It Will End Even If Its Long (2)

The undefeated Invincible Duke possessed remarkable strategic insight. He wasnt content with just defeating me, who was KOed; he delivered the final blow.

But how could I have resisted? It was my fault for behaving so recklessly that the Invincible Duke had to intervene.

I was really surprised when I first saw you, Sir Carl. You didnt look like him, but there was a strange resemblance. It mustve been because you had the same air about you.

He added with a laugh that he might have adopted me as his son if we looked more alike, making it harder for me to raise my head.

Thats why I kept watching you. You are you, and that child is my child, but I kept seeing him in you. That was unfair to both you and him.

During the Great War, the Invincible Duke showed unusual interest in a mere team manager he had just met. Thanks to that, the Prosecutors Offices 4th Division, which wasnt under the Imperial Army but the Ministry of Finance, could establish its position smoothly.

Hearing the reason behind it was heartbreaking. He must have felt torn inside for seeing me as his deceased son, yet not being able to turn away because of the resemblance. He also offered me various kinds of support. The man who bore the Empires fate couldnt find peace even within himself.

Over time, I realized my mistake. I had trapped you in my prejudice of resemblance and failed to see the real you. I couldnt let go of the past.

I heard this three years ago. The Invincible Duke was shackled by two burdens. It was the unforgettable yet necessary parting with his son, and the need to fully acknowledge someone else who was completely different.

So, I finally told you. Keeping it to myself seemed pointless. It wasnt good for you, the child, or me.

That was the day I received a sudden call from an unexpected superior and an unexpected confession of the past. Yet, the Invincible Dukes expression was brighter than ever on that day. He wasnt smiling, but he seemed more radiant than ever before.

What did he say again back then? Ah. It was like finally taking off a blindfold that had been covering his eyes, and only then was he able to see the world as it truly was.

Ive never been prouder of any decision I made than the one I made that day. Thanks to it, I gained a great man as a friend.

Those words are too generous.

I bowed my head even lower, and the Invincible Duke gently lifted my head while laughing. Although it was meant kindly, it felt strange, like a warrior seizing their enemys head.

He continued speaking.

It took a long time to let go of that child and talk to you about it. What I deemed impossible to overcome was eventually resolved with time.

Thats a relief.

Yes, indeed.

The Invincible Duke nodded and quietly gripped his teacup.

Its all about time. Perhaps, with more time, you will also be alright.

I almost nodded absentmindedly at those words, but I held myself back. Agreeing in such a situation would be stupid of me.

But its obvious that youll struggle during that time. How can I just stand by and watch that? Its already been two years.

The Minister and the Invincible Duke trusted me and let me be for those two years. But today, they concluded that it would be problematic to leave me alone any longer.

Ive experienced your pain, Sir Carl. I know how to resolve it.

He patted my shoulder as if to acknowledge the hardships I had been through.

Why should you go through the same lengthy process? Its the role of someone older like me to guide the younger ones and prevent them from wasting time.

I bit my lip, speechless.

I understand your pain because I endured it myself. You dont need to suffer for years like I did. That was what the Invincible Duke was saying.

If you cant handle it alone, talk to someone. It took me five years to find that solution. Two years should be enough for you, Sir Carl.

Maybe it was more than enough.

Its even worse because youre aware of it. Then, why did you do it?

Im sorry

The Invincible Dukes laughter filled the office.

***

After sending Sir Carl away, I sat back down. His action of looking back several times as he left was so comical that it was hard to keep myself from laughing.

Hes still so young.

He was just over twenty, so he was young indeed. He always seemed rigid, pressured by the responsibilities of the Prosecutors Offices Executive Manager, so it was satisfying to see him act his age for once.

It was a pity, though. He used to be a joyful and lighthearted child, almost like a noble from the North.

Please, Your Grace.

Sir Carl.

Please, I beg of you. Ill take the responsibility, so please

He changed after Hecate left.

From my perspective, it was like a lightning bolt out of the blue. Although five had fallen, Sir Carl and Hecate had survived.

