Chapter 55
After I Died, My Little Groom
Nadia stared at the baroness, looking flustered.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Just because I’m sick, can’t I care about my daughter’s love life?”
“It’s not that… I just wish you’d focus more on your health, Mother.”
At Nadia’s cautious words, the baroness slumped her shoulders, looking hurt.
Not knowing what to do, Nadia gently dismissed the doctor from the room.
Now, only the baroness, Nadia, and their closest maid remained in the bedroom.
“Mother, please don’t misunderstand. The rumors that I’m dating His Grace, the Duke of Baldwin, aren’t true.”
“What? But I heard the maids gossiping that he came with you again today.”
“If we’re being precise, His Grace the Duke of Baldwin is… hmm, let’s say he’s my superior. A sort of advisor. We’re only pretending to be lovers so others won’t notice that connection.”
The baroness’s face went pale.
“I… I was already shocked enough when I heard those rumors about you and His Grace… but an advisor? Does that mean you’re involved in… palace matters or something?”
The baroness knew nothing of politics, but she understood one thing — noble circles carried dangers of their own.
The idea of her daughter working as the duke’s advisor — someone of such lofty rank — filled her with vague dread.
“Mother, calm down!”
Nadia pressed a hand to her mother’s chest and guided her breathing. The baroness’s breath was still shallow, but her color slowly began to return.
Nadia reached out for the glass of water Vivian offered.
“Here, Mother. Have some water.”
The baroness hesitated, then took a few small sips.
Fortunately, she began to look better soon after. Relieved, Nadia gently rubbed her mother’s back.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. The truth is, I’ve been working with His Grace on an investigation. It’s nothing dangerous.”
“…It’s not something related to the royal palace, is it?”
“No, absolutely not. So please don’t worry. His Grace might seem quiet, but he’s very considerate of those under him. He only escorted me home because he heard you had collapsed.”
The baroness still looked concerned, but after a sigh, she nodded.
“His Grace is a fine man. And most importantly, he trusts you.”
“Yes, I’ll do my best.”
“I’m not telling you to do your best.”
The baroness gripped both of Nadia’s arms tightly. Though her fingers were thin and frail from illness, her grip on her daughter was unshakably strong.
“You’ve always tried to be a good daughter to us. I never thought effort was a bad thing, so I let you be. But what your father and I want most is for you to be safe and healthy.”
She looked Nadia squarely in the eyes.
“I’m trusting you not to overdo it — that you’ll come back safely. Understand?”
Nadia smiled awkwardly.
Even after ten years, she still couldn’t get used to how her foster parents treated her — like a little girl of five rather than a woman of twenty.
It wasn’t logical.
But at the same time, warmth flooded her chest, and her cheeks tingled.
It wasn’t so bad — knowing there would always be someone who’d treat her like their precious child.
Nadia took courage and hugged the baroness tightly.
“I promise.”
Though the baroness was still worried, she nodded — choosing to trust her daughter’s words.
“And don’t you worry too much about me, either. It’s just the heat making me weaker. The medicine is working.”
“I’ll try not to worry. But please don’t skip your doses.”
“Of course, of course.”
As the baroness brushed aside Nadia’s messy bangs, she suddenly recalled something.
“Oh, right. Did you happen to meet Count Priscilla’s daughter?”
Nadia froze — her hands trembling.
She’d been wondering if she’d imagined seeing her earlier. Apparently, it had been real.
Count Priscilla’s daughter was one of the few people Nadia least wanted to meet.
Still, she forced herself to sound calm.
“Who? I saw a lady I didn’t recognize on my way in — was that her?”
“Well, the only stranger in this house right now is that lady. You probably rushed up here because of me and didn’t get to greet her properly.”
“I was in a hurry… I’ll apologize properly later. But… what brings her to our estate?”
It was the question Nadia had been dying to ask.
“Oh, she doesn’t have any business here. It’s just — your father’s been inspecting the roads lately for the new construction. And apparently, on the main route between the Baldwin territory and the capital, he found a carriage in trouble.”
