LCWD 28

~Chapter 28~

I had already napped too much, so I wasn’t sleepy anymore.

And I had gone on so many walks lately that it was starting to feel excessive—but hey, fresh air and sunshine are healthy, right?

This time I decided to just stroll around the garden.

The scenery was the same as yesterday, and the day before that. Pretty, but boring.

Without TV or smartphones, what was I supposed to do to pass the time?

If I left the mansion, I’d have to drag along an entire parade of knights as escorts, which was annoying. But if I stayed inside, there was nothing new to do.

I actually enjoyed exercising—jogging, squats, light workouts. But in this world? Running around in a heavy noblewoman’s gown would cause the maids to faint on the spot.

Being a noble lady was much more inconvenient than I expected.

I plopped onto a bench. My maid Selena followed, looking worried.

“Your Grace?” she asked softly.

“Hm?”

“Is something wrong?”

“Not at all.” I flashed her my usual bright smile.

But her eyes clouded with concern. “If you ever feel troubled… please, tell me. I’ll listen, anytime.”

Her serious tone made me laugh a little, but then I decided to admit a bit of truth.

“Honestly… I’m just bored, staying in this mansion all day.”

Selena looked stricken. “Really? Then what should we do?”

Before I knew it, she was brainstorming solutions with great passion—tea parties, outings, shopping, dates, you name it.

I smiled and gave enthusiastic reactions, touched by her concern. That only fueled her excitement more.

She especially insisted I should host a tea party with noble ladies my age. “If you spend time with peers, you might find real friends. And planning such events will keep you busy too.”

“That… makes sense.”

I wasn’t sure if I’d find anyone compatible, but at least it would be less boring than staying home.

“Besides, Your Grace, you’ll need to host something eventually,” Selena added.

“…What?”

“Why, to introduce yourself as the new Grand Duchess, of course. It’s tradition.”

I froze. Oh. Right. Like housewarming or wedding receptions in my old world.

Of course nobles here would expect such things.

Selena beamed. “So why not start with a tea party for the retainers’ families?”

And just like that, I’d created a disaster for myself.

***

Later, I went to the library and grabbed a book about the history of the Teabridte family.

If I was going to face all the retainers, I needed at least some background knowledge.

Two hours later, I shut the book with a groan. History was not thrilling reading.

I checked my pocket watch. Apollyon hadn’t left his office once. Usually he took short breaks, but lately he seemed buried in work.

“Ah, my poor life…” I sighed.

Trying to “seduce” him felt pointless at this rate.

Just then, Wilson appeared.

“Your Grace, do you know about the upcoming General Assembly?”

“Yes,” I nodded. It had been postponed several times because of our wedding. Unlike the smaller biweekly retainers’ meetings, this big one happened every two months and involved everyone.

Wilson’s gentle smile suddenly looked ominous.

“The retainers haven’t met you yet. They’re all very curious. Would you consider attending this one?”

“…The General Assembly?”

“Yes.”

Ah. Of course. My bad feeling was right.

It was unavoidable—marrying Apollyon meant I couldn’t hide forever.

“…Fine. I’ll go,” I agreed.

Wilson smiled, his eyes twinkling. He gestured to a servant, who handed me paper and a fountain pen.

“You’ll want to prepare. And who knows the retainers better than His Grace himself?”

I narrowed my eyes.

Wilson wasn’t just a butler—he was matchmaking us again.

But I wasn’t complaining.

Grinning, I grabbed the pen and paper and marched straight to Apollyon’s office. My footsteps were unusually light.

At the door, I straightened my dress and hair before knocking.

“Who is it?” came his sharp voice from inside.

“It’s me.”

A pause. Then hurried noises, and finally the door opened.

Apollyon looked startled. Not happy to see me, more like: Why are you here again?

I quickly raised the papers I carried. “The retainers want to meet me. If I’m attending the Assembly, I’ll need your help.”

Without giving him a chance to object, I slid past him into the office.

Flustered, he stepped aside like furniture being shoved away.

I spread my papers on his huge desk and dragged a chair over. Apollyon rushed to move it for me instead.

“Thanks,” I said with a smile.

He sighed, sitting at his own spot.

I sat beside him, holding my pen, and turned toward him eagerly.

He stiffened.

Still a clumsy, awkward robot—but at least he didn’t bolt this time.