MVH 104

-104-

“Lucius!”

“Tiana.”

He responded to my call with a bright smile and came toward me. I ran into his arms, clinging to him, and he wrapped his arms around my shoulders and waist, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“I’m home, Tiana.”

“Welcome back. I missed you.”

“I missed you a lot too.”

His words were sweet, filled with warmth and affection. Maybe because I had a tiring day, leaning against him brought me a sense of comfort like never before.

Warren, who had approached upon seeing Lucius holding me without even taking off his coat, smiled warmly and said,

“Madam was eagerly waiting for Your Grace’s return today.”

“Is that so? Tiana, what happened?”

“Just a little. It was a bit troublesome.”

“Was it because of the meeting you attended today?”

“How does Lucius know about that?”

Startled, I looked at him. He smiled slightly and patted my head as he said,

“I heard at the palace. It seems it’s already spread.”

“Ah……”

Something that happened just a few hours ago has already spread? That was fast. I suppose it’s natural for nobles who love gossip to spread things quickly.

I had anticipated that rumors would start when I got involved, but I hadn’t expected it to spread this quickly, which made me a little flustered. It’s already happened, so there’s nothing I can do, but I wondered how exactly it had spread.

Seeing me step back and frown, Lucius took off his coat and handed it to Warren, then wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

“Shall we have dinner first and talk afterward?”

“Yes. Lucius, you must be hungry.”

“A little. I was so busy today that I didn’t have a proper lunch, so I’m quite empty.”

“Oh my, you were that busy? That won’t do! Let’s go eat right away!”

“Yes.”

I smiled, took his hand, and led him to the dining room. My husband, working so hard that he couldn’t even eat properly… Lately, he seems to have lost a bit of weight, which made me worry. I realized he hadn’t been able to properly take care of himself because of how busy he’s been. I need to make sure he’s well-nourished soon.

When we arrived, the table was already set with delicious food, welcoming Lucius. We immediately sat down; I started with warm mushroom soup, followed by a perfectly cooked piece of beef, which I cut with a fork and brought to my mouth.

The juices that burst out with every bite tingled my taste buds, and I couldn’t help but keep salivating. I hadn’t eaten properly at the meeting, so this delicious meal replenished the energy I had lost.

Lucius sat beside me, watching me eat with a proud expression. I noticed the chef, who had been waiting nearby, looking at us with a joyful expression.

‘I should talk with the chef later.’

He would know best what dishes are good for nourishing the body. When our eyes met, I gave a subtle wink. His eyes widened slightly, then he smiled slowly and nodded.

A secret signal between the chef and me. Supporting my husband starts with good food, doesn’t it?

“Tiana? Aren’t you eating? Is something not to your taste?”

“No, everything is delicious. Lucius, you should eat first. You must be hungry. Eat a lot.”

“Yes. You eat well too, Tiana.”

“Yes.”

I smiled as I watched Lucius eat happily, unaware of anything else. My husband should eat plenty and take care of his health. I’ll handle everything else.

After a satisfying dinner, we went upstairs to the bedroom. I sat on the bed, reading a book while waiting for Lucius to finish his bath.

It was the Lady Series from the Duke’s family. Recently, life had been busy, so I needed light distractions before sleep, reading little by little. Tonight’s read was the 18th book of the series: “The Count’s Maid’s Untold Secret.”

Despite its title, it was surprisingly wholesome and entertaining—a good light read. About five chapters in, the bedroom door opened, and Lucius entered. His hair was still damp, which made me laugh.

I placed a bookmark, closed the book, and set it on the table, then grabbed a towel that was nearby. He came over naturally and sat beside me. Seeing him smile shyly, I reached out and began drying his hair with the towel.

Lucius closed his eyes, enjoying my touch, and then opened them to look at me.

“It really feels good when you dry my hair, Tiana.”

“Really?”

“My hair feels healthier too. Do you have a special way of drying it?”

“Not really. If anything, I just lightly shake it without pressing too hard.”

“I see.”

“But your hair is naturally good, Lucius. It wouldn’t matter much who dries it. It’s not like my drying makes it particularly better.”

