Chapter 201
As though wrestling with itself, the beast stood perfectly still for a long time before slowly emerging from the bushes.
Varkas gently ran a hand through the wolf's damp fur.
Though the beast wrinkled its muzzle in obvious displeasure, it quietly accepted his touch.
For a moment, Varkas found himself wondering whether this wolf might be an alpha dire wolf—a superior specimen far more intelligent than an ordinary member of its species.
After all, alpha dire wolves were said to possess exceptional social instincts and an extraordinary ability to bond with others.
It had undoubtedly grown up in Talia's hands ever since it was a cub, gradually becoming attuned to her emotions.
Having reached that logical conclusion almost instantly, Varkas withdrew his hand from the wolf's head and quietly studied its expressive blue-gray eyes.
One thing was certain.
This beast was deeply attached to her.
And she, in turn, had poured all of her affection into this wolf.
Reflecting on that fact once more, Varkas shifted his gaze toward the gravestone surrounded by heaps of flowers.
She must have come here often with the wolf.
Merely imagining that scene made his chest ache as though he had swallowed molten lead.
He slowly closed his eyes.
Had this wolf not existed...
She would have come here alone.
The moment that thought crossed his mind, he found that the beast's true nature no longer mattered.
"...Let's go."
As though it had understood him, the wolf silently followed at his heels.
Varkas walked past the chapel and approached the inner wall.
"We've found the wolf! Tell the guards to call off the search."
Startled by the sight of the dire wolf, the gatekeeper hurriedly sprinted toward the training grounds.
Passing beneath the arched gate, Varkas entered the garden.
The wolf followed behind him, then immediately darted across the flowerbeds and disappeared into the Great Hall.
Standing in the middle of the garden, Varkas watched it for a moment before making his way toward the rear garden.
Not long afterward, Talia's bedroom window came into view.
He stood there for a long while, looking up at the small figure sitting on the windowsill.
Curled up with her knees drawn against her chest, the woman rested her forehead against the glass.
Then she suddenly looked over her shoulder.
At that very moment, the enormous silhouette of the wolf appeared beside the window.
Seeing her throw her arms around Khan's neck, Varkas quietly turned away.
A veil of pale gray clouds had already spread across the sky.
Silently watching the heavens, which looked ready to pour rain at any moment, he retraced his steps.
* * *
As autumn settled in, the bleak atmosphere that had gripped Kalmor during the crackdown on the heretics gradually began to fade.
Naturally, the sinister rumors surrounding the Grand Duchess also died down.
As Talia shut herself away inside the castle, the people of Kalmor seemed to forget, almost overnight, the existence of the Grand Duchess as beautiful as an earth spirit—and the gray wolf that never left her side.
Yet it was merely an artificial silence created by the anti-heretic campaign.
Most of the townspeople were simply afraid that mentioning her at all would be enough to have them branded as heretics.
The atmosphere inside the castle was little different.
Not only the vassals but even the servants treated her as though she did not exist.
Deep down, they too suspected that Talia had been the one who brought the raiders into the castle, but fearing they might incur the Grand Duke's displeasure, they chose silence instead.
And yet, despite such complete isolation, she appeared strangely at peace.
Once her confinement was lifted, Talia began strolling through the rear garden with Khan at her side and freely wandering the castle as though nothing had ever happened.
She almost seemed to enjoy the way everyone treated her like a ghost.
Watching his wife gradually regain the vitality that had vanished from her gaunt face, Varkas felt an emotion that was equal parts relief and bitterness.
He was relieved because she no longer looked miserable.
At the same time...
The fact that she no longer looked miserable damaged something inside him.
As though trying to cast aside those contradictory feelings, Varkas buried himself even deeper in his official duties.
Then, as that chaotic autumn drew toward its end, an urgent telegram arrived from Daren.
The atmosphere along the Valto border had become increasingly unstable, and he was ordered to return without delay.
Varkas immediately began preparing for another campaign.
