I took a carriage back to Count Winsley's residence. My family came out to greet me, probably because they still didn't know what I had done at the party.
My father, who had been praising me for my hard work, called the whole family to the study as soon as the next morning dawned.
As I entered the study, a newspaper flew in front of me. My father was always polite to his children, and he'd never shown anything like this before. So, while the other family members were taken aback, I wasn't.
I already knew my father would be angry. I slowly knelt before him.
“Father, you have to tell me what my sister did...”
Ruin tried to appease his father, but his father's stern face did not soften.
"Layla! Is everything in this newspaper true?"
I closed my eyes and didn't move. Ruin looked back and forth between me and my father, then carefully picked up the newspaper.
“The marriage of the eldest daughter of Margrave Winsley and Grand Duke Dukezan... What does this mean, Sister?”
Ruin asked me in a confused voice. Before I could open my mouth, my father spoke, his voice as if suppressing his anger.
“I heard that Layla dueled Marquis Amber at a social party for the honor of Grand Duke Dukezan.”
“What, what did you say?”
It was truly rare for my always elegant mother to be so shocked. I felt with my whole body what I had done. For my family, especially my parents, this must have been like a bolt from the blue.
"Sorry."
My family was silent for a moment at my apology, but soon my mother started yelling.
“How could you do this to us! You were supposed to go to the party and tell everyone it wasn't true!”
“But I never intended to do that from the beginning. I wanted to marry His Highness the Grand Duke of Dukezan.”
“So what on earth are you lacking that makes you with that person!”
Unable to continue speaking, my mother covered her face with her hands and began to weep. Her voice was so sorrowful, as if she had forgotten even the dignity she was supposed to uphold as a Countess. Listening to her cries, my heart ached as if it were being ripped out of me.
But it's all for the family.
I stood up, lifted my skirt, and bowed with more solemnity than ever. My family just stared at me and didn't approach.
"Please allow me to marry His Highness the Grand Duke of Dukezan. If you don't, I will join the Knights Templar and never marry anyone. And I will never return home."
My words shocked the family, their eyes widening. My mother gasped for breath and clutched the back of her neck. Adam hurriedly tried to support her, but even he was busy looking at me with disbelief.
In that situation, my father seemed to have calmed down and asked me in a slightly softened voice.
"Can't you tell me why? If you have given your heart to His Highness the Grand Duke, I will respect that heart."
At those words, I smiled and shook my head. I couldn't tell the truth, but I didn't want to lie to my family either.
"This is a political marriage, Father. I absolutely want to gain something from this marriage."
I only had a few years left to live. So, all I wanted was one thing: peace for my family. Even if they didn't want it, I wanted it.
“Please respect my selfish choice.”
In the study, my mother's sobs echoed quietly once again. My father wrapped his arms around her shoulder and patted it heavily. "Will it not work this time?" "After disappointing you so much..." That was the thought that struck him.
My father said with a pained expression.
“I have a feeling it will be impossible to stop you.”
“I’m sorry, Father.”
I could only repeat it like a parrot. My father shook his head as he listened to my apology. It didn't mean he would accept it. But it didn't mean he would reject my wishes either.
My father said with a long sigh.
“Everyone, leave except Layla. Layla, help me write a letter to His Highness the Grand Duke.”
After saying those words, my father entrusted my staggering mother to Ruin. Ruin and Adam carried her outside, and I stood there for a moment, transfixed. Even though it wasn't winter, my eyes were stinging.
Not long after the Marchioness of Eriant's social party, I had to leave for the North to prepare for my wedding.
My mother, who had been reluctant to send her young daughter north, embraced me and spoke. Even though she had only recently spoken resentfully toward me, her embrace was still warm and comforting, bringing tears to my eyes.
“What should I do if I don’t want to send you?”
My youngest brother, Adam, said this while holding my hand tightly next to my mother.
"Sister, let's just not go. Why don't we ask His Highness Grand Duke Dukezan to come and live here?"
Adam's earnest face was, frankly, almost adorable. I smiled, touching Adam's soft cheek, still childlike rather than manly. "I'll definitely protect you this time, Adam." With that thought in mind, I kissed Adam's forehead.
“Do you think I’m still your girlfriend?”
Even the way my younger brother grumbled was endearing.
When I announced my intention to leave a little earlier than scheduled, my family naturally erupted in commotion. But it was better to quickly familiarize myself with the Grand Duke of Dukezan's affairs. Only then could I utilize his power more effectively. I said, embracing my mother.
