<Chapter 13>

“Did I really do that?”  

Temenos, feeling a bit startled, glanced down at his abdomen. Sure enough, his hand was resting on it.

Quickly, he pulled his hand away, masking his embarrassment. He ignored the lingering sensation of firm abs and acted as if nothing had happened.

“It’s nothing. Anyway, David, be more mindful of titles from now on.”

“Pardon?”

David looked utterly confused, as if he couldn’t understand what he’d done wrong. Temenos, seeing his clueless reaction, spelled it out.

“You saw me sign earlier, didn’t you? Once the wedding is held, she’ll be the Duchess.”

“……Oh, yes!”

Realizing his mistake, David bowed his head, finally catching on. He replied, albeit a bit nervously.

“I’ll treat her with proper respect from now on.”

Temenos waited, giving David a chance to argue that it wasn’t necessary. But no such response came.

Instead, Temenos continued.

“She’s going to be the mistress of the North. Regardless of the past, treat her properly from now on. The wedding may move her to the main residence, but until then, take care of the annex’s situation.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Make sure no one brings up her past. Issue a firm warning to everyone. If anyone dares to stir up trouble before the wedding, fire them immediately without a recommendation letter.”

“Understood, Your Grace. I’ll handle it so you won’t have to worry.”

David swallowed nervously.

‘I’ll have to gather all the staff.’

With Temenos being so explicit, anyone caught gossiping about Inosensia would face severe consequences. Determined to prevent any disasters, David left the study and briskly walked down the hallway.

Then, he paused, realizing something.

‘Wait a second… just now, didn’t our eyes meet?’

But he hadn’t felt fear.

Looking at his forearm, which usually prickled with goosebumps after such encounters, he found it oddly calm. That realization, ironically, gave him chills instead. 

*  *  *

By the time I came to my senses, the wedding date had already been set. Just one month away.

One month to prepare for the wedding of one of the empire’s three dukes was ridiculously short.

But I wasn’t worried.

Why? Because I was the third bride candidate in this household. Surely, everything but the bride was already prepared.

“About that…”

“Wait, why that reaction? Don’t tell me you stopped halfway through?”

In the past, they told me to stay hidden, not to demand anything.

Now the person who’d scowled and hounded me on my first day here was nowhere to be found.

David, looking utterly apologetic, hung his head as though he had forgotten his past attitude.

“To be honest… we assumed you’d run away like the others.”

Excuse me?

“Wait a second. So all that talk about my health and delaying the wedding… was it just because nothing was ready?”

“No, no. His Grace was genuinely concerned about your wellbeing!”

Ha! As if! Supporting his boss like this! Like Temenos, who’d once doubted my reliability, suddenly cared about me!

“Don’t change the subject! Speak plainly!”

David, who’d been bowing his head silently, caused my anger to fizzle out.

‘Where’s the fiery attitude from our first meeting? Even after signing the marriage papers, he should be saying, “I still don’t acknowledge you!”’

I thought about Kei and Cesare. Maybe I had a soft spot for people who could admit their mistakes.

After all, scolding someone only feels worthwhile when they glare back and argue. What do you say to someone bowing their head in regret?

“……Fine. Look up.”

I cleared my throat lightly and observed David’s expression as he raised his head.

I’d spoken informally, just as he asked, but I wondered if it might offend him. However, his face showed no sign of irritation.

That eased my mind entirely.

“So, is it possible to have a wedding in a month?”

“If all the staff at the mansion focus on preparing for the wedding, it should be feasible. But…”

“But?”

“You’ll have a lot to prepare for as well, Prospective Duchess. Following the schedule might be difficult.”

David’s cautious gaze showed a flicker of unease, as though he was worried I might refuse.

‘Oh, please.’

I could really just collapse here and now…

“I can’t promise I’ll manage if the schedule turns out to be completely brutal, but I’ll try my best.”

“Thank you, Prospective Duchess. In that case—”

Before his words even settled, David clapped his hands sharply into the air.

