The beast, which had been standing motionless for a while as if struggling with something, slowly walked out of the bushes.
He gently stroked the wolf's damp coat. The beast wrinkled its nose in displeasure, but obediently accepted his touch.
Perhaps this wolf is a superior species, possessing intelligence far superior to that of the average individual. Dire wolf alpha individuals are known for their highly social and empathetic nature.
Of course, having grown up in Thalia's hands since he was a baby, he must have been sensitive to her emotions.
Having reached a logical conclusion, Barcas removed his hand from the wolf's head and gazed intently into its soulful blue-gray eyes.
One thing was clear: the beast had a strong attachment to her. And she, in turn, was showering him with affection.
Barcas, who was chewing over that fact again, turned his gaze to the tombstone surrounded by a bunch of flowers.
She seemed to have visited here often, bringing her wolf with her. Just imagining the sight made his stomach ache, as if he had swallowed lead.
He clutched his forehead and closed his eyes tightly.
If it weren't for this wolf, she would have had to come here alone.
When he remembered that fact, the identity of this wolf became irrelevant.
"...Let’s go now.”
As if he had understood what he said, the wolf quietly followed him.
Barcas passed the chapel and approached the inner wall.
"I found the wolf. Tell the guards to stop searching."
The gatekeeper, who had been startled by the sight of the dire wolf, hurried to the training ground.
Barcas stepped through the arched gate into the garden. The wolf that followed him ran straight through the garden and into the Great Hall.
Barcas, who had been standing in the middle of the garden, watched the scene unfold, then walked along the path leading to the back garden. Soon, her bedroom window came into view.
He stared up at the small shadow sitting on the windowsill for a long time.
The woman, who had been hugging her knees and pressing her forehead against the windowpane, suddenly turned her head over her shoulder. At that moment, the shadow of a huge beast appeared in the window.
Barcas turned away, seeing her hugging the wolf's neck.
Before he knew it, a hazy blanket of clouds had formed across the sky.
He silently looked up at the sky that seemed ready to pour down rain, and then started walking back the way he had come
***
As autumn approached, the bleak atmosphere of Kalmor, which had been in turmoil due to the crackdown on paganism, gradually calmed down.
Naturally, the ominous rumors surrounding the Grand Duchess also died down. As she withdrew from the castle, the citizens of Kalmor seemed to have instantly forgotten the presence of the beautiful Grand Duchess, who resembled an earth spirit, and the gray wolf that followed her.
But this was merely an artificial silence created by the crackdown on paganism. The majority of citizens did not like her.
They are keeping quiet for fear that even mentioning it will make them look like a traitor.
The atmosphere in the castle wasn't much different. Not only the vassals, but even the servants treated her as if she didn't exist.
They also secretly suspected that Thalia was the one who had brought in the raiders, but they chose to remain silent for fear of falling out of favor with the Grand Duke.
But even in complete isolation, she seemed calm at first glance.
After her confinement was lifted, Thalia roamed the grounds and castle grounds with her wolf as if nothing had happened. She seemed to enjoy people treating her like a ghost.
As he watched his wife gradually regain her vitality, her haggard appearance nowhere to be seen, Barcas felt a strange mixture of relief and bitterness.
He was relieved that she no longer seemed to be suffering. At the same time, the fact that she no longer seemed to be suffering damaged something in him.
As if to shake off those conflicting feelings, Barcas devoted himself more to his official duties.
As the turbulent autumn deepened, an urgent telegram arrived from Daren. It was a letter warning that the situation in the Balto border region was unsettling and urging a swift return.
Barcas immediately began preparing for war. Even though he was heading back to the battlefield less than four months after his return, he felt a sense of relief. Staying in Raedgo Castle was becoming increasingly tiresome.
He was tired of seeing her frozen like a pale ghost every time he faced her, and of trying to ignore her like that.
He vowed that if he went on an expedition this time, he would not set foot in the castle for a while.
"How about I go on an expedition in your stead?"
While he was reviewing the supply route with Bayrov, Lucas suddenly came into the office and made a suggestion.
Barcas lifted his gaze from the map and looked at his brother. He had been leading the security forces and tracking down marauders for the previous summer, and he looked noticeably more imposing.
Lucas, his face tanned with copper, a serious expression on his face, strode towards the desk.
"The castle is still in disarray. Your presence will be of greater help in calming the people's hearts."
He put down his quill and gazed intently into his brother's hazel eyes. A deep sense of anxiety was evident in those dark, worry-filled eyes.
After the death of the previous Duke, Lucas had built a solid career and skills as a soldier. However, he still lacked political and administrative skills.
His younger brother, who was well aware of his own capabilities, seemed concerned that the situation in Kalmor would fall into chaos again during the Grand Duke's absence.
Barcas sighed softly.
"The movements of the lords of the western and eastern regions are unusual. If it is true that they are colluding with the northern forces, this could escalate beyond a simple conflict into a civil war. You are still inexperienced enough to handle such a sensitive situation."
"Then it would be better to put Darren forward as your agent and have me gain experience by your side..."
"Stop."
Barcas cut him off firmly.
"What are you going to do when the eldest and second sons of the family are off to war at the same time? It is your duty to take charge of this household while I am away. It is time for you to learn the duties of a Grand Duke."
A look of bewilderment appeared on Lucas' face.
"It's not enough for me."
"If you lack something, develop your skills."
Barcas shot back coldly.
"You are currently the sole heir to this family. If I fail, you will have to take over. So, put aside your weak words and take full responsibility for your own actions."
"Why would someone so perfectly fine, even after drinking Aghor's venom, go wrong? Rumors are rife throughout the East that the current Grand Duke of Sheerkhan is an immortal god."
Lucas said playfully, as if trying to clear the heavy air.
"You'll easily live to be a hundred, brother. I'll probably become a crooked old man before you."
"I don't intend to stay in this position for that long."
The smile on Lucas's lips slowly faded at his dry reply. Barcas continued speaking in a calm tone.
"If you really don't want to follow in my footsteps, get married and have children. I'll hand over this position to you once the child has fulfilled his or her role."
"...Are you serious about this?"
"Have you ever seen me talk nonsense?"
"..."
"I plan to announce you as the official successor soon. By then, you'll have built up your skills so that no one can object, and I'm tired of bickering with my retainers."
Barcas finished speaking calmly, folded the map, and handed it to Bayrov.
The aide, whose expression was as frozen as Lucas's, took the map and hurried out.
As the group left, Lucas cautiously opened his mouth.
"Is it because of my sister-in-law?"
Barcas's gaze cooled. Lucas, who had been shrugging his shoulders for a moment, continued speaking in a firm tone.
"Isn't it that you're trying to use me as a shield because my sister-in-law is having a hard time having children?"
"Lucas Raedgo Sheerkhan."
The lips of his younger brother, who had been muttering, closed at the sound of the ominous voice.
Barcas added softly.
"Don't cross the line. I don't want to add to the already chaotic atmosphere at home by adding rumors that the Grand Duke has been taking turns picking on his younger siblings."
Lucas's lips tightened.
Barcas picked up the outer garment he had left off and draped it over his shoulder. As he was leaving the office, Lucas muttered in a long, drawn-out voice.
"I just can't understand you, brother. Why do you try so hard to protect your wife behind her back, but then treat her so coldly in front of her?"
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