It had not even been four months since his return, yet he was already marching back toward another battlefield.
Oddly enough, he felt lighter than he had in months.
Remaining at Laedgo Castle had become increasingly exhausting.
Watching her freeze like a pale ghost every time she saw him...
Pretending not to notice his own wife...
He had grown tired of both.
This time, once he departed, he had no intention of returning to the castle for quite a while.
"What if I lead the campaign in your place, Brother?"
Lucas stepped into the office unannounced while Varkas and Beirof were reviewing the military supply routes.
Lifting his eyes from the map, Varkas looked at his younger brother.
After commanding the city garrison and personally leading the pursuit of the raiders throughout the summer, Lucas had become noticeably more dependable.
His sun-bronzed face wore an unusually serious expression as he strode up to the desk.
"The situation inside the castle is still unstable. If you remain here, Brother, it'll do far more to reassure the people."
Setting down his quill, Varkas quietly met his younger brother's amber eyes.
Behind the worry clouding them, he caught a glimpse of genuine anxiety.
Ever since the previous Grand Duke's death, Lucas had steadily built his reputation as a capable soldier.
However, his political judgment and administrative experience still fell far short.
Knowing his own limitations better than anyone, Lucas clearly feared that Kalmor would once again descend into chaos during Varkas's absence.
Varkas let out a quiet sigh.
"The western and eastern lords have begun making suspicious moves. If they've truly entered into secret dealings with the northern powers, this may escalate beyond a mere border conflict into civil war. You still lack the experience to handle a crisis that delicate."
"Then let Daren govern in your place while I accompany you and learn at your side—"
"Enough."
Varkas cut him off sharply.
"What exactly are you proposing? That both the eldest and second sons of this house leave for the battlefield at the same time? While I'm away, it is your duty to take responsibility for this family. It's time you started learning the responsibilities of a Grand Duke."
A look of bewilderment crossed Lucas's face.
"I'm not capable of that."
"Then become capable."
Varkas's reply was merciless.
"You are the only remaining heir of this house. If anything happens to me, you will inherit this position. So stop talking like a weakling and fulfill the responsibilities that belong to you."
"After surviving Agor's poison, what could possibly happen to you? People all across the East are already saying the current Grand Duke of Siorcan is immortal."
Trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere, Lucas forced out a grin.
"You'll probably live to be a hundred. I'll end up becoming a bent old man before you do."
"I have no intention of remaining in this position for that long."
At the flat reply, the smile on Lucas's face slowly faded.
Varkas continued calmly.
"If you truly don't want to succeed me, then get married and have a child. Once that child is old enough to shoulder the responsibility, I'll hand this position over."
"...Are you serious?"
"Have you ever known me to joke?"
"..."
"I'm planning to formally announce you as my heir before long. By then, make sure you've developed enough ability that no one can object. Frankly, I'm getting tired of arguing with the vassals."
Finishing matter-of-factly, Varkas folded the map and handed it to Beirof.
His aide, looking almost as stunned as Lucas, accepted it and hurriedly left the office.
Once they were alone, Lucas cautiously spoke.
"Is this because of Sister-in-law?"
Varkas's eyes immediately turned cold.
Lucas flinched before continuing in a firm voice.
"Because Sister-in-law can't bear children... are you making me your shield?"
"Lucas Laedgo Siorcan."
The dark warning in Varkas's voice instantly silenced him.
Varkas added softly,
"Don't cross the line. The atmosphere in this household is troubled enough already. I have no desire to add rumors that the Grand Duke came to blows with his own younger brother."
Lucas's lips stiffened.
Varkas picked up the coat he had set aside and draped it over his shoulders.
Just as he reached the door to leave his office, Lucas muttered in a tightly restrained voice,
"I truly can't understand you, Brother. You're constantly trying to protect Sister-in-law behind everyone's backs... so why do you treat her so coldly whenever you're standing in front of her?"