# 36
---
‘The scope is very wide.’
There were many who wished to exploit the Hilliard family's weaknesses.
Although the fiefdom is suffering from erosion due to black magic energy, it is still a treasure of the empire.
The moment a loophole appears, they will pounce on it like hyenas.
Therefore, they could not ignore this matter.
“I will investigate myf.”
“We'll take you to the basement.”
“But before that, I want to see Tidian.”
Matthias got up from his seat and left the room with his subordinates.
Tidian has been receiving treatment and is currently recovering.
Fortunately, there was no major damage to his body.
Although the medicine used as an anesthetic was strong, the doctor said that he would recover quickly if he took antitoxin and rested his body for a few days.
'I hope that his body will fully recover before the dueling competition.'
The butler told him that Tidian was preparing hard to win the jousting competition.
He is worried that he is falling behind compared to his older brothers.
To Matthias, Tidian was just a kind and lovable younger brother, but now he is gradually trying to become independent.
So, as an older brother, isn't it his duty to help him?
‘When he gets better, I should be his sparring training partner for the remainder of the period.’
Matthias arrived at Tidian's bedroom door.
He was about to knock to announce his arrival when he heard cheerful laughter from inside the room.
Who else is there?
Matthias unwittingly stopped and listened.
“You have rested well. You seem much better than yesterday, young master.”
Eleanor was the one with the voice.
Ever since Tidian woke up, she had visited him once a day without interruption.
An excited voice continued.
“That's because my sister-in-law came to see me with my nephew.”
“Aren't you stressing yourf out?”
"Not at all! I can fight for my nephew now. And for my sister-in-law too!"
The atmosphere inside the room was cheerful.
But Matthias couldn't laugh.
Because Tidian called Elinor “my brother’s wife.”
Another problem that arose from this incident was that rumors spread among the knights that Elinor and the child were his lover and his son.
It's all because of Tidian's words before he lost consciousness.
Until now, Tidian kept calling them “my sister-in-law” and “my nephew,” fueling the rumours.
'This won't work.'
He should clearly tell Tidian Today to stop spreading these strange sayings.
He had postponed the talk due to Tidian's health, but if the delay continued, everyone in the palace would think it was right.
'How did he know about the secret passage in the first place?'
He should have taken into consideration that he had a nosy younger brother who took an interest in everything his older brother did.
“Cough.”
Mathias let out a distinct cough.
The laughter inside suddenly stopped.
Matthias knocked on the door.
“Your brother is coming in.”
When he entered the room, the two of them, who had been talking around the bed, stopped and looked at him calmly.
For a moment, Matthias felt like an intruder interrupting their fun.
He was the only child who welcomed him, laughing and making funny noises.
Matthias pretended not to notice the atmosphere.
"How are you today, Tidian? Are you better?"
“I'm fine, brother.”
Tidian replied calmly.
But, strangely, his attitude seemed colder than before.
Am I imagining it?
As Matthias approached the bed, Elinor rose to make room for him.
But Tidian prevented her.
“Sister-in-law, sit down.”
“But the Duke has come…”
“Let him stand or do whatever he wants.”
It wasn't an illusion.
Tidian was really cold.
Mathias opened his mouth in shock.
As an older brother, he went through his brothers' teenage phases several times.
But, for sure, there has never been a more shocking moment than this.
Tidian glanced at Matthias and muttered.
“A little man who does not protect his wife and child.”
“Tidian?”
“How can you point a real sword at your family? I’m really disappointed.”
Tidian grumbled.
He muttered almost for Matthias to hear.
Matthias turned his gaze to Elinor.
Elinor smiled awkwardly.
'What can I, as a stranger, do?'
Matthias felt embarrassed and tried to make excuses.
“Teddy, at that time, I was in shock because you were injured and lying on the ground.”
“My sister-in-law saved me. If it weren’t for her, the teacher would have killed me. She didn’t find me until I was kidnapped and beaten badly.”
"This… I'm really sorry. It's all my fault."
He never expected that the teacher he appointed would do something like this.
Especially in the heart of the main palace of the palace.
The phrase “darkness under the lamp” described this situation perfectly.
"It won't happen again. I promise. Can't you forgive me for once?"
Tidian pursed his lips and turned his head away.
It seems he won't forgive easily.
In this case, he won't listen to him even if he tells him to correct the nicknames.
Maybe it would be better to speak through Elinor.
Matthias sighed inwardly and said to Elinor.
“Mother of the child, can we talk in private?”
Tidian responded first.
"Why? About what?"
“There are matters that need to be discussed among adults.”
“No, talk here.”
Tidian moved slowly and sat down in front of Elinor.
“I want to hear too.”
“Teddy, what are you doing now? I said I had a private conversation. Even if you are sick, who taught you to be so impolite?”
“You're trying to hide my sister-in-law and the baby again. I know everything!”
Tidian shouted.
His voice was so strong that the room seemed to shake.
“In the past, you locked my sister-in-law and my nephew in the ward! Just like my grandfather did to his mistress away from my grandmother, he forbade them from meeting anyone or going out. If you took them now, where would you keep them?”
"What…?"
"I will protect my sister-in-law and nephew. Even if it is you, you can't treat them cruelly!"
Tidian zealously forbade Matthias from approaching Elinor.
Matthias froze for a moment, stunned, and then felt stares.
The maids quickly lowered their heads as their eyes met.
Mathias thought at the same time.
Now rumors will spread about the winger as well.
“Don't get excited, young master. The doctor said you shouldn't be under pressure.”
Elinor Tidian calmed down.
“I'm fine. So I'll go talk for a bit.”
“My sister-in-law! But...”
“What you fear will not happen. Because you truly care about me and your nephew.”
Elinor smiled to calm Tidian.
"I'll be back quickly. Can you take care of the baby while I talk to the Duke?"
“I can take care of him forever...but, are you sure you're okay?”
"naturally."
Tidian receives the child from Elinor.
The child laughed while moving his little arms.
Tidian embraced the child warmly and said to Matthias.
“Brother, behave yourf. I’m watching you.”
“Ha…”
“Sister-in-law, if it looks like my brother is going to do something bad, scream. I will save you.”
"Thanks."
Elinor smiled kindly and got up.
"Yes."
She was followed by Matthias, who found himf obliged to follow her.