Hayden finished telling the story and said with great embarrassment.
“After the Hundred Years’ War ended, I tried to find her somehow, but I couldn’t find her. It was only recently that I found out about Elze’s whereabouts...”
He hesitated in front of Elze like a boy in love.
“Um, I thought you were a woman...”
And Shan's mood began to calm down little by little at Hayden's appearance. Elze cleared her throat before Shan could say anything unnecessary.
Shan, who was about to become more and more aggressive without realizing it, came to his senses at the sound of Elze's cough. Anyway, he got so angry when another man showed even the slightest hint of interest. Elze, who was thinking about Shan's reactions whenever she met other men, suddenly felt goosebumps on her arms.
It's understandable why Shan would be angry..
Come to think of it, none of the men who had shown interest in Elze up until now were normal. The only ones who could be called normal were Catinson Lovell. Or Ilwooz.
Elze, who had desperately searched her memories to see if there were any other normal people, eventually gave up. No matter how hard she searched, she couldn't find them. If she was hooked, she was a crazy person. It wasn't unreasonable for Shan to be so stubborn.
A fleeting thought crossed her mind that Hayden might be showing interest in her, so maybe that was abnormal. Elze quickly shook her head to dismiss the thought. Still, Hayden seemed okay. He resembled Astin more than anyone else.
Elze held Shan’s hand, who was standing right next to her. Shan’s spirits softened as Elze held his hand in front of Hayden. Hayden, who didn’t know that he had just come back from the dead, continued to talk.
“It’s a bit funny, but when I heard that Lady Elze was coming here, it felt like fate. I felt like Lady Elze would come to my rescue again, just like that time.”
Hayden stopped talking and swallowed hard. He called Elze's name with a rather solemn expression.
“Elze.”
He carefully met Elze's gaze. Elze looked into Hayden's eyes. Her warm hazel eyes were faintly trembling. Hayden mustered up his courage and asked.
“Can you help me one more time?”
“How shameless.”
But Hayden's words were cut off coldly by Shan. Shan stood awkwardly and spoke to Hayden.
“What gives you the confidence that Elze will help you?”
As Shan said, there was no reason for Elze to help Hayden. Hayden nodded heavily as if he knew that fact.
“This time, I will repay you properly, Elze.”
Elze watched Hayden quietly. In any case, there was nothing to lose from Targayel’s point of view by accepting Hayden’s request. Since Count Mapel and Cecilla had come out like that, war with them was almost certain.
But Elze wondered what Hayden would give in return. If Hayden was really like Astin, he would know the weight of the debt he owed to Elze. And he would do everything he could to repay it.
If Elze had misjudged the person... she would have come up with something appropriate to compensate for it. So this was a kind of test Elze was holding against Hayden.
“...”
There was silence for a moment. Hayden was silent. It was a moment when his silence grew long and slightly unsettling.
Hayden slowly bent his leg. He raised one knee, bent the other knee, and bowed his head. Then he slowly lifted his hand and reached out to Elze. Elze called his name in surprise.
“Hayden?”
“Elze.”
Hayden spoke to Elze with a pleading look in his eyes.
“I want to become Targayel’s vassal.”
“!!”
“Please allow me to serve you, Elze. And....”
He added with a shy smile.
“Please allow me to treat you to a warm and delicious meal.”
Elze didn't give Hayden an answer right away. She couldn't make such an important decision without consulting Shan.
It would be bad if Count Mapel were to catch with Hayden, so he was sent out for the time being.
“What are you going to do?”
As soon as Hayden left the room, Shan asked a question. Elze thought for a moment. “Well.”
She knew Hayden would give her something big in return. But she never expected him to give her everything he had. Elze turned to Shan and said.
“Wouldn’t it be right to accept it?”
The Counts of Mapel were the kings of the border. It would naturally be a great advantage for them to become vassals of Targayel.
Of course, if Hayden suddenly ascends to the position of Count of Mapel, there will be some initial squeaks. However, the lords of the border also needed a focal point. They had no choice but to follow the Count of Mapel. Hayden would become the focal point of the border lords and support Targayel.
But Shan didn't seem to like it.
“Shan. You don’t like Hayden?”
“Well, we needs it, though.”
Shan didn't answer the question of whether he didn't like it and just kept saying nonsense. Elze was giggling at Shan's appearance when a knock was heard. It seemed like the carriage was finally ready.
“Come in.”
But the servant who entered the room with Elze's permission started talking nonsense.
“The Count has requested that Count and Countess Targayel stay another day.”
The attendant bowed his head politely and said.
“We have prepared a hearty lunch as an apology for our inadequate treatment, so please come.”
“Lunch?”
Elze frowned at the unexpected invitation. She couldn't figure out why Count Mapel was acting like that. Elze was thinking of refusing and just going home when something flashed through her mind.
“Is Countess Mapel also attending?”
“Yes. The Count and his wife are planning to come together.”
“Hmm, that’s right...”
And before Elze could even hear Shan's answer, she smiled and made her decision.
