He was strict with other knights and servants, which she found quite peculiar.

“I hope I’m not disturbing your rest.”

“Not at all. In fact, I’m happy. I’ve always wanted to have a quiet conversation with you, Duke.”

“I felt the same. But I’ve been busy, and His Majesty was always around, so I never had the chance.”

They chatted casually about the unpredictable weather, various events in the capital, and health.

Casalyn drank some water to quench her dry throat, pausing the conversation.

Setting down her cup, she broached a topic she had long wanted to discuss if she found herself alone with him.

“I have a few things I’d like to clarify about the current situation. I trust you’ll answer honestly, Duke.”

Duke Ludwik maintained a meaningful silence before responding.

“Please, ask away.”

“Why hasn’t His Majesty asked me anything about the accident? Whenever I try to ask him, he just says it might bring back bad memories and we should talk later.”

“The Emperor believes you need absolute peace, especially after such a significant accident.”
“Then, regarding my current condition, it must have been communicated to the Kingdom of Kan. Haven’t there been any contacts or letters from there?”

“Yes, as of now.”

Duke Ludwik answered immediately, as if to preemptively negate any concern she might have.

“That means, the Kingdom of Kan might not intend to look for me in the future, right?”

Casalyn muttered to herself, half rhetorically. She had somewhat expected this. If Shallen collaborated with the Lernel Empire to search for her, it would mean admitting his fault to the world. A man so concerned with his image would never confess, “She nearly died because of me.”

Most likely, he would try to quietly bury the incident.

“Do you wish to return to the Kingdom of Kan?”

Duke Ludwik probed with his question.

Casalyn, not sensing anything amiss in his question, shook her head.

“I’m not sure what I want. But one thing is certain, life here isn’t bad. That’s what scares me. I’m afraid I might get too accustomed to this peaceful routine and not want to leave.”

“You may stay until your thoughts are sorted. His Majesty will surely understand.”

Casalyn broke the heavy mood with a bright smile and nodded.

“That would be nice. No matter what anyone says, His Majesty is a kind person.”

“That is…”

Duke Ludwik hesitated, his expression turning peculiar, then stood up without finishing his sentence.

“It’s nothing. I must leave now. His Majesty will have a lot to say if I’m late for the meeting.”

“Thank you for visiting. I appreciate it.”

Duke Ludwik smiled in response and stood tall, his impressive stature seeming out of place for his age, and turned to leave.

He paused at the door.

“You just said His Majesty is a kind person.”

“Yes. Why?”

“What if His Majesty turns out to be a completely different person from what you think? Would you leave then?”

Casalyn tilted her head at the strange question and replied without much thought.

“Whether I leave or not doesn’t really depend on His Majesty’s character or disposition.”

“…”

“What I like about being here is the small acts of kindness and the memories His Majesty has given me. I barely know myself, how could I claim to understand His Majesty, whom I’ve only known for a short time?”

Duke Ludwik looked quite surprised.

“But you just said…”

“Yes. I said His Majesty is kind because that’s how I see him. Regardless of how he views me, I treasure the kindness he has shown me.”

Casalyn shrugged lightly and picked up her book again.

Lost in thought, Duke Ludwik quietly left the room, just as Parnes was seen turning a corner in the opposite direction.

‘Why did you have to be born in the Kingdom of Kan, Casalyn?’

Duke Ludwik sighed lightly, as if lamenting a missed opportunity.