I Became the Heroine’s Stand-in - Chapter 69

Recently, the Duke of Valencia had been leaving the estate frequently.

Though the Valencia estate had always been a quiet place, its halls now felt even more desolate due to its master’s frequent absence.

No one knew who he was meeting not even the Duchess, who was closer to him than anyone.

Lately, the Duke had been exchanging letters more frequently. The servants whispered among themselves, speculating that their master must be meeting with an unknown correspondent.

And then, upon his return, Ersivan immediately caused a commotion with Hyde.

“I’m going to exterminate some monsters.”

“…What?”

“A dungeon was discovered nearby. It’s best to deal with it before the weather gets colder.”

It all started when the Duke declared that he would be leaving for a monster subjugation mission—despite having only recently recovered from his injuries.

Naturally, as his steward, Hyde tried to stop him.

The two had always clashed, neither willing to back down. This time was no different.

And in the end, the victor was Ersivan, who refused to change his mind until the very day of departure.

“…Your Grace, are you sure about this?”

“That’s the sixth time you’ve asked me that question.”

As Ersivan slipped his arms into the coat that a servant held out for him, Hyde let out a sigh of exasperation.

Unbothered, Ersivan merely raised an eyebrow at him, his expression unreadable.

Hyde, however, clicked his tongue and couldn’t help but scold him.

“Do you think I’d be asking if I weren’t genuinely concerned? What on earth are you thinking?”

Just then, Hyde’s gaze shifted slyly toward Diana.

Their eyes met, and Diana gave a small nod of understanding.

Seizing the opportunity, Hyde executed his plan.

“If Your Grace insists on going, then perhaps the Duchess should accompany you—”

“You’ve lost your mind, haven’t you?” Ersivan cut him off sharply. “Mind your words.”

He feared that Diana might actually take up the suggestion.

And soon enough, his worst fears were realized.

Diana was staring at him with eyes full of unmistakable desire—a silent plea that screamed, I want to go, too.

Her violet irises sparkled with anticipation, making Ersivan uneasy.

“Just to be clear, I have no intention of bringing my wife to such a dangerous battlefield.”

“And I have no intention of letting you go alone to such a dangerous place.”

Diana’s response was direct and unwavering.

Watching their exchange, Hyde nearly burst into tears.

He clenched his fists, suppressing his joy as he silently cheered her on. “Yes, that’s it! That’s the spirit!”

And—surprisingly—Ersivan hesitated.

Had it been anyone else, he would have dismissed them outright. But Diana…

That was different.

“It is my duty as your wife to assist you, even if only in a small way.”

“…”

“And, more than that… I truly want to help you.”

Diana’s words were firm, but her smile remained gentle.

With such a decisive statement, there was no room for rejection.

“…Fine.”

Ersivan sighed in resignation.

“Then come with me.”

After the incident with the poisoned tea, a strange distance had formed between them.

Diana had kept her distance, as if giving him time to recover.

And now, suddenly, she was asking to be by his side.

Ersivan could not refuse her.

With a quiet sigh, he gestured toward the stairs leading to the second floor.

“I’ll give you one hour to prepare. Make sure to bring everything—your sword, armor, everything.”

Diana had sworn to herself that she’d be ready well before the deadline.

Yet somehow, she arrived just in time for departure.

Wearing a sword at her waist outside of training felt oddly unfamiliar. The weight pressed against her hip, making her acutely aware of its presence.

In the courtyard, Cardel was already waiting.

As expected, he was in charge of teleporting the entire unit.

He’s been around quite often lately… Diana mused.

If he was going to keep frequenting the estate like this, he might as well move in permanently.

When Cardel spotted Diana standing beside Ersivan, he scoffed in amusement.

“Didn’t expect you to be coming along, too, Duchess.”

“A wife should follow where her husband goes.”

Her response was effortless and well-practiced.

Cardel snorted, barely holding back a smirk.

“Funny words, considering you snuck out alone last time.”

Then, his gaze shifted.

There was someone else who clearly wasn’t pleased with Diana’s decision to come along.

Every time she wasn’t looking, a certain person kept furrowing his brows.

“Well, at least your dear husband must be thrilled.”

Diana followed his gaze and turned to look at Ersivan.

The timing was impeccable.

Just as she looked, Ersivan’s expression softened.

It was the expression of a man who wanted to say, If my wife wishes to come, I have no objections.

A truly devoted husband.

Cardel grimaced.

He had meant to tease, but now he just felt sick.

Clicking his tongue, he turned back to Diana and gave her a final warning.

“Just stay on your toes. This won’t be a walk in the park.”

The land was barren, stripped of all life.

Once, people had lived here.

Now, there was no trace of human warmth—only the remnants of devastation.

It was like stepping onto a battlefield.

A gust of wind howled through the ruins, biting at Diana’s skin.

Ersivan noticed her shivering and spoke.

“Wrap your robe tighter.”

Diana obeyed, gripping the fabric tightly.

Just then, a deafening roar echoed through the valley.

Ersivan turned sharply toward the source of the sound.