“Tell them that I thank them for the invitation. I will be ready and on my way soon.”
She was ready to pull out all of Cecilla's hair. Elze hid her feelings and smiled brightly. The servant, not knowing anything, said he would convey it and bowed before stepping aside.
Elze wondered. How on earth did Cecilia have the courage to attend lunch after doing such a thing?
Count Mapel probably didn't make the decision alone. This was clearly a luncheon mixed with Cecilla's will. If things had gone this far, it would have been normal for Shan and Elze to run away. Elze couldn't possibly keep up with the flow of consciousness unfolding in Cecilia's head.
In any case, it was Cecilia who threw down the gauntlet first. Elze had no intention of avoiding her provocation.
Elze started dressing up to attend the luncheon. She was originally supposed to call the maids of Count Mapel's house to help her with the dressing up, but she felt uneasy about it. So Elze decided to just have Shan use her.
“Come on, Shan. You have to help me.”
Elze looked in the mirror and directed Shan to do this and that.
“Shan, this way...”
“Hmm.”
Shan was a great assistant. He quickly learned what Elze asked him to do. He had some difficulty, but once she was shown how to do it, he quickly mastered it.
Shan's hands delicately tied the ribbon. Elze, who had confirmed that she had tied the knot neatly, sat in front of the mirror and combed her hair. As she combed her long, flowing hair, a large hand suddenly approached her.
“Give it to me. I’ll do it for you.”
“What about the dress?”
“It’s already all finished.”
As Shan said, the numerous ribbons on the dress were already neatly tied. Elze handed Shan a comb. He held the comb in his hand and combed Elze's hair.
The firm comb pressed hard against her scalp and then swept her hair away. The touch was neat, but Elze felt a chill somehow. Shan didn’t miss Elze’s momentary flinch.
He brushed Elze's hair aside. The feel of the comb that swept the hair gently brushed over her skin. Shan's lips settled on Elze's delicate neckline, which was exposed. The warmth of the lips that pressed down as if pressing was warm. Elze laughed that it tickled, but the lips strongly sucked her skin.
“Shan!”
Elze quickly pushed Shan away. Shan fell down laughing. When she looked in the mirror, there was already a hickey on her neckline. The red mark stood out clearly on her white skin.
"You...!"
When Elze turned to Shan, he smiled mischievously and said:
“Why? Because it’s pretty?”
Elze was astonished at the way he acted so shamelessly. She couldn't even get angry because he was acting so shameless. Elze slapped his arm and scolded him.
“Why would you leave a hickey in such a visible place? I can’t hide it.”
Shan replied, pretending to tie up half of Elze's hair.
“This will do.”
It seemed like he was talking about half-tying it. When she did as Shan said, the loose hair at the bottom did cover the hickey. But even so, if she just pushed the hair back a little, it was still visible.
“Ugh...”
She was at a loss as to what to do with this. As Elze was struggling with her hair, Shan said, “Here, give it to me,” and took the comb.
He combed her hair a few times, then took the ribbon and hair accessories Elze was holding. Then he put the ribbon in and started braiding her hair.
In no time, a beautiful half-updo was completed. Shan even added a jewel pin to complete the look. Elze, looking in the mirror, clapped her hands without realizing it. Shan shrugged and said,
“I tend to learn things quickly by hand.”
I thought he was only good at sword fighting, but he was also good at combing. Elze looked at Shan again at that subtle combination. He was looking at Elze with a comb in his hand. It seemed like he really liked Elze's hair that I had tied up, and he looked very proud.
How can you be holding a comb with such a blunt face?
Elze shook her head after comparing it to the way he held the sword for a moment. Then Shan quickly asked.
“You don’t like it?”
“No, that’s not it. I just think you’re cute.”
Shan said, kissing Elze's cheek.
“From now on, I will have to touch your hair often.”
Somehow, she had a feeling that if she left her head in Shan’s hands, he would always mark his territory like this. Instead of answering him, Elze just glanced at him. Of course, Shan giggled like a rascal at Elze’s glare.
Thanks to Shan's help, Elze can dress up beautifully without the help of Countess Mapel's maids.
Elze, dressed in a dress, walked briskly to the banquet hall escorted by Shan. The lunch prepared by Count Mapel was served in the banquet hall where the New Year's party was held. When she entered the banquet hall, Cecilla and Count Mapel were already waiting.
"Welcome!"
Count Mapel jumped up from his seat and greeted Shan and Elze. Cecilla reluctantly got up and greeted them. Count Mapel spoke to them calmly as if nothing had happened.
“Thank you for accepting my sudden invitation.”
Shan also answered the question as if nothing had happened.
“No. Thank you for the invitation.”
But he didn't forget to add a word with a subtle smile.
“I was secretly disappointed that I couldn’t fully enjoy myself at the New Year’s party.”
“...”
When he brought up the story of the New Year's party that must have been hell for Count Mapel, a faint frown appeared on his otherwise calm face.
