MDBCD 09

Chapter 09

There stood a woman so perfect she looked as though she had just stepped out of an etiquette manual.

Victor let out a quiet chuckle at Matthias’s reaction, though in truth, he felt much the same.

The summer sunlight sprawled and rolled lazily over the hem of her white dress like a cat.

The dress, following the trend of the time, was cut from the neck down to the shoulders, emphasizing her long, graceful neckline. The fabric, gathered into soft ruffles with a slightly translucent material, spread just enough without being excessive, adding a swan-like elegance.

And what of the way she stood, hands neatly folded in gloves? She possessed such dignity that she could be escorted straight to a ballroom without the slightest inadequacy.

In short, the concern Matthias had—that it would be difficult for her to pretend to be a high-ranking noble—vanished the moment Ibel appeared.

In particular, Ibel’s characteristic expressionless face gave off an air that made it difficult for those beneath her to approach carelessly.

While everyone else stood in astonishment, only Ibel remained unfazed.

Noticing the faint trace of annoyance flickering in her amber eyes, Victor found himself slightly amused.

“It suits you well.”

The compliment was sincere. Ibel, who looked at him as if surprised, shrugged her shoulders.

“A military uniform is far more comfortable.”

“Have you learned social dancing?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“That’s good.”

Considering Ibel’s exceptional ability to learn, he had initially allowed two months. But at this rate, one month would be more than enough.

Once the issue of her adaptation was resolved, he had planned to return to his territory first and then come back to fetch her when everything was finished. That plan, too, seemed feasible.

“Starting tomorrow, articles about us will gradually be released. Beginning with gossip papers and then daily newspapers.”

“Yes.”

“Later today, we will show ourselves taking a walk together in a nearby park. Will that be acceptable?”

“It doesn’t matter… no, it’s fine.”

Realizing the military-style tone that had slipped out unconsciously, Ibel awkwardly softened her speech. At that, the Grand Duke slightly lifted the corners of his lips.

It was a small change, but he seemed pleased.

Meanwhile, Granny Vanya, brimming with excitement, spoke to the Grand Duke.

“Oh my, while helping her get ready, wasn’t I just astonished? The moment she touched the fabric, she knew exactly where it came from. And the embroidery—she could instantly tell what was refined and what was tacky. Even the shoes—she chose ones with just the right shine and heel height!”

“Is that so.”

“Yes, of course. Such things aren’t something one can know without learning them in a prestigious family…”

A prestigious family.

Listening quietly, Ibel scoffed inwardly.

From the age of seven, she had been prepared to be sold in the future as a “valuable commodity.”

At ten years old, she had practiced dancing until her feet blistered, and if her etiquette was even slightly off, she would go without meals that day.

After enduring harsh and dreadful years, Ibel had finally become perfect enough to satisfy her greedy parents.

Of course, after Abel began causing trouble like an untamed colt at the age of fifteen, her parents no longer had even the slightest attention to spare for her.

“It would be a great help if you could distinguish what you know and what you do not.”

Ibel placed her hand into the one politely extended toward her.

It was a simple gesture, yet it carried a refined elegance—neither lacking nor excessive—that made both Matthias and Granny Vanya exclaim in admiration.

“Do you remember Colonel Eberstein?”

“Of course.”

“I intend to register you as the adopted daughter of the Eberstein family.”

Colonel Konrad von Eberstein.

The official owner of this secret residence and a man of considerable rank within the Bavarian army.

He had also been one of the twelve who survived until the very end alongside her… and a figure like a father to them all. Ibel, too, had followed him as if he were her own father.

“Will I be able to see him?”

“Of course. I have already sent a telegram asking him to come here in a month.”

To be able to meet Colonel Konrad alive—at those words, Ibel’s expression brightened.

“Do you also remember that the Colonel was skilled at playing the fife?”

“Yes.”

“I remember him as a man who always lifted the morale of the troops.”

The words were brief, but the emotions behind them were heavy.

Those days were gone now. Only the two of them remained who could share those memories.

Victor let out a low breath as he looked at Ibel.

“Do you have trouble falling asleep?”

“My body is much more comfortable than back then, so it’s fine… it’s fine.”

In truth, there was no reason for it not to be fine. The bed the Grand Duke had provided was extremely expensive and very comfortable.

Everything—what she ate, wore, and used—was of the highest quality. How could she feel strained?

Yet, as if seeing through her lie, he said:

“If it’s difficult to fall asleep, come find me. We are to become husband and wife—sharing a drink together should not be difficult.”

“I will.”

Knowing it was his way of showing consideration, Ibel quietly accepted it.

“Shall we head out now, my lady?”

He truly was a man skilled in both entering and exiting situations. He knew how to make people feel at ease.

‘It’s bright.’

Having stayed indoors for several days, her body had felt stiff.

And today, the weather was nice. Enough to endure the inconvenience of the trailing dress.

Seated in the carriage, Ibel looked out at the streets as the humid breeze flowed in through the window.

The people were lively, every face bright.

Come to think of it, how long had it been since she last saw such a scene?

Well, even if war had broken out far away, in the capital, it was someone else’s problem.

“Are you truly alright with becoming Colonel Eberstein’s adopted daughter?”

“It’s an honor for me. To me… he was truly like a father.”

He had been honorable until the very end.

But even calling his death “honorable” felt like an insult to him.

‘Because I couldn’t save him.’

Again, she was not a surgeon. No matter how brilliant a doctor might be, they could not save someone whose lungs had been pierced.

Ibel had not even been able to properly stay by Colonel Konrad’s side as his breath faded.

Because he had scolded her, telling her to go save those who could still be saved.

“I can’t believe I’ll be able to see him again. This time… I really want to treat him well. Though he won’t remember me.”

“I feel the same. So that none of them die in vain, I intend to try to prevent the war from happening this time.”

“Ah.”

“And even if war does break out, I will strive to survive.”

If he had been alone, he would not have even considered trying to stop the war.

How fortunate it was that he had returned to the past together with the Grand Duke.

Looking into his deep eyes, Ibel felt a quiet sense of relief.

If there was any special emotion between them, it would likely be called comradeship.

There were more couples who lived together out of loyalty than one might think—so why shouldn’t they be able to live together bound by something even stronger than love?

‘Though sharing the same bed… that might feel rather strange.’

What would it be like to sleep pressed together in peaceful times?

They had slept together countless times on the battlefield, so in a way, perhaps it wasn’t strange at all…

Just as she was lost in thought, the carriage slowly came to a stop.

Their destination was Grugapark.

A park famous not only for displaying sculptures by world-renowned masters, but also as a popular spot for dates and family outings.

It was so well-known that even Ibel—who had avoided leaving school grounds for fear of being caught by her family—had heard of it.

“I’ll take your hand.”

“Thank— ahem, thank you.”

Ah, how awkward.

Being treated like a lady like this.

Though it made her skin prickle slightly, Ibel reminded herself that it was all part of an act and placed her hand in his.

The coachman, having stepped down, opened a parasol and handed it to her—quite suitable for blocking the blazing afternoon sun.

From the outside, it looked like a perfect date between a man and a woman.

Except for the fact that their conversation topics were somewhat different from those of other couples.

“So, Your Grace, you haven’t been able to visit your territory often either.”

“That’s correct. I left it entirely to my aunt. As a result, the two children have gone somewhat astray.”

“Astray…?”

“The second child does not speak. The first is receiving various lessons in preparation to take on an important role in the family and is well regarded, but the second exhibits behavior akin to that of a beast.”