Chapter 2. Battlefield of Flowers

For a while after that, I tried to fulfill the duties of the lady of the house. I tried living in petticoats and skirts like a proper noble lady, and read as many of the estate's ledgers as I could.

Although I was told I could visit the training grounds occasionally after my sparring match with Victor, I didn't particularly enjoy fighting. More than anything, I wanted to be of some help to him.

Funnily enough, it was during that sparring match that I realized anew he was the most renowned knight on the continent. With swordsmanship so magnificent it made my heart flutter just watching, it was only natural my heart would lean toward him as a knight.

Besides, wasn't Victor incredibly gentle? We got off to a bad start, but his kindness melted my heart like sunlight. To repay that kindness, at the very least, I wanted to acquire enough refinement to not bring shame to him anywhere I went.

I studied by reading books indiscriminately. At first, I read about history, then browsed books on the empire's culture and etiquette. After roughly finishing those, my attention turned to medical and pharmaceutical books.

The women of Amari were mostly well-versed in medicine, but I was not. My job was mostly carrying injured people from the hunting grounds on my back and bringing them back to the castle to show to them.

Still, I must have picked up a thing or two, so wouldn't I be able to understand something if I read it?

I gathered a few medical texts and sat in the lady's chambers.

But my expectations were disastrously off. Medical texts were truly, seriously difficult. They weren't interesting, and they were full of jargon I couldn't understand with just the bits and pieces I'd overheard. I furrowed my brow and turned the pages.

Suddenly, a paragraph caught my eye. It was a treatment for those who couldn't sleep properly.

After a brief explanation, effective medicinal ingredients were densely packed over two pages, but I had heard that none of these worked for Victor.

The next page described the ideal sleeping environment.

[...You must create an atmosphere that is as comfortable and familiar as possible. Blocking out surrounding sounds helps, and drinking warm wine or tea is also beneficial....]

I could write something like this.

I irritably flipped the book over to check the author's name. The cover was faded, perhaps from being perused by many. I let out a deep sigh and closed the book. He came to mind, rising like a ghost in the middle of the night and wandering.

Would he live his whole life like that?

That was too pitiful. Waking and wandering in the middle of the night, he must be having a terrible dream. With a cold, stiff face, he would be swinging his sword in the hell of his dreams.

Even if I beat him and put him to sleep every day, it wasn't a fundamental solution. I didn't have the magical healing power to erase his nightmares either.

‘A person so gentle.’

As I was thinking that, a maid called me from outside.

"My Lady, His Highness the Grand Duke will arrive shortly."

It rained heavily all day today. So it seemed he had finished his schedule earlier than usual and returned.

"You have returned."

As I stood in the cool entrance hall listening to the sound of rain and greeted him, Victor smiled brightly like a child.

"Marion."

Striding over, he stroked my cheek and smiled radiantly again.

"Since it's cold today, shall we go to bed early?"

Victor must be tired.

I nodded, my face slightly flushed from looking directly at his.

A servant took Victor's coat, and Dedrick and Madam Somona immediately ordered bathwater and a meal to be prepared. The maids who received the command quickly bowed their heads and disappeared. For some reason, their faces were flushed with joy as they whispered among themselves looking at us.

Why are they acting like that?

I tilted my head, then just headed to the dining room with the constantly smiling Victor.

I sat at Victor's left, having filled my stomach with the fragrant and savory Beef Bourguignon.

It was truly colder than usual today. When I sank into the marble bathtub in the lady's chambers, the maids brought bathwater warmer than usual. I dipped my hand in the awkwardly pouring water. Perhaps I had grown accustomed to the warm weather, for the hot bathwater felt welcoming. In my hometown, we would have bathed in the river in this kind of weather.

After bathing, I put on a thin outer garment over my usual shirt. Picking up my sword, I headed to the bedroom, and soon Victor appeared.

"What are you looking at?"

"My new sword."

I had been examining the new blade. It was something I had chosen from the armory to replace the sword broken during our last sparring match.

He chuckled as he saw me holding the sword.

"When you do that, you look just like a wildcat, you know?"

I looked at him in bewilderment, not understanding the comparison.

It was my first time hearing such a metaphor. I had only ever been called a basilisk, a demon, or a wyvern.

As Victor approached, the scent of deep musk wafted over. He leaned his body toward me.

"Crouching like this... looking at me with yellow eyes, and with sharp claws too..."

His eyes, like a beast looking at its prey, swept over my entire body as if admiring it. I somehow felt strange and hastily averted my gaze.

"Victor's... eyes are yellow too, aren't they?"

Saying his name out loud was still incredibly awkward for me.

At my words, he smiled brightly.

"That's right. We have similarities, don't we."

I inwardly thought we weren't similar at all.

If my eyes were like the moon rising early in the evening out of season, his irises were dazzling like the noon sun. How could something so strong and beautiful be compared to me?

Leaving me stuttering, he went and lay down on the bed. His cheerful voice said,

"Now, Marion. Then put me to sleep again today."

Thick curtains were drawn and darkness rolled in. Beyond the curtains, the glass windows rattled in the wind. Whoo, the sharp sound of the wind seeped into the room. It was a sound I had shared my entire life with.

I put down my sword and approached Victor on my knees. In the deep darkness, he had his eyes closed and was breathing slowly. Soon, when sleep tucked him into its sleeve, he would again be tormented by nightmares he couldn't endure alone.

Pitifully.

My mouth opened without me realizing.

"...When pure white snow piles on the windowsill..."

He flinched, his body trembling. Afraid he might open his eyes, I quickly held his hand tightly. I remembered someone doing this for me when I was young, and it had been nice.

"...A crying star above the pitch-black pond..."

It was an old song of Amari that a maid used to sing to young me, who was afraid of the wind shaking the windowsill. Victor's stiff shoulders slowly relaxed.

I had no talent for singing, but I just kept humming. Hoping that even for a moment, a deep, dreamless sleep would take away the gentle him.

When I opened my eyes the next day, a blanket was draped over my shoulders. I rubbed my cheek against the cozy edge of the blanket and groggily got up.

"You woke up early."

Victor was sitting by the bed. I looked at him, feeling an inescapable sense of embarrassment.

He was bare from the waist up. Even when he woke up yesterday and went back to sleep, he had been wearing a robe; when had his clothes come off?

I had seen undressed men enough to be sick of it while hunting knights and monster hordes, but thinking that it was Victor made it unspeakably embarrassing. I averted my gaze as best I could and asked.

"Are you not going out today?"

"I have to, but... I waited because I wanted to talk with you before I left."

"What about?"

"This and that."

Victor smiled softly.

I couldn't understand him. A man as busy as him waited in the bedroom for me to wake up without any particular business? And without even putting clothes... on.

Flustered, I picked up the robe lying on the bed and approached him. Even for my sake, he needed to cover that up a bit.

"Victor, please stand up."

When I spoke with feigned determination, he stood up looking puzzled. I slipped the robe sleeve onto his firm arm and walked around to the front. His perfectly trained, dark chest caught my eye. I averted my gaze as best I could and tightly fastened the front of the robe.

When I wrapped him up tightly so no skin was showing and tied the strings, a small laugh sounded from above my head. Looking up, Victor was looking at me with an expression on the verge of bursting into laughter.

"Marion, I'm not putting on armor..."

I looked down and finally realized I had pulled the strings too tight. Blood rushed to the tips of my ears in an instant. I thought about untying the strings, but that would be weird in its own way.

As I hesitated, not knowing what to do, he grabbed my hand.

"...Victor!"

"What? You held it well last night."

He smiled with his eyes.

I now truly felt like my face was on fire. Ashamed of my face, which must have turned like a boiled egg, I ducked my head deeply.

Being with him was harder than catching dozens of monsters.

Victor toyed with my hand for a long time like that before leaving.

Even at the breakfast table, so I had to recall the refinement of a proper noble lady and shudder in embarrassment. The servants bowed their heads and pretended not to see their master's clingy behavior, but I didn't miss the smiles flitting across their lips. It was truly mortifyingly embarrassing.

What could be so good about a hand full of calluses that he acted like that!

I cooled my cheek with the back of my hand and rang the bell. Soon, several maids came in, combed my hair, and changed my clothes.

I was now quite used to being attended by so many people. At first, even having a personal maid felt strange.

When I finished dressing, Dedrick came to the room. It meant there was something important.

"My Lady, the Social Season is approaching soon."

The Social Season?

I pulled out the word from my mind, which I had almost forgotten living here.

The Social Season referred to the period of several weeks in early summer when nobles from all over the country gathered in the capital to hold banquets and socialize. Half of the trends and gossip of noble ladies originated from that time.

Normal noble ladies counted the days until they could participate, but... naturally, for me, it was a story I had only read in books.

I gauged the intention behind his words and was suddenly startled.

"Do I have to attend the banquets too?"

When I asked anxiously, Dedrick nodded.

"Yes. Since you are a foreigner and married this year, it is appropriate for you to make your first Social Season your debut. As the Grand Duchess, your status is high, so it shouldn't be too difficult."

I scowled fiercely.

I felt like I had learned social etiquette when I was very young, but I couldn't remember exactly. The only certain thing was that I couldn't speak first to someone of higher status. As far as I knew, there was only one Grand Duke in the empire, so perhaps most noble ladies wouldn't be able to speak to me.

As if reading my thoughts, Dedrick advised calmly.

"Still, you must not talk to no one at all. You need to let them know that you are the new Grand Duchess."

I became sullen and looked down at the floor.

I was anxious. I didn't know a single person, and I knew nothing about dancing or social etiquette. Could I act like a proper Grand Duchess in a place with so many people?

I rolled my eyes and asked cautiously.

"Um, won't Victor go with me?"

The old butler raised his eyebrows, then laughed out loud, "Ha ha."

"His Highness will likely be busy attending the gentlemen's gatherings. He has taken a long break from social activities."

"I see..."

"Instead, we will support you in every way. Madam Somona and I will prepare everything else, so please review the etiquette book again, my Lady."

I scratched the carpet with the tip of my foot.

"Yes..."

In my childhood, my mother tried hard to raise me like a count's daughter. She tried to teach me embroidery with thread that wasn't even plentiful, and forced me to memorize things like a noble's way of speaking and the beats of ballroom dance music. It was something no one there did, and even I thought it was useless, but I couldn't defy my mother, who had married into a distant land and become all the sharper.

For her, who was born and raised in a wealthy and warm territory, Amari was hell. As if she didn't want to know about the territory's situation, she never went outside the castle and always embroidered flowers or the sun on cloth.

When she caught me learning the sword, she threw a terrible fit and beat the servants indiscriminately. How could she let a young lady hold a sword? How could you call yourselves servants of a noble house if you allowed this?

The knights who heard my cries rushed in and stopped my mother.

'Then should the young lady meet a goblin on the street and perish? Amari is that kind of place!'

At their words, my mother slumped as if she would collapse. And after that, she never taught me anything again.

My education as a noble lady ended there. There were some things I remembered, but it was far from enough to adapt to the social circles of the imperial capital. I pulled out the etiquette books I had read so far and frantically began studying the etiquette and culture of high society.

However, social etiquette was not only vast but also full of ambiguities. Madam Somona, who temporarily served as my etiquette teacher, taught me how to hold a fan, how to lower my gaze and shake a glass to express my intention, and how to speak to people from close families versus those from distant families, but honestly, I could barely keep up with any of it.

How on earth was I supposed to distinguish between placing the index and middle fingers on the fan versus placing the index finger and thumb? It seemed easier to guess the type of monster flying over the mountain.

While I was groaning in agony, Dedrick brought a knight.

"As you know, my Lady, during the Social Season, a noble lady must be escorted by a knight."

I nodded diligently.

A knight's escort was essential for a high-born lady. Especially ladies from knightly houses brought several knights from their families to show off to other ladies—I remembered reading such a story.

Dedrick bowed and brought the knight in.

"This knight will be your escort during this Social Season, my Lady."

I rounded my eyes.

It was the knight I had seen at the training grounds before. The knight with the brightly sticking-up red hair knelt on one knee with perfect posture and kissed the back of my hand.

"I greet Your Highness. I am Kalz of Dennion."

"P-please rise, Sir Kalz."

Flustered, I withdrew my hand. Kalz's eyes twinkled with unmistakable mischief.

Dedrick explained.

"Sir Kalz is His Highness the Grand Duke's chief of staff. He is a knight of high renown throughout the empire."

Kalz nodded pleasurably and continued.

"That is correct. That is why I was assigned to escort you. If you go around with a famous knight, it will also save face for you, my Lady."

I smiled ambiguously. It had been a long time since someone spoke to me so lightly. Because of that, I didn't know how to react.

But he acted as if my reaction didn't matter at all, seriously stroking his chin.

"But for me to escort you... That sounds quite strange, doesn't it."

"Pardon?"

"Actually, if you and I were to walk together, it would be more accurate to say that I am receiving your escort."

That's also a joke... right?

When I looked up at him in confusion, he flashed that mischievous boy smile again. But he didn't seem inclined to explain in detail, instead craning his neck to peek at the etiquette manual I was reading.

"Ah, you're looking at the ladies' etiquette? That's quite a headache."

I quickly nodded. I was in a state of great suffering anyway, and I wanted to express this feeling to anyone.

"I keep reading it, but I still don't understand..."

When I said in a timid voice, he laughed heartily.

"Don't worry, my Lady. I'll help you from now on too."

"You will, Sir Kalz?"

"Of course. Despite how I look, I'm quite popular among the ladies."

Sir Kalz smiled with a sly expression. It was a handsome smile, the corners of his mouth raised so high that his canines showed.

I narrowed my eyes and scrutinized his face. Come to think of it, he looked a little... handsome.

Actually, these days I was having trouble distinguishing people's attractiveness. Since I saw Victor by my side every day, everyone else looked mostly the same.

Probably, this much was handsome...

Interpreting my expression somehow, Sir Kalz jumped.