Shan smiled at Count Mapel. Cecilia said nothing. She was just surprised at how well Shan moved.
The knife was clearly stuck in his shoulder, but Shan moved his arm without any awkwardness. Cecilia observed Shan several times with a face of disbelief.
But no matter how hard she looked, there was no way she could know about the recent changes that had occurred to Shan. It was a secret that only Elze knew. Cecilia had to give up without being able to resolve her doubts.
The hastily prepared lunch looked pretty good.
As the formal conversation continued between Shan and Count Mapel, Elze continued to look at Cecilla.
Cecilia never looked aside, even though she could feel Elze's gaze on her.
But there was a poison in her eyes. Her eyes seemed to be determined. While eating, Count Mapel began to speak secretly.
“How about staying at the mansion for a few more days?”
He continued speaking, watching Shan's expression.
“It seems that the accommodations we prepared for Targayel were a bit inadequate for the Count and Countess...”
Shan stared at Count Mapel without saying anything. Count Mapel lifted his wine glass, took a sip, and continued speaking.
“We ask that you stay in our mansion until you move on to the next territory.”
“I think I need to discuss this with my wife.”
Shan didn't answer right away but looked at Elze. Elze gave an ambiguous answer that was neither positive nor negative.
“I didn’t bring all my luggage, so I guess I’ll have to stop by Targayel’s lodgings.”
Count Mapel felt himself getting more and more restless at the ambiguous answer. It seemed there was a reason why the two had to be kept in the mansion.
The question of whether or not they would stay at Count Mapel’s house was left open for the time being, and the conversation was diverted. As they had a few drinks as accompaniment and chatted about this and that, the topic soon turned to married life.
“I am lucky to have a wife like Cecilia.”
Count Mapel praised his young wife to the brim.
“How wise and careful... She’s also a great help to me. These days, there are a lot of women who think it’s ridiculous to know their husbands.”
Elze frowned at Count Mapel's words. However, while Shan and Elze remained silent, Cecilla suddenly joined the conversation.
“I saw Countess Targayel talking to her husband very freely the other day. Without any formality.”
She said it with a faint smile as if it were a compliment.
“I was really envious of how affectionate the two of you were.”
But judging from the context of the conversation now, it was a sarcastic remark that Elze was a woman who thought it was ridiculous to know her husband.
“I guess the relationship between the two of you is so good because your wife is a good supporter.”
Elze nodded vaguely in response to Cecilia's question. She tried to pass it off as a joke, but Cecilia had touched a sore spot.
“Oh, by the way, when the Countess’s identity as Elijah was revealed, Targayel was sent to the outskirts... Oh my!”
Cecilia covered her mouth with her hand. Her eyes widened, and she pretended to be disgusted by her slip of the tongue.
Elze was overcome with the urge to jump up and grab Cecilia's hair. But she postponed grabbing the hair until later when the ladies would talk to each other. For now, she just smiled and answered.
“That’s right. Thanks to Shan’s efforts to help me, I was able to get through this without any major incidents.”
As she casually emphasized the power of love, Cecilia’s face naturally crumpled. ElE could see her biting her lower lip as her eyes became more poisonous.
Cecilia had been scratching Elze repeatedly since earlier. Elze seemed to know why she was clinging to her like that.
Cecilia realized.
No matter how hard she tried to hold onto Shan, he wouldn't budge. No matter what she did, instead of Shan getting hurt, Cecilia would get knocked out. So, Cecilia finds a new way to hurt Shan.
That is to attack Elze.
Shan didn't even blink when he was stabbed, but he couldn't stand Elze's pain. She was someone who suffered several times more. That's why Cecilia decided at the luncheon to gouge out Elze's wounds.
“Yes, Countess Targayel.”
And Cecilia's attack wasn't over yet. She opened her mouth with a big smile.
“It’s been quite some time since you got married, but there’s still no news of a child.”
The desire to shout, “What’s your problem?” rose to the top of her lungs but then subsided. Elze barely managed to raise the corners of her lips to maintain a smiling expression. Elze was about to respond to her.
"If..."
Cecilla asked with narrowed eyes.
“Are you infertile?”
The banquet hall became quiet in an instant as if cold water had been poured over it. Even the servants who had been diligently serving the food flinched in surprise.
What is this crazy woman saying now?
Elze couldn't believe her ears. She wasn't the only one who was surprised by Cecilia's words. Even Count Mapel looked at Cecilia in surprise.
It was a sensitive topic. It was not something that could be brought up in a place where couples were together, let alone a gathering of women, and especially not in a lunchroom in broad daylight. It was so absurd that she felt like she had gone to another level.
But at least Cecilia achieved what she set out to do. Her words had left Elze in a very bad mood. She couldn't control her expression.
As Elze's face darkened, joy rose over Cecilia's eyes. And Shan, who had been quietly listening to the story and eating...
“Do it in moderation.”
He put the fork down. The sound of the fork hitting the plate was sharp. Shan looked at Cecilia coldly. Cecilia, who had been jumping for joy just a moment ago, froze.
