Chapter 94 - A Coward’s Atonement
After finishing their meal at a leisurely pace, Volf received a new glass.
The wine Guido had ordered, with its excessively long name, turned out to be red wine.
It carried a sweet, floral fragrance but was unexpectedly dry and heavy on the palate. The flavor lingered long after each sip.
"Unusual, isn’t it? The aroma might fool you, but it’s a great dry wine."
His thoughts seemed to be written all over my face as Guido pointed it out before he could.
"It’s quite unique. What’s the name of this wine?"
"'The Fleeting Beauty Who Stole My Heart Became My Strong Wife.' ...It hardly sounds like the name of a wine, and I definitely couldn’t order it with my wife around."
"That’s a name you wouldn’t forget once you’ve heard it."
"It seems it was crafted in memory of the winemaker’s late wife. She must have been an incredible woman."
The name left Volf unsure whether to call it good or bad, but somehow, the wine’s rich red color, sweet aroma, and lingering taste all made sense in light of the story.
"...Volfred, I know it’s late, but let’s get to the main topic for today. There’s something I need to apologize for."
"If it’s about what happened the other day—"
"No, this is different. Yesterday, I caused some unease for both you and Chairwoman Rossetti. I’m sorry."
At his brother's unexpected words, the taste of the wine vanished.
"That was your doing?"
"Yes. Uhm... I had ordered that everything outside be kept secure, but it seems I made you anxious. I should have told you sooner."
"So that’s what it was..."
The tailing that had unnerved both Dahlia and him when they were returning from the southern district—learning that it was Guido’s doing brought Volf a slight sense of relief.
Still, the unusualness of the situation raised some questions.
"Why did you suddenly decide on such measures?"
"I know how strong you are. But protecting someone while fighting is another matter entirely—it’s far more challenging... I was worried.”
"I see..."
Indeed, the thought of protecting Dahlia in a dangerous situation had its own kind of fear attached to it.
Though he hadn’t considered it before, having guards might indeed provide peace of mind depending on where they were headed.
"If you ever feel the need for an escort, don’t hesitate to ask someone from the estate."
"Thank you."
"Also, this might be abrupt, but I’ve decided to set up a stable for delivery carriages for our family. There’s a plot for sale near the edge of the western district, close to the Green Tower. I bought it as part of an investment."
Guido spoke quickly, his blue eyes avoiding Volf’s.
The western district’s edge wasn’t a populated area, and Volf doubted a delivery carriage stable there would be profitable.
"Brother."
"Come on, wouldn’t having a horse for travel make things easier for you, too, Volfred? It’s a long way from the royal castle to the western district. Whether you're going back and forth from the castle or heading to other districts, I'll make sure there are horses and carriages available for you to use as you like. The building will take some time, but we can have the horses settled in a temporary stable within a week."
His older brother explained with a smile, but when it was this obvious, it would have been impossible not to notice.
"Brother, you’ve been tracking my movements since I returned from the expedition, haven’t you?"
"...Yes."
Volf realized it must have started right after the harpy subjugation, possibly when he’d gone to the Green Tower. He’d been too preoccupied with the thought of seeing Dahlia to notice at the time.
"Thank you for your concern. I’ll gratefully use the horses. However, when I’m with Chairwoman Rossetti, I’d appreciate it if you could keep your distance..."
"I’m sorry for everything..."
The flat tone of Volf’s voice created an awkward tension in the air.
After a long moment of silence, Guido cleared his throat lightly.
"There’s one more thing. I want to give you something."
The servant standing behind Guido stepped forward, opening a black leather case and pulling out a bundle of parchment. The stack was carefully placed in front of Volf.
"...It’s the background check report for Chairwoman Rossetti."
"Did you investigate Dahlia?"
"Yes. I had it done for your safety."
Guido stated firmly, meeting Volf’s gaze with his blue eyes—so reminiscent of their father’s.
"From her birth to the beginning of this month, she’s been nothing but diligent and dedicated to her craft. Not a single scandal to her name."
"Of course. Dahlia is—"
"But that only applies until she started spending time with you after her broken engagement."
Volf didn’t need further clarification to understand the insinuation. He knew he was the cause of any gossip surrounding Dahlia, yet hearing her name tarnished still made his anger flare.
