VSBO 03

Chapter: 03

In the spacious dining room, I was, of course, alone. I occupied the entire long table that looked like it could easily seat a dozen people.

I sat right in the center. An endless parade of dishes filled the table—so much so that the vast space didn’t feel empty at all.

From appetizers to the main course, the chef’s cooking was astonishingly delicious.

Even with my palate—one that had only known mediocre food in my previous life—I could tell this was high-class cuisine.

As expected of a duke’s household.

I focused on eating, letting out exclamations of admiration.

“Delicious! This is so good!”

It was even better because there was no one to share the meal with. I didn’t have to worry about anyone’s eyes and could enjoy everything freely.

Yes, this is what a life of privilege feels like.

I cleaned every dish down to the last bite, and before I knew it, only dessert remained.

Since I had specifically requested extra care for the dessert, my expectations were even higher.

I wiped my mouth and waited solemnly.

That was when it happened.

The door—one that no one used except the servants bringing food—suddenly opened.

My meal wasn’t even over yet. Who dares interrupt me? I should really teach them a lesson—

…Ah, no.

The moment I saw the figure of the man entering, I immediately abandoned that thought.

There was only one person in this mansion who could interrupt my mealtime.

A tall figure that filled the doorway. Broad shoulders. A presence that instantly drew all attention in the room. A strikingly handsome face that anyone would look at twice.

Until just now, I had been the sole, wealthy protagonist of this dining room—but suddenly, it felt like I had lost the spotlight to someone born to be a star.

The man, his large frame clearly built with muscle, strode toward me. His presence alone was intimidating.

I didn’t think I’d ever have to see his face.

My husband, Kairon, briefly scanned the table before sitting across from me without hesitation.

“How many days has it been since we last saw each other?”

At least he remembers I’m his wife. For a moment, I had worried he might not even recognize me.

I searched through Eket’s memories.

He had returned home three days ago. The last time we saw each other was when I went out to greet him then.

Since that day, Kairon lived his life, and Eket lived hers, without crossing paths once in this enormous house.

It was hardly a relationship one could even call a marriage.

“It’s the first time since you returned three days ago.”

“I see.”

Kairon nodded, looking completely unsurprised.

If he couldn’t even remember how many days it had been since seeing his wife, his interest in her must be close to zero.

“I came to fill my stomach before leaving, but I didn’t expect you to already be eating.”

He said this while glancing at the empty plates in front of me.

“I’m almost done—just dessert left. If you wait a bit, you’ll be able to eat comfortably. The chef really put effort into today’s menu; everything is delicious.”

In other words, my meal would be over soon, so it’d be nice if he waited outside.

Eating together would only be uncomfortable for both of us.

We’re a business marriage anyway—no need to share a table.

But whether out of laziness or indifference, Kairon didn’t leave. Instead, he raised a hand and called a servant.

“Bring me something simple that I can eat quickly.”

“Yes, Master.”

Noticing my stare, he added,

“I’ll be leaving soon, so I don’t have much time.”

As expected—completely on his own terms.

Well, moving according to separate schedules still fits a business relationship. I decided not to care.

Since he’d be leaving soon anyway, I could tolerate a bit of discomfort. After all, this would probably be the first and last time we’d sit together like this.

Soon, my dessert arrived, followed by Kairon’s simple meal.

My dessert was as extravagant as I had requested.

From bite-sized mini cakes to a chocolate fountain where I could dip bread and fruit—there was practically a full dessert buffet.

The fountain, powered by magic and endlessly flowing with chocolate, was a spectacle in itself.

If Kairon hadn’t been there, I might have clapped in awe, maybe even shed tears of joy.

Kairon glanced at the chocolate fountain and muttered, “I didn’t know the ducal residence had something like that,” before starting his meal.

We ate in silence, focusing only on finishing what was on our plates. Naturally, we didn’t waste energy asking about each other’s meals or recent lives.

I started with the small cakes and worked my way through to chocolate-dipped bread.

Even though I had already eaten a lot, the dessert was so good that it kept going down effortlessly.

Meanwhile, Kairon finished first and stood up.

“I’m busy, so I’ll take my leave.”

I was grateful he was leaving first. It was nice that we hadn’t interfered with each other’s meals.

This relationship wasn’t so bad, all things considered.

Kairon picked up his coat and headed toward the door.

“Um…”

It was me who stopped him. Since we had run into each other, there was something I wanted to ask.

His sharp gaze turned to me. He didn’t look pleased at being stopped while in a hurry.

“When will you be back from this trip?”

It wasn’t that I wanted him to return early. I just thought it’d be nice to know how long I could enjoy my alone time.

Though Kairon didn’t return often anyway, so it wasn’t a big issue.

His response was cold.

“You don’t need to know that.”

That firm, unyielding attitude. Those cold eyes that allowed not even a hint of interest or interference.

Was it really so hard to answer?

“There’s no harm in knowing when you’ll return.”

“I send word before I come back anyway. I don’t know how long it’ll take, so I can’t answer you now.”

He sounded busy and annoyed.

I hadn’t expected kindness. I had only asked just in case—but as expected.

“Alright, I understand. Have a safe trip. I won’t see you off.”

I gave a casual farewell and turned my attention back to dessert.

Whether he leaves or not—it doesn’t matter.

I picked up a grape with a skewer and dipped it into my beloved chocolate fountain.

Just as I was about to put the chocolate-coated grape into my mouth…

Suddenly, my chest began to itch.

It felt like a dense web had spread inside my lungs. A suffocating sensation, as if air might burst out through my throat at any moment.

I knew this feeling.

I had experienced it many times in my previous life.

This is…

“Cough…!”

…The signal that coughing—and coughing up blood—was about to begin.

“Cough, cough!”

I was supposed to be starting a new life in a new body, yet this ominous feeling—like my old illness was returning—

“Cough…! Hack, hack…!”

My mind fell into panic, and my throat seemed blocked as violent coughing burst out uncontrollably.

Could it be… the nosebleed earlier, the fainting, and now this coughing… did I bring it all from my previous life?

The shock of that realization was worse than the pain of coughing.

Wasn’t I supposed to be freed from that dreadful illness?

If that silver-haired man were here, I’d demand answers.

But then I remembered what I had said to him.

I told him I was living well. Damn it.

Could that answer be the reason?

“Cough, cough…!”

Even as I covered my mouth and coughed, my mind raced to find the cause.

All I wanted was to enjoy some chocolate fondue—what kind of disaster is this?!

Then suddenly, I felt something wet on the hand covering my mouth.

I pulled my hand away.

Blood.

Ah… this is exactly the same symptom I had in my previous life.

…Just as I was sinking into despair, I suddenly remembered—

I wasn’t alone in this dining room.

Damn it.

Surely he’s gone by now. He has long legs—he must’ve left quickly.

Clinging to that faint hope, I raised my head.

But…

The moment I turned—

That small hope shattered.

Kairon, whom I thought had already left, was standing not far away, frozen in place.

His widened eyes were fixed on my blood-stained hand.