Shan glared at Cecilia for a moment, then turned his gaze to Count Mapel. Then he looked Count Mapel up and down blatantly, then looked back at Cecilia and spoke.
“Are you taking out your anger on me because your couple’s sex life is difficult?”
“...!!”
The meaning in Shan's gaze was obvious, needless to say. Cecilia bit her lower lip. Shan chuckled and said.
“My wife and I are quite satisfied with each other.”
And he reached out his hand towards Elze.
“Of course, there is still a bit more...”
His hand brushed away Elze's hair. Her straight neckline was revealed, and the hickey Shan had left behind stood out clearly. Shan rubbed the hickey with his finger as if he was trying to show off.
“I also want to enjoy my honeymoon.”
At Shan's words that he wanted to enjoy his honeymoon, Cecilia's remark about infertility became meaningless. Shan smiled faintly at the people who were looking at him. His eyes were curved like a fox.
“...”
Cecilia, who had been full of confidence just a moment ago, suddenly looked as if she was about to cry. Tears welled up in her eyes. Cecilia seemed to have not expected Shan's blow at all. To be exact, she had not expected him to strike her like this.
The attendants, who did not want to miss this interesting sight, moved slowly for no reason. Cecilia noticed this and screamed loudly.
“Why are you dawdling so much!”
Then the servants dispersed. Cecilia, whose face was flushed red, tried to swallow her tears. Her lips were quivering, and it was pitiful, but Elze felt no sympathy for her.
Infertility... What on earth could make one think to say such a mean thing so casually?
Elze glared at Cecilia with cold eyes, and Shan’s hand gently placed on her shoulder. He held Elze’s shoulder tightly for a moment and then straightened her hair back to its original state. Her anger eased a little at his gentle touch. Elze exhaled lightly.
Count Mapel belatedly took control of the situation.
“I apologize for my rudeness.”
He also seemed to realize the seriousness of what Cecilia had just said. Count Marpel's face was a mixture of surprise and shame. Elze answered him in a dry tone.
“It’s okay. It seems that Madam Mapel had a slight misunderstanding about me.”
Of course, it was just a formal answer, but Elze didn't look okay at all.
After that, the meal continued somehow. However, the atmosphere became extremely cold. In particular, Count Mapel, who was caught between Cecilia and Targayel, was in a difficult position and didn't know what to do. As soon as the meal was almost over, Count Mapel made a subtle suggestion.
“Ah, umm... How about we have some time for guys to talk?”
He said, sweating profusely.
“I’m sure the ladies have other things to talk about.”
It was common for husbands and wives to talk separately, but it seemed as if something had been planned in advance, as Count Mapel was winking at Cecilla diligently.
Perhaps he had planned to humiliate Elze at the banquet hall and then call her out under the pretense of having a conversation between their wives to try something more. Elze smiled and accepted Count Mapel's offer.
“I like it. Shan, what about you?”
Shan frowned for a moment at Elze’s smile. He was worried that Cecilia might say something bad again. However, Elze moved her hand under the table and pressed Shan’s thigh. It was a signal to let her go. Shan eventually followed Elze’s suggestion.
“Let’s do that.”
So, lunch came to a close. The wives and the husbands split up to have dessert and conversation.
Elze and Cecilia went outside together first, while Shan went with Count Mapel to his reception room.
The door closed, leaving only Shan and Count Mapel in the drawing room.
“...”
When the two of them were left alone, Count Mapel became noticeably anxious. He guided Shan inside with a slightly anxious expression on his face.
On the table were two wine glasses, along with a bottle of wine.
Count Mapel fidgeted, then grabbed the wine bottle, uncorked it, poured a full glass, and offered it to Shan.
“Would you like a drink?”
But Shan neither accepted the glass nor sat down on the sofa. He simply stood in front of him with his arms folded and spoke softly.
“Count Mapel.”
Count Mapel swallowed hard. Shan accepted the glass offered by Count Mapel and said.
“I always tend to give warnings.”
Shan leaned back on the sofa, holding a glass in one hand. He gently shook the wine glass and smelled the aroma. Shan’s eyes were relaxed but full of energy.
“But it’s always been like that.”
He took a deep breath, exhaled, and whispered.
“Why do we have to experience it to understand the consequences of making the wrong choice?”
Count Mapel tried to smile calmly in front of Shan.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let’s have a drink first. It’s a good drink.”
Shan only shook the glass as if he was going to drink, but he didn't. Count Mapel was staring at Shan's hand. Shan noticed his gaze, smiled, and asked him,
“Why do you look so eager for me to drink this wine?”
“Wh, what are you talking about?”
Count Mapel hastily filled his own glass with wine. Then he forced a smile and raised his glass.
“For MaPel and Targayel.”
Shan smiled crookedly at his toast.
“It seems that the Count has something on his mind...”
And then he brought the glass and continued speaking.
“I hope it can come true.”
Clink, the clear sound of glasses clinking rang out.