"I mean it, my Lady. I'm really popular, I tell you!"

"It's not that I don't believe you, Sir Kalz."

"Don't lie! You just gave me a completely suspicious look."

"Ah, no, that's not it..."

As I frantically waved my hands in panic, Dedrick and Madam Somona covered their mouths, holding back their laughter.

What a cheerfully unmanageable person.

It was the moment Sir Kalz's first impression solidified as something like a strutting Cockatrice.

With Sir Kalz joining in, full-fledged preparations for the Social Season began. Etiquette lessons in the morning, dance practice in the afternoon, and the forced march of putting Victor to sleep at night.

Using the excuse of helping me, Sir Kalz skipped training every time and came in and out of the mansion. If Madam Somona taught me "official" etiquette, what Sir Kalz taught me was the "unofficial" side.

For example, it went like this:

"A man tugging on the end of a lady's left sleeve means he wants to go out to the garden."

"Why go out to the garden?"

"Why do you think?"

He stared at me with a sly smile. As I blinked my round eyes, Madam Somona coughed, "Ahem, ahem," from behind. The next moment, I realized what his words meant.

"!"

My face instantly flushed red.

"Why would you tell me something like that...!"

"You need to know, my Lady. I don't want to see a sword fight break out in the middle of the capital."

Sir Kalz shrugged.

"If His Highness the Grand Duke sees it, quickly push him away before he does. Understood?"

Avoiding the gaze of the red-haired knight dripping with mischief, I turned my head away.

I thought he was worrying over nothing. Who would make that kind of advances toward me? Even Victor's affectionate gaze was something someone like me couldn't understand or handle. And that was precisely why it made me melt like ice in front of a fire.

Madam Somona scolded Sir Kalz, who was nibbling on cookies.

"Sir, don't fluster the Lady. Who would dare make such an insolent proposal to the Grand Duchess of Morte?"

"Well, that's true. Your Highness has a dragon-like husband."

Sir Kalz emptied his tea like alcohol in one shot and stood up.

"You probably don't need to worry. Now, shall we practice again?"

I nodded and stood up from my chair, following him. The long indoor dress I wore for dance practice fluttered loosely.

I learned to dance quite quickly. I soon picked up the basic four-beat dance, the lively imperial southern dance, and the slow dance with complex footwork said to be popular in the imperial capital.

Come to think of it, I was always told I was good at anything physical since I was young.

I took a breath, feeling a rare sense of pride in myself.

Kalz's help was significant in this progress. True to his word as the 'best dancer in the knight order,' he willingly became my practice partner. Kalz was truly knowledgeable about dancing and led me quite skillfully.

Though I stepped on his feet a few times, when I managed to dance somewhat decently, Kalz and Madam Somona spared no praise.

"Excellent, my Lady. There's almost no flaw now."

"Looking from the side, you look like an elegant swan."

But the problem was that it was always too much. I fanned myself diligently, pretending to cool off.

Truly kind people. The people of my hometown were of course good people too, but it was a place where just surviving was hard, so such tender conversations rarely occurred. There were far more memories of splinting broken legs and stitching leather than of laughing and chatting. So I liked it here. This gentle atmosphere, and the kind Victor.

Thinking of Victor made heat rise to my cheeks again. Thoughts naturally arose.

If I keep doing this, will I become a wife even a little worthy of him? Can I become a lady fitting for him, who is always magnificent and elegant?

Just then, the sound of the door came from behind.

"I heard you're practicing dancing?"

"Victor!"

Victor approached me with a soft smile. It seemed he hadn't been back from outside for long, as the scent of spring breeze lingered on his collar.

He looked at my hair, which I had braided and rolled up in a circle, as if finding it amusing.

"Were you practicing court banquet dances?"

"Yes. Sir Kalz was my partner."

The Grand Duke's gaze shifted to Kalz. When his yellow eyes narrowed like a griffin, Kalz quickly backed away about five steps.

Why is he doing that?

I sent a questioning glance over my shoulder and looked back up at Victor. He spoke very gently.

"If you needed a practice partner, you should have called for me. I was nearby."

"Uh, but..."

No matter if it was dance practice, I heard that a married couple sticking together from daytime was against etiquette.

I turned back to look at Madam Somona, and she also had a troubled expression, thinking the same thing. Meanwhile, Kalz's gaze was a bit different. If I had to describe it, it was something like 'is that crazy bastard out of his mind'.

Just then, a large hand turned my face back.

'!'

His breath was felt from inches away.

Cupping my cheek, Victor made a sweet, coaxing voice.

"Marion, hm?"

My face instantly flushed.

Did he know I was weak to his face?

I mumbled, not knowing where to look. The desire to grant his request, since it was a rare ask from him, rose to my throat.

But.

I squeezed my eyes shut and cried out.

"I-I'll just do it with Sir Kalz!"

No matter what, I couldn't break the etiquette I had just learned yesterday right now.

When I met him at dinner time, strangely, he looked a bit sullen.

Sullen? The Grand Duke of Death?

I shuddered at the terrible dissonance between those two words. Weren't the words attached to him always things like erupting in volcano-like rage, or annihilating without leaving a speck of dust?

Of course, he was so elegant that he didn't show it. But he often stared at me silently, and every time that happened, I suffered from an inexplicable sense of guilt. Sensing something off from their reticent master, the servants also went about more quietly than usual.

Unable to bear the awkward atmosphere, I opened my mouth.

"Um, Victor."

"What is it? Marion."

He asked back in a soft noble accent. I suppressed the urge to lower my head and met his eyes with difficulty.

"I still can't dance well."

Victor raised one eyebrow.

I blurted out incoherently.

"Well, I practiced hard, but I keep stepping on feet... Anyway, Sir Kalz also had a really, really hard time."

"......"

"So... when I get better at it, please dance with me then."

My voice trailed off timidly. Suddenly feeling so embarrassed, I hurriedly stuffed a piece of buttered bread into my mouth.

As I stared down at the white tablecloth, I heard a small laugh. When I looked up, Victor was smiling as if he was immensely entertained.

The Grand Duke of Death leaned back against his chair, smiling beautifully.

"It's truly strange, Marion."

"Yes? About what?"

"He is a knight I cherish, but... I didn't feel good about it at all."

I realized he was talking about Sir Kalz.

Not knowing what to answer, I just fiddled with my fingers, and he added with something like a sigh.

"I don't know why I keep becoming so petty when it comes to your matters."

I had even less to say, so I took another bite of the roast turkey, which the kitchen staff had prepared with all their skill. Victor's gaze never left the side of my face.

"Everything is fine, but please don't overdo it. I don't want you to feel burdened."

"...Still, Victor, I want to look like a noble lady at the ball."

So I won't be a flaw to you.

The latter words were hidden deep inside due to my shyness. Victor's smile deepened.

"Do as you wish. But there's no need to worry about things like the honor of the Grand Ducal house. Even if you fall twenty times while dancing, no one will be able to say anything."

I quietly looked at him.

How could he say that? The flaw of the mansion became the flaw of the master, and the flaw of the lady became the flaw of the husband. I had already learned and knew that was how noble society operated.

To my silence, he flashed a smooth smile.

"Power is such a thing, Marion. So don't worry and just go enjoy yourself. Alright?"

His words held a denial-defying certainty. I had no choice but to nod.

The deep blue spring passed, and the season was now entering early summer. As the days grew warmer, the curtains changed to a cool light green. The servants' attire also became much lighter.

Along with the thin indoor wear newly ordered for the summer, the new dresses to be worn for the Social Season also arrived one after another. The dresses, layered with thin, fluffy fabric and adorned with beads, were all bright colors.

I, who had never worn bright or expensive clothes, was now practically resigned to it. My comment that the dresses bought before were enough had long been buried under the cries of Madam Somona and the maids. They argued that the empire's only Grand Duchess naturally needed at least 10 summer dresses, and for every Social Season, another 10 dresses following the latest trends had to be tailored.

Sir Kalz, beside me, said encouragingly.

"Still, it's this beautiful, my Lady. And it looks like it will suit you very well too."

"I suppose..."

Before I knew it, Kalz, who had become a part of my daily life, was now something like a friend. He often told me stories about the capital's inner workings and the sordid affairs between nobles with names hard to remember.

One peculiar thing was that he strangely never talked about his own heroic deeds. Don't knights usually love to endlessly boast about what they've killed?

When I looked puzzled, he said with an exaggerated sigh.

"What's the point of boasting about my humble martial skills in front of Your Highness? It would just look like a child boasting about catching a tiny mouse."

What was he talking about?

It was still hard to understand, but I nodded.

He was a renowned knight, so if he were to talk about his merits, there would be no end. Perhaps, unlike his lighthearted demeanor, he had a humble personality when it came to these things.

Anyway, time passed like that, and the first week of the Social Season approached.

Madam Somona pondered for days over which banquet I should make my debut.

A gathering that wasn't low in status, wasn't too burdensome, and where I could meet as many noble ladies as possible at once.

She decided on the event after getting some advice from Dedrick and Kalz. It was a salon party hosted by Duchess Muelje on the first Monday of the Social Season.

Duchess Muelje was one of the most famous women in the capital's social scene, and her salon had long served as the gathering place for the capital's noble ladies.

As I signed the reply announcing my attendance, I suppressed my wildly beating heart. Excitement and anxiety washed over me simultaneously. I had heard this wasn't something to be so nervous about, but I didn't know why I was so anxious.

And so, the morning of the party dawned. From the early morning, I was led by the maids and spent nearly two hours getting dressed.

A pale yellow dress with delicate golden embroidery was wrapped tightly around my thin body. My hair was combed with fragrant oil and let down long, and a heavy, jewel-encrusted tiara was placed on my head. When the decoration was finished, I felt like some porcelain doll. Even if I groaned about being uncomfortable, the Madam was firm.

"Your Highness is the highest-ranking noble lady there, so you must naturally possess dignity."

She said so, but she also seemed to enjoy dressing me up in accessories as much as the servants did. In the end, I let out a groan and accepted the asceticism.

After finishing my adornment, I awkwardly went down to the lobby.

It had already been over a month since I came to the imperial capital, but truth be told, my only outings so far had been peeking into the garden. Going-out dresses were still unfamiliar, the capital was still just unfamiliar, and Victor was too busy to guide me. Moreover, strangely few people visited the mansion, so I barely knew any nobles by face. The tension of my first outing and social debut weighed heavily on me.

I cautiously stepped out to the entrance. Victor, ready and waiting, was waiting for me.

Ah.

I inwardly admired him. He was wearing the formal attire of an imperial noble, a black satin jacket embroidered with gold thread over a black shirt. He looked dashing as always, but his dressed-up appearance was also incredibly stylish.

As I approached, Victor briefly stiffened his face.

Was something wrong? As I looked up anxiously, he quickly relaxed his expression and smiled.

"You're more beautiful than usual, Marion."

There he goes with that ridiculous talk again.

I quickly averted my gaze toward Victor's splendid black formal wear and changed the subject.

"When will you return today, Victor?"

"Well... I think I have to attend the imperial banquet. It's a pity we can't go to the ball together."

"No. I'll go and enjoy it to the fullest."

When I said this, recalling his words, a small laugh followed.

"But don't enjoy it too much. I hate showing you off for long."

What?

For a moment, I didn't understand his words and raised my head. But Victor had already gestured for Sir Kalz and was quietly giving him some instructions. Then he spoke gently again.

"If you're tired, come back early and rest. See you."

He lifted the back of my hand and kissed it lightly. Unlike when Sir Kalz did it, the back of my hand felt like it was burning. Not knowing what came over me, I nodded and hurriedly headed for the carriage.

Sir Kalz, who had gone ahead, was holding the reins with a grimacing face.

I suddenly got curious and asked.

"What did the Grand Duke say to you?"

"He said if anything happens to you, my Lady, he'll cut off my head and decorate the front gate of the mansion with it."

I laughed out loud, "Haha." To think he would make a joke to relieve my tension even at a time like this; Kalz was truly a good escort knight. There was no way an elegant person like Victor would say something so vulgar.

Kalz's face contorted strangely at my laughter. To show it was fine, I smiled once more and quickly climbed into the carriage.

Imperial social gatherings, except for balls, were strictly divided into women's gatherings and men's gatherings. This was because the empire considered it against etiquette for nobles of different sexes to mingle. Women's gatherings were especially exclusive, so it was customary for escorting knights to keep a certain distance and stay apart from the lady they served.

So I couldn't help but be even more nervous. To be suddenly thrown into a place without Victor, without Madam Somona, and without Sir Kalz.

As I suppressed my trembling hands, Sir Kalz soon opened the door.

"Please step down, Your Highness."

He escorted me with perfect knightly etiquette.

I stepped out of the carriage and looked at the mansion.

The Muelje ducal mansion wasn't as grand as the Morte Grand Ducal estate, but it was quite large and beautiful. Well-tended climbing roses bloomed on the walls, and beautifully shaped shrubs decorated the garden.

Under the polite guidance of the servants, I headed to the sparkling glass greenhouse on one side of the garden. This greenhouse, which Duchess Muelje cherished dearly, was one of the largest salons in high society.

The servant standing guard at the door cried out loudly.

"The mistress of the Black Lion mansion, Her Highness the Grand Duchess of Morte, has arrived!"

I squeezed my eyes shut and stepped into the greenhouse.

The glass greenhouse was a feast of flowers. It was the same whether I looked with my eyes or smelled with my nose. I was overwhelmed by the sight before me and froze stiff. Beautiful noble ladies in dresses of all colors, adorned with fragrant oils, fans, and silk shoes, were bowing to me.

Kalz whispered beside me.

"My Lady, you must go in."

Only then did I come to my senses and, with my head held high, headed straight for the host, Duchess Muelje.

Calm down, I've only practiced for this moment for weeks.

"Thank you for inviting me, Duchess Muelje."

Despite being incredibly nervous, fortunately, my voice didn't sound too strange.

The glamorous-looking duchess bowed deeply to me.

