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Chapter 37
After I Die, the Little Groom
“……Pardon?”
“They say the idea of free love is spreading from the south, so it might actually work to your advantage, my lady. I promise it won’t cause any harm.”
Heinrich seemed to think that Nadia was worried about the marriage market.
From that perspective, it was an arrogant yet practical answer, even surprisingly considerate.
A woman who had been Duke Baldwin’s lover—or rather, the one who ultimately rejected him—would seem irresistibly charming.
Nadia judged that openly opposing it here would look strange.
After some thought, she nodded.
“Alright. Then, just until the goal is achieved… I’ll count on you.”
The carriage, stamped with Duke Baldwin’s seal, was stunningly beautiful, even without ornate decorations.
Vivian seemed almost entranced by the beauty, but Nadia felt a warm sense of familiarity, like meeting a close friend after a long time.
Even if that friend wouldn’t recognize her.
Throughout the ride, Vivian rubbed the leather seats in admiration. Yet the admiration sounded less pure and more like the despair of someone facing imminent death.
“Miss, can I lie down in this seat once? I’ll be dead soon anyway.”
“Why would you be dead?”
“The boss is going to kill me. I couldn’t even protect you properly, and you’re being forced into a fake relationship with the terrifying Duke Baldwin.”
Nadia couldn’t help but laugh at Vivian’s crying voice.
“Surely not for something like that.”
Though Nadia said it casually, Vivian shook her head vigorously.
“You’ve already heard the news, haven’t you? The boss couldn’t have missed hearing about you. So how am I still alive?”
“Well, because there’s nothing to kill you for.”
“You just don’t know the boss! That’s it. He’s pretending in front of you. He can’t kill someone in front of you, so I guess that’s why I’m still alive… Waaah!”
Vivian sobbed like a child, then suddenly went quiet, as if resigned. Nadia found that silence even scarier and called her gently.
“Vivian, are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Since I’m going to die anyway, I’ll do my best to serve you while I’m still alive.”
Vivian straightened her back as if she truly meant it and sat up properly. Even when the carriage tilted on an uphill path, she didn’t blink once.
With Vivian quiet, only silence remained in the carriage.
Nadia could have spoken first, but she was inexperienced at such things.
Eventually, she also kept her mouth shut, gazing at the scenery outside the window.
Since Vivian wasn’t sulking, Nadia’s mind naturally filled with thoughts of Heinrich.
Using gossip to mislead people was a good decision.
But having to pretend to be in a relationship with Heinrich…
“He still looks like such a child to me. What if I appear suspicious because I’m clumsy? I’ve never dated before, so I might look like a fool in other people’s eyes…”
The more she thought, the deeper she felt trapped.
Shaking her head firmly, she resolved herself.
“What’s pretending to be in love? Even if I haven’t done it, I’ve seen it plenty. I’ve witnessed countless scandals in the social gardens. No need to worry too much.”
After all, it was just a fake romance intended to end eventually.
She only needed to appear a little affectionate in front of others.
“Yes. For Heinrich, and for my new life.”
Though the political marriage as Rivenya ended in failure, Nadia vowed that her fake romance as herself would achieve its purpose.
As always, rumors spread quickly from person to person.
Not only the capital’s nobles but even commoners talked endlessly about this gossip.
A famous newspaper that loved covering noble scandals even put portraits of Heinrich and Nadia on the front page.
Who is the woman who melted the heart of the ever-loyal widower?
“Wow, the headline is so romantic. There’s not an ounce of useful information.”
Yuria read the headline aloud with a giggle.
“Stop it, Yuria,” Nadia said, lowering her face, which only seemed to amuse Yuria more.
“Oh my, you’re shy! You said you weren’t!”
It really wasn’t true.
Dating that child… was completely impossible.
Physically, Nadia was six years younger than Heinrich, but mentally, she was far older.
No matter how handsome, smart, polite, charismatic, meticulous, tidy, and prestigious Heinrich was, he gave Nadia the strong impression of a boy she had to protect.
But now she couldn’t say that.
Covering her cheeks, she laughed awkwardly.
“Stop teasing me, Yuria.”
“Alright, Yuria. Looks like Nadia might run away.”
Arkis, who had been quietly listening, added a word. Seeing Nadia embarrassed, he skillfully diverted the conversation.
“By the way, I didn’t know the capital had such a beautiful spot. I thought your townhouse was too far from the city center, but there’s a reason for it.”
“The farther from the city center, the more beautiful the scenery. But that’s all. Townhouses of honorable families can be seen from the palace too—like the townhouse of the Duke of Flan.”
Nadia was much more accustomed to such conversations and replied smoothly.
Yuria, disappointed that the amusing topic had passed, pouted her lips.
Nadia watched her cutely and told the maid to bring more jam cookies.
“Are you trying to fatten me up?”
“I baked plenty because Yuria liked them. You have to eat them all.”
“You’re treating me like a child too.”
Yuria grumbled but happily ate the cookies.
“By the way, is Vivian out on an errand? I haven’t seen her today.”
“Ah, um. There’s a reason…”
Vivian had returned to the townhouse and, contrary to worries, was not dead. But Conrad had dragged her away.
Apparently, he was committed to properly training her as a maid.
“A reason? What reason?”
Yuria and Vivian had similar personalities, so despite the difference in social status, they communicated easily.
It wasn’t strange that Yuria was curious about Vivian.
However, there was a problem: Yuria had rested her arm on the table, pushing the teacup slightly off.
“Ah……”
Before Yuria could reach for it, Arkis snatched the teacup.
The sound of tea spilling replaced the sound of the cup breaking.
Tea soaked not only the floor but also Arkis’ sleeve, spreading a brown stain over his white jacket.
“Oh my, Al! What should we do? Are you burned?”
Yuria hastily wiped Arkis’ hand with a handkerchief.
Nadia instructed the maid to fetch a doctor.
But Arkis waved it off and smiled awkwardly.
“It’s fine. Really fine. The tea has cooled, so I’m not hurt at all. Yuria, don’t be too shocked either.”
He rolled up his sleeve to show that his hand and arm were unharmed.
Nadia placed her hand over her chest in relief, and Yuria tried to calm herself, looking sulky.
“Sorry, I’m so clumsy… And I’m sorry too, Nadia, for messing up the parlor.”
“Don’t worry. Things like this happen when friends enjoy a relaxed tea time.”
Nadia said kindly, signaling the maid again.
“Arkis, your outfit today is stylish enough, but you can change into spare clothes. They’re prepared for my father, so a bit mature, but still new.”
“No, it’s fine. We’ll return by carriage anyway.”
“I can’t let guests be uncomfortable.”
Seeing that Nadia wouldn’t relent, Arkis finally followed the maid.
Since the maids had to clean the parlor, Nadia took Yuria to the garden.
Though small, the garden was in full bloom with summer flowers, allowing them to see countless blossoms at a glance.
Yuria, enjoying the garden, said playfully:
“It should’ve been Al, not me, who wanted to walk with you, Nadia.”
“Arkis? Did he say he had something to tell me?”
“Nadia, you are clever, but in this area, you’re so adorable.”
Yuria made a mischievous, sly expression, and Nadia couldn’t help but understand her intent.
She chuckled and looked away.
“That can’t be.”
“Even seeing you date Duke Baldwin, Al must’ve been upset.”