“After the Hundred Years’ War ended, I tried to find her somehow, but I couldn’t find her. It was only recently that I found out about Elze’s whereabouts...”
He hesitated in front of Elze like a boy in love.
“Um, I thought you were a woman...”
And Shan's mood began to calm down little by little at Hayden's appearance. Elze cleared her throat before Shan could say anything unnecessary.
Shan, who was about to become more and more aggressive without realizing it, came to his senses at the sound of Elze's cough. Anyway, he got so angry when another man showed even the slightest hint of interest. Elze, who was thinking about Shan's reactions whenever she met other men, suddenly felt goosebumps on her arms.
It's understandable why Shan would be angry..
Come to think of it, none of the men who had shown interest in Elze up until now were normal. The only ones who could be called normal were Catinson Lovell. Or Ilwooz.
Elze, who had desperately searched her memories to see if there were any other normal people, eventually gave up. No matter how hard she searched, she couldn't find them. If she was hooked, she was a crazy person. It wasn't unreasonable for Shan to be so stubborn.
A fleeting thought crossed her mind that Hayden might be showing interest in her, so maybe that was abnormal. Elze quickly shook her head to dismiss the thought. Still, Hayden seemed okay. He resembled Astin more than anyone else.
Elze held Shan’s hand, who was standing right next to her. Shan’s spirits softened as Elze held his hand in front of Hayden. Hayden, who didn’t know that he had just come back from the dead, continued to talk.
“It’s a bit funny, but when I heard that Lady Elze was coming here, it felt like fate. I felt like Lady Elze would come to my rescue again, just like that time.”
Hayden stopped talking and swallowed hard. He called Elze's name with a rather solemn expression.
“Elze.”
He carefully met Elze's gaze. Elze looked into Hayden's eyes. Her warm hazel eyes were faintly trembling. Hayden mustered up his courage and asked.
“Can you help me one more time?”
“How shameless.”
But Hayden's words were cut off coldly by Shan. Shan stood awkwardly and spoke to Hayden.
“What gives you the confidence that Elze will help you?”
As Shan said, there was no reason for Elze to help Hayden. Hayden nodded heavily as if he knew that fact.
“This time, I will repay you properly, Elze.”
Elze watched Hayden quietly. In any case, there was nothing to lose from Targayel’s point of view by accepting Hayden’s request. Since Count Mapel and Cecilla had come out like that, war with them was almost certain.
But Elze wondered what Hayden would give in return. If Hayden was really like Astin, he would know the weight of the debt he owed to Elze. And he would do everything he could to repay it.
If Elze had misjudged the person... she would have come up with something appropriate to compensate for it. So this was a kind of test Elze was holding against Hayden.
“...”
There was silence for a moment. Hayden was silent. It was a moment when his silence grew long and slightly unsettling.
Hayden slowly bent his leg. He raised one knee, bent the other knee, and bowed his head. Then he slowly lifted his hand and reached out to Elze. Elze called his name in surprise.
“Hayden?”
“Elze.”
Hayden spoke to Elze with a pleading look in his eyes.
“I want to become Targayel’s vassal.”
“!!”
“Please allow me to serve you, Elze. And....”
He added with a shy smile.
“Please allow me to treat you to a warm and delicious meal.”
***
Elze didn't give Hayden an answer right away. She couldn't make such an important decision without consulting Shan.
It would be bad if Count Mapel were to catch with Hayden, so he was sent out for the time being.
“What are you going to do?”
As soon as Hayden left the room, Shan asked a question. Elze thought for a moment. “Well.”
She knew Hayden would give her something big in return. But she never expected him to give her everything he had. Elze turned to Shan and said.
“Wouldn’t it be right to accept it?”
The Counts of Mapel were the kings of the border. It would naturally be a great advantage for them to become vassals of Targayel.
Of course, if Hayden suddenly ascends to the position of Count of Mapel, there will be some initial squeaks. However, the lords of the border also needed a focal point. They had no choice but to follow the Count of Mapel. Hayden would become the focal point of the border lords and support Targayel.
But Shan didn't seem to like it.
“Shan. You don’t like Hayden?”
“Well, we needs it, though.”
Shan didn't answer the question of whether he didn't like it and just kept saying nonsense. Elze was giggling at Shan's appearance when a knock was heard. It seemed like the carriage was finally ready.
“Come in.”
But the servant who entered the room with Elze's permission started talking nonsense.
“The Count has requested that Count and Countess Targayel stay another day.”
The attendant bowed his head politely and said.
“We have prepared a hearty lunch as an apology for our inadequate treatment, so please come.”
“Lunch?”
Elze frowned at the unexpected invitation. She couldn't figure out why Count Mapel was acting like that. Elze was thinking of refusing and just going home when something flashed through her mind.
“Is Countess Mapel also attending?”
“Yes. The Count and his wife are planning to come together.”
“Hmm, that’s right...”
And before Elze could even hear Shan's answer, she smiled and made her decision.
