Chapter 19
Life Mortgaged –
The day of the marriage announcement had finally arrived.
From dawn, attendants and maids bustled around, preparing Irina to perfection.
The moment she opened her eyes, she had to endure their fussy ministrations with her eyes still half closed.
It was supposed to be just a single day’s event to pay off a debt—yet now that the announcement was actually happening, her heart felt strangely unsettled.
‘Am I going too far with this?’
Then she’d remember the immense fortune she’d receive a year later, and her nerves would settle again.
Her feelings swung like a pendulum—changing every single minute.
“Today, you’ll be the most beautiful bride in the world.”
She never thought she’d hear the same words she had once told her own friends.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Irina gave a faint smile.
The oversized jewelry she rarely wore, the gown glittering like a river of stars—
“Put this in my hair.”
Irina handed a brooch Howard had given her to Casey.
If anyone could turn that into a perfect hairpiece, it was her.
“Leave it to me!”
True to form, Casey clenched her fists enthusiastically, took the brooch, and began working deftly with her hands.
Howard, meanwhile, was busy in a very different way.
Median Dorsey, who topped the employee evaluations every month.
Leia Kalden, the best at tracking down runaway debtors.
And Weldon Timier, well known for his easygoing personality—but even more for his unmatched combat skills.
They were a tight-knit trio, partners who worked together seamlessly in the arena.
And in truth, they’d known Howard for quite a while too.
After all, he was the one who had saved their lives.
That day, they reported for duty at Howard’s mansion.
“I’ll have to send you there personally.”
“To Arendor? Well, if you say so, we’ll go.”
Irina’s father had gone missing.
Since it had happened beyond the border, there was little Howard himself could do.
He’d heard the news, and it didn’t sound good. So, he decided to dispatch them.
In the worst case, he could delay current matters—but time wasn’t on his side either.
“How long do you think it’ll take?”
“If we leave immediately—three days at the earliest. But we should count on about a week. We’ll contact you as soon as we arrive.”
Without wasting another moment, or another word, they left the mansion.
She was the only one important to him.
But he knew—he wasn’t to her.
Howard rose from his seat, as if nothing had happened, and went to prepare himself.
By the time Irina’s preparations were complete, the banquet at the Grand Duke’s Castle was about to begin.
The castle was near the arena, so if they left now, they’d arrive just in time.
“How do I look?”
“……”
Howard stared at her for a long while, saying nothing.
Not quite expressionless—but not showing emotion either.
Not even the smallest reaction.
“Hey? Howard? I asked how I look?”
After a long silence, he finally met her gaze.
“…You look fine. Let’s go.”
His flat, emotionless tone made Irina jab him in the ribs with her fist.
“Yeah, guess it’s my fault for expecting too much.”
Still, she took his hand and climbed into the carriage.
If the Arena was dazzling and beautiful, the Grand Duke’s Castle was grand and imposing—like a fortress.
The crowd was so massive that even before reaching the castle steps, the air buzzed with excitement.
Everyone had gathered out of curiosity—to see who the Grand Duke of Ringester’s bride would be.
Irina stood beside Howard, feeling far more nervous now than before.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Hmm?”
Howard’s sudden remark made her tilt her head.
“Among everyone here, my bride is the most beautiful.”
She hadn’t expected him to actually call her his bride out loud. Her eyes widened slightly.
“Ugh, why couldn’t you have said that earlier?”
She grumbled, but Howard only gave her a faint smile.
Strangely enough, it didn’t sound unpleasant.
“I thought I’d regret it.”
“Regret what?”
“It’s nothing. Let’s go up.”
Oddly, the words left her feeling a little lighthearted—almost fluttery.
Blushing faintly, Irina let Howard lead her up the stairs.
The moment they appeared in the grand hall, every pair of eyes turned toward them.
The stares were so intense they felt almost scorching.
Some whispered among themselves—
While others approached with polite courtesy.
“It’s an honor to finally meet the person who has always been shrouded in mystery.”
Among the Ringester family, there were only two who truly recognized Howard as kin—
The Grand Duke Arensha, and a cousin related to him through her side.
Those who resented or opposed Howard had, unsurprisingly, not attended.
The Grand Duke Arensha made his entrance with an aura that filled the room, his elegant smile commanding attention.
