Mike fell silent. The baron's request was utterly absurd, but Jennifer wouldn't have confided in him if she hadn't been at least somewhat swayed.
Clearly, Jennifer was more concerned about Anna than the few-month-old George. Evelyn was a shrewd woman; to enjoy a life of luxury, she wouldn't trouble the sole heir, even if she didn't particularly care for him.
Mike suddenly realized that Baron Hild had made careful arrangements for everyone.
Jennifer sighed slowly.
"I don't like that woman, no matter what. But this is my father's last wish. I'm both angry and sad."
"I'm scared, Uncle Mike."
Jennifer lowered her head, her gaze falling on her intertwined hands.
"What are you afraid of?" Mike asked softly.
"I'm afraid that if I go against my father's wishes, he will arrange a marriage for Anna and leave George in the care of strangers."
"The baron wouldn't do that," Mike reassured her.
"No," Jennifer lifted her head and looked at him firmly, "he would, Uncle Mike. He would."
In Jennifer's heart, Baron Hild was no longer trustworthy. He was still her father, and she still cared about him, but the rift between them had formed and was growing.
Mike couldn't offer Jennifer any advice. The emotions between father and daughter and the responsibilities of an elder sister, which should have complemented each other, were now in conflict, forcing Jennifer to choose which was more important and needed to be preserved.
"It would be better if you could become George's guardian."
Jennifer said softly, her gaze fixed on a distant window as if looking far beyond.
At that moment, her demeanor, her tone of voice, and her slender neck resembled Susan when she was alive.
Mike felt a strange shiver in his heart. He chose his words carefully. "No matter what, I will visit George often."
"You have my promise."
Mike did not linger long and hurriedly left Hild Manor. However, his carriage was stopped on the road. "Is there something wrong?" Mike asked, surprised to see Luther on horseback.
"Forgive my rudeness," Luther's hair was disheveled by the wind, and he was panting, but he smiled. "Are you going to see Mr. Thomas? May I join you?"
Luther's request puzzled Mike. "No, I'm not going to Thomas Manor. If you have urgent business..." Mike noticed the awkward look on Luther's face and stopped.
Luther's conversation with Susan resurfaced in Mike's mind.
Luther nervously paced on his horse, hesitating to speak. Mike watched him, then suddenly opened the carriage door and stepped out.
"I suddenly feel some discomfort in my chest. Would you accompany me for a walk?"
Mike invited kindly.
Luther quickly dismounted.
"It would be my honor, sir."
Mike instructed the servant to drive the carriage slowly along the main road while he and Luther walked down a path through the woods.
The weather was decent, with birds occasionally chirping from the branches. The two gentlemen walked silently for a while before the younger one started a conversation. "Mr. Rorschach, do you think the baron will recover?"
"That depends on God's will, but I believe the baron will get better."
They exchanged a few inconsequential words. Luther didn't know how much Jennifer had revealed to Mike or how much Mike knew about their arrangement, so he had to tread carefully.
The baron's sudden illness had disrupted all of Luther's plans. If the mining rights went to someone else, Vincent would have no reason to favor him, and the promised benefits might not materialize. These days, Luther had been consoling Jennifer while making several trips to the duke's castle, only to be turned away each time.
This made Luther anxious. Hearing that Mike had just left, he immediately chased after him, hoping that Thomas' confidant could help him.
"Have you seen Mr. Thomas recently?" Luther asked with a smile. "Why don't we visit him together?"
Mike stopped. "You don't have to," he said. "I know everything."
Luther was stunned. "You know everything?"
"Of course."
Luther took two steps back, slowly exhaling in relief.
Mike observed his movements and then said, "But he doesn't want to see you."
"What?" Luther was agitated. He raised his voice and stepped toward Mike. "Why? Is it because of the baron's illness? Even if the baron passes away, it won't affect the use of the mines."
Mike was shocked internally but maintained a calm demeanor. He frowned, showing a troubled expression.
Luther looked at him suspiciously. "Could it be that the baron's illness was orchestrated by the lord?"
Mike stared at Luther in shock, which Luther interpreted as a confirmation. "So the lord wants to reclaim this land! Does he fear I want a share? How could that be... Everything I have is granted by the lord. I am forever his loyal servant. Mr. Rorschach, please let the lord know of my loyalty! I only want the rewards he promised, nothing else!"
Luther's words left Mike utterly stunned. "Do you realize what you're saying? Slandering a nobleman—how dare you!"
"No, Mr. Rorschach, are you still hiding the truth from me?" Luther looked at Mike in surprise, then suddenly seemed to understand. "Oh, don't worry. I won't say a word."
Mike clenched his fists, his turbulent emotions making it hard to maintain composure. "I need to leave." He lowered his head to hide his unease and quickly walked towards the carriage.
"Please wait, Mr. Rorschach, you must convey my loyalty to the lord," Luther said urgently, grabbing Mike's arm, disregarding propriety. Mike nodded firmly, "Of course, sir."
Luther released Mike's arm, watching as the older gentleman hurriedly left the woods. Doubt and unease filled his mind.
He never underestimated the impact a lover could have. He hoped that, for Jennifer's sake, Mike would speak favorably of him to calm the lord's nerves.
This winter seemed unusually long, freezing everything in its grasp. Christmas was approaching, but Baron Hild probably wouldn't make it that far.
If possible, Luther hoped they would return to Paris by Christmas.
"Maybe I should visit the church," Luther muttered to himself. "I hope everything goes well."
Mike stumbled back to the carriage, and the servant rushed to support him. "Master, are you alright?"
Mike nodded absently, allowing the servant to help him into the carriage. "Let's go back." But then he changed his mind. "No, not to Rorschach Manor."
"To Thomas Manor. I need to see the duke."
"Yes, sir."
The carriage began to shake as it moved, and Mike leaned back, closing his eyes in exhaustion. Despite his suspicions, Luther's words were still hard to accept. He wanted to flee to his estate but had to go to Thomas' castle to confront Vincent.
He might be alone, but he had responsibilities towards others.
The truth was slowly emerging. If Vincent had indeed committed unforgivable crimes against Susan and Baron Hild, how would Mike face the Hild family and Vincent?
Conspiracy, death, and love—heaviness and frivolity, filth and purity—like the silent snowfall, covering decayed branches and dirty mud.
Fear made Mike tremble. He curled up on the seat, tears filling his eyes, unsure who to turn to.
God's gaze would not fall upon him.
With a heavy heart, Mike arrived at the duke's castle. The servant opened the carriage door, but it was not Vincent who greeted him.
"I'm sorry, the young master is unwell and cannot see you. Please leave," the butler apologized politely.
"How can this be?" Mike frowned with concern. "Can I see him? Just for a moment, from outside his bedroom door."
"I'm sorry, sir."
Mike's suspicion and unease grew, but the butler's attitude was firm, refusing to let him enter the castle. Reluctantly, Mike ordered the carriage to leave. As it turned the corner behind the castle, a maid suddenly rushed forward, blocking the carriage.
"Who are you to block Mr. Rorschach's carriage?" the driver scolded harshly.
"Sir, it's me, Lacey!"
The woman bypassed the driver's obstruction and approached the carriage door. "Please open the door, sir," she pleaded.
Mike leaned out to see Lacey, who had once cared for him. Her brown hair and black dress were covered in snow, as if she had rolled in it.
He quickly opened the door. "Lacey, what's going on?"
"Sir, please come with me." Lacey lowered her voice.
"The master wants to see you."