10. Train to Tisse
In the winter, when the cold wind brushed against the tip of the nose, the Verdier estate was bustling with workers from outside. The construction of the railroad in the mountain was not something that could be completed in a day or two, and as is always the case where people gather, commerce naturally became active, and the city slowly but steadily expanded.
The fact that the Duchess of Tisse, who had been married in the summer, had been living in the estate without her husband for nearly half a year was no longer a big deal to the people. The inns, restaurants, and bars were always full, and the peasants were busy with their off-season jobs.
The Viscount Verdier, who had paid off all his debts, also became busy. It was his job as a lord to mediate conflicts between the existing residents and outsiders. Although he was somewhat lacking in financial ability, the Viscount, who was skilled at mediating his subordinates, seemed energetic for the first time in a long time.
"Father."
Chloe cautiously entered the reception room attached to the study. There was black tea and fine cookies that had obviously been prepared for her, as if she had told the servant in advance.
“He said he bought it on his way back from Swanton.”
It was a blessing, considering that there was a time when they had to worry about what to wear and eat. Chloe crunched the soft butter cookie. She could hear the crackling of the firewood in the fireplace. How long had it been since she had been able to drink tea alone with her father on a quiet, deepening winter night?
“It’s really delicious, Dad.”
Chloe is finally back to her normal life.
“I was afraid that it might break, so I held it in my arms the whole time in the carriage.”
It was all the more precious because it was a happy time that she desperately protected.
“Every day is busy, Chloe.”
“You look good. Just take care of your health and you’ll be fine.”
“Then I guess I’ll have to start by cutting down on these snacks.”
Chloe laughed as she watched the Viscount's appearance improve. She felt deeply relieved to see her father relaxed enough to joke around. She had really worried about him when a series of unfortunate events occurred during the unusually hot summer.
“I guess I’ll have to show off my skinny body until that annoying Alice comes back.”
“Even if you don’t do that, I’m sure she’ll be reflecting on it enough.”
Chloe laughed a little louder and looked at him. She and Alice had been exchanging letters in secret, though she hadn't told her father yet.
Alice apologized to her father and asked them not to worry, as she was now living a life where she lacked nothing. The letter, written in a confident tone that they would meet again soon, was on the best paper and had a pleasant scent.
“Where on earth do you live and what do you do...”
“Don’t worry. She may seem helpless, but she’s always lucky, Dad.”
The reason why the Viscount is comforted by Chloe's words is because her words are true. They both suffered from the same fever, but Chloe was left with indelible scars on her body, while Alice stood up bravely. Even though she had many accidents due to her eccentric personality while studying at the monastery, she was not expelled from the school and graduated safely.
It was nice that the debutante, despite being a drunken mess, made a grand return to society the following year at the Duke's invitation...
“You kicked away all that luck and went through all that suffering on your own two feet.”
Chloe smiled faintly as the Count shook his head, touching his temple.
“Just wait and see. Alice will live happily ever after without making me and my father worry.”
The Viscount looked at Chloe with eyes filled with deep affection. Chloe put down her teacup for a moment, as if her legs were sore, and pounded her thighs with her fists.
“Put your legs up on the couch, Chloe.”
“No, Father. It’s okay.”
Chloe quickly put her hands down and straightened her posture. It was probably something she had learned from a young age to keep her posture straight, but sometimes her father looked at her with pity.
"...Father."
Chloe blinked as she watched the Viscount carefully place her legs on the stool. With one leg weak, she couldn't help but strain her other leg. When the weather got colder, her muscles stiffened faster, which made it harder.
“Chloe.”
"Yes."
The Viscount came close to her, sat down, and began to massage her daughter's strong legs. He took off her shoes and massaged her calves, ankles, and feet, hesitating as he spoke.
“In my eyes, Alice and you are still such young daughters.”
Chloe looked at the Viscount who couldn't meet her eyes properly. Did something happen at Swanton? Chloe started to worry a little as she recalled her father's face, who had been happy like a child, saying that he had bought her a delicious snack from the capital.
“That’s how all children are in their parents’ eyes. Even when I become a grandmother, I’ll probably still be a young Chloe in my father’s eyes.”
The Viscount's eyes turned red as he watched Chloe speaking in an affectionate voice.
“That’s right. You’ve become a proper Duchess now, but you should have gotten away from me a long time ago.”