“I have a lot to do. I have to look pretty for my family at the wedding.”
At those words, my mother burst into tears. My younger brothers each hugged me. My father stood at the very back, watching me, then came over and wrapped his arms tightly around my shoulders.
“Whatever you want to do, don’t overdo it.”
I nodded vigorously. Even though I couldn't keep that promise, it was the only thing I could do for my father.
My mother, who was wiping away tears with a handkerchief, asked me with concern.
“Do I really have to take that kid?”
The person my mother had pointed to with a nod was none other than Marian. The woman Kaiser had taken in as his mistress before we were even married.
Marian was riding in the carriage behind, her face covered by a black veil.
It was natural that my family didn't like Marian, since I could have married Kaiser.
But I nodded firmly.
“Marian has a separate place to live.”
Then my family couldn't stop me anymore.
So I left my family behind and boarded the carriage. Despite my betrayal, they treated me warmly to the end. They were such loving people, I couldn't help but protect them.
I bit my lip and steeled myself once again.
On the way to the Northern Dukezan Territory, Anna sniffled and cried. Her handkerchief was soaked with tears, so I offered her mine, but even that didn't last long. To anyone, it seemed like Anna, not me, was being sold.
“Why on earth are you crying so much?”
Anna answered my question, fiddled with her handkerchief. She was furious, but she couldn't bring herself to vent her anger at the young lady whom she was serving. Her face was a mixture of confusion and frustration.
"I was proud of the young lady I served, who was kind, intelligent, and beautiful. I believed you would surely marry someone as handsome as the Marquis of Kaiser..."
At Anna's pitiful words, I took a handkerchief and wiped her eyes.
“Anna, this marriage might not be as bad as you think.”
“But, but.”
"If you stay by my side, you'll naturally come to understand. His Highness the Grand Duke of Dukezan is a much better person than you think."
My voice was filled with conviction, and Anna's eyes widened in wonder.
“How can you do that... ugh!”
Anna's screams were accompanied by a sharp tilt of the carriage. Anna flooded my vision as the carriage tilted toward me. I stammered, trying to catch her, but my body collided with the carriage. The momentary impact silenced even a scream.
“Miss! Miss!”
Anna called out to me, at a loss. Outside, the horse neighed in pain, and the coachman struggled to pull the carriage out of the ditch.
“Call people, call people!”
I shouted outside, unable to move. I heard the coachman running frantically.
“Anna, you stay still. If the carriage gets stuck, it’ll be a disaster.”
“Yes, yes!”
Anna answered as such, but still seemed uneasy, asking, “Where on earth are we?” and “What exactly have we gotten ourselves into, Miss?”
Dozens of minutes must have passed. Maybe even a few minutes. Because of the injury to my leg, every second felt slower.
It was a time when I was so out of it, struggling to cope with my injuries and Anna's impatience.
Suddenly.
The locked door was swung open by something. A large, firm hand entered through it. I hesitated involuntarily, but the hand gently supported my back.
"Ah..."
There was no time to hesitate. His arm embraced me and pulled me out, then he naturally placed his other arm around the back of my knee. In an instant, I was embraced like a child.
Before I could even say thank you, a familiar, low voice rang in my ears.
“You’re hurt.”
I raised my head and looked at him.
“Your Highness, the Grand Duke...”
A man wearing half a mask, half a cloak. Red eyes, embedded in pale skin, looked down at me. Recognizing who he was, I hurriedly tried to escape Julian's embrace.
“Ugh...”
Even struggling was difficult due to the leg injury. He hugged me again and clicked his tongue.
“Stay still.”
“But this is a huge disrespect.”
“If you keep walking like this, your injury will get worse.”
"That..."
“Wouldn’t it be even more disrespectful if the bride couldn’t even walk alone at the wedding?”
Julian chatted as we walked. Every word he said was so accurate that I couldn't say anything in response. I felt like a child being scolded.
“I can’t even go into a wedding holding you like this.”
“Yes, I’m sorry.”
I apologized immediately. Only then did I realize. There wasn't a hint of sharpness in Julian's voice. Just in case, I tilted my head slightly and asked.
“Are you just joking?”
Julian didn't answer. I couldn't tell whether it was because he was so dumbfounded or embarrassed, but I decided to assume he was embarrassed.
Is this what they call a bean pod? Kaiser had been looking uglier by the day, but seeing his half-face after a long time made him look much more handsome than before.
