IPBPBD 59🔐

chapter 59

With the help of the maids, Emilina finished a light makeup session, and before long, it was close to the lunchtime she had promised Kirzen.

Emilina wondered whether it was really necessary to dress up even for a meal, but she let the twin maids have their way.

A slight sense of self-reproach crept in…

“I didn’t really need to make such an effort, did I? Did I get too carried away?”

At least it was fortunate that when Mari returned after going to inform Kirzen, she had restrained herself and kept her excitement in check.

That had allowed Emilina to present herself in a neat and composed manner.

Mari had suggested it would be better to avoid the twins, Rona and Dina, who were chattering while pulling out various dresses and accessories, and Emilina had gladly accepted that advice.

The twin maids had looked a bit sulky, but there was nothing to be done. Their excitement was draining Emilina’s energy anyway.

Afterward, she followed Lockbell, who had come to personally escort her to the dining room.

After exchanging a brief morning greeting, they arrived at the dining room.

“Then, Madam, please enjoy your meal,” Lockbell said, bowing slightly as he opened the dining room door.

As she stepped inside, the door naturally closed behind her.

Kirzen was already seated at the table.

A servant pulled out a chair for her, and Emilina sat beside him, feeling somewhat awkward. She could hardly get used to it.

As she took her seat carefully, dishes began to appear on the table smoothly, as if by magic.

The menu was different from yesterday’s, but one thing was common…

“Does Kirzen like meat?”

Breakfast or the first meal of the day usually consisted of light bread or eggs. But today, the main dish on the table was meat. Kirzen clearly seemed to enjoy it.

However, Emilina, who had skipped breakfast and whose stomach felt unsettled from yesterday’s tension, preferred to eat lightly. She ignored all the other dishes and focused only on the soup in front of her.

Once the table was fully set, the servants left the dining room in perfect unison.

Kirzen, watching her expression, spoke.

“I wasn’t sure what the lady would prefer, so I prepared whatever seemed suitable. Is something not to your liking?”

“Oh, it’s not that… I just feel a bit unwell. It’s a little heavy for me.”

The idea of having the dishes redone was startling. After all the effort to prepare such a feast, it would trouble the kitchen staff again. Rumors might spread that the new mistress was picky about her meals.

She had only been there a day, and making enemies with the staff was the last thing she wanted. She would be staying here for at least half a year. Even if she couldn’t gain their favor, she didn’t want to make adversaries.

Emilina quickly shook her head.

“No, don’t worry about it. This is more than enough.”

“But it’s difficult for you to eat.”

“It’s just a bit heavy; it doesn’t mean I can’t eat it. Let’s just have the meal, Duke.”

When Emilina said this with slightly pleading eyes, Kirzen nodded, as if acknowledging there was nothing he could do.

An awkward silence settled between them, reminiscent of the tension she had felt in the bedroom. The only sound was the clinking of cutlery.

Watching Kirzen cut into his steak with precise posture, Emilina spoke.

“I didn’t properly thank you earlier. You helped me to the bed, right?”

“Yes… I thought you seemed uncomfortable while sleeping. Were you very displeased?”

“No, I was just a bit startled,” she admitted, biting her lower lip slightly, thinking he had seen her in an embarrassing state. She couldn’t voice that thought aloud.

The conversation broke off, leaving a heavy atmosphere. The silence felt suffocating, and Emilina stirred her soup nervously to distract herself.

Kirzen paused his cutting and looked up, meeting her gaze directly.

“I suppose I should have the food prepared again,” he said, staring at the soup she was stirring. He had clearly been bothered by the fact that she hadn’t taken a single spoonful.

Emilina refused firmly.

“I’m really fine, so there’s no need to worry. It’s just a little awkward, that’s all.”

“…You feel very awkward?”

Kirzen’s calm but firm voice seemed to be asking if it was truly her discomfort. Emilina responded calmly.

“It’s natural to feel that way when your living conditions change overnight. But I will adapt. Humans are creatures of adaptation, after all.”

“…Is that so?”

“By the way, moving forward… do we intend to continue like this? We should find a method, shouldn’t we?”

“A method?”

“Well, I didn’t choose to wear this outfit of my own will, but we’ve deceived the staff. If we keep acting awkwardly, they’ll start to suspect soon.”

“That has been a concern. Hmm… what would you suggest, madam?”

Kirzen asked, feigning thoughtfulness, which made Emilina blink in slight disbelief. She sighed softly before continuing.

“Since it seems we’ve decided to share the bedroom, I hope we can at least be a bit comfortable with each other. So, Duke, if you’re not extremely busy, please return early. Don’t make me wait until I fall asleep, like yesterday.”

Kirzen nodded, seeming to understand.

