* * *

After returning to Yudenet Castle, time flew by.

The hotel’s main building was completed much faster than expected, leaving me with barely a moment to breathe.

Hernan, too, was frequently absent, as the Emperor kept finding excuses to drag him to various events.

‘If I could, I’d accompany him….’

But naturally, a barrier of status stood between us.

No matter how close my family was to the imperial line, as a viscount yet to inherit the title of earl, I was excluded from such gatherings.

It was only natural in a feudal system, yet after half a year of behaving in ways that would scandalize other servants, it felt strangely novel again.

‘I’m also worried that the Emperor might have other reasons for summoning Hernan so often.’

After Princess Evelyn’s birthday banquet, a new rumor clung to Hernan—that he was the Emperor’s chosen son-in-law.

Regardless of its truth, Yudenet Castle began transforming.

The number of stationed soldiers more than doubled, and with them came new servants.

In the past, people would’ve laughed at the idea of the Emperor marrying off his beloved daughter to someone in such a bleak, remote place.

But now?

The castle, adorned with thick blue carpets, deep navy curtains embroidered with silver thread, and intricately crafted metallic window frames, rivaled any in the empire.

It was luxurious yet not ostentatious—a transformation fit for an imperial princess.

‘And it’s all thanks to me.’

Even as I grumbled, I couldn’t deny that the credit was mine.

If I didn’t want my work to benefit others, I had only to change my mind. I knew I could end it all with a single word.

But marriage wasn’t just about saying, ‘We’re going to live together now. Congratulations!’

Accepting it as a real-life issue brought countless complications to mind.

What would become of Nirvan if I married?

A person’s status was absorbed into their spouse’s family if their spouse held a higher rank.

If I married Hernan under these circumstances, Jurgen Nil Everdeen’s claim to the Everdeen title would dissolve, leaving only Jurgen Yudenet.

Though I would still inherit the family wealth as the eldest, the title of Viscount of Everdeen would naturally pass to Berta.

But with Berta currently missing, if she didn’t return to claim her right within five years, the title would fall to the distant relatives lurking around for scraps.

‘I can’t let that happen.’

I had a duty as the Everdeen heir, a task entrusted to me when I took on this second life.

‘Do I really have to marry?’

The more I considered the practicalities, the more my head ached.

It wasn’t Hernan Velon Yudenet himself that I disliked; it was everything that followed.

“….”

Lying beside me on the bed, Hernan half-opened his eyes and gazed at me.

Instead of saying something strange to provoke me, he gave a broken, reassuring smile, as if relieved I was still by his side.

His gentle eye smile tickled my heart.

Hernan Velon Yudenet was no longer the grotesque warmonger exiled to the empire’s northernmost edge.

Nor was he a puppet boy-king letting the empire drift into chaos.

Soon, when the hotel officially opened and thrived, he would become a famous figure, with many vying for his attention.

I didn’t mind that such a person clung to me like a child.

But I had too many rabbits to chase and couldn’t choose just Hernan.

‘I need to think….’

As if oblivious to my turmoil, Hernan nestled into my arms like a puppy.

“The night is cold. Let me stay like this a little longer.”

I ran my fingers through his soft hair and muttered, “Excuses….”

“Was it ever not an excuse?”

His deep, gentle voice made me laugh as I wrapped my arm around his back.

If only I could take just this part of him back to the Everdeen estate.

Why does so much baggage have to come with him? I grumbled internally, nibbling on my lip.

Like in the fairy tale where a boy melts a frost spirit with sunlight, I wondered if Hernan, too, might melt under the summer sun.

Foolish thoughts filled my mind as I slowly drifted to sleep.

---

The monotonous routine changed after receiving a certain message.

“Wait a minute, did I hear that right…?”

Reeling from the news, I pressed my fatigue-lined eyes with my fingers.

“Are you saying you can’t leave the bedroom at all?”

The devastating news from the far south made my head spin.

This couldn’t be real. I tried to deny it, but reality refused to budge.

‘—What are we to do? So many guests are expected, and here I am bedridden….’

It all began a week ago.

My father, eager to entertain an old friend, took a trip to the lake near the Everdeen estate.

They enjoyed a leisurely boat ride, snacks, and light competition.

But the trouble started when my father’s friend teased him about his age and weight, leading to an impromptu wrestling match.

My father, trying to prove his vigor, ended up throwing out his back.

‘Why would you even do that?’

“Haa…”

If even I, the heir, was absent, and my father couldn’t receive guests either, the business would suffer significantly.

Unlike ‘Petit Paradise’, the main estate catered to nobles, and for those who visited to enjoy the feeling of being treated with dignity, it was deeply unpleasant if the host didn’t come out to greet them.

Of course, if the reason was due to illness, they might be somewhat understanding.

But if their son was also off working in some faraway land, leaving no one to welcome the guests, what of the family’s dignity then?

Those Everdeens or whoever they were would no doubt complain afterward, saying our family had disrespected them.

“Is your back feeling any better?”

When I asked on a whim, the Viscount groaned softly before answering.

It was the moment when even the slightest glimmer of hope melted away like snow.

“I don’t know. But it seems you’ll need to come here and work for about a month….”

My father had no idea how audaciously I treated the Grand Duke.

He was clueless about the sheer arrogance I displayed, as if I had the Grand Duke under my thumb.

Only those who worked in the Yudenet estate knew the absurd rumors, and even they kept silent.

Even if such talk spread outside, no one would believe it anyway.

For my father to suggest that I come down immediately without even considering the Grand Duke’s disposition was tantamount to admitting that his condition wouldn’t improve anytime soon.

“I’ll speak with the Grand Duke about it.”

To be honest, I didn’t think he would refuse.

After all, the contract stipulated that I had to spend more than half of the year in Velon, and that condition had already been fulfilled.

At this point, my delayed return was more due to Hernan’s presence than any formal obligation.

“Alright. Let me know once you’ve set a date to come down.”

“Understood.”

After ending the call, I closed my eyes for a moment, pondering how to bring this up to Hernan.

I didn’t think I needed to make excuses.

Maybe I could reassure him by promising to set a definite date for my return, so he wouldn’t worry too much.

Anxiety crept in, but to my surprise, Hernan granted his permission without much fuss.

“Yes, please go at your convenience.”

“…Pardon?”

Startled, I instinctively raised an eyebrow, wondering if I’d misheard.

Hernan gave me a questioning look, as if to ask what the issue was.

There really wasn’t one, but… was it supposed to be this easy?

“I said, you may leave whenever it suits you.”

“Oh, uh, thank you.”

Feeling somewhat unsettled, I prepared for my return home.

Only then did Hernan, standing beside me, start nitpicking and grumbling incessantly.

“Is that something you absolutely need to take with you?”

* * *