The Forgotten Field - Chapter 201

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 201
The beast that had stood motionless for some time, as if wrestling with some internal conflict, slowly emerged from the underbrush.
I gently stroked the Wolf Beast’s damp fur. Though it wrinkled its nose in displeasure, the creature docilely accepted my touch.
Perhaps this wolf was a superior specimen possessing intelligence far exceeding that of ordinary individuals. Was it not said that the alpha of a Dire Wolf pack possessed exceptional social bonds and remarkable empathic abilities?
Surely, having been raised in Talia’s hands since its youth, it had become attuned to her emotions.
Having reached this logical conclusion, I withdrew my hand from the Wolf Beast’s head and gazed intently into its expressive blue-gray eyes.
One thing was abundantly clear: this creature harbored a profound attachment to her. And she, in turn, lavished affection upon this wolf.
Contemplating this fact anew, my gaze shifted to the gravestone encircled by flowers.
She appeared to visit this place frequently with the wolf. The mere imagination of that sight caused my chest to ache as though I had swallowed lead.
I pressed my palm against my forehead and closed my eyes tightly.
Had it not been for this wolf, she would have had to come here alone.
Upon recalling that fact, the Wolf Beast’s true nature ceased to matter entirely.
“Let us depart.”
As though understanding my words, the wolf quietly followed in my wake.
I passed the Chapel and approached the Inner Castle walls.
“The wolf has been found. Tell the Guard Unit to cease their search.”
The gatekeeper, startled at the sight of the Dire Wolf, hastily rushed toward the Training Grounds.
I passed through the arched Castle Gate and stepped into the Garden. The wolf that followed bounded straight across the Garden and leaped into the Great Hall.
Standing in the center of the Garden, I watched the scene unfold before turning my steps toward the path leading to the rear Garden. Shortly thereafter, her Bedroom window came into view.
I gazed for a long while at the small silhouette perched upon the windowsill.
The woman, who had been hugging her knees with her forehead pressed against the window glass, suddenly turned her head over her shoulder. At that very moment, the shadow of the enormous beast appeared upon the window.
Watching her suddenly embrace the Wolf Beast’s neck, I turned away.
By now, a pale veil of clouds had settled across the sky.
Gazing silently up at the heavens that threatened to pour rain, I retraced my steps back the way I had come.
* * *
As autumn’s threshold drew near, the desolate atmosphere of Kalmor, which had been turbulent with the suppression of the Heretic Cult, gradually subsided.
Naturally, the ominous rumors surrounding the Grand Duchess also began to fade. As she remained secluded within the castle, the citizens of Kalmor seemed to have instantly forgotten the existence of the Grand Duchess, beautiful as an earth spirit, and the gray wolf that followed her.
Yet this was merely an artificial silence created by the Heretic Cult suppression. The majority of citizens were hushing their voices, fearful of being branded heretics merely for mentioning her.
The atmosphere within the castle was little different. Not only the retainers but even the Servants treated her as though she did not exist.
They too, while privately suspecting that Talia had drawn the marauders to them, chose silence out of fear of falling from the Grand Duke’s favor.
Yet even amid such thorough isolation, she appeared remarkably serene.
After her confinement was lifted, Talia freely roamed the rear Garden and walked throughout the castle with the wolf at her side, as though nothing had transpired. She seemed to actually relish being treated as a ghost by those around her.
Observing my Wife, whose haggard appearance had vanished and who gradually regained her vitality, I felt a peculiar emotion—a mixture of relief and bitterness.
I was comforted that she no longer appeared to suffer. Yet simultaneously, the fact that she no longer appeared to suffer damaged something within me.
As though shaking off this contradictory emotion, I threw myself even more intensely into my duties.
As autumn deepened in this confusion, an urgent dispatch arrived from Darian. The letter contained instructions to return swiftly, as the situation in the Balto Border Region had become ominous.