As if they had been waiting for that signal, the door burst open, and a group of maids in impeccably neat uniforms flooded into the room.

Startled by the sheer energy of it all, I instinctively stepped back, but the maids were already perfectly lined up and bowing to me with utmost formality.

“We greet you, Prospective Duchess. We are here to assist in ensuring that your wedding is flawless.”

“You can count on us completely.”

“Wait, wait a second…!”

Being surrounded by this many people is not my idea of fun!

But before I could even collect myself, I was gently but firmly ushered toward the dressing room by the maids’ efficient hands.

As their shadows surrounded me, my senses grew sharply heightened. I clenched my fists instinctively.

“Prospective Duchess, we’ll begin by taking your measurements.”

“Before that, is there anything we should keep in mind?”

“Keep in mind…?”

What are they talking about?

“Are there any parts of your body you wouldn’t want seen by others? Any scents or flowers you dislike? Perhaps specific fabrics or jewels you’d prefer us to avoid?”

“Oh…”

Only then did I realize. The maids, holding measuring tapes, designs, and fabric swatches, stood at a respectful distance, waiting for my instructions before moving.

Their courtesy calmed my frazzled nerves.

These people aren’t trying to overwhelm me. They’re here to help.

I relaxed my clenched fists and took a slow, deep breath.

“Not really… Just be careful when brushing my hair. It’s long and tends to tangle.”

“Understood, Prospective Duchess. Girls—”

The lead maid clapped her hands lightly.

“Let’s begin.”

And in that moment, their eyes sharpened with determination.

I instantly realized I’d let my guard down too soon.

“Let me help you with your outer garment. Could you lift your arms, please?”

“While doing that, please review this design book and let us know if any designs catch your eye.”

“I’ll begin trying bracelets and earrings for a color match. The metals might feel cold, so don’t be startled.”

Taking precise measurements, reviewing design options, and testing various accessories against my skin, hair, and eyes to determine the best matches.

Once that was done, I was immersed in a bath filled with herbs “beneficial for the skin” while memorizing the names, details, and affiliations of important nobles related to the Winsteins.

“This concludes our tasks for today.”

“We’ll return early tomorrow morning, so please get a good night’s rest.”

Politeness and sweet voices don’t mean a thing…!

I desperately missed the days when Alice would quietly close the curtains and retreat without a word if I refused to get up.

Did I take this whole marriage-to-a-duke thing too lightly?

But it was far too late for regrets.

That truth hit me hard when the maids showed up at dawn the next morning, ready for round two.

*  *  *

Time flowed like water.

No, not just water—a waterfall. Blink once, and a day was gone. Blink again, and two days disappeared.

Still, the chaos paid off. In just ten days, my dress was tailored, and I finally received the matching veil, shoes, and accessory set.

“Wow… This was all made in just ten days?”

“The tailors and jewelers have been as busy as we’ve been, Prospective Duchess.”

“Hmm. I guess that makes sense. That’d do it.”

I nodded, looking at my reflection in the mirror.

After daily skincare and hair treatments twice a day, my complexion and hair practically shone. My beauty, already something I was proud of, had reached new heights.

But it’s strange… This face bears an uncanny resemblance to my original one.

That familiarity made it easier to accept when I looked in the mirror. The flaws I used to dislike had vanished, leaving a face I was actually quite pleased with.

Could this be some perk of possession?

If it was, I’d much rather it came in the form of cash.

I sighed lightly, thinking of my inventory screen that remained stubbornly empty.

“With the major preparations done, can I finally have some free time today?”

“Yes, we can allow you about two hours.”

For someone used to lounging for 24 hours a day, getting just two hours felt like a huge favor.

I thanked them profusely, dismissed the maids so they could rest, and quickly slipped away before they could change their minds.

Kei and Cesare followed closely behind.

“Where shall we escort you?”

“The chapel. Today, I’m going to the chapel to pray to God.”

More precisely, I planned to throw myself at the altar and beg for another free divine oracle, no matter what it took.
 

<To be continued>

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