~Chapter 4~
“…I think I’ll have dinner in your bedroom tonight as well.”
“…What?”
Elena blinked in surprise, and the man smiled softly. She hated how her heart thumped again at that smile.
“It must be lonely to eat alone.”
“I–It’s fine.”
“Then let’s say I feel lonely. Go on, eat. Warm food is easier to digest.”
A bowl of steaming soup was set in front of her. Elena lifted her spoon, took a small sip, and put it in her mouth. It was a creamy, savory soup, warm enough to heat her insides.
“…My marriage leave is almost over.”
“Yes, you took about a month off.”
While Elena quietly drank only soup, Ian took her perfectly cooked steak, set it on his plate, and started cutting it into small pieces. Elena stared blankly as he cut it, and then he placed the plate of neatly cut meat back in front of her.
“You won’t get any strength just eating soup. You need meat too.”
“…I don’t really enjoy eating meat…”
“That won’t do anymore. You need to eat properly to regain your strength.”
His firm expression made her let out a tiny laugh. His tone sounded like he genuinely cared about her, and the warmth suddenly filled her again. How stupid, she thought. He just wants to keep his puppet-wife healthy so he can meet Helena for a longer time. As that thought came up, the feeling of floating happiness suddenly dropped.
“My lady?”
“…Yes.”
“Did I say something wrong…?”
“N–No. Please eat.”
Elena pushed away the thoughts in her head. Even the small affection he showed her felt precious right now.
“I never finished what I was saying. It’s sudden… but I’ve been ordered to enter the palace in a few days.”
“…”
Elena paused mid–spoonful. Even her small appetite disappeared instantly.
“I understand that it must be overwhelming. But I have to visit the imperial palace at least once… So I’ve ordered dressmakers and jewelers to come tomorrow.”
“Ah… I’ll prepare.”
“I’m sorry. I hadn’t planned for this to happen so quickly… but it seems His Majesty has something he wants to command me.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for. It’s fine.”
Elena forced a smile. It was something she had to go through eventually anyway.
“Hello, Your Grace. I’m Silia, the one in charge of designing your dress.”
“Nice to meet you.”
Silia politely bowed, then looked over Elena’s figure and began holding different luxurious fabrics against her.
“Your skin is so fair—any fabric looks amazing on you. Do you have any design in mind?”
“I don’t really know the fashion here… so please make something you think is suitable, Silia.”
Silia flinched as if realizing she made a mistake by asking, but Elena smiled as if reassuring her. Even in her homeland, Elena could count on one hand how many beautiful dresses she’d ever worn. She only borrowed the First Princess’s dress when foreign envoys visited or important banquets were held.
And that was only allowed when the First Princess happened to be in a good mood. Even when she had been forced into the Commander’s bedroom, her father had only allowed her to wear a thin dress.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace, if I upset you…”
“No, it’s fine. I just don’t know much, so I’ll leave it to you. I’d prefer something not too flashy.”
Hearing her earnest request, Silia grabbed Elena’s hands tightly and nodded firmly. Her grip was surprisingly strong—Elena wanted to pull away, but Silia didn’t let go.
“I’ll make sure! Absolutely! That Your Grace looks the most stunning person on the day you enter the palace!”
“T-There’s no need to go that far…”
“Of course there is! Many noble ladies will be entering the palace that day, and it’s only natural that the highest-ranking lady—Your Grace—should stand out the most!”
Elena let out a soft laugh at Silia’s determined declaration. Silia looked adorable, and Elena could already see that her effort would be wasted on her.
What was the point of dressing up? Everyone already knew she was just a tribute.
Watching Silia excitedly hold different fabrics to her body, Elena smiled with guilt.
“My lady, please close your eyes.”
Elena closed her heavy eyelids at Faye’s gentle voice. Something brushed across her eyes. Her eyelids felt so heavy—she just wanted to lie down and sleep.
“All done! You may open your eyes, my lady.”
She opened them with effort. In the mirror stood a version of herself she barely recognized—light makeup, an elegant dress made just for her, and jewelry glittering everywhere.
“You look so beautiful. I’m sure His Grace will fall for you instantly!”
“…My body feels heavy. Help me stand.”
Even with Faye’s excitement, Elena’s mood didn’t lift at all. She wanted to throw off everything that didn’t belong to her, but the day hadn’t even begun yet. She hadn’t even left the room, and exhaustion was already crushing her.
