Side: Alexander Axel Bayerlein
Four days by carriage from the Axel territory, I entered the Ashwood territory, governed by Lord Roxfall.
The Ashwood territory is located in a mountainous area, with the lord’s mansion situated high up, beyond several hills.
I have heard that in the past, iron ore was mined here, and the village where the miners lived marks the origin of this Ashwood territory.
“Lord Alexander, we are about to arrive.”
I nodded in response to the voice of August Kessler, who was leading the knights guarding me.
The window was fitted with glass, somewhat uneven in color. The reason I came as an envoy to this Ashwood territory was because of glass—though not just any glass. It was a beautifully crafted glass bottle with no color distortion or warping. It contained a wine of an even higher quality than the royal horse king’s special liquor. This glass bottle, with its exceptional craftsmanship, was one of a kind in the world.
We arrived at Lord Roxfall’s mansion. I got out of the carriage and stood tall… but my attention was drawn to the woman standing next to Lord Roxfall.
Foolish… She looks just like… Mother.
This woman resembled my mother when she was young. And, instinctively, I understood—this woman was my sister.
My sister was kidnapped when she was thirteen. Both Father, Mother, and the entire family believed she would return safely. But she never came back.
Those who had kidnapped her were either killed or captured. Those captured begged for death after enduring tortures, I heard. I remember how terrifying Father was back then, like a demon, even though he was so kind normally.
Twelve years had passed since then, and we never forgot about my sister. However, we never managed to learn her whereabouts.
Our family oversees the kingdom’s intelligence. It’s a shame that we couldn’t find my sister. In the past, I once vented my frustration to the intelligence officers, though I regret it now. They weren’t negligent, and I feel sorry for having done that.
And now… my sister is alive!
I was so overwhelmed with joy that I didn’t know how to approach her. Before I knew it, I felt terribly ill, and nausea started to rise within me.
“Sebas… Did you see that?”
I asked Sebas, the living record of the family, as I lay down on the sofa, my voice hoarse.
“Yes. I was so shocked, I thought my heart might stop.”
“Do you also think she is Hermina?”
“Lady Roxfall resembles the young lady’s appearance so closely, it’s striking. Furthermore, she seems to be about the same age, around twenty-five, and her golden hair, shining in the sunlight, and her jewel-like green eyes are exactly like Lady Hermina’s.”
Even Sebas, who usually doesn’t speak much, was talking a lot. This must mean he was as convinced as I was.
“I will write a letter to Father. Send it by the fastest horse.”
“Understood.”
I quickly wrote the letter. There was no time to waste, so I kept it short and to the point. Two knights left Ashwood territory with fresh horses.
Now, calm down and think. How should I approach Lady Roxfall? Father will likely arrive soon. As a Duke, it might not be appropriate, but he will surely come swiftly, especially with news of my sister. Should I talk to her about my sister before then?
Wait… why is Hermina acting so calm when she sees me? Twelve years have passed since the kidnapping. Is it possible to forget the faces of your family after so long? Sure, I’m thirty now, but I should still resemble the eighteen-year-old I once was, shouldn’t I? Why isn’t Hermina saying anything…?
“Lord Alexander, Lord Roxfall is here. Shall I let him in?”
I nodded at Sebas’s words and stood up from the sofa.
“Lord Alexander, how are you feeling?”
“I apologize for the trouble I caused Lord Roxfall. I’m feeling much better now.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I was hoping to host a welcoming dinner this evening. Would you be able to attend?”
“Yes, I would be honored to attend.”
I suddenly remembered something important.
After seeing Lord Roxfall off, I called Sebas.
“Investigate how Lord Roxfall ended up marrying Hermina.”
“That has already been looked into.”
As expected of Sebas.
“Tell me.”
“Lord Roxfall married Lady Hermina after the former Marquis Lightstar’s retirement.”
What followed was a story that made me furious. How dare Lightstar treat my sister like a slave?! Wait—could that abduction have been instigated by Lightstar? If it was that old fool, I wouldn’t put it past him. Even if he wasn’t directly involved in the abduction, the kidnapping of my sister caused quite a stir at the time.
Usually, when a noble child is kidnapped, it is hidden away as a family disgrace and dealt with privately. But Father, as long as she was alive, didn’t care. He spread her portrait across the kingdom, including to the Lightstar family. Yet, they turned her into a slave and even a concubine? I’m furious beyond measure! That family will definitely be made to pay!
“Ugh…”
I drank the tea Sebas had prepared and tried to calm myself. How many times must I calm myself down?
“Is the child standing next to Hermina the son of Lightstar?”
“Yes, his name is Thomas.”
The silver-blue hair and golden eyes were unmistakable traits of Lightstar. Though I despise the man, the child is still my sister’s son. I can’t hold that against him.
“He’s the son of Lord Roxfall, isn’t he?”
“Yes. His name is Siegward.”
Both Thomas and Siegward are my beloved nephews. I swear I will protect them no matter what.
