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“Lucious went out?”
Still weary from accumulated fatigue, I forced myself to get up, got dressed, and went down to the dining room. Warren pulled out my chair and explained.
“Yes, my lady. He had business at the Imperial Palace, so he left early this morning.”
“Really? He didn’t mention anything yesterday. Do you know what it’s about?”
“I don’t know the details, but it seems His Majesty summoned him.”
“His Majesty?”
Calling him in on a weekend—what could it be about? I simply nodded at Warren and sat down, spearing some salad with my fork and taking a bite.
The crisp lettuce, drizzled with lemon dressing, seemed to awaken my drowsy body. Fresh vegetables in the morning really were the best. I picked out some halved cherry tomatoes and tender baby greens too.
Finally, a warm potato soup filled me just enough. Dabbing the corner of my lips with the napkin on my lap, I rose from my seat. Warren and the head chef approached immediately.
“My lady, how was breakfast today?”
“It was good. Truly delicious, as always. Thank you.”
“It’s our honor that you enjoyed it. We’ll prepare something even better next time.”
“I’ll look forward to it. But honestly, if I keep eating such wonderful meals, I’m afraid I’ll gain too much weight. I feel like I’ve put on a little lately, so perhaps I should cut back…”
“No, absolutely not, my lady!”
“Oh, my lady, you mustn’t say such things!”
For some reason, both Warren and the chef spoke in unusually firm voices. Warren shook his head, while the chef clasped his hands together in alarm and rushed to add:
“My lady, you are radiant as you are! Your meals are perfectly balanced with all the necessary nutrients, and that’s why you look so lovely now. Please don’t worry—just enjoy your food happily!”
“Ah… I see. Thank you.”
His fervor left me a little overwhelmed, and I could only nod in return. The chef sighed in relief, though Warren soon spoke again.
“My lady, do you have plans to go out today?”
“Yes. I need to meet someone regarding the Café Roland branch in the capital. I sent a letter yesterday, so they should have received it.”
“Very well. If you give me the location, I’ll prepare the carriage and arrange an escort.”
“It’s the restaurant Swan, inside the central district, at number three.”
“Ah, that establishment. Understood. Please take your time getting ready.”
Warren left with a few footmen and attendants. Of course, he would know the restaurant—Lucious often went there. Watching him gather the knights, I went upstairs with Jane, who had been waiting near the staircase.
“Gather everyone.”
Back in my room, Jane assembled the maids. They quickly stopped their tasks and came forward. After confirming no one was missing, Jane turned to me.
“My lady, how would you like to be dressed today?”
“I have an important contract meeting. I’d like to highlight my charms—something with a point of focus.”
“Understood. I’ll do my utmost.”
“I’m counting on you.”
I already trusted her skills from before; even without detailed instructions, she would exceed my expectations. When I smiled warmly at her, Jane blushed slightly and nodded, then gave orders.
“You heard the lady. Bring what I ask for, each according to your task.”
“Yes, Head Maid.”
The maids swiftly carried out her orders without a single mistake. Before long, the items were neatly stacked on one side of the room. Satisfied, Jane turned back to me.
“Now, let us begin, my lady.”
“Please take care of me.”
I smiled awkwardly at their solemn expressions before sitting down at the vanity and slowly closing my eyes.
“Head Steward, the carriage is ready.”
“And the knights?”
“All assembled and waiting.”
“Prepared thoroughly, as I instructed?”
“Yes, sir. Everything has been arranged.”
“Good. Hm? What’s that commotion?”
Warren, double-checking Tiana’s departure, turned at the murmur rising from the entrance.
“Ah…”
Descending the stairs was Tiana, followed by Jane and the maids. The hushed exclamations weren’t from trouble but from staff who, caught off guard by her appearance, couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.
Over her deep navy dress draped a silvery, translucent silk overlay that shimmered from the neckline to the hem. As she moved, the gems embroidered at the edge caught the light, dazzling all eyes.
Around her pale neck hung the necklace Lucious had once gifted her. Her hair, styled differently than usual, was swept up and adorned with pins shaped like flowers and butterflies, with sapphire earrings to finish the look. The dress was elegant, with just the right touch of flair—not overly flashy, but perfectly enhancing Tiana’s natural charm.
Even Warren found himself staring, momentarily dazed. He had always known she was beautiful, but like this, it was striking anew.