"It is an honor to have you visit my salon, Your Highness. Will you grant me the honor of introducing you?"

As Madam Somona had predicted, as a moderate noble, she was willing to act as the host for the debutante. Feeling relieved, I nodded.

She took my hand and introduced me to the ladies again.

"Her Highness the Grand Duchess of Morte, Amarion Morte. Since you have graced my salon in person, let us all have an enjoyable time together."

"Hello, I am Amarion Morte."

When I greeted everyone, many ladies threw in compliments mixed with smiles. They welcomed me, said I was beautiful, said my dress was perfect. Most of it was probably polite flattery considering the relationship between families, but it didn't feel bad.

Meeting those friendly gazes, my tension completely melted away. Even though Kalz had already moved to the area where the knights were supposed to be, it wasn't as scary as I thought. I remembered the mansion staff who had encouraged me multiple times, saying I'd be fine since I was the Grand Duchess. For some reason, I felt lighthearted, thinking I could really do this well.

Just then, a lady suddenly smiled and covered her mouth with her fan.

"I heard His Highness the Grand Duke cherishes you very much, and it certainly seems that way."

Another lady smiled with her eyes and opened her fan.

"How could he not cherish you? You are an important person to His Highness."

And another lady put her fan to her lips.

"I only knew he cherished you like a single flower, I didn't know he would show you to us."

And then the laughter followed.

My smile slowly faded as I listened to their words.

This... was something strange.

What Madam Somona had taught me with particular care was how to distinguish insults. Insults in high society were made in very subtle ways, so if one didn't know their rules, it was common to pass by without even realizing them. While assuring me it wouldn't be necessary, she had meticulously taught me all the methods of insult.

And those memories informed me thoroughly.

These people had no intention of accepting me as a member of the salon. No, at this level, it was a blessing they hadn't chased me out.

I panicked and gripped the hem of my skirt tightly.

I was seeing these noble ladies for the first time today; what reason could there be for such hostility? Even though I was the wife of the empire's greatest hero?

They smiled like a pack of wolves facing a small rabbit.

"Receiving a husband's love is a woman's virtue."

"Of course. Especially in an unexpected marriage..."

"Love blooming after a sudden meeting isn't such a rare thing either."

"Besides, His Highness the Grand Duke is a knight, isn't he? It truly sounds like an old tale."

I tried hard to understand their words.

Unexpected marriage, sudden meeting. Husband's love.

I suddenly realized.

These were all words used to mock a low-born mistress who had rolled into a noble house.

My expression immediately scowled. No matter the difference in status, I couldn't understand why I, the legal wife, had to listen to such things.

Seeing me biting my lip tightly, perhaps out of pity, one lady fanned herself and willingly pointed it out.

"Well, His Highness the Grand Duke originally had a fiancée, too."

What... did she say?

"A, fiancée?"

"Oh my, I made a slip of the tongue in front of Your Highness."

The lady held and released her skirt hem as if mocking me. At the same time, someone approached, parting the waves of numerous dresses.

She was a noble lady who perfectly fit the glass greenhouse. Warm brown hair, large blue eyes, and long, deer-like eyelashes fluttered every time she blinked. A young lady with a very lovely face curtsied and greeted me.

"It's a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Your Highness the Grand Duchess. I am Nanael Welch."

I looked at her blankly.

I already knew her name. According to Madam Somona, she was the daughter of House Welch, famous for its knight order just like Morte. Also, she was currently the most sought-after flower of the social scene. She was said to be already receiving courtship from numerous young nobles and knights, sweeping the capital's party scene with her family's knights in tow.

Madam Somona had been particularly businesslike about it, and Kalz, who would normally be enthusiastic about such a topic, was quiet, so the conversation ended there.

But could that be... such a thing...

I desperately scattered the rising thoughts and with difficulty, returned her greeting.

"Hello. I am Amarion Morte."

She smiled brightly and covered her mouth with her white hand. At first glance, it was a bright smile that could create the illusion she was truly glad. But her eyes were not. Looking at me with eyes that weren't smiling, she spoke like a nightingale.

"The tiara you have in your hair is truly lovely. Though it, of course, cannot compare to Your Highness's hair."

This was... about me being from the North.

I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Thank..."

"Which house do you come from, Your Highness? I want to hear about your hometown!"

Nanael Welch grabbed my hand in a very friendly manner.

I wanted to shake off that hand, but I simply couldn't muster the courage. A small voice flowed out with difficulty.

"I am, from a count's family in the northern kingdom..."

My words, which had gotten up to that point, were cut off by the lady's friends standing beside her.

"You're being too familiar with Her Highness, Nanael. You must observe proper etiquette."

"Is that so? I'm sorry, Your Highness. I have little education and make frequent mistakes."

Nanael raised and lowered her skirt hem with a very lively attitude. Her friends laughed, "Ho ho."

"Still, I understand your joyful feelings. Thanks to Your Highness, His Highness the Grand Duke's condition is said to be improving."

"My, condition? It's not polite for an outsider to gossip about the master's affairs."

Nanael warned in a sharp voice. I watched the farce unfolding in a daze.

Nanael Welch was acting as if she were the lady of the Grand Ducal house. But no one pointed that out. Half of the noble ladies just remained silent, and the rest didn't hide their sneers toward me. My sensitive ears caught snippets of their whispering.

"How can there be such a shameless woman?"

"If it wasn't for His Highness the Grand Duke's famous insomnia, would she have even been able to come to the empire?"

"She should be brewing medicine or casting spells, how dare she come all the way here..."

My heart dropped.

A late realization washed over me.

These people knew. That I was a woman bought to put Victor to sleep.

I don't know what state of mind I was in to stay there.

The subtle mockery continued, and even the moderate noble ladies, including Duchess Muelje, didn't readily step in to stop it. It seemed they thought there was no need to make an enemy of other noble ladies. In the end, I barely filled the time so it wouldn't be considered rude and fled the salon.

Sir Kalz, who followed me out, joked asking if I was very tense, but I just nodded silently. Perhaps thinking I was just tired, Kalz didn't speak to me further.

During the silence, my thoughts branched off in dark directions.

The insults were certainly painful, but truthfully, they weren't wrong.

I was a count's daughter, but our house being a count's family was because we guarded the border of the kingdom. The count title itself was nothing more than an empty shell granted to maintain a certain number of knight orders.

Naturally, I hadn't even been to the capital many times, and I hadn't even had a debutante. Stepping even a little outside the castle, monsters swarmed, so dreaming of visiting other nobles' mansions was out of the question. I was someone who knew more mercenary captains than noble ladies.

For a woman like me to marry a high-ranking Grand Duke was originally an absurd thing.

If it were a qualified lady like Lady Welch... maybe.

Everything I wore creaked awkwardly. It felt like everyone was saying I was someone who didn't belong in that position.

Completely intimidated, in the end, I didn't talk to anyone at the second tea party. Since the rumors hadn't spread yet, there were people who spoke to me, but someone had said it. Words in the Social Season were faster than a wyvern's wings. Soon enough, they too would learn of the insults I had suffered earlier and the reason for them.

Thinking that made me want to go straight back to the Grand Ducal mansion and lock myself in bed. I wanted to complain to Victor that I had come back early because it was hard.

But that would be truly... like a mistress.

With a choked feeling, I stepped out of the gorgeous carriage. Under the darkening sky, the abundant lights welcomed the guests gathered for the ball.

The ball held at the detached palace on the outskirts of the capital was much larger in scale than the previous two gatherings. Moreover, male nobles were also mixed in, making the atmosphere even more excited.

Still, it would be a bit better since Kalz was here this time. Feeling reassured, I took his hand and entered alone.

But that didn't even last a few minutes. In the middle of the ballroom, Nanael Welch was surrounded by many people and laughing. Afraid our eyes might meet, I hastily turned my body toward Kalz.

He asked, looking puzzled.

"What's wrong, my Lady?"

I was afraid Kalz would learn of the insults I had heard. Since he was an excellent knight, he would draw his sword without hesitation, but if he did, the dishonor of fighting for an unqualified woman would follow him. A knight hearing such words was a disgraceful thing.

And what if... Lady Welch was really Victor's fiancée... would Kalz take my side?

Suppressing all sorts of dark imaginations, I forced a smile.

"You've only waited for me all day today, so please go and dance too, Sir Kalz."

"What? I can't do that, my Lady! His Highness the Grand Duke said he would really skewer my head on a pike!"

I half-forcefully pushed away the jumping Kalz. Fortunately, his claim of being popular wasn't a lie; a few ladies were lingering nearby waiting to ask him for a dance, and using that as an excuse, I was able to distance myself from Kalz.

I went toward the terrace and leaned against the wall. Being alone made the openly audible whispering crush me even more painfully.

"They said Lady Welch and His Highness the Grand Duke were lovers?"

"That makes sense, both of them are so beautiful! Besides, House Welch and House Morte have been long-time allies."

"But because of the illness, he had no choice..."

"A woman from the kingdom..."

I was tired. I wanted to give up and just sit down right there. Go back to the Grand Ducal mansion, eat some delicious food... no, I just wanted to chew on a frozen piece of grass in Amari.

It was laughable to suffer over something like this. The truth was just the truth.

I was bought with a dowry. To put the wandering Grand Duke to sleep, a momentary...

Suddenly, a rough hand violently yanked my left sleeve.

Startled, I looked to the side. A man dressed in noble clothes, completely drunk, was haphazardly pulling my sleeve. I understood the meaning of this action and went pale.

"Wh-what are you doing? Let go of this."

"What's so expensive about this... They say you're a witch?"

The stench of alcohol wafted all the way here. He smirked and scanned me up and down. The disgust of a slimy monster's tongue licking me washed over me.

"What kind of trick do you perform at night that the Grand Duke loves you to death... I'm just curious, why?"

"......"

"Let's go out for a bit, it wouldn't be your first time..."

My hands trembled furiously at the outrageous insult. I wanted to draw any sword right now and cut off this man's tongue. But right now, I wasn't a swordswoman, but a noble lady at a social gathering. As long as the name of the Grand Ducal house couldn't protect me, I was endlessly powerless.

Someone roughly snatched the wrist of the guy about to open his mouth again.

"I'm sorry, but Count Minfield. My master ordered me to bring the Lady."

I barely raised my head. Kalz, with an icy expression, was pulling his hand off. He must have run over in a hurry, as a lady standing bewildered, having lost her partner, could be seen in the distance.

Kalz added bluntly.

"If you truly wish for it, you'll have to duel with me or my master. I'm sure you don't not know who my master is."

After alternately looking at Kalz's face and the emblem embedded in his epaulets, the count hastily shook his hand off. Perhaps finally sobering up a bit, the man, muttering curses, fled as if his tail was on fire.

I was finally able to let out a watery sigh of relief.

All the way back in the carriage, Kalz begged me for forgiveness. He said he shouldn't have left my side even for a moment, and that he never dreamed there would be a crazy lunatic who would dare make improper advances toward Your Highness.

I mechanically smiled and repeated that it was fine. Since I was the one who told him to go dance, it truly wasn't his fault.

Perhaps trying to lighten my mood, he grumbled lightly.

"Even if he was drunk, how could such a lowlife exist? Your Highness's name has 'Morte' clearly attached to the back of it... My Lady, did that man say anything strange to you?"

His smiling expression grew increasingly serious. Only then did I realize I was no longer smiling. I hastily shook my head.

"No, I was just a little startled... And I'm tired."

"If he was disrespectful beyond a certain point, please tell me. I may be lacking, but I am your knight."

I shook my head again.

I didn't want things to get bigger. I hated someone taking revenge for me, and I hated the rumors spreading and worrying the people around me. I was someone who had always hidden my pain and lived alone. So I just wanted to quietly lock myself away and swallow all of this.

Meanwhile, the carriage arrived at the Grand Ducal mansion. Sir Kalz continuously apologized and escorted me out of the carriage.

As I entered the mansion, Madam Somona and Dedrick rushed over to me anxiously.

"My Lady, you've returned early."

"How was the banquet? Did you enjoy yourself?"

Sir Kalz tried to say something with an uncomfortable face, but I preempted him and gave a bright smile. Thanks to that, I told them I had a fun time, that there were many good people. Seeing them rejoice at my words made my grievance swell even more for nothing.

Because of their kindness, I had completely forgotten. No matter how kindly the servants treated me, I was a severely lacking Grand Duchess. To think I had frivolously assumed I could act like the lady of the house... Rather, I should be grateful to them for treating so politely someone who hadn't even come through a proper marriage arrangement.

Unable to shake off my gloomy thoughts, I followed the maids back to my room.

Victor returned later than me.

Having holed up in the bedroom since early in the day, upon seeing him, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I had missed him all day, but at the same time, I desperately didn't want to see him.

Victor asked about my well-being as soon as he saw me.

"How was the banquet?"

I lied.

"It was enjoyable."

"Is that so? I heard you came back early."

He looked at me with worry and moved the book I had left carelessly onto the side table.

Did you have a fiancée?

I desperately suppressed the question threatening to burst out toward his broad back. Cold reason immediately reprimanded me.

What right did I have to ask such a thing? I was just a woman who married him because of his illness. My usefulness was truly limited to a couple of hours at night.

I pretended to look at the sword blade again because it was hard to look at his face. A worried voice came from above my head.

"Are you sure nothing happened? You look very tired."

"No. I'm just tired. Who would dare touch someone from the Grand Ducal house."

Victor, who had come in front of me, gave another silky smile unbefitting his nickname. His fingers stroked my disheveled hair.

"I'm glad if that's the case."

"......"

"I worried about you all day today. Even at the imperial palace, I only thought of you."

Victor's eyes were so gentle. It was a gaze I wanted to keep looking at, even if I was deceived.

But I desperately shook it off and closed my eyes.

"Then, for my sake who is tired, please go to sleep early."

At my words, Victor smiled faintly and nodded.

"Right, I have to wake up early tomorrow too."