Diana followed his gaze.

The mountain.

“That was a monster’s cry.”

Ersivan spoke with certainty.

“Judging by the sound… I’d say it’s at least mid-tier.”

He raised his hand, estimating its size with a quick gesture.

Even at a glance, Diana could tell—it was bigger than her.

No matter how skilled they were, they were still only human.

They were about to fight creatures many times their size.

Watching Ersivan and his knights prepare for battle, Diana couldn’t help but think—

How incredible they were.

“This won’t be an easy hunt.”

“The numbers alone make it difficult. The knights alone won’t be enough to handle them.”

Ersivan’s tone was almost apologetic, as if asking for understanding.

Realizing the situation, Diana suddenly felt embarrassed. She had acted stubbornly, demanding to accompany him without fully grasping the weight of his decision.

“I feel like I’ve only made things worse. Rather than being of any help, I must be more of a burden.”

“A burden? That’s hardly a fitting word for you.”

The hem of Diana’s robe fluttered in the wind.

The gusts weren’t strong enough to toss her clothing around so wildly—something must have loosened.

“Hold still for a moment.”

Ersivan reached for the edges of her robe.

His movements were careful, as the loose ribbon he was tying was near her chest. His rough, calloused hands fumbled slightly with the delicate fabric, an oddly endearing sight.

“To be honest, I feel better having you nearby. At least this way, I know you’re safe.”

Ersivan finished tying the ribbon and stepped back, his expression soft. The small smile playing on his lips only accentuated his already striking features.

“I’ll try to stay close to you at all times, but if we get separated…”

“I’ll stay put and wait for you to come find me. And if a monster approaches in the meantime, I’ll make sure to stain my blade with your blood.”

“Very good.”

He had explained it to her multiple times already. If she forgot even now, he would seriously have to question her memory.

Diana absentmindedly touched the small glass vial beneath her robes.

It contained Ersivan’s blood—a deterrent against monsters. Creatures tended to flee when they caught the scent of a being stronger than them, so as long as she smeared her sword with it, she wouldn’t be in danger.

Another deafening roar rang out through the valley.

It was louder than before.

“The monster is growing more agitated.”

Ersivan’s stride lengthened as he picked up his pace. Diana quickly followed.

They soon reached the encampment.

Ersivan entered the largest tent in the front row, while Diana was directed to one of the rear tents. The front lines were no place for her.

She would be safer here.

The Command Tent

“Your Grace!”

As soon as he stepped inside, the Knight Commander shot to his feet. Relief and admiration were written all over his face.

Ersivan handed his cloak to a waiting attendant before taking the polished helmet the commander offered him. The metal gleamed under the dim light.

“What’s the situation?”

“We’ve eliminated most of the creatures lurking near the camp. It seems they’ve noticed our presence—they haven’t come any closer.”

“That means they’ve gathered in greater numbers higher up.”

Ersivan muttered as he fitted his helmet under his arm.

By “higher up,” he was referring to the dungeon within the mountains—the origin of the infestation.

“Yes, the majority are weak, but some stronger ones have been spotted. You’ll need to be cautious.”

“So I’ve heard.”

Ersivan smirked, clearly unimpressed.

The commander, hesitant to reprimand his superior’s overconfidence, remained silent.

Truthfully, Ersivan had every right to be arrogant.

After all, he had once single-handedly slain a Black Dragon.

Even among knights, slaying a mid-tier monster was considered a great feat.

Yet Ersivan had dispatched a creature that many considered impossible to kill.

The beasts lurking in this dungeon were nothing in comparison.

“A few days ago, we sent scouts up the mountain and found a monster nest. Clearing it out will take some time. Should we direct all our forces there?”

“There’s no need.”

Ersivan dismissed the idea immediately.

“We’re already stretched thin holding this position. Pulling troops away would be reckless. Leave it be for now.”

“Then…?”

“I’ll go myself. I’ll take ten—no, fifteen knights with me. That’s more than enough.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Too many?” Ersivan arched a brow. “Shall I go alone instead?”

“What? No, absolutely not!”

The Knight Commander looked horrified at the mere suggestion.

“Your Grace, your presence alone has boosted morale. If not for you, clearing this place would have taken a month at minimum!”

Ersivan’s injuries from the poisoning were no secret among the troops.

Everyone had assumed he wouldn’t be coming.

But he had.

And because of that, the situation had completely changed.

What had seemed like an impossible battle now felt winnable.

“I’ll head for the monster nest immediately.”

Ersivan secured his sword and lowered his visor.

His preparations were complete.

“Already?”

“Yes. Hold your position here. Defend the camp.”

“Understood!”

Just as he was about to leave, Ersivan paused.

With one hand resting on the tent flap, he spoke in a casual, almost indifferent tone.

“And take care of my wife.”

A simple, offhand remark.

But the Knight Commander understood immediately.

This wasn’t just a passing request.

It was an order.

Ersivan hadn’t chosen a small team out of arrogance.

He had done so because he was leaving his knights behind to protect Diana.

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