“Tell them that I thank them for the invitation. I will be ready and on my way soon.”
She was ready to pull out all of Cecilla's hair. Elze hid her feelings and smiled brightly. The servant, not knowing anything, said he would convey it and bowed before stepping aside.
Elze wondered. How on earth did Cecilia have the courage to attend lunch after doing such a thing?
Count Mapel probably didn't make the decision alone. This was clearly a luncheon mixed with Cecilla's will. If things had gone this far, it would have been normal for Shan and Elze to run away. Elze couldn't possibly keep up with the flow of consciousness unfolding in Cecilia's head.
In any case, it was Cecilia who threw down the gauntlet first. Elze had no intention of avoiding her provocation.
Elze started dressing up to attend the luncheon. She was originally supposed to call the maids of Count Mapel's house to help her with the dressing up, but she felt uneasy about it. So Elze decided to just have Shan use her.
“Come on, Shan. You have to help me.”
Elze looked in the mirror and directed Shan to do this and that.
“Shan, this way...”
“Hmm.”
Shan was a great assistant. He quickly learned what Elze asked him to do. He had some difficulty, but once she was shown how to do it, he quickly mastered it.
Shan's hands delicately tied the ribbon. Elze, who had confirmed that she had tied the knot neatly, sat in front of the mirror and combed her hair. As she combed her long, flowing hair, a large hand suddenly approached her.
“Give it to me. I’ll do it for you.”
“What about the dress?”
“It’s already all finished.”
As Shan said, the numerous ribbons on the dress were already neatly tied. Elze handed Shan a comb. He held the comb in his hand and combed Elze's hair.
The firm comb pressed hard against her scalp and then swept her hair away. The touch was neat, but Elze felt a chill somehow. Shan didn’t miss Elze’s momentary flinch.
He brushed Elze's hair aside. The feel of the comb that swept the hair gently brushed over her skin. Shan's lips settled on Elze's delicate neckline, which was exposed. The warmth of the lips that pressed down as if pressing was warm. Elze laughed that it tickled, but the lips strongly sucked her skin.
“Shan!”
Elze quickly pushed Shan away. Shan fell down laughing. When she looked in the mirror, there was already a hickey on her neckline. The red mark stood out clearly on her white skin.
"You...!"
When Elze turned to Shan, he smiled mischievously and said:
“Why? Because it’s pretty?”
Elze was astonished at the way he acted so shamelessly. She couldn't even get angry because he was acting so shameless. Elze slapped his arm and scolded him.
“Why would you leave a hickey in such a visible place? I can’t hide it.”
Shan replied, pretending to tie up half of Elze's hair.
“This will do.”
It seemed like he was talking about half-tying it. When she did as Shan said, the loose hair at the bottom did cover the hickey. But even so, if she just pushed the hair back a little, it was still visible.
“Ugh...”
She was at a loss as to what to do with this. As Elze was struggling with her hair, Shan said, “Here, give it to me,” and took the comb.
He combed her hair a few times, then took the ribbon and hair accessories Elze was holding. Then he put the ribbon in and started braiding her hair.
In no time, a beautiful half-updo was completed. Shan even added a jewel pin to complete the look. Elze, looking in the mirror, clapped her hands without realizing it. Shan shrugged and said,
“I tend to learn things quickly by hand.”
I thought he was only good at sword fighting, but he was also good at combing. Elze looked at Shan again at that subtle combination. He was looking at Elze with a comb in his hand. It seemed like he really liked Elze's hair that I had tied up, and he looked very proud.
How can you be holding a comb with such a blunt face?
Elze shook her head after comparing it to the way he held the sword for a moment. Then Shan quickly asked.
“You don’t like it?”
“No, that’s not it. I just think you’re cute.”
Shan said, kissing Elze's cheek.
“From now on, I will have to touch your hair often.”
Somehow, she had a feeling that if she left her head in Shan’s hands, he would always mark his territory like this. Instead of answering him, Elze just glanced at him. Of course, Shan giggled like a rascal at Elze’s glare.
***
Thanks to Shan's help, Elze can dress up beautifully without the help of Countess Mapel's maids.
Elze, dressed in a dress, walked briskly to the banquet hall escorted by Shan. The lunch prepared by Count Mapel was served in the banquet hall where the New Year's party was held. When she entered the banquet hall, Cecilla and Count Mapel were already waiting.
"Welcome!"
Count Mapel jumped up from his seat and greeted Shan and Elze. Cecilla reluctantly got up and greeted them. Count Mapel spoke to them calmly as if nothing had happened.
“Thank you for accepting my sudden invitation.”
Shan also answered the question as if nothing had happened.
“No. Thank you for the invitation.”
But he didn't forget to add a word with a subtle smile.
“I was secretly disappointed that I couldn’t fully enjoy myself at the New Year’s party.”
“...”
When he brought up the story of the New Year's party that must have been hell for Count Mapel, a faint frown appeared on his otherwise calm face.