“Today is a most meaningful day.”
His voice carried easily across the hall even without amplification, reaching every noble ear.
He declared how joyful the day was—his beloved grandson was to be married.
He didn’t forget to offer blessings to Irina and Howard.
“Let us all celebrate their union and enjoy ourselves tonight.”
After a brief address, the Grand Duke descended from the dais and approached Irina.
“My greetings are late, aren’t they?”
“Hello, Your Grace.”
I’m sorry for marrying your beloved grandson in a fake marriage.
Irina bit back the words she wanted to say.
The Grand Duke studied her face closely, eyes full of wonder.
“Truly… you are.”
His tone was somewhere between astonishment and awe.
“Pardon?”
Irina blinked, confused. But Arensha only smiled gently.
“It’s nothing. I must pray to the gods for the both of you—so your path will be free of hardship.”
“Thank you.”
Whether it was the dialect of Borman, or just his own way of speaking, Irina couldn’t be sure—but his sincerity was clear.
She turned to Howard with an awkward smile.
It feels like we’re committing a crime, she thought.
“So noisy…”
It had been so long since she’d attended a banquet.
A year of avoiding social events because of her father—and now, she felt utterly drained.
Back in the carriage on the way home, even the gentle rocking felt exhausting.
“There’s probably no couple in the world who had a wedding as simple as ours.”
“Uniqueness has its charm.”
“The Grand Duke looked so happy. I can’t deal with that.”
“I noticed.”
Howard moved closer to her.
“If we get too attached over the next year, it’ll be difficult.”
He said it quietly.
Irina snorted, insisting that would never happen—but for some reason, a faint unease stirred inside her.
After a long ride, the carriage finally pulled into the Ringester estate.
They passed through the gardens, moving deeper and deeper in until the carriage stopped at the grand entrance.
Even after it halted, Howard didn’t move right away.
Irina had fallen into a deep sleep beside him.
Carefully, he slid an arm under her back and knees.
Lifting her effortlessly, he stepped down and began walking toward the mansion.
He walked so steadily that she didn’t even stir.
Then—he suddenly stopped.
“……”
He looked down at her with a neutral expression.
She was sleeping peacefully, like an angel.
“If you’re awake, you should get up. You’re heavy.”
“Kuuh…”
Pretending to sleep, Irina squeezed her eyes shut even tighter—so much that it was obvious.
“I’m putting you down.”
His low voice made her clutch his collar.
“I said, I’m putting you down.”
“No! It’s too comfortable right now!”
She finally opened her eyes and whined, confessing the truth.
She had been awake since he lifted her—just too comfortable to admit it.
But of course, he’d seen right through her.
“When did we arrive?”
She had, after all, fallen asleep before the carriage stopped.
Only when it halted had she woken up, groggy and heavy-limbed.
“Just a moment ago.”
“I see.”
Though it looked like he might finally set her down, Howard simply continued walking, still carrying her.
When she looped her arms around his neck, it felt even more stable—almost soothing.
Fortunately, it was night, and only essential staff were posted nearby, so the corridors were quiet.
Up close, she caught a faint, pleasant scent from him.
It felt like the heavy air was cleared and refreshed.
Cool, clean—but with a soft, masculine warmth.
Light yet deep.
Huh…?
Suddenly, her heartbeat went erratic.
Not quite painful, but irregular—like a small tremor that made her chest tighten.
Her pulse quickened.
It was the same scent he always had, but tonight, maybe because of the clothes he wore, it seemed different—stronger.
“Must be tired,” Irina muttered to herself.
“Tired?” Howard repeated.
When she looked up, his face was barely a hand’s width away.
“Ah! Again!”
Startled by the same strange pulse, Irina flinched.
Howard gave her a puzzled look.
“What is it?”
“Nothing.”
Irina shook her head and pressed her ear gently against his chest.
At that moment, Howard stopped walking again.
“What are you doing?”
Her behavior must’ve looked suspicious.
“Nothing, really,” she mumbled.
Still, she pressed her ear closer, listened again—and lifted her head.
So it was just my imagination, she thought in relief.
What a scare…
But it was no mistake.
Howard’s heartbeat was racing—
just as fast as hers.