Even while bedridden from injuries inflicted by a rebel, Sir Carl invited me to his wedding, asking me to brighten the occasion. So I felt relieved, thinking that at least these two had survived.

But upon returning to the Capital, only Carl remained, his head bowed while begging.

Enen is being too harsh.

He was struck by the most terrible disaster at what should have been his happiest moment. It must have felt like falling from heaven into an abyss.

Back then, I could only send Sir Carl away with words telling him not to worry, which now seemed ironic. Hecate was already dead. What comfort was there in merely overlooking the location of her grave?

I should have reached out to him at that moment.

I trusted him to handle things on his own, fearing that meddling would only deepen his wounds.

In hindsight, it was a foolish thought. What I called trust was actually neglect.

How could a nineteen-year-old bear the grief of losing the woman he was about to marry and the tragedy of having to falsify her last moments? He mightve been legally an adult, but at nineteen, he was essentially just a student.

Its the same with all the adults around.

Neither I nor the Minister of Finance were adept at caring for others. Instead, I often met with Sir Carl over work issues, amidst succession disputes and internal purges.

Sipping my cold tea, I sighed. Expecting him to just manage on his own after neglecting him was conscienceless of me.

I hope he can start moving in the right direction from now on.

***

The Invincible Duke pushed me out as soon as the conversation ended, sending me back to the mansion.

Resolve this while your emotions are still fresh. Talk to anyoneMarghetta, your family, a subordinate, a servant, or someone indebted to you or whom youve advised.

Your Grace, isnt this too sudden?

Do young people these days think that waiting for two years is too sudden?

Each of his words felt like a sharp dagger.

With heavy steps, I headed towards the mansion. The Minister must have been informed by the Invincible Duke as I received a call from him on my way back.

If you come back to the office, Ill consider you married to your work and report it directly to His Highness the Crown Prince.

That was all he said before hanging up. That kind of statement alone would quickly kill off any intentions of going back, not that I had any to begin with.

And its been a while since I left work while the sun was still high. However, this early clock-out wasnt exactly a good thing.

Damn it.

I felt utterly lost. The Minister and the Invincible Duke had offered me advice, and it seemed right to follow it. But when it came to speaking up, the words wouldnt come out of my mouth. Its impressive how the Invincible Duke confided in me. How did he even manage it?

I had to speak to Marghetta about everything Id been holding back. I even vowed to join the 2nd Prince if I didnt tell her today.

At the same time, imagining Marghettas reaction made me hesitate again. Would she be angry because I didnt tell her? Would she cry, wondering how I could bear it alone? Would she thank me for finally telling her, or just embrace me?

The more I contemplated the possibilities, the more my hesitation grew. Was I always this indecisive?

I really am a child.

I was indeed a child, and the fifty-something Minister was right.

Experience was invaluable.

Im doomed. At this rate, I might end up in a forced meeting with the 2nd Prince.

I didnt realize my mansion was this close.

I arrived at the mansion, which felt unusually close today. This was driving me crazy.

I lingered at the main gate, sighing. If I entered without the courage to speak and encountered Marghetta, Id likely say nothing, and things would just continue as usual.

That couldnt happen. The situation was already frustrating with everything that had been building up. If I delay any further

Oppa?

Huh?

Turning around, I saw Louise holding something in her arms. Did she go outside?

As if reading my thoughts, Louise extended the ingredients she was holding and spoke.

I thought Id make something for a change. I bought some ingredients.

They were indeed mostly cooking ingredients.

There should be enough of the usual stuff in the kitchen.

Well, I use some unique ingredients.

That was true. Louises ingredients in the pastry club were anything but ordinary. Smiling at her, I nodded, and then a thought struck me.

Courage. It was the courage to open up to others.

Louise, who had known me for only a semester, found the courage to share her past with me.

Louise, do you have a moment?

Maybe consulting someone who had the courage to share their problems first would help me a bit?

To put it simply, I was desperate for any lifeline.

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