If only His Highness could see her now…
Lucious would likely have embraced her on the spot—and perhaps refused to let her leave. Warren suddenly worried whether it was wise to let her go out at all.
“Is the carriage ready?”
“Yes, my lady. The escort is prepared as well.”
“Good. Then let’s depart.”
At the entrance, the coachman and knights greeted her respectfully. Tiana smiled back, then turned to Warren and the staff before boarding.
“Thank you for preparing everything.”
“We only carried out the master’s orders, my lady.”
“Still, it was you and the staff who worked with such care. Even if it was at His Highness’s request, I appreciate it.”
“…You are the duke’s only wife, the mistress of this house. Serving you with all our hearts is only natural.”
“Even when something is expected, it isn’t always easy to do it sincerely. Yet lately, I’ve felt how genuine everyone is toward me.”
“….”
Her sudden words left Warren, Jane, and the maids speechless. They hadn’t imagined she would say such a thing. The maids looked nervously to Warren for guidance.
He too faltered, unsure what to say. But before he could answer, Tiana continued.
“It may sound out of place, but… may I take it as proof that I’m starting to be recognized as your mistress?”
“…Yes, my lady.”
After a moment’s thought, Warren replied on behalf of them all. No one voiced disagreement. In their earnest eyes, there was no trace of denial.
“I see. That’s a relief. Thank you.”
Her smile eased the air. She stepped into the carriage, the knight closed the door, and through the open window she waved back.
“I’ll return soon. Please keep the manor safe, Warren. If the contract goes well, I may stop by the palace to see Alexandra, so I could be late.”
“Do not worry, my lady. Everything will be kept in order.”
“Thank you. Ah, and please tell the chef that no matter how late I am, I’ll come back for dinner.”
“Yes, my lady. Travel safely.”
At Warren’s farewell, the carriage rolled away. Only belatedly did the maids call after her.
“Safe travels, my lady!”
“We’ll be waiting!”
“Please take care!”
Even after the carriage disappeared, they continued shouting, as if hoping she could still hear. Watching them, Warren smiled faintly.
How fortunate His Highness is to have her as his consort.
Since Tiana’s arrival, the entire household had changed for the better. The once-quiet manor now brimmed with a refreshing warmth and energy. Even Lucious seemed transformed, and the staff and knights were gradually touched by that same light.
Warren looked at the still-cheering maids with deep satisfaction.
“…So, she wasn’t the one after all?”
“…!”
Lucious’s eyes widened at Rael’s words, then steadied as he fixed his gaze on him.
What could he mean by that? No matter how he tried to untangle the words in his mind, he found no answer. Biting his lip in frustration, Lucious’s eyes fell on Rael’s dark-red ones—and suddenly, he remembered the envelope tucked inside his coat.
His hand brushed over the pocket, then withdrew as he asked carefully:
“…What do you mean, Your Majesty?”
“Exactly what I said. I wrote everything in the letter I gave you—don’t tell me you haven’t read it?”
“I only read the message on the envelope. I haven’t opened the letter itself yet.”
“Why not?”
“…Because it was marked, ‘Top Secret. Steel yourself before reading. Do not open unless you are ready to face it.’ I wouldn’t take such a warning lightly.”
With a heavy sigh, Lucious pulled out the red envelope and laid it on the table. In bold, black letters, the warning was scrawled exactly as he said.
Rael glanced at it and asked lightly:
“So you brought it back because you weren’t ready to read it?”
“That’s not it.”
“Then? Do you plan to read it here?”
“…Yes. I wanted to read it in your presence, so I could ask you about it immediately.”
“I see. In that case, go on.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Lucious nodded, picking up the envelope again. Just as he was about to break the seal, Rael stopped him.
“Wait.”
“Yes?”
Lucious froze mid-motion, looking puzzled. Rael studied him for a moment before speaking slowly.
“Are you truly resolved to read what’s inside?”
“…What do you mean?”
“The contents won’t be ordinary. They’ll strike you hard. Let me warn you first—though you may already suspect it—the letter is about your wife.”
“….”
“Aren’t you afraid of what truths might come out? Can you accept them?”
“That is…”
The weight of Rael’s presence pressed down on Lucious. Though he knew what his answer should be, the words caught in his throat. Watching him hesitate, Rael’s voice grew deeper.
“If you truly believe you can, then show me your resolve.”