“I will, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience you.”

Did that mean he would still come late at night if she felt uncomfortable? Emilina felt a headache coming from trying to interpret his words. Her thoughts were overly complicated—some discomfort was inevitable, and wishing it away wouldn’t change that.

Seeing her doubtful expression, Kirzen continued.

“I mean to return early. However…”

He paused, choosing his words carefully. It seemed something was difficult for him to say.

“I’m afraid it will be difficult for the time being. Urgent matters require me to visit the capital.”

“You must be very busy.”

“Yes. It’s an urgent matter, so I must leave the estate. I would have liked to spend more time with you, but I am truly sorry.”

Kirzen sighed deeply, seeming genuinely regretful. Emilina found his candidness a little strange, though his words made her feel unexpectedly good—at least for a while, she wouldn’t be trapped spending nights alone with him.

“Ah, I see. I suppose I got excited since it’s been so long. If I offended you, I apologize.”

“Not at all. If you are happy, I am sure the child will be pleased as well,” Kirzen said, brushing his finger along his lips thoughtfully.

He seemed hesitant to continue, and Emilina, sensing this, tilted her head.

“Don’t you miss the capital?” he asked.

“It would be a lie if I said I didn’t. My parents are there, after all.”

Emilina’s tone was calm, implying that her only attachment to the capital was her family. She had lived on the outskirts, without much of the conveniences that central nobles enjoyed. Memories worth longing for were few.

Still, she missed the peripheral city she had lived in for over twenty years, a place filled with friends and familiar faces. Merlin was there as well, and Emilina realized she needed to contact her soon regarding unfinished matters.

Kirzen responded positively.

“Then I will expedite our journey to the capital. Once this matter is concluded, it will be easier for you to live there comfortably.”

Emilina was slightly taken aback.

“Easier to live there comfortably?”

“Yes. I plan to move our residence to the capital soon. Managing affairs in the estate is difficult, so being in the center will be better for you as well.”

Emilina felt as if her mind had been struck by a hammer. High-ranking nobles typically did not manage their estates directly; they maintained power in the capital while delegating authority locally.

Kirzen, as head of the Dietrio dukedom, was no exception. She realized the weight of her position and the responsibilities of a duchess: mastering social circles, gathering intelligence, and contributing to the family’s influence.

The burden was overwhelming. She doubted her ability to navigate the social scene effectively, though she had no real desire to do so.

Kirzen noticed her grim expression.

“Madam?”

“Ah…”

“You do not look well,” he said with concern.

Emilina waved her hand quickly.

“No, I’m fine. But you said we are going to the capital. Does that mean you expect me to participate in social activities there?”

“Not necessarily,” Kirzen replied, shaking his head.

“If you wish, it’s fine, but if not, there’s no need to force yourself. I dislike such gatherings myself.”

Both shared a distaste for the duplicity of high society, though Emilina felt an obligation to adapt.

“But there is a flow to things. Avoiding it isn’t good. Some may even try to undermine you,” Emilina said firmly.

Kirzen remained unmoved.

“As I’ve said, that is for me to handle. There’s no need to be swept up in the atmosphere they create. Also, you are the lady of the Dietrio dukedom; no one dares treat you carelessly.”

Emilina nodded slowly. She would not passively accept her role, even if the position had been unexpectedly thrust upon her. She would fulfill her duties appropriately, if only to avoid scandal or criticism in the future.

Recalling what Lockbell had mentioned, she asked Kirzen.

“There’s one more thing I’m unsure if I’m allowed to handle…”

“Which is?”

“Managing the household affairs of the dukedom. Lockbell said it is the right of the lady of the house, so I would assume that authority.”

Kirzen considered her words carefully.

“I see. If you do not wish, then…”

“Duke, I am asking your opinion, not asserting my own desires. But we need to clarify: are we in a normal relationship? We are not.”

Emilina had noticed all along that Kirzen lacked personal initiative in his dealings with her. His manner seemed courteous, yet ultimately he was deferring responsibility to her.

This irritated her. There was a limit to such “consideration.” She was, after all, merely a temporary occupant in this position. Handing over authority in a fragile arrangement could be unwise.

Kirzen responded, looking a bit troubled.

“…My intention is for you to live comfortably, doing what you wish. I will handle all burdensome matters myself.”

“Do you wish to treat me like a fool?”

Kirzen seemed flustered.

“That is not what I mean…”

“No, Duke. That is exactly what you said. Every position carries responsibility. If one fails, it invites criticism.”

In noble society, status required appropriate action. Emilina, newly elevated in rank, would naturally attract envy and scrutiny. Even if she was technically a temporary duchess, responsibility and observation were unavoidable.

Without Kirzen’s tacit approval, none of this would have been possible.