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chapter 10
“Is something the matter?”
“Be wary of the ones closest to you. It’s always easiest to be betrayed by them. And… if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
“Me? You tell me to be cautious of people, and then say I should contact you? That doesn’t sound like something I should be hearing right now.”
“…Then, let’s leave it for another time.”
‘Soren is too gentle, too pure, to be doing work that’s practically no different from mercenary life.’
When they stepped outside, Madel let out a small sigh, as if the tension had finally left her body.
“You must’ve been nervous.”
“Yes.”
Madel gave a sheepish smile.
“Anyway, let’s head back quickly.”
“Alright.”
“Riel! Do you know how anxious I was waiting for you to come back?”
Bliss cried out as soon as she saw Uriel returning to the mansion.
“Thank you for helping me, Sister.”
“Looks like things worked out?”
“Yes. Thanks to you.”
As Uriel was expressing her gratitude, she noticed Reina sitting in the corner, staring blankly.
“What’s wrong with Reina? Why’s she like that?”
“You know that man who confessed to her on her wedding day?” Daisy asked.
Uriel nodded, as if wondering what was wrong with that.
“Well, somehow, he managed to send a letter here—to this mansion.”
At that, Uriel realized just how ignorant she and her sisters had been about the noble world two years ago.
“Don’t tell me… he followed us here?”
“Daisy, no, not like that.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Nobles’ residences always circulate as gossip among themselves. Especially this place—it used to be Ray’s mansion, remember? Most people already know. They know the Longo sisters live here now.”
At Uriel’s words, Reina’s face visibly relaxed.
“Is that so? Thank goodness. I was afraid he might try something harmful. I even got a little scared.”
“I was startled too, at first. But if he sent a letter, it was probably to apologize. Haven’t you read it?”
“I was too afraid of what it might say.”
“I looked into him. He’s not a bad person. It’s apparently the first time he’s ever shown interest in a woman. Seems he really did fall for you at first sight.”
“It’s just a childish crush.”
Hearing Uriel’s words only made Reina’s expression more complicated.
“Still, you should at least read the letter. Only then will you understand the intent behind the gift and the words.”
Reluctantly, Reina pulled out the letter.
“What does it say?”
Bliss leaned in, clearly eager to read it herself.
“It’s rude to peek at someone else’s letter.”
Reina’s firm tone made Bliss pout, and she retreated to stand beside Uriel.
“So, how old is he?”
“One year older than Daisy.”
“What?!”
Bliss gasped in shock at Geno’s age.
“Wow, I thought he looked young, but he’s even younger than I expected. So, Reina, what did he write? Won’t you tell us? I won’t be able to sleep tonight otherwise!”
“He wrote that he’s sorry for putting me in a difficult spot, that he’d like to apologize properly if I could visit the Vitale viscount’s estate.”
Reina tucked the letter back into her drawer.
“You’re not going to visit?”
“What would I say? There’s nothing to discuss. He apologized, and that’s enough.”
“Still, wouldn’t it be better to clear up any misunderstandings properly? You might run into him again one day.”
“…Maybe you’re right.”
Uriel watched Reina hesitate and fell into her own thoughts.
‘If I arrange for Sister to speak with Geno, then I’ll also have a reason to tell Ray that I went to Vitale’s with her. That’s not a bad idea.’
“Actually, I was invited by Viscount Vitale myself. How about we go together?”
“You? Why you?”
“Well, now that I’m a duchess, I have to step into society. There are some matters I want to discuss with him.”
Whether lying got easier with practice or not, Uriel found herself answering smoothly.
“I suppose that makes sense. Then… will you go with me?”
“Yes, let’s go together.”
“Can’t I come too?” Daisy asked.
But Reina firmly shook her head.
“This time, just Riel and I will go.”
Her answer left Bliss and Daisy disappointed. Normally, Reina would have given in to those looks and said, ‘Alright, come along then,’ but not today.