Unlike Alice, who left home on her own for her own happiness, the Viscount knew that Chloe was a daughter who could not do that. They say that even if you bite all ten fingers, no finger doesn't hurt, but that is why he loves Chloe. On Chloe's delicate shoulders, countless invisible burdens were weighing her down.
“I want to stay in this castle forever with my father and servants.”
It was not that the Viscount Verdier did not read the gossip of the capital. It was Chloe who stopped her father, who was furious and about to send a telegram to the Duke right away. She managed to prevent him from contacting the Duke only with earnest persuasion that it would be more ridiculous to respond to a third-rate newspaper that wrote absurd stories and nonsense as entertainment.
“His Excellency also said that a subject has to stay by His Majesty’s side.”
The Duke sent a dry reply to the letter that the Viscount Verdier had written after three days and nights of deliberation. It was a perfect excuse, as it was a fact known to all the nobles that the King was ill.
“Yes. But it seems that His Majesty the King has finally recovered his health.”
"... Yes?"
Chloe raised her head and blinked. A sudden, uneasy feeling crossed her mind.
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it? Chloe?”
“Oh, yes. That’s a good thing, Father.”
It would be sacrilege not to rejoice at the news that the sun of a country had regained its health. Chloe hurriedly offered a short prayer, but her heart couldn't help beating fast. The official reason for the Duke's departure for the capital was that His Majesty was in poor health, and thanks to that, she was able to continue to stay at her home in Verdier.
“Chloe.”
The Viscount took out the letter he had kept in his bosom and smiled with wet eyes.
“I just came back from meeting the Duke in Swanton. I brought it myself, just in time to send you a telegram.”
The cold wind rattled the study windows. The moon, which was as thin as a fingernail, foretold that tonight would be a very long night. Chloe tried to straighten her stiff expression and took the letter.
To my dear Duchess Chloe von Tisse
Wait for me in Tisse, while you fulfill your duties as a Duchess.
I hope you have been looking forward to our meeting as much as I have.
Damian Ernst von Tisse
It was the first letter she had received in half a year, but the moment she saw the letter, she felt as if she could hear a voice. Chloe swallowed dryly as she realized that the Duke’s face that came to mind was much clearer than her memory.
“It was the first time you met in person since the wedding, but it seems the Duke knows everything that has happened in our territory.”
Well, that's because Chloe sent him a letter, almost like a report, once a week.
“Even though your bodies are apart, his heart still cares about this place where you are.”
Chloe wasn't so heartless as to correct her poor father's happy delusion. She simply nodded, and the Viscount raised his eyes and continued speaking.
“Since we met, I asked him directly about that... terrible scandal. After all, I am your father.”
“...Ah, father.”
The Viscount, who had a solemn expression, smiled broadly and hugged her.
“He swear on the name of Tisse that he has never done anything that violated the sacred duties of marriage.”
Chloe closed her trembling eyes for a long moment and then opened them. The marriage between the Duke and herself was far from sacred. As far as she knew, he was a shameless man who could have affairs with every woman in the capital and still be honest with her.
Chloe could easily imagine how grateful her weak-hearted father must have been to him. Perhaps he even held his hand and shed tears. How much the Duke must have laughed inwardly as he watched him entrusting him with taking good care of his daughter.
“It’s time to send you off happily.”
I don't want to go, father.
Chloe swallowed her emotions and tightened her arms around him.
“Don’t worry, father.”
The Duke's writing shone in her cloudy eyes.
To my dear Duchess Chloe von Tisse.
His perfect handwriting, written without a single moment of hesitation, made her feel as if he was seeing right through her.
On the day of departure, Chloe did not cry in front of her father. The Viscount Verdier, who had been laughing and saying that there would be no shortage of things in the Tisse estate, asked why she had packed so many bags and ended up shedding tears in front of the servants.
“Gray. Please bring my daughter back safely.”
“Don’t worry, master.”
The Tisse Estate was a long way north, two days by train from the capital, Swanton. After arriving at the bustling Swanton train station, Gray opened the carriage door and asked cautiously.
“Miss. Would you like to stop by Castle?”
The villa where the duke was staying was right across from the train station. Chloe shook her head as she looked at Gray.
“No. Let’s leave right away.”
