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chapter 21
Preparations and Memories
The question that had lingered in my mind was quickly pushed aside as I focused on the explanation before me.
“Then I’ll show you a few design drafts. The designs are already prepared, though none of them have entered production yet.”
As he spoke, he produced the drafts from somewhere and slid them toward me.
His strange gaze made me flinch for a moment, but I quickly turned my attention to the designs.
There were four in total. Among them, one design particularly highlighted the gemstones. Without hesitation, I chose it.
Only then did I realize I hadn’t explained that I had no lover or fiancé—but the timing had already passed.
‘Well… I’m not planning to meet anyone again, so it doesn’t matter.’
Just knowing that I already knew Rielli was enough reason to avoid the jeweler. Furthermore, after creating such a misunderstanding, it might be better to simply switch jewelers for this transaction.
Miller had said it would take two weeks at shortest, three at longest, for the finished product to arrive at the estate. I left the shop and climbed into the carriage, ending the day’s long shopping trip.
The outing—my first since possessing this body—had been surprisingly exhausting. I found myself dazed, blinking slowly, when a forgotten thought struck me.
I opened my mouth to Amon, sitting opposite me, so I wouldn’t forget by the time we returned home.
“Amon, I’ll be away from the estate for about ten days.”
“Ten… days?”
“Yes, ten days. I’ll leave the day after tomorrow. Eat properly while I’m gone, and don’t push yourself too hard with exercise, alright?”
At the sudden news, Amon blinked rapidly, his small hands trembling slightly atop his neatly folded knees, betraying his surprise.
But soon, he clenched his hands and responded in a calm, well-formed voice:
“Don’t worry. I can take care of myself. I’ll conduct myself properly so you can leave without concern.”
I inwardly groaned. Those words—“take care of myself,” “conduct myself”—were not typical of a nine-year-old. Yet, compared to when we first met, his tone had softened considerably, which was a relief.
I wished I could hear him speak casually like a child of his age, but rushing things often leads to mistakes. Perhaps someday… I might.
“Sorry for leaving the estate so suddenly. It’ll only be ten days, so don’t worry too much. I’ll even bring back a gift.”
Though Amon and I had only recently grown closer, I felt terrible leaving so abruptly. Even if the servants would manage while I was away, Amon’s only protector was me, and that weighed heavily on my mind.
“I’ll be fine. I don’t know where you’re going… but please take care of yourself.”
Hearing him say that, I felt pangs of guilt and muttered excuses in my mind. It was an odd situation, but I couldn’t ignore my conscience.
“I’m just inspecting the mines… it won’t take this long again,” I explained, and Amon finally relaxed, his face softening into a faint smile.
By the time we returned to the duke’s estate, it was nearly time for dinner. Exhausted from the outing, neither of us had much appetite, so we ate lightly before falling asleep.
In my previous life, I didn’t sleep this much. Since possessing this body, my sleep had increased noticeably—even napping during the day had become common. Perhaps it was simply because there was nothing else to do.
As I drifted off, I once again experienced Rielli’s memories in vivid 4D.
The scene was last year, around this same time. For some reason, the Duke Robert appeared in the dream, smiling brightly. Opposite him, Rielli sat, eating. The Duke seemed barely aware of his own meal.
“Ri-ri, there’s still quite a budget left this month… haven’t you found anything you like? You only bought a few dresses, and no accessories. If there’s nothing suitable in the empire, I can summon merchants from other countries for you.”
He seemed ready to procure anything Rielli wanted.
But she didn’t meet his gaze, replying flatly:
“No, I haven’t purchased anything yet. I plan to order it tomorrow, so there’s no need to worry.”
Though her voice was calm, I could feel the frustration and discomfort beneath it.
“Still, you haven’t bought much lately… I prepared a few dresses and matching accessories just in case,” the Duke said, raising his hand as servants carried several large boxes into the dining room.
“Since you’re eating now, place them in your room. Unpack them later. I hope you like them, Ri-ri.”
“…Thank you.”
Her polite but dry response only made the Duke smile. Rielli ate without further comment, but barely managed more than five bites before feeling full—likely from overeating earlier.
Sighing inwardly, I realized there was nothing I could do to alter these past events, yet it still felt stifling.
“Not tasty, Ri-ri? You haven’t eaten well for a while… hmm… should I get a new chef?”
The Duke squinted at her, muttering under his breath, as she slowly chewed tiny pieces of egg. Rielli swallowed reluctantly, then spoke:
“It’s tasty. I just overate earlier, so my digestion isn’t very good.”
“Oh… really? Not well? I’ll call your physician.”
She set down her utensils.
“I’d rather take some digestive medicine and rest. I’ll send Amy to get it, so I’ll leave now.”
“Alright, understood. Go rest.”
She thanked the Duke and headed straight to her room. Seeing the boxes stacked neatly, she bit her lip in quiet determination, then began moving them alone to the dress room, without calling any maids.
Though the boxes weren’t particularly heavy, their size made them awkward to carry, yet she persevered. Only after placing them in a hidden corner did she call Amy.
“Miss, may I enter?”
Amy knocked lightly and entered, but Rielli didn’t look at her, instead instructing:
“Contact the merchant and place the clothing order. Have them come tomorrow. Order the jewelry at the usual amount; this time, request a necklace.”
Amy responded briefly, as if accustomed to this, and left.
Rielli lay down on her bed and soon fell asleep. I woke from the dream.
The past Rielli had clearly been wary of the Duke. The Duke, who seemed nearly devoid of empathy, constantly pressured her about not spending enough money. She likely felt psychological strain and had resorted to compulsive consumption to avoid his attention.
‘At least now I understand why she spent money that way.’
Why she reacted to the Duke as she did… I would have to wait and see.
Shaking off sleep, I jumped from the bed to stretch. Tomorrow, I would begin ascending the mountain range, so today I only packed and rested, conserving energy.
Being a diligent adult, I honestly ate and rested. Time passes slower at home, they say. While going out is fun, home was the best.
While enjoying my leisure, I noticed Eva and Sebani busily moving through my dress room. Curious, I asked:
“I didn’t order anything—why are you so busy?”
“Miss! The head instructed us to prepare everything for your trip.”
“They said to ensure everything is perfectly ready.”
Huh…?
I had packed my own luggage yesterday. Why command someone else to do it?
Frustrated, I called the head maid and questioned her. The explanation left me stunned.
For the mine inspection starting tomorrow, two travel carriages, Eva and Sebani, three maids, and a dozen escort knights had been prepared.
I scowled at the head maid.
“Tell the Duke that I’ve prepared everything myself; there’s no need for them to come along.”
“Yes.”
Yet judging by the maid’s expression on her return, it seemed the Duke insisted they accompany me anyway. Nothing ever goes smoothly.
