In the Doghouse - Chapter 143
Frederick’s eyes widened in shock. The offer to avoid an unavoidable punishment was as sweet as it was unexpected.
But what could he, like most noble heirs who only knew the basics of swordsmanship as a hobby, possibly do at the border?
He asked in a hesitant voice.
“What… would you have me do there…?”
“Pick up a spear and guard the front lines. Just like any other soldier.”
“As… a soldier?”
“Yes. And as someone who’s used to sleepless nights, I’m sure you’ll manage the night watches well.”
“How could I…! I mean, maybe not a commander, but at least as a lieutenant…”
Richard couldn’t help but laugh at Frederick’s words. It wasn’t his incompetence that worried Frederick. What disturbed him was the idea of living like an ordinary soldier, as if he were some commoner—a notion that struck him as utterly shameless.
Richard was about to remind him of reality once again, but someone else spoke first. Elise, who had been clutching their young son while holding back tears, said coldly.
“Freddy, just go.”
“Elise…?”
“They’re saying if you go there, you’ll at least be able to keep your noble status. And yet you’re hesitating?”
“No, Elise. I… I don’t know any real swordsmanship… I’d have to sleep on the dirt every day…”
“So what? Do you want to lose your status and leave the capital, then? Fine, do that. I won’t go with you. I’ll stay here with Eddy.”
“Honey, please…”
Elise’s attitude was starkly different from her usual demeanor. She wasn’t whining—instead, she was forcefully pressing him into a decision.
Frederick gaped, unable to respond.
His pleading gaze then shifted desperately to his parents, but the Devon couple avoided his look, as if to signal their agreement with Elise.
Feeling cornered, he looked to his sister. If anyone could sway the Crown Prince, it would be her.
But Courtney, too, kept her eyes lowered, remaining silent. Though she felt a trace of sympathy, she knew this might be his last chance to change.
Frederick, sensing he had no options left, finally bowed his head. What other choice did he have? Without the family’s support, he’d have no place to turn, not even within the estate. Life would be even more miserable outside the border regiment.
Seeing that Frederick had lost all will to fight, Richard confirmed his final decision.
“What will it be, Lord Devon?”
“…I’ll go to the border.”
“Then we will suspend the charges against Lord Devon and recognize his voluntary service to the nation—for the sake of the Count’s honor and the Devon family’s reputation.”
“I… I am deeply grateful.”
Count Devon, seeing his heir stripped away before his eyes, could only bow his head in submission. He could take some solace in the fact that at least this resolution left his household still with some semblance of dignity. He had cut his son off without a second thought.
With the decision finalized, Courtney felt all tension drain from her body. Remarkably, everything had gone according to Richard’s plan. Frederick wouldn’t return to the capital until he proved himself capable, and Edvard’s future would no longer be hindered by his father’s misdeeds.
Though the room fell silent, it wasn’t a peaceful silence. The Emperor, who had observed the entire scene in silence, spoke in a grave tone.
“Count.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
“Your daughter shall become the Empress of this nation.”
“Yes, Your Majesty…”
“I will be watching closely to see if your family can live up to that role.”
“I understand, Your Majesty.”
With a stiff voice, Hendrick responded, while Patricia and Elise fell silent, faces pale as they tried to stifle their breaths.
They had come to realize that just because the Count’s daughter would become Empress, it didn’t guarantee the safety of every family member. Today, a single arm had been severed, but next time, it might be a leg—or even their heads.
Courtney, like her family, wore a tense expression. Her young nephew Edvard met her gaze and offered her a small, reassuring smile. For his sake, she summoned her remaining strength and forced a small smile in return.
More than relief, she felt an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. Richard, sensing her trembling hands, held them firmly.
* * *
Courtney saw her family off at the imperial carriage house. Richard had gone to finalize matters with the Emperor. Although everything was over, her heart still felt heavy.
Her once-arrogant brother, who had never accepted his faults, shed tears, while her parents looked subdued, avoiding her gaze entirely. Elise wore a strangely determined expression. She might even be contemplating divorce.
Only Edvard waved goodbye with a smile. Courtney had a sudden, unshakable feeling that she was saying farewell to her family forever.
