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chapter 32
From the moment they entered the capital, the air felt different.
Gone were the hazy sea mists of Lavanto and the clamorous shouts of the port.
Without even noticing Rinka’s shock, the carriage moved quietly along the broad street. Rinka couldn’t take her eyes off the elegant buildings and the sophisticated attire of the people outside the window.
These were different from the low, worn-down buildings of her hometown and unlike the unusual structures of Lavanto. They looked like illustrations from the picture books she had seen as a child.
Soon, the carriage stopped in front of a mansion.
“Is this… the captain’s house?”
“Well, it’s a house, but not Belzert Manor. It’s just a place he uses when he’s staying in the capital.”
The moment Rinka got out, her eyes widened.
Even though he was a duke, the mansion was far too large and imposing to be called just a temporary residence in the capital.
A flag engraved with the Belzert family crest fluttered in the wind.
Ananta shrugged.
“Small, right?”
“…I don’t think you know what small means.”
Was he joking?
She had thought the ghost ship was big, but this mansion truly deserved the term “grand estate.”
The exterior gleamed like pristine white marble. The main gate was carved in graceful curves, marble stairs led up smoothly, and every window was adorned with carefully arranged flowers.
“He’s a duke, after all.”
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen a duke…”
“Don’t be shy. Let’s go inside first.”
Rinka nodded as if entering a palace. At that, the butler and the staff in front of the gate moved in unison.
The elderly butler in a neat suit stepped forward first.
“Welcome, Your Grace. You’ve arrived a day earlier than expected.”
“Yes, the roads were smooth,” Ananta replied casually.
As if used to such indifference, the butler turned politely toward Rinka.
“You are the lady accompanying the duke. The room has been prepared in advance. We will do our utmost to ensure your comfort.”
“I-I’m not—”
Rinka tried to protest, but the servants were already carefully moving her luggage, and a few maids approached her.
“Miss, please allow us to escort you inside.”
“I’m just… I’m not really a miss—”
She tried to quietly appeal to Ananta, but he was already giving instructions to the butler.
Rinka looked around the space, feeling awkward.
A capital mansion, the servants moving gracefully inside, cautious footsteps, practiced bows, and the atmosphere that naturally accepted her as “the woman accompanying the duke.”
Why were they acting as if this were all completely normal?
Normally, if a duke brought someone like her—whose identity no one knew—people would feel uncomfortable or at least curious.
Even in her hometown, there had been more than a few people uncomfortable with Rinka’s closeness to the lord’s son…
Then Ananta turned back and said,
“You just follow me. Here, you are my guest and under my protection. We’ll decide where to go after you’ve rested here for a while.”
Rinka cautiously nodded.
It wasn’t wrong. She was a country girl visiting the capital for the first time, so it was reasonable to rely a little on Ananta, who was familiar with the place.
Unfamiliar words echoed in her ears:
Protection.
Guest.
Miss.
Duke…
All of it paired with her name felt strange and awkward.
‘Just how important is this person…?’
She had only thought of him as a bothersome captain who couldn’t even cook. Living here explained why he couldn’t.
Simply being by his side placed Rinka in a position where all eyes were on her.
Escorted by the maids, she entered the mansion, revealing a quiet, dignified corridor.
A faint herbal scent lingered in the air, chandeliers sparkled from the ceiling—everything overwhelmed her.
For someone who had only accompanied him on sea voyages, the world of a mansion in the capital felt surreal and dreamlike.
Rinka’s face remained dazed as she was led to her room.
She was guided once again down a small corridor lit by candles.
Red carpets, portraits on the walls.
One portrait depicted a beautiful silver-haired man who bore some resemblance to Ananta.
‘Probably the previous dukes.’
Rinka looked at the portraits for a moment, unable to bear the piercing gaze of one, and turned her head.
Finally, the door to her room opened, and two maids politely greeted her as they entered.
“You must be tired from your journey, Miss, so we’ve prepared a bath for you first.”
“A bath…?”
“Yes. His Grace instructed us to prepare warm water, knowing you might be weary.”
Following the maid inside, Rinka gasped again.
In the intricately carved marble bathtub, steam rose, and glass bottles filled with finely ground flower petals and herbs lined the walls.
Next to the tub, fluffy towels and a lace-trimmed robe were neatly arranged.
“…I get to use all this by myself?”
She asked in disbelief. The maids nodded, and her eyes grew wide.
“Of course, Miss. Shall I assist you with the bath?”
What? Help with a bath?
Having bathed alone all her life, Rinka found this suggestion absurd and quickly shook her head.
“No, no. That’s unnecessary. I can manage on my own.”
“But, Miss—”
“I want to be alone.”
“Very well. I’ll stay by the door. Call if you need anything.”
Only after the maid left could Rinka finally undress.
Slowly sinking into the tub, the gentle fragrance teased her nose.
Though she had initially sat tensely, she eventually let out a deep sigh as the warm water enveloped her back.
‘…This isn’t a dream, right?’
No waves, no seasickness, no monsters—this quiet space felt unreal. Yet the warm water and herbal aroma reminded her that she had truly entered a new world.
She could hardly imagine what lay ahead.
Everything was so unfamiliar.
“Miss, your dress has arrived!”
As she stepped out of the bath, wrapping her hair in a towel, another maid hurried in, breathless.
Since no dress had been prepared, this one had been quickly procured.
The maids adjusted her wet hair and the dress to fit her perfectly.
Though she insisted on doing things herself, they were firm that she mustn’t handle the dress alone—Rinka reluctantly gave in.
“All ready, Miss.”
“Thank you.”
Rinka looked at her reflection in the mirror.
The deep navy dress with silver embroidery made her pale skin stand out, and her hair was partially tied with a pearl pin.
“…Is this really me?”
One of the maids smiled.
“It suits you perfectly. His Grace will surely be surprised.”
At those words, Rinka tensed and lifted her head. Though she still felt out of place in the outfit, there was no escaping.
The maid opened the door, and the butler waiting at the end of the corridor politely guided her.
“I will escort you to the dinner table, Miss.”
Holding the hem of her dress, Rinka walked slowly down the corridor.
Behind her, the gentle rustle of fabric, quiet stillness, and the faint sound of music in the distance.
Suppressing the nervous tightening in her chest, Rinka stepped into the hall where Ananta awaited and dinner was laid out.
The grand dining room revealed a long table set with silverware and intricately arranged dishes.
It was a noble’s dinner straight out of a storybook, yet Rinka was too nervous to reach for anything.
Not that she was anxious because of the food.
“Don’t be tense. You’ll get used to how to eat in no time.”
Her eyes were drawn to Ananta, his beautiful silver hair tied back differently than usual, wearing a deep navy shirt that made him appear calm and commanding.
