-13-
“…Why are you looking at me like that?”
Not just the two of them—Edwin and the Marquess—but even the butler and servants from the Marquisate, who stood to the side, had strange expressions. With so many eyes on me, I felt a bit flustered and looked to Edwin. He gently shook his head.
“No, it’s nothing.”
“…So, the young lady enjoys black tea, I see.”
“Pardon?”
“It just seemed natural, the way you added honey to it.”
The Marquess, who had been quietly observing me, made an unexpected remark. Oh—did the old Tiana not drink black tea? Was I acting too naturally?
Well, I’ve always liked black tea myself, and the Ducal House often served it, so I drank it without thinking… Perhaps I should’ve been more cautious.
…Then again, what’s done is done. Tastes changing after an accident isn’t uncommon, right? I can’t suddenly say I don’t like it or drank it by mistake, so there’s no helping it now.
I already decided to be shameless about this, so there’s no need to mimic the old Tiana. My goal isn’t to recover her memories.
Knowing how the old Tiana behaved is just useful information—that’s all. I’ve got the perfect excuse of amnesia, so doing things my own way shouldn’t be a problem.
Besides, Edwin, the Duchy’s people, and even Lucious all seem to prefer this current version of me.
Still, I should be a bit more careful in front of the Marquess. If I show too much change, it might raise suspicions, so I need to tread that line carefully.
While I was contemplating how to continue the now slightly awkward conversation, the Marquess waved his hand dismissively.
“It’s just that it’s been a while since I saw you drinking black tea. I didn’t mean anything by it, so don’t worry. Please, continue. I’d like to hear about this situation you think could quell the rumors, and what exactly you plan to do.”
“…Yes, of course.”
Once the Marquess diffused the tension, the strange atmosphere in the drawing room eased a little. I felt a bit conflicted being the one receiving help, but since we hadn’t gotten to the main point yet, I carried on.
“Originally, my father intended to delay the engagement because of my condition. But I’ve heard that the Marquess wished to proceed with the engagement as soon as possible.”
“That’s correct. We should finish the marriage quickly to prevent the rumors from spreading any further.”
“But that won’t solve the root of the problem. Time may pass and the rumors might die down, but whispers will continue. That would be damaging not just to your family, Marquess, but also to ours and to His Highness’s reputation.”
“That’s true.”
“In that case, let’s reverse the damage. We proceed with the engagement and hold the wedding as planned—but instead of moving to the Duchy right away, His Highness and I will stay in the capital for a year.”
“The capital?”
The Marquess’s expression tensed, likely caught off guard by the unexpected proposal. I continued calmly, giving him time to adjust.
“If we remain in the capital residence, it will be easier for me to stay in contact with my father and our house. We’ll also be able to respond quickly to any unexpected events. During that one year, we can publicly show that I’m doing well.”
Normally, newlyweds would return to the Duchy to establish a foundation and engage in social activities, but given the current situation, reversing the order would be better.
The Duchy is far from the capital, so not many rumors will have spread there yet.
If we stop the spread here before it reaches that far, we might not even need to go there. If we can extinguish the fire early, it’s less likely to spread out of control.
“What kind of activities do you have in mind?”
“We’ll hold many gatherings at the ducal residence and actively participate in high society. If people see there’s no issue between His Highness and me—and that the marriage is a success—those who harbor doubts will begin to disappear.”
“I see.”
“This way, we can establish ourselves in the capital and put the rumors to rest.”
“Hmm…”
As the Marquess pondered, Lucious, who had been quietly listening, spoke up.
“The young lady’s suggestion makes a lot of sense. There’s nothing more effective against rumors than visible proof. If people see us together, it will be very persuasive.”
I turned to him, surprised by the sudden support. He gave me a gentle smile, meeting my eyes.
I didn’t expect his help. But seeing how quickly he grasped my intentions and backed me up felt reassuring.
It seemed to work too—the Marquess’s previously furrowed brow was beginning to relax. This was the moment to push forward.
“If the engagement goes well, Marquess, you’ll have the benefit of having fulfilled your responsibility. And our presence in the capital will be advantageous in many ways.”
“…So, you’ll remain in the capital, attend social events, build your base, and quiet the rumors…”
“Yes. So I ask your permission to stay at the Duchy’s residence for a year. Of course, His Highness will make the final decision, but I wanted to hear your thoughts as well.”
“…”
“What do you think? Are you satisfied with the alternative I’ve suggested?”
