Toxic Marriage - Chapter 14.2

Chapter 14.2

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“Another letter has arrived.”

Erik politely placed the envelope on Fenrir’s desk, trying to hide his tired expression. The seal of the diocese was stamped on the envelope.

“This is already the tenth letter. I’ve heard rumors that Freya’s guardian is bizarre, but I didn’t expect it to be this bad… I think he intends to send a letter every day until he receives a reply.”

Fenrir, who was checking the administrative report Arne had given him in the morning, raised his gaze.

He opened the envelope and checked the letter inside.

Considering the time it takes for mail to travel to and from Niflheim, I can’t understand why I haven’t heard back from you yet. Freya, I hope you’re doing well, but if I don’t hear from you by the end of this month, I’ll have no choice but to go see you to find out what’s wrong. So, no matter what, please respond to me before Fall ends.

― From Tyrann, who has been waiting only for you.

After scouring the contents with his eyes, Fenrir tore the letter and threw it into the brazier.

Erik’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Should I copy Miss Freya’s handwriting and reply to him as if nothing happened?” he said in a worried voice.

“Leave it alone.”

Despite the firm answer, Eric was not at ease at all.

“Since he is a strong candidate for the next pope, if he doesn’t hear from Miss Freya again, he may make up an excuse and lead the Knights of the Order to the north,” he cautiously added.

Fenrir suddenly pushed his chair back with a screech and got up, causing Erik to flinch greatly.

Erik, who was afraid that he would scold him for being scared of the holy man, blinked when he passed by him.

Fenrir headed towards the large window in the office. You had to pass through several doors to reach the office located at the highest point of the castle, but you could easily see the entire castle from inside.

“Erik.”

“… Y-yes, Master.”

“Can you still hear crying from Freya Lindberg’s room?”

It was a strange question mixed with concern, but Erik quickly shook his head.

“N-no. I was going to tell you when it was a bit more certain, but the maid who serves her reported that she hasn’t been crying these days. The number of doctor visits has also decreased significantly.”

“Anything else?”

“Nothing.”

“At all?”

Anything else? Erik was puzzled to see Freya checking every detail, as if she was someone who had infiltrated this place.

What could a woman who had not eaten properly because she had been crying all this time do? The only thing she could do was act like a picky noble lady.

Erik wondered if he should report this. After a short hesitation, he added.

“As her health improved, she started asking for many things. From saying that the duvet wasn’t soft, to asking for flowers to be placed on the windowsill, to asking for seasonal fruits, and other useless things. Now that she has gotten herself together, I think she’s dissatisfied with her surroundings.”

As he spoke, Erik almost revealed the emotions that had been bothering him. That would be disloyal.

He had reported this to his master earlier, but she said she was too depressed because she had been staying locked up in her room and asked for permission to take a walk.

Erik had no choice but to allow her, considering how haggard she had become compared to when she first came here. She couldn’t be locked in a room for the rest of her life anyway, and she wouldn’t be able to leave the castle.

Since then, Freya has been going on walks every day, always accompanied by her unpleasant escort knight.

As he saw through the window, Freya was going on a walk today as well. The brown-haired escort knight who followed her like a shadow fiercely stood guard by her side.

“Who is he?”

Fenrir suddenly asked, sitting on the windowsill and looking down. His gaze was directed at Risyr, whom he had just been badmouthing inwardly.

“He’s Miss Freya’s escort knight. You allowed her to bring only one person, and she brought him.”

“…”

“Ah, of course, you’ve never met him. The knight doesn’t seem to accept the situation, so I made sure he’s not allowed to accompany Miss Freya when she goes to see you.”

Erik explained in an indirect way that the knight’s personality was very, very nasty.

Although his curiosity might have been satisfied by the answer, Fenrir remained staring at the stranger for an unusually long time.

When Freya and Risyr disappeared from view, Fenrir turned his head. His eyes, which had been focused on something for a while, quickly became bored.

“Erik.”

“Yes, Master.”

Erik, who had been watching him absent-mindedly, had a slightly delayed reaction.

“Start preparing for the union.”

Erik’s eyes became bright at the mention of the union.

“I was also thinking that there was no need to delay it any longer. However, I think she should know in advance so that she’s not surprised. When should I tell her?”

“It’s fine.” Fenrir casually turned away from the windowsill. “I’ll tell her myself.”