“Ah…”
“If it had been a merchant’s wagon, he might’ve passed by, but it was a young lady about your age, panicking on the roadside. He couldn’t just ignore her.”
“Father would never turn a blind eye.”
Nadia smiled faintly.
Her heart was still pounding wildly, but relief began to wash over her.
So, it wasn’t because of any incident.
Of course not.
There was no reason to worry over a coincidence.
“Nadia, are you all right? Does it bother you having an unfamiliar young lady here?”
Nadia flinched — surprised her expression had given her away.
She thought she’d hidden it well.
Feeling embarrassed, she touched her cheek.
“I’m sorry. I guess I’m just shy around strangers.”
“Oh, but you always get along with everyone here in the estate.”
“Well… in the capital, there were so many refined ladies and unfamiliar customs. I guess it made me lose a bit of confidence.”
Though her words were a lie, they sounded convincing enough to the baroness.
“My daughter’s so beautiful! You’re far prettier than Count Priscilla’s girl in my eyes. Still, if you’re feeling uncomfortable in your own home, that won’t do. I’ll tell them to hurry with the carriage repairs. Once she leaves, we can enjoy our time together again.”
At her mother’s fussing, Nadia could only smile.
The baroness pulled her closer again.
“Come to think of it — your debutante ball! I never got to hear much about it after you returned from the capital. You’ve been so busy.”
“Oh, it was really fun.”
“That’s all?”
When the baroness looked disappointed, Nadia began recounting everything that had happened in the capital.
It hadn’t been that long, but so much had happened — even Nadia was surprised as she spoke.
Still, the stories were all cheerful ones.
Her eyes sparkled as she talked, and their conversation stretched on endlessly, as if it would never end.
Later that night, once Baroness Hess had fallen asleep, Nadia finally stepped out of the bedroom.
When Nadia pressed her index finger against her lips to quiet herself, Vivian giggled.
“This is the first time I’ve seen you talk so much, my lady.”
“Don’t tease me.”
“It’s good though, isn’t it? Madam seems healthier.”
“Yes. The doctor said it can happen sometimes, so I’ll stay calm and keep watch.”
“Oh, there’s the mature tone again. Shame, I liked the other one better.”
“Stop teasing me.”
Nadia shot her a look, but Vivian didn’t look the least bit intimidated.
“How about our guests?”
“Shall I go check on them?”
“Please do.”
As soon as Nadia said that, she walked toward the corridor window. From there, she could see Heinrich strolling in the garden.
“Wait, Vivian. He’s out there.”
“Huh? Oh, my! But that area’s still so bare…”
“I should go greet him.”
It didn’t sit right to let him walk around a garden without even a single decent bench.
The Hess estate had only just begun to recover financially, so there wasn’t much to see yet — but still.
Gathering her skirts neatly, Nadia quickly descended the stairs. Before stepping outside, she brushed off her dress, looking tidy again in an instant.
The garden was sparse, with tall hedges built around the rose beds, blocking much of the view.
If Heinrich wasn’t near the entrance, he must’ve been on the other side of the hedge.
Nadia hurried — but just as she was about to turn the corner, an unwelcome voice reached her ears.
“Everyone believes the rumor, but I don’t. I know His Grace only has eyes for my sister.”
Nadia froze.
That chirpy, high-pitched voice had always grated on her nerves. She’d disliked the sound of it for as long as she could remember.
“And besides — as if His Grace would ever get involved with some… lowly noblewoman from an insignificant family.”
“Wasn’t it Baron Hess who offered assistance?”
Heinrich’s voice was calm — completely devoid of emotion — as he reprimanded Becca.
But Becca replied without a hint of shame.
“Well, Baron Hess should be grateful to have a chance to escort a real lady like me—”
“If you have business with me, send a letter to my secretary. Now leave.”
Heinrich didn’t even bother to hear the rest.
With a cold, cutting tone, he dismissed her — utterly uninterested in her words.