“When should we go?”
“Tomorrow. I’ll come pick you up.”
“Alright, now that the serious talk is done—Riel, tell us about your married life! How’s it feel, being married?”
Bliss nudged Uriel in the ribs playfully.
“What? Why are you like this?”
“You’re always so serious, I’m just trying to lighten the mood. Come on, tell us.”
“Alright, alright.”
Uriel looked at her cheerful family and smiled back just as brightly. For the first time in a while, she felt purely happy, without any worries clouding her mind.
“My lady changed into commoner’s clothes and visited a shop.”
Uriel thought she had successfully slipped away from her escort knights without anyone knowing. But the truth was different.
Duke Baraota, worried for her safety, had secretly assigned additional guards.
“And you find that worth reporting? She probably just went shopping.”
“The shop was… unusual. It’s located near the slums, in a secluded alley where no one goes. And it wasn’t a place anyone could just walk into. So we couldn’t determine who she met there.”
At this, Duke Baraota’s brows furrowed.
“Do you want to investigate further?”
“No. Return to your post. I have no intention of interfering with her private life.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The knight bowed and left the office.
Alone again, the Duke tried to focus on his paperwork, but it was impossible. His mind kept conjuring images of Uriel speaking warmly with the Crown Prince.
“…I need some air.”
The Duke rose at once and went into the garden.
‘If Uriel knows the Crown Prince, then I’ve essentially dug my own grave.’
The Imperial family had been pushing to exert influence over the Baraota household. Despite everyone’s opposition, he had insisted on the marriage.
She was only a noble in name, a woman who had murdered her father and been ready to throw away everything, even prison.
The Duke had never imagined Uriel might have ties to the Imperial family. She swore she had nothing to do with the Crown Prince—but he couldn’t bring himself to believe her.
‘Otherwise, why would the Crown Prince make such an absurd proposal? To exchange Erika Medina for Uriel? Utter nonsense.’
A bitter smile curved his lips as he recalled that conversation.
“Ah—Ray!”
Uriel, returning from meeting her sisters, spotted him in the garden and called out.
“There you are.”
“Yes. I lost track of time talking with them.”
“Sounds like you enjoyed yourself.”
“Yes. A lot’s happened recently, so there was much to talk about. Oh—tomorrow, I’m going to the Vitale viscount’s estate with my sister.”
“The Vitale estate?”
“Yes. He sent her a letter—said he was sorry for troubling her, and wanted to host her as an apology.”
The Duke simply stared at Uriel’s face.
Her eyes, deep blue like the night sky. Her pale skin, her delicate features—anyone would call her beautiful.
“…Why are you looking at me like that? Is something on my face?”
He almost demanded, “Are you meeting the Crown Prince?” but bit the words back.
“You don’t need to report everywhere you go. I’m not your superior.”
“I’m telling you because we’re married. Our relationship may not be ordinary, but we’re still husband and wife. That means letting each other know small things like, ‘I’m going out,’ or, ‘I’ll be home for dinner.’”
“Do as you like.”
His tone was indifferent.
“Yes, and I’ll keep doing it. And Ray…”
“What?”
“You haven’t forgotten our contract, right?”
“…That’s my line.”
His gaze sank as he looked down at her.
“I remember. Especially the part about respecting each other’s privacy during this marriage, as long as it doesn’t cause trouble.”
“Yes, that’s right. Why bring it up all of a sudden?”
“I just wanted to make sure.”
Uriel didn’t dare ask the one question in her heart—that ring, was it prepared for Lady Erika Medina?
‘If he tells me it’s none of my business, or that I shouldn’t pry… I don’t think I could bear it.’
“There’s nothing for you to worry about. Go inside and rest.”
“Alright.”
The Duke stood watching as Uriel walked back into the mansion.
‘Why bring up the clause about privacy now…?’
He clenched his fists tightly. His nails dug into his skin, but he paid it no mind.