Seeing Chloe's red, swollen eyes, Gray didn't ask any more questions. After putting Chloe on the train, Gray unloaded all of her luggage from the carriage and transferred them to the cargo car. After temporarily leaving it in the carriage in front of the train station, he got on the train and the ticket inspector stopped him. He glanced at him as he was checking the ticket-shaped ticket and asked.
“Are you Gray Wilson?”
"Yes."
“Go to first class. Your master paid a small fee to change your ticket. It seems you have met a generous master. Or a very wealthy man.”
Only then did Gray realize that his seat had changed from third class to first class. He pulled his hat down and quickly opened the door to the first class where Chloe was waiting.
"Miss."
“Yeah, Gray.”
“I don’t mind even the cargo hold.”
Chloe smiled faintly and motioned for him to come over.
“Because there will be plenty of time alone in the future.”
If he could get her to the Tisse Estate, Gray would have to turn back the same way. Then Chloe would really have to start her new life as a Duchess in a foreign land without knowing anyone.
“I want to go with you at least until the end of the road.”
Chloe barely slept during the two-day trip. Gray couldn't tell what was going through the Duchess's mind as she quietly blinked with an unreadable expression.
The train blew its horn and headed toward its final destination, Tisse. It seemed as if winter had already reached its peak, and the surroundings were covered in snow, creating a pure white landscape. The birch trees, which stretched high to receive as much sunlight as possible, were also covered in snow, and whenever a bird flew by, snowflakes quietly fluttered.
Chloe stared out the window, where the cold air was felt. The birch trees of Tisse, for which she had asked the Duke to make her a staff, stretched endlessly into a vast forest. As the train raced along, flanked by seemingly endless forests, Chloe thought of the Duke of Tisse.
The vastness of the land, which was on a different level from Verdier, and the bitter cold of the North seemed to freeze everything. The land where the Duke was born was indeed a place that suited him. And, this would be the place where she would now live the rest of her life.
The vast snowy landscape seemed to foreshadow her future married life. Will she be able to do well in this cold and lonely land?
Chloe bit her lip, hiding her pale face behind the veil draped over her hat.
“We have arrived, Miss.”
Chloe took a deep breath and stood up. The moment to face the unavoidable reality. The winter wind of Tisse blew, caressing her face coldly.
In the winter, when the cold wind brushed against the tip of the nose, the Verdier estate was bustling with workers from outside. The construction of the railroad in the mountain was not something that could be completed in a day or two, and as is always the case where people gather, commerce naturally became active, and the city slowly but steadily expanded.
The fact that the Duchess of Tisse, who had been married in the summer, had been living in the estate without her husband for nearly half a year was no longer a big deal to the people. The inns, restaurants, and bars were always full, and the peasants were busy with their off-season jobs.
The Viscount Verdier, who had paid off all his debts, also became busy. It was his job as a lord to mediate conflicts between the existing residents and outsiders. Although he was somewhat lacking in financial ability, the Viscount, who was skilled at mediating his subordinates, seemed energetic for the first time in a long time.
"Father."
Chloe cautiously entered the reception room attached to the study. There was black tea and fine cookies that had obviously been prepared for her, as if she had told the servant in advance.
“He said he bought it on his way back from Swanton.”
It was a blessing, considering that there was a time when they had to worry about what to wear and eat. Chloe crunched the soft butter cookie. She could hear the crackling of the firewood in the fireplace. How long had it been since she had been able to drink tea alone with her father on a quiet, deepening winter night?
“It’s really delicious, Dad.”
Chloe is finally back to her normal life.
“I was afraid that it might break, so I held it in my arms the whole time in the carriage.”
It was all the more precious because it was a happy time that she desperately protected.
“Every day is busy, Chloe.”
“You look good. Just take care of your health and you’ll be fine.”
“Then I guess I’ll have to start by cutting down on these snacks.”
Chloe laughed as she watched the Viscount's appearance improve. She felt deeply relieved to see her father relaxed enough to joke around. She had really worried about him when a series of unfortunate events occurred during the unusually hot summer.
“I guess I’ll have to show off my skinny body until that annoying Alice comes back.”
“Even if you don’t do that, I’m sure she’ll be reflecting on it enough.”
Chloe laughed a little louder and looked at him. She and Alice had been exchanging letters in secret, though she hadn't told her father yet.
Alice apologized to her father and asked them not to worry, as she was now living a life where she lacked nothing. The letter, written in a confident tone that they would meet again soon, was on the best paper and had a pleasant scent.