Back when I was Kim Ji-won, I often stressed over my hair. No matter how I tried, it would break easily, and I eventually gave up on caring for it.

Since becoming Tiana, I’ve hardly felt that stress. Even if not as good as Lucius, my hair is silkier than when I was Ji-won.

Once I made sure his hair was mostly dry, I set down the towel and tidied it so it wouldn’t stick up. Lucius grabbed my hand, saying,

“I still like it when you dry it, Tiana. Keep doing it.”

“…Alright.”

I nodded, trying to calm my racing heart, and he kissed the back of my hand with a bright smile. My hand was on fire, and my face flushed. He cupped my face with his other hand and pulled me in for a kiss. I closed my eyes slowly.

As the kiss deepened, I naturally wrapped one hand around his neck and placed the other on his chest.

‘Ah… my heart is racing.’

I could feel his heartbeat thumping through my palm, like it was gently tapping me. When I pulled away slightly, his golden eyes, full of heat, didn’t leave mine.

Seeing his questioning gaze, I smiled and said,

“I have something I want to ask first.”

“…Yes?”

“The incident at today’s meeting—it’s already rumored around, right? How did it spread?”

“Oh, that. I actually have something to tell you regarding it.”

“Something to tell me?”

Did the rumor spread in a strange way? Did I act without thinking?

“Did it spread badly? Was it wrong for me to warn the daughter of Marquis Adena? Is that it?”

If so, it would feel unfair. I thought I had acted appropriately as the Grand Duchess. The lady who made inappropriate comments at a social gathering was at fault for disrupting the mood.

Suppressing my uneasy feelings, I looked at Lucius anxiously. He shook his head quickly, saying,

“No. Not at all. Quite the opposite. Your actions at today’s meeting became a big topic, and in a good way.”

“In a good way?”

“I heard you warned the daughter of Marquis Adena and her followers for speaking rashly about the Empress. Even if they were suspicious, it’s clearly inappropriate to speak about things that His Majesty hasn’t revealed yet. You made the right decision, Tiana.”

“Right? I’m glad. I was worried it might have turned into a bad rumor because of me.”

“Not at all.”

He held both my hands firmly and continued, his expression serious.

“You acted as my wife and the Grand Duchess as you should. You did well, and I’m grateful.”

“Why?”

“It seems you’ve grown accustomed to your position. Keep acting as you did today. Until Lady Werner officially becomes Empress, you are the second most noble woman in the Empire. You are my wife, the one and only Grand Duchess. I want you to act confidently and do what you wish in that position.”

“Lucius……”

“No matter what, I’m on your side. I will always be with you, so trust my strength, trust your own, and keep pursuing what you want. Your thoughts and mine are the same. I will always support you and be your strength. So don’t worry and move forward.”

Lucius’s words instantly erased all my lingering doubts. Where else could there be a warmer, more reassuring voice? His promise to always support and protect me hit my heart more than anything.

‘I’m the one who should be grateful.’

My chest swelled, and my throat tightened. I wanted to speak, but I felt I might cry, so I stayed silent. Tears streamed down my face.

He gently wiped my tears and held me, softly patting my back. I was beginning to understand what it meant to have someone eternally on my side.

This man will never leave me. He trusts me, loves me, cherishes our time together, and will remain unchanged forever.

Truly, having him as my husband is the happiest moment of my life. Had I not become Tiana, I wouldn’t have known this happiness. Thank you… I, the former possessor, am grateful for returning here.

I closed my eyes, calming my heart under his gentle touch. As my tears subsided, I pulled slightly away. He smiled softly and stroked my face.

“Feeling better now?”

“Yes. I surprised you by crying suddenly, right? Sorry.”

“No. I understand why.”

“You’ll pretend you don’t know?”

“I’ll pretend I don’t know.”

He seemed to notice my being touched by his words and smiled playfully. I kissed his cheek, and he returned a deep kiss in response.

Looking into my eyes, he suddenly flinched.

“What’s wrong?”

I asked in surprise. He smiled awkwardly and said,

“I almost forgot to tell you something.”

“Something else?”