Watching the dark back of his head walking toward the bed, I swallowed my surging feelings below my throat. Leaning my forehead against the cold sword hilt, I muttered.

But Victor. I wasn't the Grand Duchess there.

The Social Season schedule rushed in every day. It was a continuous stream of endless banquets and balls. I would go to a banquet, come back, sleep from exhaustion, and wake up around the time Victor arrived—this became my daily routine.

Sleep was a good refuge. Neither Victor nor the servants spoke long words to me, who had slept and woken up, and I just had to wait for Victor to get into bed and put him to sleep.

But after that, I suffered from not being able to fall asleep again. Even though Victor's condition had weakened lately, so he could lie back in bed in less than 5 minutes, it still happened.

Every time I saw the sleeping Victor, unfamiliar emotions overturned my insides.

Incomprehensible sense of betrayal, sorrow, and self-hatred for feeling that way.

I skipped breakfast with him on the excuse of fatigue, and left the mansion as withered as a chick that hadn't even eaten a single grain of rice. The servants thought I was completely exhausted by the schedule of my first social parties.

Dedrick comforted me with pity.

"My Lady, you only have to suffer a little for the first week. From the second week on, you'll only have to attend gatherings with close acquaintances, so it won't be this arduous."

I smiled weakly.

I figured I would be able to rest from next week since it was obvious I wouldn't make any close friends.

Physical pain was nothing compared to emotional pain.

Words about me spread faster than a dragon's fire. Lady Welch's friends moved about in large groups like giant bouquets of flowers, spreading rumors. Their words were elegant, but the content was utterly vile.

After several days of banquets, I had become the Grand Duke's pharmacist-cum-attendant, the mistress who stole Nanael Welch's place, and the Grand Duchess in name only.

I couldn't deny a single thing. Because they weren't entirely false. I wasn't a shameless person who could deny the truth.

Sometimes, anger flared up, but I closed my eyes and silently endured all the words.

If I lost my temper here, it would obviously become a stain on the Grand Ducal house. I didn't want to see Victor insulted because of me. Even in this situation, Victor being a kind and good person didn't change.

As I volunteered to be a wallflower every day, naturally, the amount I ate also decreased. Kalz worried terribly about me withering away day by day. He told me funny stories in the carriage, explained the shops visible out the window, and sometimes even got out at the market to buy snacks for me.

Seeing him make an effort without even knowing the reason made my stomach burn. He must have also known how I accidentally became the Grand Duchess, but to go this far just because I was the noble lady he served. I kept having self-deprecating thoughts that I wouldn't normally have.

But Kalz was the only one I could talk to. Eventually, one day, I cautiously asked.

"Is it true that Lady Welch was His Highness the Grand Duke's fiancée?"

Sir Kalz's eyes widened, then he let out a sigh.

"I wondered why you kept looking down, and you heard useless talk."

He spat out and briefly nodded.

"Yes. It's true. Duke Welch provided military rations to the Morte Knight Order on the battlefield, and in return, demanded a marriage with his daughter. His Highness had no choice but to accept."

My heart sank heavily. I looked down sadly.

"So what people were saying was true..."

"But that engagement was broken off a long time ago!"

As Kalz quickly leaned forward, the carriage rattled left and right from the momentum.

"Ah, I'm sorry."

Apologizing, Kalz shook his red head.

"The engagement with Lady Welch was broken off as soon as His Highness returned from the battlefield. After that, His Highness brought you, my Lady. Lady Nanael Welch has not even a speck of relation to His Highness anymore."

"But."

Didn't the noble ladies speak as if the two had been forced to part?

It wasn't hard to imagine a lovely lady like her and Victor acting as a married couple. They must have been a truly well-matched pair.

Suddenly, a burning sensation rose in my chest, and I put down the skewer I was holding. Kalz turned blue.

"My Lady, you're leaving food..."

With a shadowed face, I looked down at the carriage floor.

I was so ashamed and hated that I was caring about such things. I wished Victor didn't know of these base feelings of mine.

I requested Sir Kalz.

"Please keep it a secret from the Grand Duke that I asked about Lady Welch."

Kalz glanced at me.

Well, he was Victor's knight. He was obligated to report any anomalies to his master.

But truly, if I received a disappointed look from Victor too, I felt like I wouldn't be able to endure it anymore.

I inevitably said the words I didn't really like.

"If you tell him..."

"?"

"I will whip you."

Kalz shrieked and dropped the skewer.

With cloudy eyes, I looked at the luxurious mansion I had to visit today.

The Marquisate Catalreang. It was the mansion of a marquis family of high status, famous as the wealthiest in the empire. The 'Room of Gold' in the Catalreang territory, where jewels were piled higher than a person's height, was a favorite subject for bards.

But to me, it was just another torture chamber.

After entering the salon and immediately greeting Marchioness Catalreang, I went and leaned against the wall. The Marquis family's chandelier, which used expensive crystal without reservation, helped me think of other things.

But it was too loud to ignore the voices of Lady Welch's group.

"His Highness the Grand Duke of Morte is the dream of all women."

"Of course. He's the greatest knight on the continent, isn't he? Plus, with that noble appearance! Even a knight from an old tale wouldn't be like him."

"Since the Grand Ducal house has been quiet lately, we'll probably hear good news soon, right, Nanael?"

"Oh my, why are you asking me that? I'm truly embarrassed!"

Following the bell-like laughter, Lady Welch shook her fan and smiled like a flower.

I couldn't watch anymore. I listlessly picked up a champagne glass and sat on a chair in the corner. Ever since Kalz chased away the count on the first day, no one had openly picked a fight with me, but the looks filled with curiosity and mockery remained. I lowered my head. I thought the shaded area under the curtains suited me right now.

Then, a shadow fell over my feet.

"I greet Your Highness the Grand Duchess."

There shouldn't be anyone here who could speak to me first?

Startled, I instinctively raised my head.

Standing before my eyes was a lady I was seeing for the first time. An outrageously gorgeous dress and a sapphire necklace with beads so large my jaw dropped. Over the lace intricately woven with jewels, black, wavy hair cascaded. The moment I saw the dazzling diamond circlet placed on top of it, I forgot my learned etiquette and gaped with my mouth open.

Even though I attended social gatherings every day, this was the first time I had seen a woman dressed so expensively. Was she a princess or something?

As I was thinking that, she sat down beside me without hesitation.

"Please forgive my rudeness, Your Highness. I am the daughter of Marquis Catalreang, Katarina Catalreang."

Only then did I realize she was the daughter of the hostess of this party, Lady Katarina. She stopped me as I hastily tried to return her greeting.

"Just sit. I broke etiquette as well."

With an elegant gesture, she called a servant and picked up a glass. I stared blankly at the side of her face.

Why did she speak to me? Showing that she was associated with me wouldn't bring any benefits.

Could it be that she also came to mock me?

"What is the matter?"

When I asked hesitantly, she answered sharply.

"Truly impudent people, aren't they? Don't you agree?"

Her gaze was fixed on the center of the banquet hall. Following her gaze, I spotted Lady Welch and jumped in surprise.

It was my first time seeing someone criticize Lady Welch other than me. To my surprise, she continued speaking in a rough attitude unbefitting her attire.

"I don't want such people dirtying my family's salon, but since our trading guild is under the protection of the Welch Knight Order, I couldn't kick them out. I apologize again for the rudeness, Your Highness."

"Ah, no."

Even if it was just words, thank you.

I swallowed my words and moistened my dry throat. She frowned and explained.

"It's been quite a while since Nanael Welch has acted like the lady of the Grand Ducal house. Every time His Highness achieved merit on the battlefield, she boasted as if it were her own doing. Even a real wife wouldn't have been that arrogant."

"Is that so..."

I nodded, feeling a strange joy that someone was cursing Nanael in my stead.

Katarina clenched her fist.

"Then when His Highness got married, they spread such ridiculous rumors. She said that when His Highness is fully cured, she will take the Grand Duchess's place instead of Your Highness? How absurd and vile..."

Katarina shuddered and emptied her wine glass in one gulp. Overwhelmed by her force, I just kept nodding. Unlike many women in high society, she seemed to truly dislike Nanael. She clacked her glass down.

"Your Highness is the legitimate lady of the Grand Ducal house. What they are doing is dishonorable. I feel ashamed to only show an ugly side to Your Highness, who came from a foreign land."

I stared at Katarina.

She seemed to be someone with great pride as an imperial noble. Her appearance, denouncing dishonor straight up while wearing a dress, was truly befitting a noble's daughter.

Before I could even think, words popped out.

"Lady Katarina, you are truly noble."

"Is that so?"

She smiled softly. As she moved, an unfathomable amount of jewels glittered brilliantly. Her entire body was shimmering with the wealth of her house.

Katarina said with serious eyes.

"I don't forget the rights I've gained as the heir of Catalreang, nor the duties I must bear. If that is what being noble is, then I am probably a very noble person."

Rights and duties...

I looked at her and nodded silently.

After that, for the first time since the Social Season started, I had a smiling conversation with someone in the salon.

Thanks to Lady Katarina, my mood wasn't too bad today.

I ate dinner, and to shake off the perfume smell clinging to my body, I washed with unscented water. When I put on a shirt, somehow everything felt refreshed.

Katarina had said it as if it were nonsense, but Nanael Welch was indeed a fiancée who matched Victor. The daughter of an allied house with a similar status, the best bride in the empire. She might have been Victor's lover, or she might become the Grand Duchess instead of me later. After all, I wasn't a lady fit to be the mistress of the house.

I came here, as if sold, out of duty to my territory. It was all true, so this much suffering was just something I had to endure.

I hugged my sword and curled up on the bed.

I had always lived a hard life, so I was used to swallowing my pain alone. Still, the reason I felt sorrowful right now was probably because Victor was too kind. Because he was the first such person in my life. So...

As I buried my face in my arms, the bedroom door suddenly flew open.

"Marion!"

Striding in, Victor looked at me anxiously.

I greeted him awkwardly.

"Welcome back, Your Highness the Grand..."

"Did something happen?"

He was right in front of my nose in an instant.

He chased after my evasive gaze.

"What happened?"

"N-nothing."

"You're not looking at me."

I squeezed my eyes shut and hugged my sword as if it were a lifeline. Whenever I saw Victor, useless imaginations rushed in, making it impossible to face him.

When I stubbornly refused, he stopped moving.

"...Do you know we haven't even had a proper conversation for days?"

"That's because I'm tired..."

"The servants said you go upstairs as soon as I arrive, even when you're in the dining room."

I bit my lip tightly.

With so many people in this mansion, it was no wonder words got around.

With difficulty, I cleared my throat and raised my head. Victor had terrifyingly sunken eyes. Swallowing the rising sorrow, I forced a smile.

"I really just wanted to rest. Nothing happened."

"Should I call Kalz and ask?"

"Ask him. Really."

I answered, feigning peace.

After a long silence, he let out a deep sigh.

"Marion, I'll ask just one more time. If someone made things difficult for you, please tell me."

How could I tell you.

I used all my strength to hold back the words that almost burst out for a moment.

It was embarrassing, but I was scared. I was scared because he was kind, and I was scared there might be someone he valued more than me. If Victor ever looked at me like a jealous mistress, I would surely want to take a sword and stab myself right then and there.

The self-esteem I had barely grown while staying at the Grand Ducal mansion had long been shattered to pieces.

So I forced a smile once again.

"Really, it's nothing. It was just a bit tiring because it's my first social party."

Please just let me endure this alone. Looking at him, hiding my earnest feelings, he raised my hand with wavering eyes. Despite his face being so beautiful it was cruel, it even gave off a pitiful feeling. He desperately rubbed the back of my hand against his cheek.

"Marion, Marion... Please tell me anything. I'm begging you."

"Yes."

"You can do whatever you want. You can have anything."

I smiled weakly.

"Yes."

I spent the remaining days gloomily.

When Lady Katarina was around, I talked with her, but she was too busy a person to enjoy every social party. I was almost always alone, and I had to endure all the insults alone. A week passed without telling anyone.

And finally, the last day of the week arrived.

Of all days, today's banquet venue was Duchess Muelje's salon again. The duchess said she would host a unique southern-style tea party today, inviting both women and men.

At southern parties, the tables for women and men were initially placed far apart, and after the teacups were emptied three or four times, everyone mingled together to end the party. Since it wasn't like a ball where you had to dance with a set partner, young gentlemen and noble ladies secretly looked forward to these parties.

But whatever it was, it had nothing to do with me. The words I would hear would only be insults and mockery.

Still, thinking that everything would end today made it somehow bearable. I took a deep breath and stepped into the salon.

The Muelje mansion's greenhouse was as dazzlingly beautiful as ever. Sunlight poured through the thousands of alternately joined glass panes, and exotic flowers I had never seen before filled every table.

I left Kalz at the men's area and stood alone. Unfortunately, Lady Katarina wasn't there either. I saw the unpleasant people again, but I lowered my head and averted my gaze.

I just had to endure today. These insults, this misery. It was my first time enduring something for so long in my life.

When I kept showing no reaction, they seemed to get annoyed. Even more malicious words wafted over here on the scent of flowers. Lowering my head to avoid the whispering, I saw my beautiful dress. The white dress Madam Somona had ordered at a high price, saying it would match my platinum hair. The fluttering lace, the sparkling pearl beads, it was all meaningless.

Suddenly, I thought of my time in my hometown.

I had always liked crowded places, but I never had the courage to mingle with them. So I always watched people from a distance, hugging my sword. Even then, I thought I was like a misdrawn piece cut out of a landscape painting. Maybe I was someone who should always be alone, whether then or now.

"...Still, isn't that a bit too much?"

"She acts like she has a connection with His Highness the Grand Duke, but she's really full of herself."

The whispering voices broke my reverie. I raised my head and followed their gaze. There sat Nanael Welch and her friends, like queens. Her voice was overly clear.

"A traveling merchant who came to the mansion before told me fascinating stories."