"Dahlia is my friend. Every bit of bad reputation she has is entirely my fault, not hers."
When he met his brother's gaze directly, Guido nodded, seemingly a little pleased for some reason.
"A talented magical toolmaker, diligent and serious, and an important friend of yours—that's how I understand her."
"...Thank you."
"Would you like to take these documents with you?"
"I don’t need them. If I have any questions, I’ll ask her directly."
"I figured you’d say that. Well, at least take this with you."
Guido handed over a folded note.
"Most of it’s from her academy days, so it could be outdated. But it should still be somewhat helpful."
"...Favorite colors: white, light blue... Favorite dessert: baked cheesecake..."
The list contained details like her favorite foods, things she disliked, and even what she often ordered at the cafeteria.
It was clear that whoever had provided this information had been quite close to her.
"Who gave you this?"
"...I had the Intelligence Division look into it."
"What?!"
At the unexpected response, his mouth remained open for a few seconds.
He understood the need to confirm her background for his safety. He even accepted that some of the information in the file might have come from that investigation.
However, it was definitely not the kind of matter that one would request from the country's Intelligence Division.
Also, there was a growing sense of unease about how much it had cost or what the payment had been in return.
"Brother, what are you doing?!"
"No, I have an acquaintance in the Intelligence Division who was willing to help. I didn’t push too hard."
"There was no need to go that far..."
"No, listen. Knowing these things about a woman is important. Imagine having her to eat something she hates with a smile or gifting a roomful of flowers with a scent she can’t stand—learning these things too late leads to regret."
"Brother..."
"...Learn from my experience."
Guido murmured it softly, and Volf bowed to him, folding the note before tucking it into his jacket pocket.
"Also, I’ve secured the 'fairy crystal' you asked for. I’ll have it delivered tomorrow. If more turn up, I’ll make sure you’re notified."
"Thank you. I’ll pay for it soon."
"Volfred, let me do this as your brother. For over ten years, I’ve done nothing for you."
"...Thank you. I’ll gratefully accept, then."
Though he felt as if he had already received an overwhelming amount that day, he bowed once more at his brother's earnest plea.
He tried to think of a way to express his gratitude, but nothing came to mind.
Not knowing Guido's preferences, he decided to ask him directly.
"Is there anything you want, Brother? I might not be able to get you some of the more difficult things, but..."
"Something I’d like, huh... Oh, there is one thing. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to call you 'Volf.'"
"Huh?"
At the unexpected words, he nearly choked, even though he hadn't drunk anything.
His brother had called him that when they were children, but to hear him make such a request now felt a little embarrassing.
"Uhm, feel free to call me that. There’s no need to ask for permission..."
"Then how about you go back to calling me 'Big Brother Guido' like when you were little?"
"Please don’t do this to me..."
Seeing Volf’s flustered expression, Guido burst into a loud laugh.
"By the way... Volf, are you seriously planning to leave for the common life?"
"Yes, I am considering it eventually."
"...I’ll be blunt, but please listen carefully. It’s not an easy path."
The sudden change in his brother’s demeanor caught Volf off guard.
"There are plenty of people already trying to get close to you. Once you leave the family and its name, there will be those who see it as an opportunity and those who might even try to harm you.”
"I doubt I’ll hold much value to anyone without the family’s name."
"You won’t need to do anything. Some people act on their own assumptions—out of obsession or even malice. And their actions might target those close to you—your family or someone you care about. If you lack power when that happens, you won’t be able to protect them."
"Power...?"
He thought that once he left the Scalfarotto family, that would be the end of it.
He had thought that, if he were to live among the common folk eventually, the fairy crystal glasses would be enough to get by. He believed he could either continue as a knight or find a new job, as long as he had enough savings to support himself.
He had never thought about the possibility that even if he left his noble status, he might still be pursued, or that those close to him—those he cared about—could be put in danger.
"If possible, I would feel at ease if we could have Chairwoman Rossetti adopted by one of our relatives and have her marry you..."
"Dahlia and I do not share that kind of relationship. She is a magical toolmaker and the head of the Rossetti Company. She has no intention of changing her name or her career, and I have no desire for that either."
He rejected his brother’s sudden suggestion with all his might. However, Guido showed no signs of backing down.
