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Chapter 1
The Bride Who Was Sold
Clatter.
As she boarded the Solter family’s carriage, she looked at her parents, who had come to see her off out of mere formality. With their lips stretched into wide smiles, they looked even happier than when they had held their first daughter.
Anasta, too, was glad that thanks to the Solter family she was finally escaping this damned household.
‘What about her husband? He was terminally ill.’
Once her husband eventually died, she would become a widow—and be free.
Then, with the money she had, she could go find her older sister, who had been married off before her and was suffering through a living hell, and the two of them could live together.
So Anasta welcomed this situation willingly.
“We will depart.”
The carriage door closed, and the heavy wheels began to roll. For the last time, Anasta looked at the count’s residence, drier and colder than winter itself.
The scenery outside reflected the same mood. With the snow melted, the roads were slimy and filthy. As the window grew cloudy and the outside view disappeared, Anasta’s dry eyes slowly shifted to stare straight ahead.
“I am the head maid assigned to attend you, miss.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Before we arrive at the estate, I would like to ask you one question. Have you diligently received your bride’s education?”
The head maid asked her.
“There’s no need to worry. I have been receiving it faithfully for several years now.”
“From what I can see, you’ve thoroughly learned etiquette, manners, and even aristocratic theory.”
“There won’t be anything for the Solter family to be concerned about.”
Anasta met the head maid’s gaze directly, without shrinking back.
“I hope so.”
“When we arrive at the estate, what should I do first?”
“You will greet the madam and the master. Then I will guide you to your room.”
“What about the young master… the man who will become my husband? Won’t I be greeting him as well?”
“The young lord is currently very sensitive. He will need a little more time.”
“I see.”
Anasta wasn’t surprised.
For him as well, this must have been a sudden marriage.
‘Besides Duke Solter’s eldest son, there is also a youngest son.’
“I know.”
“He is currently away at school, but should return soon. If you happen to run into him, simply exchange greetings. Please avoid any private conversation.”
The head maid spoke firmly.
“As I mentioned earlier, the wedding will take place in six months. After the marriage, you will be entitled to receive a certain percentage of the young lord’s assets, but until then, a modest allowance will be provided to maintain your status.”
“Yes.”
“Lastly, you must not leave the estate without permission. Even when going for a walk, you must be accompanied by a maid. All external activities outside of social functions are strictly forbidden.”
“May I send letters?”
“Yes.”
Having said everything she needed to, the head maid did not add anything further.
With her usual gaze, she examined Anasta’s posture. If there had been even the slightest lapse, she had been ready to point it out at once—but Anasta remained flawless.
The head maid could not understand why such a woman had been sold off to this estate, but she did not allow herself to feel pity or affection for her.
Once you give pity, it never ends.
At this moment, Anasta was not on her way to serve the Solter family, but on the path to ruining her own life.
Randell Village, on the outskirts of the capital, was a place filled with flowers.
It was a town with a vast park, a large lake, and a bustling market. Everyone there looked wealthy and well-off.
After passing along an inner road removed from the city center, a wide avenue lined with rows of maple trees welcomed her.
Perhaps because the snow had not melted yet, the lush, leafless branches were piled high with beautiful layers of snow.
Finally, driving down the road, Anasta imagined it in the fullness of summer or in autumn when the leaves would be dyed rich colors.
It would surely become a beautiful path.
The mansion, adorned with an expansive garden, consisted of three separate annexes and a large main building.
Its understated gray walls, untouched by fleeting trends, were complemented by a deep purple roof that stood out elegantly.
There were too many windows to count, and even the number of servants moving about the grounds exceeded what one could tally on their fingers.
As expected of the Solter family, Anasta thought as she watched the carriage continue on even after passing through the main gate.
“The Solter family boasts a history of over a hundred years.”
“The garden is beautiful.”
“Leaving the estate is prohibited, but you are free to stroll through the garden. Of course, accompanied by a maid.”
“It was a welcome thing to hear.”
“We’ve arrived.”
As soon as the carriage came to a stop, the head maid spoke in a dry voice.
Anasta carefully rose from her seat so as not to wrinkle her dress, then stepped out of the carriage with graceful poise.
There, she was greeted by five maids, one butler, and two mercenaries.
Refusing the butler’s assistance, Anasta came to a halt before a large door on the second floor of the side building.
Anasta recognized the voice she had heard a few days earlier.
As the door opened, a young woman dressed in cool-toned colors was seated in a chair, sipping her tea.
“Welcome.”
She greeted her without even sparing her a glance.
“Good day, Madam.”
“Yes. The journey wasn’t too difficult, was it?”
“Thanks to you, it was comfortable.”
“Sit.”
Anasta took a seat before the lady and held her breath. Normally, when a guest arrived, it was customary and polite to serve tea together—but the madam alone was leisurely enjoying hers.
Not knowing the proper etiquette in such a situation, Anasta simply kept her mouth shut.
“You must have listened carefully to what the head maid told you. Once you enter this place, you can’t leave freely.”
“I understand.”
“Have you seen Rian’s portrait?”
“No.”
“He’s not a child I gave birth to, but Rian is very… beautiful. That portrait couldn’t fully capture his face. He looks like a monster, but his face is beautiful. He is just beautiful. You will see him soon enough.”
As if she took no pleasure in praising Rian’s appearance, she swiftly changed the subject.
“I hope things will go smoothly. I want you to marry Rian in six months.”
Anasta knew well that this was not praise of her worth. The madam simply wanted to get this matter settled quickly.
“I hope so as well.”
“It may be early to ask, but have you thought about having his child?”
Anasta’s eyes widened slightly at the unexpected question.
“I’m not sure yet.”
She answered calmly.
“I don’t know what Rian’s libido is like, but you should make sure to use contraception. What good would it do to give birth to a terminally ill man’s child? And what if the illness were passed on to the child?”
“…”
“You know his illness is hereditary, don’t you? I don’t want this kind of sickbed care to be passed down. You don’t either, do you, Anasta?”
“Yes.”
“Good. That’s all I have to say. You may leave now.”
It was quite a short conversation. Without any particular complaint, Anasta rose, offered a proper bow, and took her leave.
“Please follow me.”
As soon as they stepped outside, the head maid who had ridden in the carriage with her guided the way.
The place they headed for was an annex behind the main building.
Of the three annexes, it was the one farthest in. Though smaller than the main house, it was far larger than the count’s residence where Anasta had lived.
It stood four stories tall. There was even a separate garden there, with chairs and tables set out for tea.
“This will be where you live. Everything you need, including a dining room, is here.”
In other words, there was no need for her to go to the main building.
“Your room is right next to Young Master Rian’s. I’ll show you the way.”
—Crash!
Just as Anasta was following the head maid into the building—
A loud noise echoed from inside.
That man…
Anasta took in Rian clearly with her own eyes.
Outwardly, he looked frail and delicate, but at least in his gaze, he was no different from a beast.