“Where on earth do you live and what do you do...”
“Don’t worry. She may seem helpless, but she’s always lucky, Dad.”
The reason why the Viscount is comforted by Chloe's words is because her words are true. They both suffered from the same fever, but Chloe was left with indelible scars on her body, while Alice stood up bravely. Even though she had many accidents due to her eccentric personality while studying at the monastery, she was not expelled from the school and graduated safely.
It was nice that the debutante, despite being a drunken mess, made a grand return to society the following year at the Duke's invitation...
“You kicked away all that luck and went through all that suffering on your own two feet.”
Chloe smiled faintly as the Count shook his head, touching his temple.
“Just wait and see. Alice will live happily ever after without making me and my father worry.”
The Viscount looked at Chloe with eyes filled with deep affection. Chloe put down her teacup for a moment, as if her legs were sore, and pounded her thighs with her fists.
“Put your legs up on the couch, Chloe.”
“No, Father. It’s okay.”
Chloe quickly put her hands down and straightened her posture. It was probably something she had learned from a young age to keep her posture straight, but sometimes her father looked at her with pity.
"...Father."
Chloe blinked as she watched the Viscount carefully place her legs on the stool. With one leg weak, she couldn't help but strain her other leg. When the weather got colder, her muscles stiffened faster, which made it harder.
“Chloe.”
"Yes."
The Viscount came close to her, sat down, and began to massage her daughter's strong legs. He took off her shoes and massaged her calves, ankles, and feet, hesitating as he spoke.
“In my eyes, Alice and you are still such young daughters.”
Chloe looked at the Viscount who couldn't meet her eyes properly. Did something happen at Swanton? Chloe started to worry a little as she recalled her father's face, who had been happy like a child, saying that he had bought her a delicious snack from the capital.
“That’s how all children are in their parents’ eyes. Even when I become a grandmother, I’ll probably still be a young Chloe in my father’s eyes.”
The Viscount's eyes turned red as he watched Chloe speaking in an affectionate voice.
“That’s right. You’ve become a proper Duchess now, but you should have gotten away from me a long time ago.”
Unlike Alice, who left home on her own for her own happiness, the Viscount knew that Chloe was a daughter who could not do that. They say that even if you bite all ten fingers, no finger doesn't hurt, but that is why he loves Chloe. On Chloe's delicate shoulders, countless invisible burdens were weighing her down.
“I want to stay in this castle forever with my father and servants.”
It was not that the Viscount Verdier did not read the gossip of the capital. It was Chloe who stopped her father, who was furious and about to send a telegram to the Duke right away. She managed to prevent him from contacting the Duke only with earnest persuasion that it would be more ridiculous to respond to a third-rate newspaper that wrote absurd stories and nonsense as entertainment.
“His Excellency also said that a subject has to stay by His Majesty’s side.”
The Duke sent a dry reply to the letter that the Viscount Verdier had written after three days and nights of deliberation. It was a perfect excuse, as it was a fact known to all the nobles that the King was ill.
“Yes. But it seems that His Majesty the King has finally recovered his health.”
"... Yes?"
Chloe raised her head and blinked. A sudden, uneasy feeling crossed her mind.
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it? Chloe?”
“Oh, yes. That’s a good thing, Father.”
It would be sacrilege not to rejoice at the news that the sun of a country had regained its health. Chloe hurriedly offered a short prayer, but her heart couldn't help beating fast. The official reason for the Duke's departure for the capital was that His Majesty was in poor health, and thanks to that, she was able to continue to stay at her home in Verdier.
“Chloe.”
The Viscount took out the letter he had kept in his bosom and smiled with wet eyes.
“I just came back from meeting the Duke in Swanton. I brought it myself, just in time to send you a telegram.”
The cold wind rattled the study windows. The moon, which was as thin as a fingernail, foretold that tonight would be a very long night. Chloe tried to straighten her stiff expression and took the letter.
To my dear Duchess Chloe von Tisse
Wait for me in Tisse, while you fulfill your duties as a Duchess.
I hope you have been looking forward to our meeting as much as I have.
Damian Ernst von Tisse
It was the first letter she had received in half a year, but the moment she saw the letter, she felt as if she could hear a voice. Chloe swallowed dryly as she realized that the Duke’s face that came to mind was much clearer than her memory.