"You’re both still young. Relationships can change. There may come a day when you want to spend your life with Chairwoman Rossetti."
"As her friend, I do wish to remain close to her always. The same goes for our professional collaboration. However, we’ve both decided that our bond will stay as one of friendship."
As he spoke, a dull ache settled in his chest.
Since the day they agreed to remain friends, the distance between him and Dahlia had undoubtedly grown closer.
Yet if he were to step away from his noble status and live among the commoners, there was no doubt that she would become entangled in the troubles that would inevitably follow.
And right now, he didn’t possess the power to shield her from that.
"...Volf, I’m not saying you shouldn’t leave for a commoner life. I’m simply asking you to think carefully, for your own safety."
"Thank you. It seems I’ve been too naive in my thinking. I’ll take this to heart."
"No, the fault lies with Father and me for not addressing this with you sooner. If anything troubles or confuses you, please don’t hesitate to come to me."
"Yes, I’ll consult you if I face any issues."
Hearing Volf’s reply, Guido smiled with visible relief.
・・・・・・・
As night fell, Guido had the carriage prepared in advance for Volf to return to the barracks, while he stayed behind at the shop.
Drinking ice water, he gave instructions to the servant standing nearby.
"Find out the names and family details of everyone who was after Volf today. Check for any unmarried individuals and whether they have fiancées."
"Understood. I’ll see to it immediately."
"Also, I need a full participant list. Include the First, no, the Second and Third, as well as the Mage Division. Gather information on anyone who might hold a grudge against Volf."
"I’ll add that to the task."
The man nodded and moved to the opposite side.
"Guido-sama, pardon me, but may I have a word with you?"
The man, a longtime attendant and friend from their academy days, wore a deeply troubled expression.
"...Sure, I can guess what it’s about. Go ahead. It’s just us now, so have a seat and speak openly."
"...Very well."
The man sat in the chair across from Guido and began to speak.
"Even if you’re only moving through areas restricted to knights, please stop traveling alone. Your guards were pale with worry."
"I lost my temper earlier. I’ll be more mindful in the future."
"Since your promotion to marquis was confirmed, the jealousy toward you has only increased. Please, be cautious."
"I understand. I’ll be careful."
"Leaving your jacket draped over a chair and eating oysters with your hands—what would your mother say if she knew?"
"Keep that a secret. Volf seemed hesitant to speak, so I thought it might help him relax. Besides, I’ve always wanted to try it at least once."
Guido chuckled mischievously, earning a sour look from the man.
"I was against the two of you dining privately in the first place. Volfred-sama is third in line for the family title. If anything were to happen—"
"Do you think Volf would harm me to claim the title of count?"
"I don’t believe so, but you must still consider your position and safety."
"If it were Volf’s wish, I’d grant him anything he desired."
"Guido!"
"It was a joke."
Guido chuckled lightly and turned his gaze toward the darkness beyond the window.
"If Volf hadn’t protected me that day, I wouldn’t be here now."
Even if he no longer dreamed of those nightmares, he would never forget.
The sight of his small brother crawling through a pool of blood.
His right arm and leg were already gone, and with his exposed bones visible on his left arm, he still clung to his sword and tried to push forward.
Next to his deceased mother, Volf had fought on, completely alone.
Guido had barely managed to subdue the remaining enemies with water magic and return to the capital with the survivors.
His father’s fury, his mother’s breakdown, the strife with the second wife’s family, and the death of his other younger brother.
After passing through days of confusion, when he finally arrived at the church, he saw his little brother crying in his sleep.
His cowardice had taken everything from Volf.
Overcome with guilt, he couldn’t bring himself to hold or comfort his brother. He had fled, convinced he could never face him again.
He had run and kept running, leaving his young brother to face solitude and nightmares alone.
He was a coward who survived unscathed by sacrificing knights and his own brother.
He believed it was only natural for Volf to hate him, that he probably loathed him to the point of death—he had thought that way all along.
But now that he knew Volf wouldn’t push him away, he had no intention of holding back.
Even if the day came when Volf did reject him, he would never let go again.
"This time, I’ll protect my brother. That’s the least I can do, isn’t it?"
It was the only way he, a coward shielded by his little brother, could atone.
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