Chapter 19
Finn tilted his head. Ever since earlier, he had felt that Arnulf’s condition was unusual, unlike his usual self.
“What’s going on?”
Arnulf had been staring blankly at a cup of tea in front of him, holding a piece of bread without any intention of eating it.
Of course, if it were the old Joseph, Finn could have understood. Most days, his wake-up time was well past noon. Even when he did wake up, he would drag himself out of bed with a groggy face, eat absentmindedly, and then go out with Ziben—a companion whose friendship Finn never understood. After that, Joseph would often return at dawn or even after the sun had risen.
But the recent Joseph had shown none of those habits. He had been living a disciplined, almost knightly routine.
So seeing him like this felt completely unfamiliar.
“Joseph, are you okay?”
Finn couldn’t hold back any longer and carefully asked Arnulf.
Arnulf, lost in thought while holding the bread, turned his head.
“Huh?”
“You seem a bit off today,” Finn said.
His gaze fell on the bread in Arnulf’s hand. Arnulf followed his eyes and realized what he had been holding all this time.
“Ah…”
Arnulf frowned. This was not like him at all. The conversation he had with Sigmund yesterday must have been shocking.
“Well, I guess I’m just tired from attending the gathering after such a long time.”
“Probably. But… nothing happened yesterday, right?”
Arnulf shook his head at Finn’s worried words. He wanted to say there was nothing, but a sudden memory flashed through his mind:
A pitch-black darkness where he could barely see.
The soft, damp touch of a body that had grabbed him before he even realized.
Sigmund standing under the bright lights.
“Ugh…!”
Arnulf shook his head violently, and Finn’s eyes widened. If he showed this reaction when asked if something happened, it meant something indeed had.
“No, nothing. Really, nothing happened.”
Even though he spoke with furrowed brows, suggesting the opposite, Finn didn’t press further.
After finishing his meal, Arnulf prepared to go out again. Finn hesitated whether to ask where he was going. Having stayed home quietly all this time and only attending a social gathering yesterday, Finn worried that Arnulf might be returning to his old habits.
Arnulf quickly noticed Finn’s unease.
“I’m going to the bank. I’ll be back before lunch.”
“The bank?”
Finn tilted his head. Usually, the Duke used people or money orders to send money, so there was no need to go to the bank in person. And Joseph wasn’t someone who would collect money himself.
Arnulf understood Finn’s curiosity but didn’t elaborate. There was nothing more to explain.
“Yes. I need money to return to the duchy.”
Hearing the reason, Finn’s eyes flickered with worry. He feared that the Duke might be going into debt.
Arnulf, noticing the question Finn wanted to ask just from his expression, answered preemptively.
“I’ll be back soon.”
And with that, Arnulf left the mansion, leaving Finn with his unease. His destination was the bank that had been closed yesterday.
[Göttingen]
Arnulf scanned the sign on the building. Göttingen was a fairly reliable bank with branches in several regions besides the capital.
Most people entrusted their money, valuables, or trusts to this bank. Arnulf had been using it for a long time as well.
“Welcome! How can I help you today?”
As he entered, an employee greeted him with a smile while quickly assessing him.
“I’m here to withdraw some funds I’ve deposited.”
Ignoring the scrutinizing glance, Arnulf stated his purpose.
“Of course. Please follow me,” the employee said, smiling professionally, though his eyes suggested skepticism about whether Arnulf had any deposits at all.
“Please fill in your name and signature.”
The employee handed Arnulf a piece of paper. Göttingen had a unique system: clients used a name and signature only they knew when depositing or withdrawing cash or valuables. Their handwriting was also compared with previous samples.
Arnulf filled out the form steadily, and the employee carefully observed him before taking the paper and standing up.
“Please wait a moment while I confirm this.”
Arnulf blinked once in acknowledgment.
Soon, the employee returned with a smile.
“Your request is confirmed. I’ll guide you to the vault.”
As expected, Arnulf calmly followed. The hallway was narrow and winding, almost like a maze. The employee led him through several turns before stopping in front of a thick door.
“I’ll wait here,” the employee said politely.
Arnulf passed by and opened the door, entering another complex corridor accessible only to special clients. He headed to room number 15.
Turning the clockwork lock, the door clicked open. Arnulf walked confidently to the central safe, spinning the dial. As he turned it left and right, the lock clicked with a crisp sound. A faint smile appeared on his lips.
Done.
With a click, the heavy door opened. Inside were dazzling jewels, stacks of gold and silver coins, and various bonds. Arnulf’s eyes briefly lingered on a ring set with a finely cut blue diamond—Sigmund’s birthday gift. Practical enough to be used as a seal, though Arnulf had never worn it.
He hadn’t worn it not because it didn’t suit him, but because, constantly traveling to battlefields, jewelry seemed like a luxury.
If I wore it and lost it, Sigmund would be upset.
So Arnulf kept the precious gift safely in the vault.
But maybe now… since I might not come back, I’ll take it.
After some thought, he pocketed the ring. He wouldn’t wear it, but perhaps it could be used for sealing documents. Muttering a silent excuse to himself, Arnulf stood up.
“Did everything go well?”
Outside, the employee greeted him. Arnulf merely nodded. The employee watched his calm, composed demeanor with a hint of surprise. He knew who Arnulf was—the incorrigible scoundrel from the Duchy of Fomozein. Rumor had it he was rarely sober, whether drunk or drugged.
But he seems more composed than I expected.
His manner, expression, and gait were all dignified, even somewhat aristocratic.
Well, he is a noble…
Indeed, he looked neat and refined. If one didn’t know his reputation, he might even be admired.
But what does it matter? I accidentally killed Prince Arnulf.
Though it was deemed an accident, most disagreed. Arnulf was the kingdom’s most capable and respected military officer. He had participated in countless wars, gaining numerous honors. Pushing such a man into a pond in a drunken stupor made Joseph akin to a murderer. It was no wonder that Sigmund, Arnulf’s close friend, was sharpening his blade in revenge.
What a waste of a person. I hope he lives carefully from now on.
Otherwise, if someone crossed him, it would be considered just desserts.
tsk tsk.
The employee glanced again, silently hoping Arnulf would live wisely, given his good looks.
But could someone really entrust money to this scoundrel?
The employee, familiar with Joseph’s reckless spending habits, doubted it.
“Are you planning to follow me forever?”
“Oh, sorry!”
The employee had been walking in step with Arnulf, lost in thought, and suddenly realized they were already outside. Arnulf simply watched, showing no sign of impatience.
“Then please visit again.”
The employee offered a more polite farewell than before. Arnulf merely nodded, expressionless, before turning. But he stopped after a few steps.
Damn.
Sigmund was standing a few steps away. Lately, it felt like he ran into him everywhere. Even yesterday, he had heard some strange words before parting.
“Joseph Fomozein.”
Before Arnulf could even turn fully, Sigmund’s voice called out. Reluctantly, he turned, noticing Sigmund’s peculiar gaze.
“What are you doing here?”
Sigmund’s eyes briefly flicked to the building behind Arnulf before returning to him.
“I had some business to take care of.”
“You… came to Göttingen?”
That made sense. Sigmund’s gaze hinted at doubt. Arnulf thought it a reasonable suspicion—he had received a baffling answer when he asked Finn. Distracted by these thoughts, he didn’t notice that Sigmund’s way of addressing him had slightly changed.
