“Here’s the thing.”
Judith met Isabella’s eyes steadily, her voice calm and composed.
“I couldn’t not tell the truth. I couldn’t hide the outcome and manipulate someone’s hope—especially the hope tied to family.”
“What?”
“As you’ve discovered, I need money. Truly, desperately. But…”
Even in her humble attire, Judith’s eyes held a quiet, unwavering vitality.
“I don’t wish to gain it by deceiving anyone.”
“…”
“Let me put it plainly. The plan you’re considering will only tarnish the Ducal family’s honor; it won’t bring the young duke back. You’d end up paying for nothing. If you insist on going through with it… then let me serve as your temporary daughter-in-law.”
Isabella felt a strange sensation. Though she held the power to decide, she felt considered, almost cared for.
Judith continued politely.
“I will fulfill my role without ever bringing harm to the Ducal household. I know you might wish to investigate me, but during this time, once I am paid, I will have done my duty.”
It was true. Judith had executed her duties as a private tutor with diligence and devotion, more than anyone could have expected. Her conscientiousness was something a thorough investigation would have easily revealed.
Isabella studied her quietly, then asked,
“One question. Won’t the Baron tell me how he knows all this?”
“I will.”
Judith answered with serene confidence.
“I dreamed it. Since I was young, I’ve often dreamed of things that later came true. I cannot explain why, but I even dreamed of the young Duke.”
“Then… Eckian?”
“I don’t know anything beyond that, I swear.”
Isabella drew in a sharp breath. Dreams—how could one trust them? There was no proof.
Yet the letters Eckian had left, the plans she had secretly contemplated—all had been revealed with uncanny accuracy. Perhaps Judith had earned her money by selling small pieces of information to the guild. It made sense.
Isabella slowly regained her composure. There was no need to overthink it. She required someone to perform a particular task, and Judith had come forward, volunteering to do it. It was a simple, practical arrangement.
“…Very well.”
Isabella looked at Judith.
“If the Baron says so, I accept. Time is short. Then, while you’re here, fill out the marriage registration. The Duke is returning tomorrow, so we can finalize and submit it together.”
“Yes, Madam.”
“And…”
Isabella’s voice regained its usual iciness.
“Even as my daughter-in-law, you know this is temporary. You cannot interfere with the internal affairs of the Ducal household. Let’s make that clear from the start.”
“Of course. I suspected as much,” Judith replied matter-of-factly. The implication—that she wouldn’t be treated as a proper daughter-in-law—was no insult. After all, it was only a contractual family, lasting a few months at most.
Isabella continued sharply,
“And if Eckian returns in the meantime, you must divorce immediately. He deserves to marry the woman he loves. Is that understood?”
“Naturally. I know my place. When the time comes, I will leave the Ducal residence cleanly. You needn’t worry about that.”
Isabella nodded slowly, then wrote a check on the spot.
“Here. This covers Baron Aylan’s debts.”
Judith, calm until then, turned pale. She blinked rapidly, stammering.
“Y-you’re giving this… now?”
“When this is over, I’ll give you an equal amount again,” Isabella said, her expression unreadable, her voice level.
“You blocked Miss Han’s marriage path—do you think I would have no sense of propriety?”
“Th-thank you, thank you, Madam…”
From trembling hands to the sudden flush in her cheeks, Judith’s entire being radiated ecstatic joy. The dignified composure she had maintained moments before, insisting she wouldn’t deceive anyone for money, seemed utterly gone.
Her uncontainable delight revealed the depth of her desperation. Finally, Isabella recognized the truth in Judith’s earlier words: “Even if I do this, young Duke Eckian will not return.” The weight behind them was genuine.
“Hmph.”
Seeing Judith so elated, Isabella unfolded her fan and hid her face, feeling slightly embarrassed. For all her composure, the young girl’s intense hope had been genuine. Isabella’s earlier warning—‘don’t think you’ll become a true daughter-in-law of the Maius family’—now felt a little unnecessary.
“Maius considers this nothing. That’s why I gave it so easily.”
“Y-yes…”
“And do not, under any circumstances, think I gave it because I like you, Judith! Understand that!”
Isabella barked sharply, then glanced at Judith’s flushed face.
Heavens, heavens, heavens!
I’m free… free from this accursed debt I should have been chained to for life!
Breathless, Judith held the check in disbelief. She had assumed she’d only receive any payment after the whole ordeal, perhaps after divorce. And yet, even this initial sum was enough.
They really have money! And they could give this much without consulting the Duke!
Dizzy with joy, Judith left the Ducal residence clutching the check. She had already completed the marriage registration with enthusiasm.
She went straight to the bank with her guarantor and settled the debt.
“Baroness Judith Aylan,” the bank clerk said, smiling warmly after reviewing the contract with the private lender, “all debts have now been cleared. Congratulations.”
Her head spun with relief and elation. She could hardly find words.
Even the private lender, who had been meticulously collecting interest, could not conceal his astonishment. He remarked that he had never seen anyone repay such a debt.
“Ha… for Paule, the gambler, to have a daughter like this… Miss, how did you manage such an enormous sum?”
Judith, now at ease, could smile even at the lender.
“I gambled too. A gamble with my life.”
Leaving the stunned bank staff and lender behind, Judith stepped lightly from the bank. With the weight of debt lifted, it felt as if she were walking on clouds.
This is truly the best.
Just by entangling herself with the Maius family, her life had changed—though she had done nothing particularly exceptional.
I can do anything for the Duchess.
Judith was prudent and mindful of propriety. Having repaid the debt so quickly, she intended to do her utmost in return.
As she left the bank, a sudden thought struck her.
“Ah! The Master asked me to come!”
Yesterday, the Master had sent someone to summon her to Grey’s Information Guild.
Probably to thank me for saving him?
Or perhaps he wished to know more now that she was marrying into the Maius family.
Ah, I also need some information.
Already deeply moved by the Duchess’s generosity, Judith wanted to do anything that could help the Maius household.
I’ll ask the Master for help!
She hurried to Grey’s Information Guild. The Master, wearing his usual mask, awaited her patiently.
“What on earth kept you at the Ducal residence all day? I thought you were there since dawn.”
“Ah, I had to complete the marriage registration as well.”
“…What? W-w-w-how…?”
“This will spread throughout the capital soon, so I thought I should tell you first, out of courtesy.”
Judith needed the Master’s assistance for the Maius family. She had no choice but to speak the truth.
“I’m going to announce that I am carrying Eckian’s child.”
The Master fell silent, utterly unprepared.
Even though she had conducted many transactions with him, he had never looked so shocked.
Though his mask hid his expression, the intensity of his surprise was palpable.
“Master?”
It was surprising, yes, but was it really cause for such horror?
Judith, sensing his reaction, was struck by a sudden, jarring realization.
“Master? Could it be…?”