Shan smiled at Count Mapel. Cecilia said nothing. She was just surprised at how well Shan moved.
The knife was clearly stuck in his shoulder, but Shan moved his arm without any awkwardness. Cecilia observed Shan several times with a face of disbelief.
But no matter how hard she looked, there was no way she could know about the recent changes that had occurred to Shan. It was a secret that only Elze knew. Cecilia had to give up without being able to resolve her doubts.
The hastily prepared lunch looked pretty good.
As the formal conversation continued between Shan and Count Mapel, Elze continued to look at Cecilla.
Cecilia never looked aside, even though she could feel Elze's gaze on her.
But there was a poison in her eyes. Her eyes seemed to be determined. While eating, Count Mapel began to speak secretly.
“How about staying at the mansion for a few more days?”
He continued speaking, watching Shan's expression.
“It seems that the accommodations we prepared for Targayel were a bit inadequate for the Count and Countess...”
Shan stared at Count Mapel without saying anything. Count Mapel lifted his wine glass, took a sip, and continued speaking.
“We ask that you stay in our mansion until you move on to the next territory.”
“I think I need to discuss this with my wife.”
Shan didn't answer right away but looked at Elze. Elze gave an ambiguous answer that was neither positive nor negative.
“I didn’t bring all my luggage, so I guess I’ll have to stop by Targayel’s lodgings.”
Count Mapel felt himself getting more and more restless at the ambiguous answer. It seemed there was a reason why the two had to be kept in the mansion.
The question of whether or not they would stay at Count Mapel’s house was left open for the time being, and the conversation was diverted. As they had a few drinks as accompaniment and chatted about this and that, the topic soon turned to married life.
“I am lucky to have a wife like Cecilia.”
Count Mapel praised his young wife to the brim.
“How wise and careful... She’s also a great help to me. These days, there are a lot of women who think it’s ridiculous to know their husbands.”
Elze frowned at Count Mapel's words. However, while Shan and Elze remained silent, Cecilla suddenly joined the conversation.
“I saw Countess Targayel talking to her husband very freely the other day. Without any formality.”
She said it with a faint smile as if it were a compliment.
“I was really envious of how affectionate the two of you were.”
But judging from the context of the conversation now, it was a sarcastic remark that Elze was a woman who thought it was ridiculous to know her husband.
“I guess the relationship between the two of you is so good because your wife is a good supporter.”
Elze nodded vaguely in response to Cecilia's question. She tried to pass it off as a joke, but Cecilia had touched a sore spot.
“Oh, by the way, when the Countess’s identity as Elijah was revealed, Targayel was sent to the outskirts... Oh my!”
Cecilia covered her mouth with her hand. Her eyes widened, and she pretended to be disgusted by her slip of the tongue.
Elze was overcome with the urge to jump up and grab Cecilia's hair. But she postponed grabbing the hair until later when the ladies would talk to each other. For now, she just smiled and answered.
“That’s right. Thanks to Shan’s efforts to help me, I was able to get through this without any major incidents.”
As she casually emphasized the power of love, Cecilia’s face naturally crumpled. ElE could see her biting her lower lip as her eyes became more poisonous.
Cecilia had been scratching Elze repeatedly since earlier. Elze seemed to know why she was clinging to her like that.
Cecilia realized.
No matter how hard she tried to hold onto Shan, he wouldn't budge. No matter what she did, instead of Shan getting hurt, Cecilia would get knocked out. So, Cecilia finds a new way to hurt Shan.
That is to attack Elze.
Shan didn't even blink when he was stabbed, but he couldn't stand Elze's pain. She was someone who suffered several times more. That's why Cecilia decided at the luncheon to gouge out Elze's wounds.
“Yes, Countess Targayel.”
And Cecilia's attack wasn't over yet. She opened her mouth with a big smile.
“It’s been quite some time since you got married, but there’s still no news of a child.”
The desire to shout, “What’s your problem?” rose to the top of her lungs but then subsided. Elze barely managed to raise the corners of her lips to maintain a smiling expression. Elze was about to respond to her.
"If..."
Cecilla asked with narrowed eyes.
“Are you infertile?”
The banquet hall became quiet in an instant as if cold water had been poured over it. Even the servants who had been diligently serving the food flinched in surprise.
What is this crazy woman saying now?
Elze couldn't believe her ears. She wasn't the only one who was surprised by Cecilia's words. Even Count Mapel looked at Cecilia in surprise.
It was a sensitive topic. It was not something that could be brought up in a place where couples were together, let alone a gathering of women, and especially not in a lunchroom in broad daylight. It was so absurd that she felt like she had gone to another level.
But at least Cecilia achieved what she set out to do. Her words had left Elze in a very bad mood. She couldn't control her expression.
As Elze's face darkened, joy rose over Cecilia's eyes. And Shan, who had been quietly listening to the story and eating...
“Do it in moderation.”
He put the fork down. The sound of the fork hitting the plate was sharp. Shan looked at Cecilia coldly. Cecilia, who had been jumping for joy just a moment ago, froze.