"My, what kind of stories?"

"Well, they say there are so many witches in the kingdom!"

At Lady Welch's words, the people around her made exaggerated gestures of surprise.

"My goodness, how scary."

"I've heard that too. They say the kingdom's women burn monster bones and perform magic."

"That's right. They feed that bone powder to their husbands to keep their hearts bound."

"My, how gruesome."

Artificial laughter. Then Lady Welch said, her blue eyes trembling as if she were terribly afraid of causing a misunderstanding.

"But the story I heard was even scarier."

"What was it?"

"It's that the northern part of the kingdom is very, very poor. So the women there seduce men and give their bodies in exchange for food."

"Oh my, how terrible!"

"Yes, that's how the northerners live. The men are no different from beasts, and the women have no chastity..."

My mind went completely white.

They were insulting Amari.

'......'

I couldn't understand it well. I was someone who had lived my entire life in a place governed by the logic of power. Where I lived, swords were the means of conversation, and rather than hiding a blade within words, you directly drew your weapon and aimed it. Because of that, insults had to be made at least more carefully than that. And I was the heir to my land, a knight who had sworn to protect it.

This was my duty.

Before the thought even finished, my body moved forward. No one stopped me as I pushed through the crowd.

Is this okay? Won't it be a nuisance to Victor?

The brief thought was swallowed by the sound of my violently beating heart. Only then did I finally realize.

I was genuinely angry. For the first time in so long I couldn't even remember.

"—As you said, I am from the borderlands and ignorant, so I do not know the empire's etiquette well."

The ladies, slightly startled by my appearance, giggled behind their fans.

I immediately spat out.

"But I do know that you have insulted me."

The smile completely vanished from Lady Nanael's face. She immediately raised her lace glove and mimed wiping away tears.

"Your Highness the Grand Duchess, how can you say such harsh things to me?"

I looked at her silently.

I didn't know how Lady Nanael learned this, but an insult required resolve from both the one who gave it and the one who received it. At least, that was how I was taught.

In the distance, I saw Kalz running over, sensing something was wrong. I spoke before he could reach me.

"I challenge you to a duel, on my honor, my Lady."

The noble ladies around us scoffed in Nanael's stead.

"Do you think the Morte Grand Duke's knights will duel with the Welch knights?"

"Why would anyone else fight for me?"

I asked coldly.

Kalz frantically pushed through the crowd and grabbed my arm. But I coldly threw the words at him.

"I am a sworn knight, Lady Welch. Since you have insulted a knight, you will have to pay the appropriate price."

The noble ladies' fanning abruptly stopped. I turned my back.

The dueling ground was prepared in the backyard.

Not a single person inside failed to follow us out. It was obvious they considered this a novel amusement to occur during the Social Season. I felt disgusted by the snake-like gazes of the bored nobles.

Kalz, who had hurriedly followed out, earnestly tried to dissuade me.

"My Lady, you can't. A duel at a tea party?"

Standing beside him, I looked at the sword someone handed me. It was a bit heavy for me to use, but it didn't seem like a major problem.

What was more hindering was the billowing dress. If it were up to me, I would have cut it off, but knowing how much it cost, I couldn't bring myself to do it.

"My Lady!"

The anxious Kalz finally raised his voice. I quietly looked back at him.

"That woman insulted my land. In the empire, do you endure insults without fighting back?"

"Of course, the empire has duels too! But, damn it. At least let me fight for you."

"Isn't there no knight who passes off their own duel to another knight?"

"That's also true, but, ah, damn it."

He furiously messed up his fiery red hair. I suddenly felt sorry for this knight who had worked so hard for me all week. He probably didn't even know what this situation was about.

I comforted him.

"I will explain it to His Highness the Grand Duke, so don't worry. It was just a typical social argument."

"What kind of argument draws a sword?!"

Kalz let out a groan-like sound and spoke.

"Don't kill him, my Lady. If you kill him, it will really become a big problem."

"Yes, I understand."

"Are you really sure you do? You need to be more aware of your sword, my Lady! You can't treat him like you do His Highness the Grand Duke!"

I looked at him, wondering what he meant.

Of course, the opponent would be different from Victor, whoever it was. Because he was the strongest swordsman I had ever seen.

I took off the pointed shoes constraining my feet and took up the sword barefoot. Nanael Welch's knight was approaching from the opposite side.

Lady Welch always traveled with three or more escort knights. I recognized the approaching knight as the tallest man among them. From his closely cropped hair to his solid build. He had the perfect appearance of a knight, but he lacked the oppressive aura Victor had.

The knight's face clearly showed he was unwilling to do this.

"My Lady, please retract your words even now and let Sir Kalz take your place. I do not wish to hurt a lady."

"Don't worry. That won't happen."

The servant acting as the referee stood us facing each other.

From behind, Kalz shouted again.

"My Lady, you must not kill him!"

At the same time, the servant raised his arm. I moved without hesitation.

In just two exchanges, the Welch knight was driven into a corner. When I struck the joints of his leather armor with the sword hilt, he let out a "Gack!" and bent his waist.

Nanael Welch, standing behind, turned pale.

"Sir Jeffrey!"

I didn't give him time to catch his breath. I angled the blade and swung it quickly, slashing his armor in a straight line. Pushing the shaking blade strongly, I swept his unsteady feet. Immediately after, the sword flew out of the off-balanced knight's hand.

"Aaaah!"

With the women's screams, the sword embedded itself in the ground.

Sitting down, he had a face of sheer bewilderment. I held the sword to his neck and asked.

"Do you admit defeat?"

"I... I admit it."

"What is your name?"

I asked the loser's name according to knightly custom.

"J-Jeffrey of Sutherland. I currently serve Duke Welch."

"I am Amarion of Amari."

I reached out and helped him up. He stood up, stumbling慌忙ly.

"I am at the Grand Duke Morte's mansion. Come there if you seek revenge."

I sheathed the sword I was holding and looked around.

The garden was dead silent. No one could hide their shock.

Turning my head to look at Nanael Welch, her pretty face was heavily contorted with humiliation and shock.

I thought I would feel relieved, but I felt worse than expected. Just like when I dealt with Victor's nightmares, my strength wasn't a fundamental solution. A noble lady in high society had to speak with rhetoric and etiquette. Such an action might only bring even worse scandals and insults.

But in the end, I was a knight. One who could only speak with a sword.

I coldly swept my gaze over the people around the lady. The people who wanted my humiliation. Thinking that I ruined their fun brought a bitter sense of satisfaction.

I threw the sword to the ground and returned to Sir Kalz. Kalz silently knelt and put my shoes back on.

"Let's go back now, Sir Kalz."

"Yes, my Lady."

In the heavy silence, I left the rose garden.

The clear scenery of the capital flowed past outside the window. Kalz, sitting across from me in the carriage, let out a deep sigh.

"Thank goodness you didn't kill him."

"Why would I kill someone so carelessly."

"Your sword, my Lady... sigh, never mind."

Sir Kalz let out another deep sigh and met my eyes.

"Are you not going to tell me why you did it?"

"......"

"I know you're not someone who would draw a sword over a light argument. What on earth happened to you?"

I tried hard to avert my gaze.

The reason I could hide all of this from Kalz was simply because he was a man and a knight of Grand Duke Morte. Nobles were cunning; while they insulted me, the nominal Grand Duchess, to my face, they didn't even open their mouths in front of the Grand Duke's chief of staff. There would be no crazy person who would insult his lord and his household in front of a knight.

And I just wanted to bury everything like this.

"I was just angry. I was childish."

Kalz's blue eyes deepened. He observed me for a moment, then exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders.

"Understood. Since you don't want it, my Lady, I won't ask any further. I'll probably have my nose sliced clean off by the Grand Duke's sword soon, but who cares about this lowly servant, right?"

Seeing him lamenting, I felt extremely anxious. Since he was my escort knight, he would definitely be interrogated about this.

I earnestly comforted him, saying it wasn't his fault and that I would speak well to Victor.

While bantering with the sly Kalz, we soon arrived in front of the Grand Ducal mansion.

I'm finally home. Feeling a faint sense of relief, I stepped down from the carriage.

It wasn't long before Victor returned.

Fortunately, he didn't seem to have heard about the duel yet. Since he had to meet high-ranking nobles and the imperial family, didn't he say he mostly stayed at the imperial palace even during the Social Season?

I sat at the dinner table with him for the first time in a while. A glossy roast beef was on the plate. I carved the beef and carefully opened my mouth.

"I had a duel today."

"What?"

He seemed startled. Putting down his wine glass, he asked.

"Were you not hurt?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"What was Kalz doing that you had a duel?"

Victor frowned.

Remembering Kalz, who had been half-jokingly, half-seriously worrying, I quickly shook my head.

"Don't blame the knight. I said I would do it."

"Who was the opponent?"

"Um..."

I hesitated for a moment.

"It was a knight of House Welch. Jeffrey of Sutherland."

He fell into thought for a moment, then scowled.

"Isn't that Nanael Welch's escort?"

"Yes. Actually, I challenged the lady."

Victor looked at me with deeply sunken eyes.

Was he angry after all? Because I did something unbefitting a Grand Duchess? Or because I laid a hand on Lady Nanael?

I desperately pushed away the negative thoughts rising up.

The reason didn't matter now that it had come to this. I didn't regret avenging the insult, but my actions were clearly a departure from the conduct a Grand Duchess should display. It would be justified for Victor to be angry at me. Even if he scolded me for it and... sent me back.

But surprisingly, he didn't reprimand me. He just held the back of my hand tightly for a moment and let go. Then he smiled very softly.

"I'm just glad you weren't hurt, Marion."

Then he had a servant put another piece of meat on my plate.

"You must be hungry, so eat a little more."

I nodded in wonder and put the cut beef in my mouth. The moist meat was as tough as chewing leather.

Amarion was withered again today.

She had been exhausted for the past few days, as if she were sick. She barely mingled with people, and ate less than half of what she usually did. When asked if something happened, she just forced a smile and said it was fine. And on top of that, she had a duel today.

Victor sent her to the bedroom early, hiding his anxiety. And as soon as her retreating back faded, he called for Kalz through a servant.

As soon as the knight arrived at the office, a thunderous reprimand fell.

"What the hell were you doing?"

At the harsh question, he immediately bowed his head.

"I apologize, my lord. It is my fault for not paying attention."

Victor Morte narrowed his yellow eyes, resembling those of a snake. It was rare for his chief of staff to admit his fault so readily.

Eventually letting out a sigh, he swept his hair up.

"Even if Marion wanted it, you should have stepped in. What if she had gotten hurt?"

Kalz looked up in disbelief.

"Your Highness, even if all the knights of House Welch attacked her at once, she wouldn't have a single scratch. She is the second strongest knight on the continent after you!"

"Do you think that's an excuse?"

"According to chivalry, it would actually be right for me to fight in her stead... No, that's not what I'm trying to say."

Kalz contorted his face and stood up straight. He said seriously.

"There are strange rumors circulating in the ladies' salons. The rumor that when Your Highness is fully cured, you will divorce her and marry Lady Welch is spreading like wildfire."

"Who dares to spout such nonsense?"

"Probably the people of Duke Welch. And... it seems quite a few people believed those rumors and acted disrespectfully toward the Lady."

The Grand Duke's eyes instantly turned fierce. He roared.

"Why are you only telling me this now!"

"I only found out today too!"

Kalz rubbed his eyes painfully.

"Your Highness, I am a knight who serves you. No one would dare carelessly bring up stories about the Grand Ducal house in front of me."

"......"

"After escorting the Lady back today, I investigated, but no matter who I asked, this was all I could find out. To think I didn't even know what kind of words the person I was serving was hearing..."

He let out a deep sigh.

"Why else would someone as tough as her have a duel?"

The Grand Duke's eyes turned as cold as ice.

House Welch. They were an influential family and had certainly helped, but they demanded an excessive price compared to what they received.

It wasn't long ago that he intentionally leaked rumors about his illness because they tried to push a marriage that was merely a business deal as soon as the war ended. Even after the engagement was broken off, they still harbored such delusions. They couldn't be unaware that they had only been spared out of consideration for their long-standing alliance...

Seeing his lord habitually cracking his fingers, Kalz stopped him.

"Don't think strange things, Your Highness. You know the Lady deliberately hid it, don't you?"

"Avenging my wife is my right."

"The Lady would hate it if she found out."

Sharp golden eyes glared at Kalz. But he merely maintained an impassive attitude, as if he were just stating facts.

Eventually tearing his gaze away in annoyance, Victor stared into the air. The coldness in his eyes remained, but an uncharacteristic anxiety flickered across them.

"Why did she just listen to those words? Without even telling me."

Kalz answered quietly.

"Because it's all true."

The Grand Duke slowly raised his head. A chilling killing intent, enough to make one shudder, wrapped around his neck like a dragon's fangs. But the knight's voice didn't waver.

"Your Highness paid a dowry and bought the Lady. To put you to sleep."

"......"

"The Lady is not a fool. She knows better than anyone that she was brought in not as an official Grand Duchess or lady of the house, but as a substitute healer. So how could she complain to you? Your Highness must endure the Lady's distrust."

The chief of staff's words pierced his chest like a dagger. The Grand Duke glared at his knight ferociously, then closed his mouth.

The emotions Marion brought were strangely complex. Gratitude and interest, then affection, and before he knew it, it grew into a boiling thirst. A bizarre possessiveness was intertwined with human affection.

The Grand Duke spoke in a voice as languid as a sigh.

"...Still, a knot must be tied. I will go to House Welch tomorrow. Keep it from her."

"Understood."

"And tell the knight order to prepare to leave."

The veins on the back of his hand stood out rigidly.

"I'll have to leave the capital soon."

The rumors spread like a spark igniting dry brush. Even staying in the mansion, I couldn't help but know.

Even the servants all seemed to know about yesterday's events. Come to think of it, although House Morte rarely mingled with other mansions, I had openly brought up the duel at dinner, so it was no wonder word got around.

