Chapter 6: The Future Duchess of Lardiah?
Lobelia stood still, trying to process what was happening. She hadn’t expected him to return so soon. About thirty minutes had passed since Kyle had left, and now he was back, speaking abruptly.
“Let’s go.”
Not knowing where they were going, she slowly stepped out of the storage room. When they went in, it was still midday, but now the sky had already darkened—it was early winter.
“Come.”
Kyle looked at her as she stood in the hallway and spoke briefly. In the dim candlelight, his face still felt unfamiliar to her. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. She felt it again—how much time had passed. The boy she once knew had grown into a man with a sharp nose, strong jawline, and a well-built body.
“Where are we going? And what about His Highness the Prince?”
Lobelia asked cautiously. She had wanted to see her son, but Kyle was heading outside the building, making her nervous. Was she being kicked out without even seeing her child? Kyle stopped and turned to her.
“His Highness is… asleep right now.”
That was all he said before walking again. Lobelia glanced longingly toward the inner building. Her son was just beyond that point, but with all the soldiers stationed around, she wouldn’t be able to get through. And if she tried to move, Kyle would probably stop her first.
“You’re walking too slow.”
When she didn’t follow, Kyle turned around and said bluntly. Lobelia looked at him seriously.
“Please let me meet the prince.”
“If you follow me, you’ll get to meet him.”
He nodded arrogantly, as if telling her not to ask unnecessary questions and just do as told. Lobelia took a deep breath. She had no choice. She was surrounded by his soldiers and held no power here.
“Fine.”
She nodded, looking quite unhappy, but obediently followed Kyle. That was until a carriage came into view.
“Get in.”
“Where are we going?”
Lobelia asked suspiciously as she saw the small carriage waiting near the back gate of the palace. Were they taking her somewhere else? Was she being imprisoned like he had hinted earlier? Her mind was filled with uneasy thoughts.
“Somewhere not far from here.”
“Then tell me where we’re going.”
As she insisted, Kyle, who was holding the door, lifted one corner of his mouth.
“Don’t you want to meet the prince?”
He sounded like he was teasing her. Lobelia frowned.
‘So that’s how it is.’
Ten years had passed, and he had turned arrogant. Lobelia’s face twitched. She hadn’t expected his personality to change so much. Lifting her head proudly, she responded.
“Then please make it quick, Duke.”
Holding her worn-out skirt tightly, Lobelia climbed into the carriage. Kyle, seeing her enter with such determination, chuckled lightly.
***
‘What is this place? Why did we come here?’
As she got off the carriage, Lobelia froze in surprise when she saw the building in front of her.
‘Isn’t this Château de Chartres?’
It had changed slightly with time, but it was indeed the emperor’s summer palace. She had only visited once during her time as empress, so she hadn’t recognized it right away. It was dark too.
“Why are we here…?”
She murmured as she looked at the palace. Then she remembered—those soldiers on the road were also trying to bring her here. Was Kyle following the emperor’s orders to find a blonde woman?
“Aren’t you coming in?”
Kyle asked, noticing she had stopped. Lobelia looked stunned.
“Am I… meeting His Majesty?”
“What?”
Kyle frowned, not understanding her question.
“His Majesty the Emperor…”
She repeated, her voice trembling. Fear pierced through her. It had only been one day since she came back to life, and she hadn’t even seen her son yet. What if she had to face the emperor already? She had once died in his place—what if he now tried to harm her?
“What are you saying? This isn’t the Imperial Palace.”
Kyle looked at her, confused.
“But this is the emperor’s summer palace…?”
“It used to be.”
He shrugged.
“Now it’s my house.”
‘His house?’
Still confused, Lobelia looked where he gestured. The building had light blue walls and navy doors. Above the entrance was a large family crest—one she didn’t recognize. A shield with a yellow rose and two crossed swords, surrounded by climbing roses.
‘A rose?’
Lobelia looked at the yellow rose with disbelief. Roses symbolized the imperial family. Had the emperor allowed Kyle to use it? Or did Kyle use it without permission?
‘I don’t understand any of this.’
Lobelia held her aching head. Then Kyle said,
“Are you coming in or not?”
He sounded annoyed by her hesitation.
“Master? Who is this lady?”
Just then, several voices called from inside the mansion. Servants peeked out with curious eyes. Their matching navy uniforms showed they worked here.
“Oh my, Master?”
They all widened their eyes at Lobelia. She was used to being stared at, but these people showed their emotions so openly.
‘What’s going on?’
Lobelia didn’t know how to react. Kyle, without any explanation, handed her over to a butler.