“It was the first time you met in person since the wedding, but it seems the Duke knows everything that has happened in our territory.”
Well, that's because Chloe sent him a letter, almost like a report, once a week.
“Even though your bodies are apart, his heart still cares about this place where you are.”
Chloe wasn't so heartless as to correct her poor father's happy delusion. She simply nodded, and the Viscount raised his eyes and continued speaking.
“Since we met, I asked him directly about that... terrible scandal. After all, I am your father.”
“...Ah, father.”
The Viscount, who had a solemn expression, smiled broadly and hugged her.
“He swear on the name of Tisse that he has never done anything that violated the sacred duties of marriage.”
Chloe closed her trembling eyes for a long moment and then opened them. The marriage between the Duke and herself was far from sacred. As far as she knew, he was a shameless man who could have affairs with every woman in the capital and still be honest with her.
Chloe could easily imagine how grateful her weak-hearted father must have been to him. Perhaps he even held his hand and shed tears. How much the Duke must have laughed inwardly as he watched him entrusting him with taking good care of his daughter.
“It’s time to send you off happily.”
I don't want to go, father.
Chloe swallowed her emotions and tightened her arms around him.
“Don’t worry, father.”
The Duke's writing shone in her cloudy eyes.
To my dear Duchess Chloe von Tisse.
His perfect handwriting, written without a single moment of hesitation, made her feel as if he was seeing right through her.
***
On the day of departure, Chloe did not cry in front of her father. The Viscount Verdier, who had been laughing and saying that there would be no shortage of things in the Tisse estate, asked why she had packed so many bags and ended up shedding tears in front of the servants.
“Gray. Please bring my daughter back safely.”
“Don’t worry, master.”
The Tisse Estate was a long way north, two days by train from the capital, Swanton. After arriving at the bustling Swanton train station, Gray opened the carriage door and asked cautiously.
“Miss. Would you like to stop by Castle?”
The villa where the duke was staying was right across from the train station. Chloe shook her head as she looked at Gray.
“No. Let’s leave right away.”
Seeing Chloe's red, swollen eyes, Gray didn't ask any more questions. After putting Chloe on the train, Gray unloaded all of her luggage from the carriage and transferred them to the cargo car. After temporarily leaving it in the carriage in front of the train station, he got on the train and the ticket inspector stopped him. He glanced at him as he was checking the ticket-shaped ticket and asked.
“Are you Gray Wilson?”
"Yes."
“Go to first class. Your master paid a small fee to change your ticket. It seems you have met a generous master. Or a very wealthy man.”
Only then did Gray realize that his seat had changed from third class to first class. He pulled his hat down and quickly opened the door to the first class where Chloe was waiting.
"Miss."
“Yeah, Gray.”
“I don’t mind even the cargo hold.”
Chloe smiled faintly and motioned for him to come over.
“Because there will be plenty of time alone in the future.”
If he could get her to the Tisse Estate, Gray would have to turn back the same way. Then Chloe would really have to start her new life as a Duchess in a foreign land without knowing anyone.
“I want to go with you at least until the end of the road.”
Chloe barely slept during the two-day trip. Gray couldn't tell what was going through the Duchess's mind as she quietly blinked with an unreadable expression.
The train blew its horn and headed toward its final destination, Tisse. It seemed as if winter had already reached its peak, and the surroundings were covered in snow, creating a pure white landscape. The birch trees, which stretched high to receive as much sunlight as possible, were also covered in snow, and whenever a bird flew by, snowflakes quietly fluttered.
Chloe stared out the window, where the cold air was felt. The birch trees of Tisse, for which she had asked the Duke to make her a staff, stretched endlessly into a vast forest. As the train raced along, flanked by seemingly endless forests, Chloe thought of the Duke of Tisse.
The vastness of the land, which was on a different level from Verdier, and the bitter cold of the North seemed to freeze everything. The land where the Duke was born was indeed a place that suited him. And, this would be the place where she would now live the rest of her life.
The vast snowy landscape seemed to foreshadow her future married life. Will she be able to do well in this cold and lonely land?
Chloe bit her lip, hiding her pale face behind the veil draped over her hat.
“We have arrived, Miss.”
Chloe took a deep breath and stood up. The moment to face the unavoidable reality. The winter wind of Tisse blew, caressing her face coldly.
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