If we go forward with this plan, not only will we silence the rumors, but the Duchy—with a new Duchess—will strengthen its position.
Since I even considered his interests, there’s no way he wouldn’t be satisfied.
After a moment of thought, the Marquess relaxed and nodded with a more comfortable expression.
“Now that I’ve heard your proposal, I find it quite satisfactory. If you stay in the capital, your father can rest easy, and I’ll have easier access to news. His Highness will benefit as well—it’s a solid alternative. I approve.”
“Thank you for your generosity, Marquess.”
“Still, with this arrangement, you’ll have many responsibilities. I worry it might be burdensome. Social activities, in particular, require caution.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. With His Highness by my side, and both my father and you supporting me, I have nothing to fear. In fact, ever since losing my memory, I feel clearer-headed—I’m confident I can handle whatever comes.”
“That’s reassuring to hear.”
“With everyone helping, I just need to stay strong. Please don’t worry. I’ll proudly fulfill my duties as the Duchy’s mistress.”
“…I look forward to it, Young Lady.”
Seeing the Marquess nod calmly, I smiled with satisfaction.
Of course. I’ll support my husband so well that no one can say otherwise.
Once the conversation wound down, Marquess Calvino leaned back in his chair and spoke more casually.
“Then let’s hold the wedding on the original date. We’ll cover all necessary preparations. I just ask that you continue managing things as you have.”
“Yes, understood.”
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime wedding. I’ll make sure it’s a ceremony you’ll be pleased with.”
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Marquess. We’ll make thorough preparations on our end as well.”
With both sides satisfied, the tension in the drawing room eased considerably. Now we just had to finish the wedding preparations and wait for the big day.
Convincing the Marquess—my biggest hurdle—felt like a great success, and I sipped the remaining tea with contentment. Things would get busier from now on, but at least the wedding would go ahead as planned. That’s one major obstacle down.
I might have rushed things a bit to match the original storyline’s timing, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d done well. Just two more months until Lucious and I walk down the aisle. The thought made me truly happy.
Now, my favorite character is really becoming my husband. Good job, me. I actually managed to snag the kind of man you can’t find in real life. How incredible is that?
As I smiled to myself, the Marquess, sipping a fresh cup of tea, looked at me and remarked.
“I’m looking forward to your wedding dress. I’m sure it’ll be stunning. Don’t you think so, Duke?”
“Yes, I agree. I’m looking forward to it as well.”
“Have you already commissioned a design?”
“Yes, a while ago. The salons have already sent over many options.”
“Oh, really? I hope the wedding day comes quickly—I want to see which one you choose.”
I quietly repeated Edwin’s words in my head.
There’s already a stack of design options? That means all I have to do is pick one?
Of course. Only the Duke’s daughter would have her own custom-made dress—it’s so luxurious. Not that I’m complaining.
Wait a second. If I’m getting a custom wedding dress, then does that mean Lucious is getting a custom suit too? Sure, my dress is important, but Lucious’s outfit is even more crucial.
The groom in a tuxedo is the real highlight of the ceremony—the grand finale. Just imagining Lucious in his custom formalwear made my heart race.
My favorite character in a tuxedo? I could die happy just seeing that… But now that we’ll be married, I can see him every day, so I’d better not die. I need to help Lucious escape his villain fate and live happily ever after.
Lost in these delightful thoughts, I glanced at Lucious without realizing and caught his eye. When I smiled, he gave a soft smile in return.
That smile—one that only I knew the meaning behind—melted my heart. I couldn’t help but stare, entranced by the way his golden eyes gleamed like molten gold under the light.
Just when I was about to get completely lost in them, Lucious spoke.
“Shall I show you around the estate, Young Lady?”
“…What?”
Startled by the sudden offer, I looked at him blankly, and the Marquess nodded.
“Yes. You’ll be moving in after the wedding, but it’s good to have a look beforehand. Spend some time together.”
“Go on, Tiana. I’m counting on you, Your Highness.”
“Yes. Please enjoy your conversation while we’re gone.”
Even Edwin encouraged us, making it clear they wanted to give us some time alone. I appreciated it—but it felt so sudden.
I had wanted to see the estate, but I didn’t expect Lucious to take the initiative like this, so I was a little flustered.
He rose from his seat and headed toward the door, which the butler promptly opened. As he turned back at the entrance and looked at me, I reflexively nodded and stood up to follow him out of the drawing room.
As we left, I glanced back briefly and saw Edwin and Marquess Calvino watching us with subtly changed expressions.