However, unexpectedly, the maids were in high spirits.

"My Lady, did you really lay out Sir Jeffrey of House Welch?"

"Ahem."

Madam Somona gave a short warning sound, but I just nodded.

"I did."

"Oh my, Lady Welch was so rude. Whenever she came here occasionally, she treated the people of the Grand Ducal mansion like her own..."

"Not in front of Her Highness!"

At the Madam's scolding, the maids quickly clamped their mouths shut. But my heart grew even heavier.

So they had visited after all. Well, with an alliance and an engagement, it was natural to visit each other's mansions.

With a gloomy face, I finished getting dressed.

Still, it was a relief to let my hair down and wear indoor clothes after so long. Just the thought of being able to eat snacks to my heart's content without running into unpleasant people made me feel lighthearted.

Later, I'd go to the kitchen and ask them to make lots of cookies with wild strawberry jam. I'd take those out and give them to the gardener and the gatekeeper, and also feed the maids washing the windows. Will Sir Kalz still be in the mansion? If he is, I should ask him to come for tea in the afternoon.

As I swung my legs and imagined happily, Madam Somona approached.

"My Lady."

Seeing her serious face, I quickly straightened my posture. After receiving strict etiquette training from her, it had become a habit for me to sit up straight whenever I saw the Madam.

But the Madam didn't point out my uncultured behavior of swinging my legs. Instead, she bowed her head deeply.

"I am truly sorry."

Startled, I opened my eyes wide.

"W-why?"

"If I had known Lady Welch would make you so uncomfortable, I would have sent word to every mansion and done whatever it took to keep you from running into her. I was so shocked when I heard you had a duel..."

The small elderly woman let her shoulders droop.

I shook my head in surprise.

"No, these were events I had to attend. I'm fine."

"No, my Lady. It is not fine at all."

The Madam spoke in a firm tone and took my hand. Her small, wrinkled hands were very warm.

"If you dislike things like banquets, you simply don't have to go... I am truly sorry for not noticing sooner and making you suffer."

"That's, because it's a Grand Duchess's duty..."

"The most important thing is you, Lady Amarion."

I looked up at her with wide eyes.

With her hair neatly pinned up and wearing a clean uniform, she suddenly looked like the women of my hometown. The healers of Amari who washed wounds with strong liquor and ground herbs to apply, the swordswomen who stood night watch by my side holding their dead husbands' swords overlapped with the Madam.

The Madam said quietly.

"Etiquette and duties are important, but the most important thing is for you to be happy. Anyone who cherishes you would think the same."

"Madam..."

"Value yourself. Lady Amarion is a person of many talents and a warm heart. Everyone in this mansion only wishes for your happiness."

I looked up at her with speechless eyes. Something warm, different from the heat Victor gave, violently stabbed my heart. Suddenly, the corners of my eyes burned fiercely.

Even though it was so hard for a week, I had never once wanted to cry. I barely swallowed the tears welling up and answered with a choked voice.

"Yes, thank you."

The Madam smiled kindly.

With my head bowed low, I sniffled a few times.

I spent the entire afternoon rolling around in my room eating snacks. Soft custard cream puffs, sweet walnut pies, and savory southern-style fried snacks came up one after another.

Unfortunately, Sir Kalz was away, so I couldn't invite him. He and Victor seemed busy with something from the morning.

Was it because of what I had done?

A grim thought crossed my mind, but my nerves soon relaxed thanks to the maids who brought in lots of pretty flowers and chattered away.

I arranged the flowers in a vase, ate the soft pastries to my heart's content, and took a bath in a bubbly tub. After that, Madam Somona brought in a mountain of invitations. I was surprised and looked through the names written on the letters. There were names I had heard of, and names I was hearing for the first time.

The Madam explained.

"Most of them are invitations from noble ladies of knightly houses, my Lady."

"Knightly houses? Why..."

"You defeated Sir Jeffrey, my Lady! Now that they know your amazing skills, it's natural they're curious!"

At the maids' chatter, bewilderment washed over me.

Was Sir Jeffrey of Sutherland such a famous knight? He didn't seem that strong...

Anyway, with Madam Somona's help, I opened the letters. I figured I should at least read them so I could write a reply declining.

While I was engrossed in building a paper tower, the door opened.

"Marion."

Along with the subtle afternoon breeze, Victor walked into the room. His lips held the same gentle smile as always. As he approached, he softly cupped my cheek. I smelled iron from his hand.

Had he been holding a sword?

Wondering for a moment, I convinced myself that they must have gone hunting among the gentlemen.

He asked.

"Were you reading letters?"

"Yes."

"May I read one too?"

Victor picked up one of the stacked envelopes. It was a letter with Duchess Welch's name stamped on it.

House Welch sent me?

When I nodded in surprise, Victor roughly tore open the envelope and read the contents.

"What does it say?"

"She says she wants to invite you to apologize for her house's rudeness. If she thinks I'll meekly comply, she's greatly mistaken."

He scoffed and tore the paper in half. I looked at Victor in shock.

The Duchess would be Nanael's mother, and he spoke like that?

I asked cautiously.

"Do I not have to go?"

"Marion, you are the Grand Duchess. You are the highest-ranking woman in the empire after the imperial family. You don't need to go anywhere you don't want to."

I silently looked at Victor. Victor somehow seemed rougher and... more irritated than usual.

The guilt I had barely buried raised its head again. I lowered my eyes and apologized softly.

"I'm sorry."

Victor looked at me with startled eyes.

"Why are you apologizing?"

"Because of my... Your Highness's honor..."

"Goodness, don't think like that."

He tilted his eyebrows affectionately. As if handling a fragile glass doll that would break easily, he carefully cupped my hands. Victor's voice was as sweet as the cream he had eaten earlier.

"I told you, you can do anything. You will never tarnish my honor, ever."

Amber eyes held a fiery passion. Feeling somehow embarrassed and joyful, I quickly nodded. Even if it were a lie, I liked that he spoke of eternity to me.

Smiling once again, Victor suddenly spoke in a serious tone.

"Actually, I think we should head to the estate soon."

"Morte?"

"Yes. Until now, because I was sick... I couldn't go, afraid that ominous rumors might spread."

His eyes became mournful.

"I keep hearing this and that. I'm sorry it's in the middle of the Social Season, but..."

I shook my head vigorously.

I was sick and tired of banquets. It felt like my greatest wish would be granted if he would just take me out of the capital right now. Besides, I couldn't refuse when Victor spoke so pitifully.

I smiled and held his hands back.

"No, I want to go too."

Then, a dazzling smile blossomed on Victor's face.

"If you wish, we can leave as early as tomorrow."

He then glanced at the stacked invitations. Was it my imagination that his gaze turned cold for a moment?

"There are so many vulgar townsfolk showing unnecessary interest..."

"......"

"How about it, shall we leave tomorrow?"

He tilted the corners of his eyes again.

I was about to be captivated by that smile and nod, but I quickly came to my senses.

No matter what, I wanted to say goodbye to a few people before leaving. Even though last week was truly hard, there were people who treated me kindly in the midst of it all.

I asked cautiously.

"Still, I'd like to drop by one or two banquets before we leave... Can I?"

For a moment, his perfect smile slightly distorted.

Why? Is the estate business that urgent? Or is he tired?

As I was gauging his mood, Sir Kalz, who had been standing behind Victor for some time, clicked his tongue.

Why is Sir Kalz doing that again?

As I peeked my head out, Victor's hand caught me. And nodding with a flawless smile that made me think the cold gaze I saw earlier was just an illusion, he said.

"Of course. But this time, take me with you. We've never gone to a banquet together as a couple."

He whined like a child.

Having thought of small gatherings exclusively for women, I was inwardly flustered, but I absolutely couldn't refuse Victor's request twice. When I nodded, he smiled like a well-fed lion.

"I can finally dance with you."

Seeing Victor planting kiss after kiss on the back of my hand, Sir Kalz shook his head.

With my cheeks dyed red, I quickly lowered my head.

For that reason, the first schedule of the second week for Victor and me became the ball held at the Catalreang villa.

The Marquis family's villa made the word 'villa' seem meaningless, as it was dazzlingly gorgeous and grand. Exotic-style pillars were delicately carved with grapevines, and every massive decorative window was fitted with expensive stained glass, making it sparkle like jewels of all colors. Moreover, all the walls were painted with gold and lapis lazuli pigments, making it look like a box made of gold.

I stepped into the glittering banquet hall in a daze.

Lady Katarina had said she didn't have many close friends so there wouldn't be many guests, but for some reason, the hall was packed to the point of bursting.

Victor, who was beside me, gently pulled me closer.

"There are a lot of people, so stay close to me, my Lady."

He mimicked a knight playfully and wrapped his arm around my waist. Because Kalz had absolutely refused to come, claiming he didn't want to, Victor had volunteered to be my escort knight.

With my ears burning red, I looked at Victor.

Even in this ecstatic place, the most ecstatic thing was Victor. With his hair slicked back slightly and wearing a black formal dress delicately embroidered with gold thread, Victor was truly worthy of being the master of the Black Lion house. The scent of musk emanating from him was intensely captivating.

I repeated the breathing technique I used when holding a sword and barely managed to calm my expression. He was truly the most dangerous knight on the continent.

"—I greet His Highness the Grand Duke and Her Highness the Grand Duchess."

Soon, Lady Katarina, dressed like an empress from a distance, approached. Wearing an exotic veil and a dress heavily patched with gold plates, she looked just like a queen of an eastern nomadic tribe. She extended her gold-woven shoes and bowed.

"It is an honor to have you attend."

I approached her and expressed my gratitude.

"Thank you for inviting me, Katarina. There are surprisingly a lot of people here."

"Right? I was also surprised when I collected the RSVPs."

Katarina winked and smiled.

"Everyone came to see you, Amarion."

"Pardon?"

"When they heard the Grand Duchess, who is the talk of the entire capital, was attending, people flocked in like clouds."

The lady guided Victor and me to one side of the banquet hall with an elegant gesture. I walked following her in bewilderment. As Katarina said, most of the gazes were focused this way. Nobles covering their mouths were whispering while looking at me.

What were they talking about? The story that I had a duel at a banquet? That the woman from the borderlands finally tarnished the Grand Ducal house's prestige?

The humiliating words I had heard all week crossed my mind.

At that moment, the scent of musk suddenly intensified.

"Where are you looking? I'm right beside you."

Lowering his head, Victor whispered in my ear. Startled, I turned around, and his sculpted lips drew a curve.

Blood immediately rushed to my face. I closed my eyes and took another deep breath.

In my hometown, we went Cockatrice hunting every winter. Crossing the vast snowfield and walking through the sharp coniferous forest, a grotesque nest tangled with wood pieces would appear. Because Cockatrices had keen hearing, we had to kill our sounds as much as possible. Without getting excited, calmly, calming my racing heart...

"Amarion?"

I blinked my eyes open. Katarina was looking at me with concern.

"Are you perhaps tired?"

"Ah, no. I was just thinking about something."

I quickly picked up the champagne glass she offered from beside her.

Victor stood beside me with a calm and elegant demeanor, as if he had never whispered in my ear. I completely turned my body toward Katarina to avoid the disaster of making eye contact with him again.

She naturally led the conversation.

"I heard you rejected all the invitations? The rumors even reached my estate."

"Yes. There wasn't really anywhere I wanted to go."

"Understandable, seeing them flocking to act close to you only now."

She clicked her tongue. A gaze as cold as her blue-black hair glared at the nobles. But soon, an intrigued look appeared in Katarina's eyes.

"But giving Lady Welch a taste of her own medicine was truly satisfying for me. Why did you hide the fact that you were such an outstanding swordswoman until now?"

"Outstanding, that's not true...!"

I hastily waved my hands. With Victor right beside me, claiming to be a skilled swordswoman was something that couldn't happen.

But Katarina seemed to think I was just being modest. She blinked her long eyelashes and smiled.

"How is it not true? Sir Jeffrey is one of the most famous knights in the Welch Knight Order?"

I became truly flustered.

He was roughly... about the skill level of the captain of the Amari knight order. Was the fame of imperial knights really decided independently of actual skill?

Instinctively looking back at Victor, he smiled sweetly.

"Who could compare to you, Marion."

His tone implied he had no intention of giving an objective explanation. In the end, with red ears, I could only gulp down the sweet champagne.

Perhaps the Welch Knight Order was weak compared to its reputation.

Katarina was a good conversation partner. As the owner of a massive trading guild, she was well-versed in the ways of the world, pleasant, and our personalities matched well, so the more we talked, the more enjoyable it became.

When I said I was going to Morte, she was very disappointed. She usually traveled all over the continent with her trading guild, and her estate was in the south, so it wouldn't be easy to interact with Morte in the north.

She let out a deep sigh.

"I finally made a friend, and you're leaving so quickly."

I tilted my eyebrows and held her hand.

"We can meet again later. Either I come to the capital, or you visit Morte..."

Or we could drop by Catalreang on the way back to Amari.

I swallowed the bitter words inside my mouth.

Katarina made a "Hmm" sound and rested her chin on her wrist, which was sprayed with ambergris.

"Can I really visit Morte?"

I quickly looked at Victor. Victor smiled smoothly at her.

"Morte will always welcome the Lady."

"It is an honor, Your Highness."

A pleased smile appeared. Seeing the two people I liked talking kindly made my heart warm.

At the same time, an inexplicable doubt bloomed.

Since coming to the banquet, Victor had strangely not spoken to anyone else. He just stayed by my side, listening to Katarina and me talk. Even though he must know many people, considering he had volunteered to be my escort knight instead of Sir Kalz.

But pushing him away was impossible because the sense of relief he gave was too great. With Victor beside me, there were no insults or whispers. Victor, who smiled every time our eyes met, was truly kind.

Perhaps thinking something similar, Lady Katarina smiled and said.

"You two are truly close."

"Of course, we're married."

