Talia reflexively studied Varkas's expression.
A dry wind seemed to sweep across his cool face, where not even the slightest trace of emotion could be found.
After lifting his gaze toward the sun veiled behind a thin layer of clouds as though measuring the time, Varkas turned a calm look toward his adjutant.
“Tell the Wolfram Cavalry to prepare to depart at once.”
“Yes, sir.”
As Daren withdrew, Varkas turned around without hesitation.
Unable to decide what she ought to say, Talia merely wet her lips.
Should she comfort him?
But Varkas truly appeared unaffected. Perhaps that was only natural. He had been sent to the capital when he was barely five years old. There was no reason for him to harbor much affection for his father.
“It seems we must leave today without fail. How are you feeling?”
Having stepped into the hall, Varkas suddenly asked the question.
Talia answered in a tense voice.
“I rested thoroughly for several days, so I'm fine now.”
“You have not recovered completely yet.”
His voice abruptly hardened.
“It will be burdensome to travel such a great distance in an unhealthy state. If your condition worsens, tell me immediately.”
After quietly watching his mood, Talia nodded weakly.
He ascended the stairs with a pace that was neither fast nor slow. Through the windows lining the corridor, she could see the overcast sky.
Perhaps it would rain during the funeral.
* * *
The return journey proceeded smoothly.
After tirelessly crossing the wide-open plains, they arrived at Laedgo Castle two full days earlier than expected.
The gatekeeper, having spotted them from afar, sounded his trumpet noisily, and the drawbridge was lowered. The Wolfram Cavalry wasted no time passing through the gates.
“Welcome home!”
As they entered the courtyard, the waiting servants immediately surrounded Varkas.
Watching the scene through the carriage window, Talia straightened her clothing and stepped outside.
The maids lined up at the entrance descended the stairs to greet her.
“You must have suffered greatly on your long journey.”
The chief maid offered the greeting on behalf of the others. Talia merely inclined her chin in response before approaching Varkas.
Receiving a report from the head steward, Varkas slowly swept his eyes over her.
“I believe I should see Father immediately. Would Your Highness accompany me?”
Talia hesitated briefly.
Truthfully, she had no desire whatsoever to see that ill-tempered old man again. Yet she also did not want to leave Varkas alone. That remained true even though she knew he felt no sorrow.
“...I'll go too.”
Perhaps it was an unexpected answer. Varkas looked down at her in silence for a moment before slightly inclining his head toward his younger brother, who stood some distance away.
“You come as well.”
Lucas, who had been standing there with a dark expression, mechanically obeyed his brother's command. Deliberately avoiding him, Talia followed after Varkas.
With stiff legs, she barely managed to enter the main keep, only to have the scents of myrrh, frankincense, and sandalwood assault her senses.
All of them were incense burned for patients who stood at death's door.
“Lucas!”
Just as they reached the stairs, a slender girl burst out from the Grand Duke's bedchamber.
“Why are you only getting here now?! Do you know how much I've been all alone—!”
Crossing the corridor in an instant, the girl threw herself into Lucas's arms. The boy, who had stood rigidly frozen, wrapped his arms around his sister's shoulders as tears welled in his eyes.
Watching the scene with discomfort, Talia shifted her gaze toward the darkened bedchamber.
Inside the room, hazy smoke drifted through the air, while a high priest and the retainers stood in orderly rows. Varkas strode in and addressed the priest.
“How is he?”
“...Regrettably, it appears unlikely that he will survive the day.”
The old priest, whose face looked gaunt from countless sleepless nights, spoke in a heavy voice.
“Prepare yourselves.”
As though she had heard those words, the girl's sobbing only grew louder. Standing awkwardly and darting her eyes around, Talia quietly edged closer to Varkas's side.