I immediately began preparations for departure. Though I had not been back at Laedgo Castle for even four months before heading to the battlefield once more, my heart felt surprisingly unburdened. Remaining at Laedgo Castle had begun to feel increasingly exhausting.
I had grown weary of witnessing her freeze like a pale specter whenever our eyes met, and equally weary of deliberately turning away from such a wife.
I resolved that upon this departure, I would not set foot in the castle for some time to come.
“Would it not be preferable if I were to lead the expedition in your stead?”
While I was reviewing supply routes with Beirov, Lucas suddenly entered the office with a proposal.
I lifted my gaze from the map and regarded my younger brother. Over the past summer, as he commanded the Guard Unit and led the pursuit of raiders, he had grown noticeably more composed.
Lucas approached the desk with long strides, his bronzed face bearing a grave expression.
“The castle remains unsettled. Your presence here would do far more to stabilize the people’s hearts than my absence.”
I set down my quill and studied the amber depths of my brother’s eyes. Within them, I glimpsed anxiety darkening his gaze.
Since the death of the previous Grand Duke, Lucas had built a solid military record and proven his competence. Yet his political acumen and administrative abilities remained woefully inadequate.
My brother, acutely aware of his own limitations, clearly feared that Kalmor’s stability would crumble again during the Grand Duke’s absence.
I exhaled softly.
“The movements of the Eastern lords are troubling. If they truly conspire with the Northern factions, this could escalate beyond mere conflict into civil war. You lack the seasoning to manage such delicate circumstances.”
“Then perhaps I should have Darian serve as regent while I gain experience at your side—”
“Enough.”
I cut him off decisively.
“What are you suggesting—that both the eldest and second sons of this house march to war simultaneously? Your duty is to shoulder this family’s responsibilities in my absence. It’s time you learned the Grand Duke’s work.”
Bewilderment crossed Lucas’s face.
“I am not equal to the task.”
“Then cultivate your abilities.”
I replied coldly.
“You are currently this house’s sole heir. Should something befall me, you must inherit this position. So abandon your weakness and fulfill your responsibilities.”
“A man who consumed Agor’s deadly poison and remains unscathed—why would anything go wrong with him? The Eastern Territories are rife with rumors that the current Grand Duke Sierkan is immortal.”
Lucas spoke lightly, as though attempting to dispel the heavy atmosphere.
“You’ll surely manage a hundred years with ease. I’ll be the one bent with age before you.”
“I have no intention of holding this position for such an eternity.”
At my flat response, the smile fading from Lucas’s lips gradually vanished. I continued in a measured tone.
“If you truly despise inheriting after me, marry and father a child. Once that child proves capable, I will relinquish this seat.”
“Are you speaking in earnest?”
“Have you ever known me to speak idly?”
“….”
“I intend to formally announce you as my heir soon. By then, ensure you’ve cultivated sufficient strength that no one dares object. I’ve grown weary of quarreling with my retainers.”
Having concluded my words matter-of-factly, I folded the map and handed it to Beirov.
The Young Aide, his expression as shocked as Lucas’s, accepted the map and hastily departed.
Left alone, Lucas carefully opened his mouth.
“Is this because of Duchess Sierkan?”
My eyes grew cold. Lucas, who had flinched momentarily, continued in a strained voice.
“Duchess Sierkan cannot bear children, so you’re positioning me as a shield, aren’t you?”
“Lucas Laedgo Sierkan.”
My voice fell ominously, silencing my brother’s rambling lips.
I added gently.
“Do not overstep. With the household already unsettled, I have no desire to add rumors that the Grand Duke quarrels with his brothers in turn.”
Lucas’s jaw clenched rigidly.
I retrieved my discarded coat and draped it across my shoulders. As I moved to leave the office, Lucas muttered something in a tight voice.
“I simply cannot understand you. You go to such lengths to protect the Duchess Sierkan behind closed doors, yet why do you treat her with such coldness in public?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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