Victor naturally wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

I felt unnecessarily awkward. Being with Victor in a manner that even famous lovers in high society would display made me extremely embarrassed.

He smoothly scanned the crowded hall once and smiled softly.

"I'm truly happy to be with you all day."

Smack.

Then he gave a short kiss on my cheek.

"My goodness, Victor!"

Startled, I flapped like a chicken.

To do such a thing outside the house, and in a place with so many people. Setting aside etiquette, it was just unbelievably embarrassing.

When I hurriedly turned around, Lady Katarina was making a strange expression, simultaneously frowning and smiling.

I didn't even dare to check the gazes of others and just squeezed my eyes shut.

Truly, being with him, I could never calm down.

As the conversation with Katarina was coming to an end, the orchestra came out to play. Victor took my hand and gently led me to the center of the banquet hall.

Making all my practice seem in vain, I had only danced twice at the ball. And both times were with Sir Kalz, so it was no different from being at the mansion.

As I stood extremely tense, Victor pulled me into his arms skillfully. His very presence made my head dizzy.

"Marion..."

Victor, with the chandelier's light haloing him, truly looked like a god. I blurted out, mesmerized.

"You're beautiful today, Victor."

His eyes widened slightly.

Ah.

Only then did I realize what I had said, and my shoulders trembled with a start. As I reflexively tried to lower my head, Victor caught me. Raising my flushed face, Victor was smiling as if he couldn't hold it in.

"You are absolutely beyond lovely."

As I opened my mouth like a fool, the dance music began. It was a standard imperial dance music cut in 4/4 time.

Victor led me smoothly. Spinning round and round holding his hand, an indescribable sense of fulfillment washed over me. I thought I could be happy for a long time with this memory, even if I returned to my hometown someday.

Suddenly Victor spoke.

"I have no intention of marrying Nanael Welch."

This time, I was truly surprised and looked up at him.

Had he read my mind?

He pulled and pushed my arm according to the changing beat.

"The engagement was broken off a long time ago. It's a fact that will never be reversed."

"But Nanael..."

Talked as if she was your lover.

I barely held back the words that were about to flow out.

Spinning one turn to the beat, I was once again embraced in his arms. Victor was smiling.

"Nanael?"

The melody of beautiful string instruments flowed quickly. Two steps forward, one step back, one step to the left. While stepping the familiar steps, he whispered in my ear.

"—If you know what I did to her."

And a small laugh.

"You'll end up hating me too."

I planted my final step and was enveloped in his strong arms.

A man as beautiful as a monster was looking down at me and smiling ecstatically.

Victor Morte only released Amarion from his embrace after dancing two more times.

The etiquette that one shouldn't keep dancing with the same person seemed quite important to her. She rather sternly pushed Victor away and went to greet the few noble ladies who had been kind to her.

Victor swallowed champagne and regret together, fixing his gaze on her pure white back.

"Her Highness seems to like you quite a bit."

The inorganic amber gaze turned sideways. Katarina Catalreang was wearing an artificial smile. Victor replied by merely raising the corners of his mouth as well.

"She quite likes my appearance."

"How curious. Even if you were beautiful, I wouldn't be able to sleep with death."

Victor Morte was a man who always brought pitch-black shadows with him.

His innate status and power, a bizarre strength that could take anyone's breath away in an instant. His cold gaze and the ferocity to wield what he possessed.

Even hidden behind a smooth smile, he always exuded an oppressive aura. The young ladies who squealed talking about the Grand Duke of Morte's heroic deeds couldn't even open their mouths out of fear when they actually met him.

What on earth was wrong with Amarion's senses, Katarina lamented, continuing to speak.

"Let's talk business."

"......"

"House Welch has closed its gates. Because of that, our trading guild is suffering significant damage."

A cold smile crossed the Grand Duke's lips. Katarina gripped her glass tightly.

"What did you do?"

"It was nothing. I just taught them their place. ...I hate dreamers, after all."

Victor leisurely tilted his glass.

"Still, their heads are attached to their necks, so isn't that enough?"

Katarina turned her head with a frown, unable to meet the eyes of the smiling Grand Duke.

He is beautiful? No, Katarina had never felt that way. To her, who led countless ordinary people, Victor Morte was nothing short of a disaster in human form.

Compared to him, his wife was.

Katarina looked at Amarion smiling in the distance.

She said she came to greet the ladies who had treated her kindly. But as far as Katarina could tell, they hadn't particularly taken her side. They had merely kept quiet for fear of getting burned, as their house's power was weak.

The people around Victor Morte, even that foolish escort knight, none of them could become her true strength. Yet she unfailingly expressed her gratitude. Clumsy and awkward, but truly knightly.

"At first, I approached her out of intrigue... but the Madame is a strong and lovely person."

"If you're going to talk business, stick to that. The Welch Knight Order's commission was quite expensive, wasn't it?"

A snake-like bastard.

Katarina narrowed her eyes and moistened her throat with champagne.

"Of course. But I'm talking about my friend."

"......"

"She endured all insults against herself, but drew her sword against insults to her land. There are already quite a few knights who have come to admire her. She is the most honorable among us."

Katarina said quietly. A strange light appeared in the Grand Duke's eyes. A deep emotion that couldn't be described washed over his face, which had lost its fabricated smile.

The Grand Duke said.

"I know. So I won't show her to anyone anymore. Not to the fools of the capital, nor to you."

The cold voice signaled the end of the conversation.

"I'll discuss the escort contract with my vassals."

The Grand Duke briefly spat out and headed toward the Grand Duchess. Katarina glared at his retreating back for a long time.

It was my first enjoyable ball.

I promised to exchange letters with Lady Katarina and came back home. But Victor somehow seemed deep in thought. He often looked lost in thought, yet strangely, he didn't try to leave my side.

Even in bed, he refused to let go of my hand, so I had to sit beside him, holding my sword in my right hand and Victor's hand in my left.

A cozy atmosphere flowed through the bedroom. Looking at me quietly, Victor suddenly spoke.

"I'm sorry."

I looked at him in surprise.

I had spent days worrying about becoming a stain on Victor. Why was he apologizing to me?

Victor added sorrowfully.

"For realizing late that you were insulted."

My heart dropped.

I thought so when Nanael's story came up, but as expected, he had also learned of the rumors circulating in high society.

The words I had hidden, afraid they might be true and not wanting him to know I cared. The ones that stung even more because part of them was true. I wanted to hide them forever if possible, but with a duel happening, that was impossible.

I forced a smile.

"It's not that, I hid it on purpose."

"......"

"I didn't want to worry the mansion's people. And to some extent, they were right."

Victor's expression contorted.

I lowered my head.

"Because I am someone who came to put Victor to sleep... I thought it couldn't be helped if I was treated as someone who would leave soon. Since Your Highness said you wouldn't remarry Lady Nanael, that's enough for me."

"I will remarry no one."

Victor said decisively. His large hand gripped my hand as if to crush it.

"My wife is you. I won't part with you or send you back. Don't even think about such things."

I opened my eyes wide. Victor was looking at me with sunken eyes.

He pulled my shirt-clad body into a hug. Unlike his burning gaze, his touch was exceedingly careful. His voice brimmed by my ear.

"Do you think I'll let you go just because I'm cured? After I finally found you..."

My heart raced wildly.

Then, can I stay in the empire even after Victor is cured? Here, by his side?

"I don't have to go back...?"

"Even if you want to go, I won't let you."

I raised my head with a trembling heart. His black clothes and smooth skin were within inches.

Victor whispered anxiously.

"I am alive thanks to you. So all of this is yours."

Me, my possessions, my people, I'll give you everything.

"Stay by my side. Don't go anywhere."

My mind buzzed.

It was a desperate request I couldn't possibly refuse. Without even fully understanding his words, I nodded as if bewitched.

Victor, with a captivating smile, stroked my flushed cheek.

Death tucked me into its sleeve.

The next day's schedule was a garden party held at a certain count's estate.

Most garden parties were gatherings where people just shared light refreshments, but this garden was truly luxurious, enough to serve as a large banquet hall. Beautifully shaped shrubs wrapped around large fountains and statues, and bright flowers bloomed here and there.

I got out of the carriage and secretly stole glances at Victor, who was escorting me. Ever since last night, my heart had been fluttering as if I had sprouted wings.

He said it was okay for me to stay by his side. He talked about the things he could give me, but I was just happy to be able to remain by his side.

He was the first person to bring me something like warmth. The first person to treat me as sweetly as sugar, and to say he wanted to give me everything. So, just being by his side made me happy.

Kalz, who had been dragged to the banquet for the first time in a while, had a rather sullen attitude.

"I don't understand why I had to be brought along when His Highness is coming."

"Isn't more escorts better?"

"I wonder... Who would pick a fight with a loving pair of dragons..."

Muttering Kalz shut his mouth at Victor's glare. I smiled at the joke I hadn't heard in a while and entered the party venue.

The garden party had an unbelievable number of people for a daytime gathering. Moreover, unlike the Catalreang ball where Katarina had filtered the invited guests, there were quite a few unpleasant people too.

I spotted Lady Welch's friends in the distance and stiffened my face. I thought a few days without seeing them would be fine, but my mind was still uncomfortable.

Victor asked.

"Are they bothersome to you?"

"Ah, no."

They had indeed insulted me along with Lady Welch, but that insult was honorably settled through a duel. Holding a grudge over a concluded matter was not knightly.

I smiled at Victor to show I was fine. After a moment of silence, Victor rubbed his lips against the back of my hand.

"Just say the word. If you wish, I'll cut off their heads one by one and lay them at your feet."

I opened my eyes wide.

I wondered what I had just heard. Victor, who was always gentlemanly and noble, couldn't say such a thing?

Seeing my expression, he smoothed his mouth with his gloved hand. Even that gesture was unspeakably elegant.

"Dear... It seems I've picked up vulgar speech from being around Kalz."

Kalz, standing behind, gaped and made an aggrieved face.

Well, Sir Kalz did occasionally use rough language.

Convinced, I glared at Kalz, and he frantically opened and closed his mouth before shutting it. Intense resentment could be felt in the eyes glaring at Victor.

I just tilted my head and picked up a champagne glass.

Today, Victor was busier than I was. He left me with Kalz and went to talk to people. Mainly high-ranking nobles who frequented the imperial palace, he said he was informing them of his departure to the estate.

After finishing greetings to a few ladies, I picked at the food and stole glances at Victor.

How could he be so magnificent? No matter how many social parties I roamed, there was no man as magnificent as Victor anywhere. Besides, wasn't he unbelievably strong? Tender affection was overlaid with admiration.

"You have the face of a girl in love, my Lady."

I startled and looked at Kalz. For some reason, excuses flowed out.

"Anyone would think Victor is magnificent when they see him."

"Right. I also think he's quite handsome when he's not holding a sword."

I became doubtful. Wasn't his swordsmanship what made him more magnificent?

But Sir Kalz quickly lost interest and stuffed his mouth full of sweet pastries.

He dusted off his hands and advised.

"Please be careful with saying things like 'I hate him' or 'that guy annoys me' for a while."

"Why?"

"His Highness is currently desperate to make up for the points he's lost. If you wish for it, he'd probably even bring the Emperor's head."

I didn't understand and stared at him blankly.

What points could Victor have lost with me? I had hidden the vicious rumors of high society, and it was sufficiently compensated by his words allowing me to stay by his side.

When I looked puzzled, Kalz explained further.

"It's not just this incident, but he makes you suffer every night because of his condition, doesn't he? Originally, he brought you here without even a proper explanation. His Highness feels sorry for all of that."

I scowled.

"Why? What's so hard about that..."

"......"

"Of course, I was a little surprised at first... but it's not that rare for a sick person to act selfishly. Besides, putting Victor to sleep isn't even that hard. So much so that I wondered if it was okay to receive such a large dowry for such a small thing."

"......"

"Rather, Victor gives too much. At night, he is truly weak... Sir Kalz, you've dealt with him too, right?"

"I have, but."

Kalz answered uncomfortably. Then suddenly, he let out a sigh like an old man bearing all the world's worries.

"I will never understand you, my Lady..."

"Huh? Why?"

"Never mind. I'll go get some alcohol. It's hard to be caught between you two with a sober mind."

He grumbled incomprehensibly and left his seat.

I blinked in puzzlement and leaned against the table. I was alone among awkward people, but I wasn't scared like last week. Because Victor and Kalz were here, and no one insulted me openly like before.

Nanael's friends, strangely, were the ones avoiding me first. Every time our eyes met, their fear-filled gazes would dart at Victor.

I had questions, but what bothered me more were the others. Quite a few knights and young ladies were secretly glancing at me. Thinking hard, I realized that it was similar to the gaze of the children who used to secretly watch me practice swordsmanship in Amari.

Why are they acting like that?

As I watched them in wonder, someone approached, pushing through the hesitant crowd. I recognized him immediately.

"Sir Jeffrey?"

The short brown-haired knight knelt on one knee before me. After kissing the back of my hand, he spoke.

"I greet Your Highness. I am Jeffrey of Sutherland."

I looked at him standing up with surprised eyes.

Did he really come for revenge? But Jeffrey was wearing very neat attire, without even a sword. Moreover, his usually stiff face looked slightly flushed.

He added.

"I have been looking forward to seeing you again."

I was now truly flustered and blinked.

Why would he want to see me if not for revenge? Is there some instinct where men of the empire, including Victor, feel affection for the opponent who beat them down?

He straightened his back stiffly.

"I wanted to apologize. Even though you declared yourself a knight, it was clearly rude of me to bring up you being a lady and tell you to send another knight instead."

Ah.

Only then did I recall what he had said during the duel. Did he say he didn't want to hurt a lady? But that was also chivalry.

I smiled and made him relax his posture.

"You did what you had to do as a knight. We each fought for our own honor and our master's honor, so there is absolutely nothing to apologize for."

"I am glad you say so."