Shan glared at Cecilia for a moment, then turned his gaze to Count Mapel. Then he looked Count Mapel up and down blatantly, then looked back at Cecilia and spoke.
“Are you taking out your anger on me because your couple’s sex life is difficult?”
“...!!”
The meaning in Shan's gaze was obvious, needless to say. Cecilia bit her lower lip. Shan chuckled and said.
“My wife and I are quite satisfied with each other.”
And he reached out his hand towards Elze.
“Of course, there is still a bit more...”
His hand brushed away Elze's hair. Her straight neckline was revealed, and the hickey Shan had left behind stood out clearly. Shan rubbed the hickey with his finger as if he was trying to show off.
“I also want to enjoy my honeymoon.”
At Shan's words that he wanted to enjoy his honeymoon, Cecilia's remark about infertility became meaningless. Shan smiled faintly at the people who were looking at him. His eyes were curved like a fox.
“...”
Cecilia, who had been full of confidence just a moment ago, suddenly looked as if she was about to cry. Tears welled up in her eyes. Cecilia seemed to have not expected Shan's blow at all. To be exact, she had not expected him to strike her like this.
The attendants, who did not want to miss this interesting sight, moved slowly for no reason. Cecilia noticed this and screamed loudly.
“Why are you dawdling so much!”
Then the servants dispersed. Cecilia, whose face was flushed red, tried to swallow her tears. Her lips were quivering, and it was pitiful, but Elze felt no sympathy for her.
Infertility... What on earth could make one think to say such a mean thing so casually?
Elze glared at Cecilia with cold eyes, and Shan’s hand gently placed on her shoulder. He held Elze’s shoulder tightly for a moment and then straightened her hair back to its original state. Her anger eased a little at his gentle touch. Elze exhaled lightly.
Count Mapel belatedly took control of the situation.
“I apologize for my rudeness.”
He also seemed to realize the seriousness of what Cecilia had just said. Count Marpel's face was a mixture of surprise and shame. Elze answered him in a dry tone.
“It’s okay. It seems that Madam Mapel had a slight misunderstanding about me.”
Of course, it was just a formal answer, but Elze didn't look okay at all.
After that, the meal continued somehow. However, the atmosphere became extremely cold. In particular, Count Mapel, who was caught between Cecilia and Targayel, was in a difficult position and didn't know what to do. As soon as the meal was almost over, Count Mapel made a subtle suggestion.
“Ah, umm... How about we have some time for guys to talk?”
He said, sweating profusely.
“I’m sure the ladies have other things to talk about.”
It was common for husbands and wives to talk separately, but it seemed as if something had been planned in advance, as Count Mapel was winking at Cecilla diligently.
Perhaps he had planned to humiliate Elze at the banquet hall and then call her out under the pretense of having a conversation between their wives to try something more. Elze smiled and accepted Count Mapel's offer.
“I like it. Shan, what about you?”
Shan frowned for a moment at Elze’s smile. He was worried that Cecilia might say something bad again. However, Elze moved her hand under the table and pressed Shan’s thigh. It was a signal to let her go. Shan eventually followed Elze’s suggestion.
“Let’s do that.”
So, lunch came to a close. The wives and the husbands split up to have dessert and conversation.
Elze and Cecilia went outside together first, while Shan went with Count Mapel to his reception room.
The door closed, leaving only Shan and Count Mapel in the drawing room.
“...”
When the two of them were left alone, Count Mapel became noticeably anxious. He guided Shan inside with a slightly anxious expression on his face.
On the table were two wine glasses, along with a bottle of wine.
Count Mapel fidgeted, then grabbed the wine bottle, uncorked it, poured a full glass, and offered it to Shan.
“Would you like a drink?”
But Shan neither accepted the glass nor sat down on the sofa. He simply stood in front of him with his arms folded and spoke softly.
“Count Mapel.”
Count Mapel swallowed hard. Shan accepted the glass offered by Count Mapel and said.
“I always tend to give warnings.”
Shan leaned back on the sofa, holding a glass in one hand. He gently shook the wine glass and smelled the aroma. Shan’s eyes were relaxed but full of energy.
“But it’s always been like that.”
He took a deep breath, exhaled, and whispered.
“Why do we have to experience it to understand the consequences of making the wrong choice?”
Count Mapel tried to smile calmly in front of Shan.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let’s have a drink first. It’s a good drink.”
Shan only shook the glass as if he was going to drink, but he didn't. Count Mapel was staring at Shan's hand. Shan noticed his gaze, smiled, and asked him,
“Why do you look so eager for me to drink this wine?”
“Wh, what are you talking about?”
Count Mapel hastily filled his own glass with wine. Then he forced a smile and raised his glass.
“For MaPel and Targayel.”
Shan smiled crookedly at his toast.
“It seems that the Count has something on his mind...”
And then he brought the glass and continued speaking.
“I hope it can come true.”
Clink, the clear sound of glasses clinking rang out.
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