“How long are you going to hold me?”
“Until the carriage. After that, I’ll leave it to the servant.”
"Ah..."
As I muttered in regret, Julian remained silent for a moment before asking.
“Why is that?”
I put one arm around his shoulder and held him steady. I wasn't trying to be coquettish. It just felt comfortable. I held his neck as I spoke.
“I was wondering if you would take me to my room. I thought it would be an honor.”
This time, Julian was silent for a long time. It seemed like he just wouldn't say anything.
Julian placed me in his carriage and walked backward. I worked my stubborn thighs hard and pressed myself against the window.
My father, who had been praising me for my hard work, called the whole family to the study as soon as the next morning dawned.
As I entered the study, a newspaper flew in front of me. My father was always polite to his children, and he'd never shown anything like this before. So, while the other family members were taken aback, I wasn't.
I already knew my father would be angry. I slowly knelt before him.
“Father, you have to tell me what my sister did...”
Ruin tried to appease his father, but his father's stern face did not soften.
"Layla! Is everything in this newspaper true?"
I closed my eyes and didn't move. Ruin looked back and forth between me and my father, then carefully picked up the newspaper.
“The marriage of the eldest daughter of Margrave Winsley and Grand Duke Dukezan... What does this mean, Sister?”
Ruin asked me in a confused voice. Before I could open my mouth, my father spoke, his voice as if suppressing his anger.
“I heard that Layla dueled Marquis Amber at a social party for the honor of Grand Duke Dukezan.”
“What, what did you say?”
It was truly rare for my always elegant mother to be so shocked. I felt with my whole body what I had done. For my family, especially my parents, this must have been like a bolt from the blue.
"Sorry."
My family was silent for a moment at my apology, but soon my mother started yelling.
“How could you do this to us! You were supposed to go to the party and tell everyone it wasn't true!”
“But I never intended to do that from the beginning. I wanted to marry His Highness the Grand Duke of Dukezan.”
“So what on earth are you lacking that makes you with that person!”
Unable to continue speaking, my mother covered her face with her hands and began to weep. Her voice was so sorrowful, as if she had forgotten even the dignity she was supposed to uphold as a Countess. Listening to her cries, my heart ached as if it were being ripped out of me.
But it's all for the family.
I stood up, lifted my skirt, and bowed with more solemnity than ever. My family just stared at me and didn't approach.
"Please allow me to marry His Highness the Grand Duke of Dukezan. If you don't, I will join the Knights Templar and never marry anyone. And I will never return home."
My words shocked the family, their eyes widening. My mother gasped for breath and clutched the back of her neck. Adam hurriedly tried to support her, but even he was busy looking at me with disbelief.
In that situation, my father seemed to have calmed down and asked me in a slightly softened voice.
"Can't you tell me why? If you have given your heart to His Highness the Grand Duke, I will respect that heart."
At those words, I smiled and shook my head. I couldn't tell the truth, but I didn't want to lie to my family either.
"This is a political marriage, Father. I absolutely want to gain something from this marriage."
I only had a few years left to live. So, all I wanted was one thing: peace for my family. Even if they didn't want it, I wanted it.
“Please respect my selfish choice.”
In the study, my mother's sobs echoed quietly once again. My father wrapped his arms around her shoulder and patted it heavily. "Will it not work this time?" "After disappointing you so much..." That was the thought that struck him.
My father said with a pained expression.
“I have a feeling it will be impossible to stop you.”
“I’m sorry, Father.”
I could only repeat it like a parrot. My father shook his head as he listened to my apology. It didn't mean he would accept it. But it didn't mean he would reject my wishes either.
My father said with a long sigh.
“Everyone, leave except Layla. Layla, help me write a letter to His Highness the Grand Duke.”
After saying those words, my father entrusted my staggering mother to Ruin. Ruin and Adam carried her outside, and I stood there for a moment, transfixed. Even though it wasn't winter, my eyes were stinging.
***
Not long after the Marchioness of Eriant's social party, I had to leave for the North to prepare for my wedding.
My mother, who had been reluctant to send her young daughter north, embraced me and spoke. Even though she had only recently spoken resentfully toward me, her embrace was still warm and comforting, bringing tears to my eyes.
“What should I do if I don’t want to send you?”
My youngest brother, Adam, said this while holding my hand tightly next to my mother.
"Sister, let's just not go. Why don't we ask His Highness Grand Duke Dukezan to come and live here?"