Sir Jeffrey smiled faintly. Then he hesitated and continued speaking.

"It's embarrassing, but it was my first time failing to last even three bouts. It was a strength almost like witnessing His Highness the Grand Duke."

Just what kind of people had he only sparred with?

I swallowed my words and looked at him. Even if the entire Welch Knight Order was as weak as him, I shouldn't say such things to his face.

Sir Jeffrey asked in a slightly nervous tone.

"I had heard rumors that the kingdom's knights were strong, but I didn't know they were to this extent. Could you perhaps teach swordsmanship to our knights? If it's inconvenient, we can go to the Morte Knight Order's training grounds."

"Ah, I..."

"Many knights are curious about Your Highness's sword. As the next commander of the Welch Knight Order..."

As he was speaking, he suddenly flinched and looked behind me. At the same time, a familiar musk scent wrapped around my back.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible."

A languid voice answered in my stead. Approaching, Victor wrapped his arm around my shoulder as if binding me.

Looking at the knight, Victor was smiling.

"I'm surprised to see you at a banquet. I heard House Welch closed its gates."

Kalz, who had returned at some point, quietly chimed in.

"Your Highness, Sir Jeffrey is only affiliated with the Welch Knight Order, not a vassal. He holds the title of Baron Sutherland, so it has nothing to do with House Welch closing its gates."

"Is that so?"

Victor's gaze slowly swept over Sir Jeffrey.

"I misunderstood because it wasn't the 'heir's name.' I apologize."

"Ah, no, Your Highness the Grand Duke."

Strangely, Sir Jeffrey was almost blue in the face.

I looked at him with a flustered feeling. I couldn't understand why such a knightly knight was trembling like a child who had met a monster.

Could it be that Victor had done something terrible to him? That couldn't be.

Victor spoke smoothly.

"Unfortunately, my wife and I must leave for Morte soon. You know I've been away from there for a long time due to the war."

"Of course, Your Highness."

"Right. You must have been on the same battlefield when we conquered the Eastern Kingdom."

Sir Jeffrey's complexion had now turned pale, as if he were sick. The knight's pride was barely stopping him from wanting to run away right then.

Victor smiled leisurely.

"So it will be difficult for the Grand Duchess to teach swordsmanship. Our schedule is tight."

"I... understand. I apologize for making an unreasonable request. Then, later."

Sir Jeffrey bowed his trembling head and backed away.

Not understanding anything, I looked back at Victor. Refusing a knight's enthusiasm to seek learning, and the reason the knight was trembling so much.

My question was blocked by Victor's perfectly sculpted smile.

"I'm sorry, Marion. Our schedule is just so tight."

"But it wouldn't even take that long."

"Besides, he belongs to House Welch, doesn't he? I'm worried he might harm you."

I narrowed my brow. Was he saying that seriously?

"He didn't look like such a person. And, to say that about someone so weak..."

If Sir Jeffrey was the next commander of the Welch Knight Order, the knights of House Welch would be no more dangerous than a pack of direwolves. What harm could they possibly do to me? I just wanted to help with their training, like I taught people in my hometown.

A strange light appeared in Victor's eyes. It was a face mixed with what seemed like immense enjoyment, but at the same time, extreme displeasure.

Victor wrapped his hot hand around my shoulder and whispered.

"You promised to stay only by my side."

"!"

"I don't want to show you off to others. Hmm?"

It was a sweet and soft voice that always defeated me. I had no choice but to blush and nod. I didn't know if Victor's kindness was the problem or my soft heart was the problem, but truly, it was hard for me to refuse anything Victor said.

A satisfied smile hung on his lips.

"As I said before, if you really want to train, go to my family's training grounds. I can feel at ease there."

Unable to erase the lingering bad feeling, I nodded again to express my agreement.

Victor, with the corners of his eyes curved, gave a short kiss to my forehead.

When returning to the mansion, I rode in the carriage with Kalz. It was because Victor had to stop by the imperial palace briefly.

Sitting across from Kalz for the first time in a while, I remembered the days when I attended banquets with him. Back then, Kalz tried really hard to cheer me up. Even though it was only last week, it felt like a distant past. Probably because my mind was at ease.

Looking at Kalz with a pleased face, Kalz flinched and shuddered.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Just, I'm happy."

Kalz turned pale. He hastily looked out the window and reminded me again.

"My Lady, those words are also prohibited. 'I hate it,' 'it annoys me,' 'I like it.' None of it is allowed. Unless you want to see my head roll off."

"Huh? I understand."

When I nodded, not understanding why, Kalz's complexion turned ashen. He let out a sigh deep enough to swallow the ground.

"I really don't know what results your innocence will bring, my Lady..."

And then he furiously messed up his bright red hair. The mouth that had been opening and closing as if wanting to say something finally fell open.

"My Lady, this is an apology for being an escort who was clueless and stupid."

"I told you it's fine, Sir Kalz."

I quickly waved my hands first.

Sir Kalz, even after apologizing for not noticing the socialites' rudeness all weekend, would shrink like a wrung-out rag and try to apologize every chance he got. Even when I said it was truly fine.

But Kalz right now was a bit more serious. He confessed.

"It is true that House Welch closed its gates because of His Highness the Grand Duke."

What?

I was surprised and looked at him.

It was two days after my duel that Duke Welch's house closed its gates. For a noble house to close its gates and halt both socializing and business was a huge deal, but it was also a common occurrence for a knight house defeated in a duel. So I wasn't surprised when I heard they closed their gates.

But why Victor?

Kalz frowned and continued.

"And... if it hadn't been for His Highness trying to hide it from you, it wouldn't have ended with just closing the gates."

I looked at him blankly. Kalz had his blue eyes lowered.

"His Highness is a much scarier person than you think, my Lady. His name isn't 'Death' for nothing."

The sparkling summer sunlight streamed through the window and drew patterns on my dress.

I lowered my head and fell into silent thought.

In the northern part of the kingdom, even rumors barely flowed in. The only outsiders one could meet there were mercenaries, traveling merchants, or the very rarely arriving messengers. Since they were neither scholars nor bards, the news they brought was mostly absurd.

In their stories, the 'Walking Death' was a monster who washed his body in the enemy's blood and turned into a dragon every night. Back then, I would secretly laugh while sharpening my blade in the corner.

In rumors, the Mercenary King Yazi was a three-headed troll, and the Bandit King Kirgiz was a monster that descended from the Black Mountains and transformed into a human. So I considered the stories about the Grand Duke of Death to be false rumors as well.

And Victor, whom I saw in person, was nothing like such a monster.

I looked down at the sleeping Victor's face. He, who had been holding my hand until right before falling asleep, looked peaceful. I secretly stroked his hair back. A serene elegance rested on his forehead.

To be this beautiful.

A shy heat filled my chest.

He was an incredibly strong knight and had surely killed many things, but to me, he was nothing but gentle. Kalz probably wanted to say that Victor was a scary person, but still, he was...

Just then, Victor opened his eyes.

I quickly grabbed my sword and stepped back. Then I watched the usual process of Victor getting out of bed and picking up a weapon.

Putting him back to sleep was truly not a difficult task. Perhaps because he slept deeply every day, his condition had improved significantly, and his movements were much slower than before. I didn't even need to hit him; just disarming him and pushing him down was enough for him to fall back asleep.

I easily sent the southern-style curved sword he picked up flying, and pushed him back down to the place where he had been lying. The murky amber eyes blinked and then hid beneath his eyelids. I looked down at him with a bitter heart.

Victor at night brought out my compassion. Seeing the weak side of such a strong person gave me a reasonless sorrow. Where I lived, weakness meant death. The cold, plagues, and monsters left much more terrible scars on the weak.

I remembered the people who walked the village in grief, carrying the coffins of the elderly. The children of Amari learned dirges faster than songs of fairies and knights. So I felt sad when I saw weak things.

I put down my sword and sat beside Victor.

I couldn't define it exactly, but at least he was not a scary person to me at all. Beautiful, noble, and sometimes so weak it was sad. The Grand Duke of Death I actually met was a man who inspired pity rather than fear.

I quietly held his hand. And softly, I sang the lullaby that was now familiar.

As soon as the banquet schedule was wrapped up, the mansion began preparing for the trip.

Morte was a half-month's journey from here, so there was a lot to pack. Dried food, clothes, weapons, personal belongings, and horses; since the butler and knights were accompanying us, the luggage kept increasing.

Madam Somona directed the servants relentlessly. She sorted out dresses suitable for Morte's weather from my wardrobe and packed away accessories and shoes. The Madam instructed the maids not to pack too many items.

"You'll need clothes to wear when you return, my Lady, so leave some behind."

At those words, my chest tickled for some reason.

I see, I can come back again. Next year, or sometime later, I can make this place my home and return.

As I rejoiced by myself, servants carrying dried meat hurried past behind me. I quickly pressed against the wall to make way.

Regardless of my sentiments, I was useless in the mansion right now. The servants were going through every room, seemingly intent on doing a deep clean while they were at it.

In the end, I threw on a shirt and pants and headed to the garden.

"Ah, my Lady!"

There was Kalz, who had also been kicked out of his room just like me. Kalz, who had just mounted his horse, asked.

"I was thinking of going to the training grounds since I have nothing to do, would you like to come along?"

I thought for a moment and nodded.

Victor had also said it was okay, and it seemed I would just get in the gardener's way if I stayed here.

At Kalz's gesture, a servant quickly led out another horse.

Soon, two horses burst out of the Grand Ducal mansion's gates.

It had been a while since I rode a horse. Horses were expensive, and in the north, we mostly rode reindeer, so I didn't have many opportunities to ride. It was a relief that the distance wasn't far. I got off the saddle feeling motion sick.

The knights were engrossed in training. It seemed the situation was similar here, as they all looked like they had been kicked out of their quarters, holding only a single sword each. As soon as they saw me and Sir Kalz, they swarmed over.

"Your Highness! Is it true you demolished Jeffrey Sutherland?"

"As expected of our master's wife!"

"Why haven't you come even once before now?"

The reaction was more intense than I had imagined. For my sake, the vice-commander, Sir Leonard, stepped forward.

"Hey, show some respect to Her Highness. I apologize, Your Highness."

"No, it's fine."

I quickly answered and inspected Sir Leonard with a glance. Sir Leonard was a knight who looked much more knightly than Sir Kalz even from the side. His blonde hair was neatly trimmed, and his tightly closed mouth gave off a sense of stubbornness.

He sent the knights back and asked seriously.

"But what brings you here? Are you inspecting before departure?"

"No, just... I didn't have much to do..."

Sir Kalz cut in for my stammering self.

"Why are you asking? You were looking forward to her coming too. Take this chance to learn a thing or two from our Lady Dragon."

"Kalz, you're being rude again...!"

"I'm really fine!"

I hastily stepped forward and picked up a wooden sword lying around. Turning my head, the knights were looking at me with sparkling eyes.

I alternated looking at them and Leonard, then cautiously proposed.

"Since we have time anyway, would you like to spar...?"

"Yes! That sounds great!"

The excited knights shouted loudly and lined up in order.

—And a short while later, I finally scowled.

"Um, please do this a bit more seriously... This isn't practice at all."

The fifth knight, whose sword I had sent flying in three bouts, stood up with a flustered face.

The previous knights were similar. Two bouts, three bouts, the longest lasting about five bouts.

Are they holding back because I'm their master's wife?

I looked at them with a troubled gaze.

No matter what, practicing like this wouldn't be practice but just a waste of time.

I looked at Leonard, hoping he would say something, but he was just rubbing his forehead with a troubled face. Instead, Kalz scoffed and approached.

"My Lady, I told you. You can't treat them like you do His Highness the Grand Duke."

"But you are the strongest knight order on the continent, aren't you?"

"The strongest is His Highness... Ha, how can you not know this. My Lady."

Kalz, about to say something, closed his mouth in agony.

"I can't even explain this... Sigh, just assume we're too weak."

I blinked.

He said it like that, but the Morte Knight Order certainly seemed like knights fitting of their reputation. There was no way a knight order renowned on the continent would be weaker than a country knight like me. Surely, it must be that they couldn't even raise their swords because I was their lord's wife. Truly remarkable loyalty.

Kalz said with an expression like someone who had eaten bitter medicine.

"Let's just have you demonstrate your swordsmanship. Against safe wooden dummies."

I willingly nodded.

The knights couldn't hide their amazement as they watched my swordsmanship.

My swordsmanship was only used in the northern part of the kingdom, solely focused on killing, so it was very different from the imperial style. My sword, whose life was flexibility and speed, allowed even small-framed women to cut a goblin's throat.

After the demonstration and a storm of questions, we shared the sweet drinks the servants brought out.

"Your Highness is indeed amazing."

Leonard, who emptied his glass in one gulp, said stiffly. His tone was so rigid I couldn't tell if it was a compliment or not. When I gave him an ambiguous look, he gave a short cough and changed the subject.

"Come to think of it, are you getting along with His Highness?"

"That's right, Your Highness! You didn't answer last time you came!"

The knights, who had become quite friendly chatting on the dirt floor, spoke slyly.

I quickly lowered my eyes. Thinking of Victor made my ears turn red again.

"Victor is truly kind and considerate. He treats me well too."

"......"

"He is knightly and elegant, always gentle to everyone..."

"A troll's hide would be thinner than the scales over your eyes, my Lady."

At Kalz's sharp words, I flushed red.

"But it's the truth!"

"I even went as far as to tell you to take the scales off your eyes... Fine. As long as you're happy with him, my Lady."

I raised my head, feeling unjustified. Strangely, the other knights sitting around also had very uncomfortable expressions.

"I see... So His Highness is like that to you, my Lady."

"Well, we have no choice but to follow our master..."

"It's a bit sickening, but what can we do."

"Suddenly I don't want to go on the trip."

I blinked in puzzlement. I couldn't understand why such loyal knights would gag on their drinks and agonize over their lord's story.

Several peaceful days flowed like that, and the day of departure arrived.