Knock knock. Someone entered.
“Elena, are you read—”
He froze when their eyes met. Ian, wearing a black ceremonial uniform decorated with golden chains and embroidery, looked even more stunning than on their wedding day. Elena’s heart pounded wildly.
He stared at her for a long moment, then approached.
“…The carriage is ready. We need to leave soon.”
“Yes, I’ll be right out.”
After he left, Elena slowly walked out as well, not forgetting to thank Silia and the jeweler.
When she went down the central staircase carefully, Ian was waiting at the center of the lobby. When she approached, he held out his hand like an escort. Unlike their wedding day, his grip was firm—so firm a small gasp almost escaped her lips, but she held it in.
Inside the carriage headed for the palace, neither of them spoke. Just an uncomfortable silence. Then Ian suddenly spoke.
“Are you nervous?”
Nervous? Elena wasn’t even sure what she felt. She had no thoughts—just the wish to get this over with and return to her bed.
“No. Just… a little tired.”
“The maids did start very early today. Please endure it a bit longer. Once this is over, we’ll return home immediately.”
“Yes.”
After that, they said nothing.
A long silence passed until the carriage finally stopped at the palace gates. It slowly rolled to a stop in front of the Moon Palace, where the banquet hall was located. Ian got out first, then offered his hand to her.
“…”
Elena stared at his large, warm hand, then took it and stepped out. As they climbed the long stairs, breathing became harder. Something felt like it was pressing down on her entire body.
“Elena?”
“Haa… h-huff…”
“Elena!”
Ian’s worried voice grew louder. Even the attendants standing on both sides looked alarmed. Without thinking, Elena pushed away Ian’s hand as he tried to support her.
“I—I’m fine. I just… got out of breath. Just give me a moment…”
“…”
Ian didn’t say anything.
The lavish palace felt like it was sneering at her. A mere tribute dares stand by his side? She felt she might collapse, but she refused to fall here. She wouldn’t show them anything pitiful.
“Haa… Okay. I’m fine now. Let’s go.”
She took a few deep breaths and repeated her mantra:
I won’t let them look down on me. Even if I collapse, it won’t be here.
“His Grace the Duke of Leonid, and Her Grace the Duchess of Leonid, are entering!”
The loud announcement echoed, and the banquet hall doors opened.
It had begun.
“May the glory of the Sun be with you, Your Majesty.”
“Duchess Leonid, nice to meet you. Welcome to the Empire of Labyrinth.”
“I am honored, Your Majesty.”
“Is the Duke treating you well?”
Elena froze at the Emperor’s teasing question. When she took too long to answer and the atmosphere grew awkward, she finally forced out:
“Yes.”
The Emperor seemed satisfied enough.
“Today is a banquet celebrating the marriage of one of the Empire’s pillars, Duke Leonid. I hope everyone enjoys themselves.”
“We gratefully accept Your Majesty’s grace.”
Music began to play from the orchestra.
“My lady, may I have the first dance?”
“…What?”
“The first dance must be opened by the hosts of the banquet. Will you allow it?”
“O-Of course.”
Elena took Ian’s hand as they stepped onto the central dance floor. The music shifted into a smooth waltz. Elena secretly sighed in relief—she had learned this dance a few times before. Following his lead, her body moved naturally.
“You… learned the waltz before?”
“Yes. I received some lessons in my palace long ago.”
“Then who did you dance with?”
He spun her lightly and their eyes met. His red eyes locked onto her, refusing to let her look away.
“Why do you ask…?”
“Should I not have?”
“No, it’s not that.”
“Then answer me. Who did you dance with?”
Elena hesitated, then spoke. It was all in the past anyway.
“My fiancé at the time…”
“Do you still miss him?”
“He was my fiancé and also a friend I’d known since childhood… So yes, sometimes I do miss him.”
“…”
Ian said nothing for a long moment. Then, near the end of the music, he leaned in close—close enough to appear like a loving husband whispering to his wife.
“Please forget that fiancé.”
“…”
“Because now I am your lover and your husband.”
At that moment the music stopped. Ian released her hand and bowed politely. Elena, collecting herself, grabbed her dress and returned the bow.
Then thunderous applause filled the hall that had felt like it held only the two of them.