Adam's earnest face was, frankly, almost adorable. I smiled, touching Adam's soft cheek, still childlike rather than manly. "I'll definitely protect you this time, Adam." With that thought in mind, I kissed Adam's forehead.
“Do you think I’m still your girlfriend?”
Even the way my younger brother grumbled was endearing.
When I announced my intention to leave a little earlier than scheduled, my family naturally erupted in commotion. But it was better to quickly familiarize myself with the Grand Duke of Dukezan's affairs. Only then could I utilize his power more effectively. I said, embracing my mother.
“I have a lot to do. I have to look pretty for my family at the wedding.”
At those words, my mother burst into tears. My younger brothers each hugged me. My father stood at the very back, watching me, then came over and wrapped his arms tightly around my shoulders.
“Whatever you want to do, don’t overdo it.”
I nodded vigorously. Even though I couldn't keep that promise, it was the only thing I could do for my father.
My mother, who was wiping away tears with a handkerchief, asked me with concern.
“Do I really have to take that kid?”
The person my mother had pointed to with a nod was none other than Marian. The woman Kaiser had taken in as his mistress before we were even married.
Marian was riding in the carriage behind, her face covered by a black veil.
It was natural that my family didn't like Marian, since I could have married Kaiser.
But I nodded firmly.
“Marian has a separate place to live.”
Then my family couldn't stop me anymore.
So I left my family behind and boarded the carriage. Despite my betrayal, they treated me warmly to the end. They were such loving people, I couldn't help but protect them.
I bit my lip and steeled myself once again.
On the way to the Northern Dukezan Territory, Anna sniffled and cried. Her handkerchief was soaked with tears, so I offered her mine, but even that didn't last long. To anyone, it seemed like Anna, not me, was being sold.
“Why on earth are you crying so much?”
Anna answered my question, fiddled with her handkerchief. She was furious, but she couldn't bring herself to vent her anger at the young lady whom she was serving. Her face was a mixture of confusion and frustration.
"I was proud of the young lady I served, who was kind, intelligent, and beautiful. I believed you would surely marry someone as handsome as the Marquis of Kaiser..."
At Anna's pitiful words, I took a handkerchief and wiped her eyes.
“Anna, this marriage might not be as bad as you think.”
“But, but.”
"If you stay by my side, you'll naturally come to understand. His Highness the Grand Duke of Dukezan is a much better person than you think."
My voice was filled with conviction, and Anna's eyes widened in wonder.
“How can you do that... ugh!”
Anna's screams were accompanied by a sharp tilt of the carriage. Anna flooded my vision as the carriage tilted toward me. I stammered, trying to catch her, but my body collided with the carriage. The momentary impact silenced even a scream.
“Miss! Miss!”
Anna called out to me, at a loss. Outside, the horse neighed in pain, and the coachman struggled to pull the carriage out of the ditch.
“Call people, call people!”
I shouted outside, unable to move. I heard the coachman running frantically.
“Anna, you stay still. If the carriage gets stuck, it’ll be a disaster.”
“Yes, yes!”
Anna answered as such, but still seemed uneasy, asking, “Where on earth are we?” and “What exactly have we gotten ourselves into, Miss?”
Dozens of minutes must have passed. Maybe even a few minutes. Because of the injury to my leg, every second felt slower.
It was a time when I was so out of it, struggling to cope with my injuries and Anna's impatience.
Suddenly.
The locked door was swung open by something. A large, firm hand entered through it. I hesitated involuntarily, but the hand gently supported my back.
"Ah..."
There was no time to hesitate. His arm embraced me and pulled me out, then he naturally placed his other arm around the back of my knee. In an instant, I was embraced like a child.
Before I could even say thank you, a familiar, low voice rang in my ears.
“You’re hurt.”
I raised my head and looked at him.
“Your Highness, the Grand Duke...”
A man wearing half a mask, half a cloak. Red eyes, embedded in pale skin, looked down at me. Recognizing who he was, I hurriedly tried to escape Julian's embrace.
“Ugh...”
Even struggling was difficult due to the leg injury. He hugged me again and clicked his tongue.
“Stay still.”
“But this is a huge disrespect.”
“If you keep walking like this, your injury will get worse.”
"That..."
“Wouldn’t it be even more disrespectful if the bride couldn’t even walk alone at the wedding?”
Julian chatted as we walked. Every word he said was so accurate that I couldn't say anything in response. I felt like a child being scolded.
“I can’t even go into a wedding holding you like this.”
“Yes, I’m sorry.”