“Take her.”
The elderly butler looked thrilled as he led Lobelia inside. As soon as they entered the main hall, the butler shouted excitedly,
“This way!”
“But sir, that room isn’t ready—”
“Then clean it now!”
At the butler’s order, the staff rushed into action.
“Wait—!”
Lobelia called out, reaching out her hand, but no one responded. Left alone in the grand hall, she murmured,
“This place…”
The beige-tiled floor, blue carpet, golden chandeliers, and bare walls—it didn’t feel like a real palace. If it were the emperor’s, it would be decorated in red.
***
“A miss!”
“Ah!”
A cheerful older maid walked up, wearing a uniform with a round badge. She seemed to be the head maid.
“Just wait a bit. They’ll come get you once everything’s ready.”
“I just have one question…”
Lobelia began, trying not to sound too noble. She had almost spoken in her old tone. She reminded herself she was wearing rags worse than a maid’s outfit.
“What is it, dear?”
“Where am I?”
“Oh my, our master didn’t even tell you before bringing you here?”
The old maid’s voice echoed loudly. Another servant passing by gasped.
“You’re in the Duke of Lardiah’s mansion, miss. Welcome!”
‘Duke’s mansion?’
Lobelia looked around again. So this really was Kyle’s house. But how?
“Wasn’t this the emperor’s palace?”
“It used to be. But our master… well, he earned it for his service.”
She sounded proud, as if Kyle were her own son. Lobelia, however, stiffened at her words. Receiving a palace meant Kyle had worked for the emperor. He was part of Ostro’s forces.
“I see. I wonder what kind of service earns you a palace.”
Her voice turned cold. She wanted to know what Kyle had done in those ten years to earn the emperor’s favor. The maid excitedly replied,
“He’s been to so many wars! He defeated enemy generals and destroyed a neighboring kingdom—so they made him a duke and gave him this place! Isn’t it lovely?”
“…No.”
Lobelia whispered. Kyle must’ve killed so many people to get all this. It disgusted her. All she wanted was to be with her son, but things kept going wrong.
‘Should I run?’
She scanned for an exit. She might still find another way to meet her son. If Kyle really was the emperor’s dog, he might drag her to him any minute. She bit her lip to stop shaking.
“If you don’t like it, that’s too bad. You’ll be living here now.”
“What?”
“It’s ready!”
A shout came from upstairs before she could ask more. The old maid bowed and told her to follow. Lobelia glanced at the entrance once more.
‘I need to run.’
“This way, miss,” the butler said, blocking her view. He pointed at the stairs, where the head maid was waiting with sparkling eyes. Realizing her escape route was cut off, Lobelia sighed and climbed the stairs.
***
“This is your room, miss.”
A young maid opened a fancy door on the second floor. Lobelia twisted her lips at the sight. The layout was the same as the room she used to stay in, but at least the furniture and decor had changed.
“Our master will be here soon. Please wait.”
The young maid smiled. Lobelia nodded while looking around. She would tell Kyle she wanted to leave as soon as he returned.
“What are you thinking about?”
The maid, seeing Lobelia’s quiet face, asked gently.
“This room feels too grand for me.”
Lobelia smiled bitterly. She was grateful but needed to be honest.
“No way!”
The maid raised her voice. Surprised, Lobelia looked at her.
“This room is yours! Because you’re the lady of this house!”
Lobelia flinched. Did the maid know she once stayed here? Why was she saying that?
“I-I mean, this room is for the… um… the Duchess… I mean, the Duke’s…”
The maid struggled to explain. Just then, another servant interrupted.
“Idiot! Just say it’s for the Duchess!”
The other maid clapped her hands and cheered.
“Yes! Duchess! That’s right! This room is for the Duchess, and miss, you’re going to be the Duchess!”
“…!”
Lobelia choked. What nonsense was this?
Seeing her shocked face, another servant stepped forward to explain.
“What he means is, our Duke never lets women near him. It’s crazy. He’s past marrying age, but he acts like a stone.”
“What’s that got to do with me?”
“We begged him to get married, and he got annoyed and said—‘If I ever bring a woman to this house, whoever she is, she’ll be my wife!’”
He grinned and leaned close.
“And now, you’re that woman. So starting now, you’re the Duchess of Lardiah!”
“W-Wait, what?!”
“Don’t worry. He’s handsome, strong, rich, and doesn’t fool around with women. A perfect catch!”
Just as Lobelia stared in disbelief, Kyle’s stern voice cut through the noise from behind.
“That’s enough.”
