Chapter 116
Chapter 116: The Letter That Cannot Be Delivered
Though renowned physicians from throughout the Valdeon Empire, including the capital, were called to examine Lupeon, their diagnoses were unanimous.
Don’t worry, they said, his wounds have healed well—just wait for the Grand Duke to wake up.
The physicians said he was merely unable to wake from sleep due to extreme physical and mental exhaustion.
Yet as days passed without her fiancé opening his eyes, Elena could hardly contain her anxious heart.
As news of Lupeon’s rebellion spread, the Valdeon Empire remained in turmoil.
Public opinion was boiling over regarding his seizure of the imperial throne.
The progressive nobles tried to brand him a traitor, seemingly intent on bringing down Lupeon who had rightfully reclaimed his position.
In this situation, Marquess of Rohenbach was busy working to decisively sway public opinion.
He spoke of legitimacy, stating that Lupeon had merely reclaimed his rightful place.
With the one considered the next sun to rule the empire unable to appear due to health reasons, a state council was held with only nobles participating.
By majority vote, the Marquess of Rohenbach was appointed as temporary chancellor.
Everyone seemed to accept this, as the Marquess, leader of the conservative faction, was expected to become the next chancellor.
The punishment of Viscount Byzantium and the progressive forces who participated in his evil deeds would be decided when Lupeon rose from his sickbed, so the Marquess of Rohenbach was particularly careful in monitoring them.
‘You need to wake up soon…’
Elena felt time moving slowly whenever she thought of the man who couldn’t wake.
As Lupeon remained unconscious for days, no one in the Imperial Palace dared speak of it.
Vivian and Hayden, watching her fret by his side, spoke with worried faces:
“My lady, the Grand Duke won’t wake just because you do this.”
“Vivian is right. Please get some rest, even if just a little.”
Elena had spent nights brewing medicines for days, hoping Lupeon would wake.
They seemed troubled seeing her complexion worsen with no particular results.
“Still… there must be something I can do to help.”
Elena barely held onto her sanity, feeling as though she might collapse at any moment.
Knock knock—
At that moment, when someone lightly knocked on the door, her servants exchanged glances.
It seemed their savior had arrived.
Soon after, Anasha appeared with a bright face and said:
“Sister-in-law, come enjoy some refreshments with me!”
Startled to alertness by the child’s clear voice, Elena raised her head.
Though time with Anasha was precious to her, she judged that monitoring Lupeon’s progress was more urgent now.
Just as she was about to decline her young lady’s request—
“I’m fine, my lady. I’ll stay here a bit longer—”
“But I’ve been feeling a bit lonely eating by myself lately.”
Elena’s golden eyes trembled slightly at the sight of the child, shoulders slumped, interrupting with a gloomy expression.
Not dreaming that her servants behind her were giving the child a thumbs up.
“So won’t you please come with me?”
“…”
Elena, feeling sorry for not having paid attention to the child lately, glanced at the lying Lupeon.
Her servants hastily spoke up one after another:
“Don’t worry about the Grand Duke! We’ll guard him well!”
“Indeed! Please trust us and spend time with the young lady!”
‘Is it really alright to go like this…’
As Elena, unable to leave, looked at Lupeon again, this time Anasha delivered the finishing blow:
“Also, also! Sister-in-law, you’re thinking about brother again, aren’t you?”
Looking at the surprised Elena, the child nodded as if she had expected this. Then she stood on tiptoe and patted her shoulder.
“Don’t worry too much. Brother will wake up soon!”
Though Anasha must surely be worried about her brother too, she seemed to be deliberately trying to comfort Elena.
Seeing the child’s consideration in trying to ease her worry, she resolved to strengthen her heart.
“As you say… Lupeon will certainly wake up.”
* * *
Elena was handling temporary head of family duties during a brief visit to the North.
Nicollman was providing much help as she carried out her duties as acting family head.
With Gale and Gemma’s help, she could also manage well with the family’s internal affairs and practical matters.
She couldn’t overlook the fact that their help was instrumental in bringing stability to what had seemed like overwhelming tasks.
‘Though there’s still much work left today…’
When looking at the still-towering pile of documents, she couldn’t help but sigh deeply, so Elena picked up a fountain pen to take a breather.
Soon, thinking of someone, she took out writing paper from her desk drawer, a natural smile spreading across her face.
「Lupeon, you must be off traveling in dreams again today.
It seems winter’s presence has become quite apparent now.
I’m staying in the North briefly.
Though it wasn’t entirely comfortable leaving you and Anasha in the capital.
I barely managed to resolve Northern matters in the great assembly hall.
The Northern nobles still seem displeased with me.
Still, they seem to like how I flattened Duke Laflodden’s nose.
Nicollman’s laughter was especially loud—I was quite embarrassed.
The mansion’s furniture seems quite old, so I increased the budget—is that alright?
Gale and Gemma’s eyes are shining with anticipation over this matter.
You might be surprised how different the mansion is when you wake up.
Above all, the news you’ll want to hear most must be about our lady!
These days she seems completely absorbed in painting landscapes.
Let’s visit the Chesserville Art Gallery together when you wake up.
So I wanted to tell Lupeon not to worry too much.
Actually, I have so much to say, but if I write it all, it will be well past midnight.
Still, there’s one thing I must tell you: I really miss you.
I’m so worried about you, Lupeon. You’ll wake up… soon, won’t you?」
Though she felt foolish writing a letter that would never be delivered, Elena had no intention of stopping.
If she didn’t do at least this much, it felt as though Lupeon Devonshire’s existence might be erased from the world forever.
Though all the retainers were maintaining silence, they seemed increasingly worried as their master hadn’t woken for nearly a week.
Elena too was trying to suppress her inner anxiety and unease.
Unlike in the original story, Lupeon hadn’t met death from Hyporak, yet he still hadn’t awakened.
‘So I have no choice but to consciously recall your existence like this.’
Though it was close to a diary at first glance, Elena looked at the letter she had written with sincerity.
After fidgeting with the lost letter that would never reach its owner, she first placed it in her study desk drawer.
Though her heart burned black thinking of him still unconscious, Elena tried hard not to show it.
All she could do now was silently carry out her given tasks.
She wanted to lighten his burden, even just a little, when Lupeon woke up.
* * *
Returning to the capital from the North, Elena hurried to her fiancé’s bedroom.
Josephine, who had been watching over Lupeon, looked at her with a welcoming face.
“Oh! My lady, you’re here.”
“Yes. Is Lupeon… still the same?”
Seeming to understand Elena’s meaning, Josephine awkwardly smoothed the back of his head and nodded.
Then, watching her reaction, he answered playfully as if trying to comfort her:
“It seems he’s trying to catch up on all the sleep he missed before.”
Elena’s lips curved into a faint smile at the guard’s answer that seemed meant to console her.
“You’re right. Lupeon has been lacking sleep.”
Lupeon had always been accumulating fatigue, having to govern the North while constantly attending to duties.
Elena’s heart was not entirely at ease, unsure whether to be grateful that he was finally sleeping peacefully.