I apologized immediately. Only then did I realize. There wasn't a hint of sharpness in Julian's voice. Just in case, I tilted my head slightly and asked.
“Are you just joking?”
Julian didn't answer. I couldn't tell whether it was because he was so dumbfounded or embarrassed, but I decided to assume he was embarrassed.
Is this what they call a bean pod? Kaiser had been looking uglier by the day, but seeing his half-face after a long time made him look much more handsome than before.
“How long are you going to hold me?”
“Until the carriage. After that, I’ll leave it to the servant.”
"Ah..."
As I muttered in regret, Julian remained silent for a moment before asking.
“Why is that?”
I put one arm around his shoulder and held him steady. I wasn't trying to be coquettish. It just felt comfortable. I held his neck as I spoke.
“I was wondering if you would take me to my room. I thought it would be an honor.”
This time, Julian was silent for a long time. It seemed like he just wouldn't say anything.
Julian placed me in his carriage and walked backward. I worked my stubborn thighs hard and pressed myself against the window.
I peeked out the window and saw Julian grab a corner of the carriage and lift it with a swift motion. He pulled it out of the ditch it had been stuck in and dragged it to safety. Even for a grown man, it was a feat beyond his average physical strength.
“What is that...”
They said he was a monster, but it was so strong that I wondered if the rumors were spread incorrectly because of his monstrous power rather than his appearance.
I applauded Julian as he returned to the carriage. Of all the knights I'd seen during my brief time in the Order, none possessed such strength. My heart pounded, eager to see him wield his sword.
Julian looked at me as if to ask what the hell I was doing, and I answered right away.
“That’s amazing. I’ve never seen anyone this strong!”
When I shouted like a fool, Julian put his hand on his head as if it hurt a little.
“Are you always this noisy?”
Julian's words sounded more disturbed than calm. He seemed to be worried about the future. I shrugged and stepped aside slightly to make room for him.
“So, are you going to go through with this marriage?”
At my question, Julian smiled faintly beneath the hand resting on his forehead. He didn't seem to intend to show me, but I saw it clearly. Julian's lips, half exposed, were red and soft.
Julian whispered as he entered the carriage.
“That can’t be.”
***
Dukezan Territory, despite its northern name, had a cold climate. However, it wasn't snowy all year round. However, it was mountainous and rugged.
Dukezan's territory was more developed in animal husbandry than agriculture, and many fur-bearing animals could survive the cold season without any problems.
He said that because there are so many mountains, first-time visitors often get lost. Julian said he was coming out to greet me, perhaps worried that the new hostess might get lost.
If only they had gotten lost, how ridiculous it would have been if the carriage had fallen into a ditch and the owner had fallen over.
I chuckled as I thought about the absurdity Julian must have experienced.
“Why are you laughing?”
“It’s nothing.”
I answered coldly and pressed myself closer to the carriage window.
People used to say that Dukezan Territory was a barren and barren land. It certainly wasn't fertile.
But if people say this land is worthless, it's simply jealousy. This place was too wonderful.
Cool air, towering land and trees, and vibrant people of all ages.
Especially the people, they all stopped and bowed with upright posture as the carriage of the Grand Duke passed by.
Those who seemed to fear the monster Grand Duke more than anyone else were all showing respect.
“It’s a wonderful estate.”
I whispered, looking out the window. Turning around, I caught a glimpse of Julian peering over my shoulder with a gentle smile.
"Your Highness?"
“Why are you calling?”
“Your Highness, you seem to be a completely different person from what the rumors say.”
Julian smiled sadly.
“It’s not that different.”
"It's completely different. The people in the capital would never imagine you could smile like that."
I touched his cheek. I liked the way his chin, devoid of a single hair of stubble, looked. It seemed to speak volumes about his sincerity and neatness.
Men of this age would grow messy beards to look mature, and you can't imagine that their wives would be horrified by it.
“I have a question. Since the wedding is coming up soon, I thought it would be okay to ask. Is that okay?”
“Anything.”
I stared at him and asked. The carriage was still moving quickly, and our hair was blowing in the wind.
“Why does Your Highness want to have a child?”
Why? I didn't think this person, someone I hadn't even known for a long time, would want to have a child without any love. So I asked. Julian calmed his gaze and answered.
"You ask the obvious. It's to have a successor."
His voice went deeper and deeper, as if drawing out something from the darkness.
“Only that can protect the Dukezan Territory.”
Comments
Post a Comment