruan watched Louise recite her predetermined lines, the more an odd sense of discomfort crept up instead of the initial chilling sensation.
‘What is it? What’s strange about this?’
As Ruan was examining Louise to uncover the source of this discomfort, the Grand Duke spoke.
“The purpose of my sword is to cut down those who harm my territory and protect it.”
It was an answer to the suggestion that he might behead Volker for revenge.
“So if you ask about my future way of life, I can only answer that I will continue to live solely to protect my territory. That is the life I must live as the master of this land, and nothing else can become more important than that.”
An answer prioritizing protecting the territory over revenge.
As Louise silently watched the Grand Duke give a firm answer in a calm voice, she opened her mouth.
“So that’s the Grand Duke’s will.”
And at that moment, Ruan detected an even more distinct sense of discomfort than before.
‘What is it? What’s different?’
But before Ruan could identify the source of this discomfort…
“I understand. Then there’s no point in continuing this meeting.”
Louise indicated her intention to end the meeting. Before parting, Louise said one last thing.
“I hope we’ll have a chance to talk again.”
This, too, was exactly the same line as in “Tales of the Sirah Empire.” A line implying that she would make the Grand Duke, who had no intention of cooperating with her, change his mind and seek her out.
Just as the conversation in the cabin had been the same as in the novel, Louise’s subsequent actions would likely be identical to the novel as well.
‘So in conclusion, the situation flowed the same way, but…’
Even as Ruan returned to the Grand Duke’s castle with him, he couldn’t shake off the vague sense of discomfort.
Observing Ruan, who was lost in thought, the Grand Duke spoke.
“Wasn’t it as you said? Why are you acting like a cat that can’t cough up a hairball?”
At his cat’s bizarre metaphor, who until just moments ago had looked like a proper Northern Grand Duke, Ruan’s face briefly twisted strangely before he composed himself and said,
“It’s nothing. Just something that I feel like I should know but can’t quite figure out. More importantly, it’s fortunate that this happened after we finished contacting the spies.”
Of course, Louise’s visit had come earlier than expected. But even so, two weeks had been enough time for Ruan to contact and persuade the spies, especially since he was in a state of burning determination to respond to the Grand Duke’s trust.
Ruan recalled the spies who had been closer than he thought. Those who had made him discard the hope he had held until the very end that it might be a misunderstanding.
“It really seems you can’t know what’s in people’s hearts. I thought they all cared for Reinke, that they were working hard for Reinke… To think that those people were trying to sell out Reinke because they saw no hope for it.”
The bait offered to the spies was generally similar. A life with more guarantees that could be obtained in a warm and prosperous place, leaving Reinke where they couldn’t hope for a better life or advancement.
He knew that life in Reinke was difficult, and that legally, they couldn’t leave Reinke except by such means. But to think that method meant selling out Reinke and the other people living there. The more he thought about it, the more bitter and sorrowful it became.
Especially since, as discussed with Ralph while in the capital, they were preparing to change the perception of Reinke and draw attention to change the oppressive laws by using the story embedded in Reinke’s products, the popularity of “Winter’s Heart,” and the strong impression the Grand Duke had left behind.
As Ruan was recalling some faces and sighing, the Grand Duke spoke.
“Come to think of it, that person said something similar too.”
“Which person do you mean?”
When Ruan asked, not knowing who he was referring to, the Grand Duke answered immediately.
“The first rat I caught. He was always close by, but I failed to judge because I didn’t sense any hostility.”
Only then did Ruan realize who the Grand Duke was talking about.
‘…The vassal who had been by the Grand Duke’s side since childhood. So that person really was a spy.’
His mouth tasted bitter as another of his unwanted guesses proved correct.
Ruan looked at the Grand Duke with a heavy heart.
“After being caught in his act, he begged that his past loyalty was real and pleaded for his life for old times’ sake, but at some point, instead of begging, he said this. He asked if he had to keep living in a place where no matter how hard he tried, nothing would improve. He said he wanted to go somewhere where he could use his abilities and be recognized for them.”
The Grand Duke, seemingly recounting the past, added,
“I thought I had been diligently tending to my territory after that, but the same problem has occurred again. Was there a problem with my approach?”
It was an unexpected self-reproach. Ruan immediately denied it, using a vehement tone unusual for him.
“No, Your Grace has done your best. That’s for certain. I, who have been watching from your side, can guarantee it. Your Grace has done so much, and it has changed Reinke significantly. As proof, even if the current situation seems similar to before, isn’t it a bit different? We caught the spies before any damage occurred, and we were able to persuade them easily.”
The Grand Duke’s eyes showed surprise at Ruan’s sudden outburst of words. But Ruan didn’t stop.
“We’re just in the process of improvement now. Isn’t Your Grace continuously moving in a better direction? So your territory will become an increasingly better place in the future. In fact, we should say it’s just the beginning.”
Ruan then began to list the changes that had just begun.
After spending one winter in cooperation with the dwarves, Reinke was now continuing repairs and development based on last winter’s experience. The coming winter would probably be much easier to endure than the last one.
During the visit to the capital, they had also made contacts and built friendships with those interested in Reinke. Although they hadn’t officially started any work yet, various discussions were taking place. Reinke was no longer an isolated territory like before.
Moreover, they had started planting potatoes this spring. In about three months, they would be able to harvest potatoes. This would greatly improve Reinke’s food situation.
The sales of monster products were gradually increasing, and attempts to change the perception of Reinke were also going smoothly. At this rate, it might not take long to change the laws.
Numerous changes were beginning to sprout in Reinke. And these sprouts were leading to other changes. As Julia had said, the people of Reinke were beginning to hope that their lives would improve.
‘Hope brings peace of mind. So… This time, people won’t be easily swayed by Louise’s instigation.’
“And now, Your Grace can communicate with others quite well without misunderstandings. I think that’s a big change too. Your Grace is truly a good lord, and you will become an even better one.”
Starting with the knights who had been the Grand Duke’s love counselors throughout the trip to the capital, people’s perceptions of the Grand Duke were gradually changing as they went through the wedding preparations.
Word spread that the Grand Duke, who had been respected but feared and rarely approached due to his unchanging expression even when executing someone he had been close to since childhood with his own hands, had started to change as he fell in love.
They say that the Grand Duke, who had always been more like a sharp sword than a human, now showed human aspects.
While this was somewhat different from the truth… In any case, through this, the people of Reinke seemed to have started accepting the Grand Duke as someone they could communicate with and exchange help with.
‘It’s a bit painful that the proposal story spread in such detail… But still, it has had a big impact on creating a favorable atmosphere for the Grand Duke now…’
Of course, people were still afraid of the Grand Duke, and they still shrank back when he tried to do something. But change doesn’t usually happen that quickly.
Ruan was very satisfied just with the fact that instead of freezing and crying out “Eek!” when facing the Grand Duke, people were gradually developing the courage to observe his mood and try something. If this situation continued, wouldn’t the misunderstandings towards the Grand Duke slowly be resolved?
As Ruan was being swayed back and forth by the Grand Duke, who seemed to be in a good mood and had started to give him vigorous headbutts, he thought:
Both Reinke and the Grand Duke were changing.
So this time, Reinke wouldn’t be swayed by Louise’s will. Certainly not.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
