Chapter 21
The Peerless Beast
“No, I’m so happy you came!”
Her smile was lively and full of energy. The Marquess Stemun’s wife seemed to have a far more bubbly personality than I had expected.
“Even when I saw her paintings before, they had a playful, fun feel to them.”
Since there was little to do at home, I had once collected artworks for a while. Unlike the stiff paintings of traditional artists, her works had a unique charm. Her brushstrokes were extremely delicate, and her depictions were so realistic they seemed alive.
She made excellent use of light and shadow, and instead of pursuing the refined beauty typical of aristocratic art, she captured brilliance with bright, vivid colors that immediately drew the eye.
“The others will arrive slowly. Originally, this tea time is only for a few close friends.”
“Am I really allowed to attend such a gathering?”
It seemed more like an intimate meeting among friends than a formal tea, and although I had come to build rapport, I felt cautious.
“Of course it’s fine. Otherwise, you would have had to respond to the Marquess Ekert’s wife’s tea invitation, right? Or… perhaps you went there after this one, since she and I aren’t exactly on good terms.”
I flinched a little at the implication, and she laughed knowingly.
“If you’d gone there first, young madam, you would have had a rough time. Besides, you’re the Orbetian heiress who never took part in social events, aren’t you?”
I hadn’t expected her to know about me.
“You knew who I was?”
“Of course. The story is so widely talked about. Many people are curious about the love story between the Duke and Duchess of Perhaem, whether their interest is genuine or not.”
I had roughly expected as much. Among the noble heiresses, Eyzar had been the top bachelor. Yet suddenly, he marries some unusual heiress from the reclusive Count family.
There would surely be people eager to gnaw at the story.
Eyzar could handle most things smoothly, but there were limits.
“I just want to hear about love purely. Now, sit. I love hearing about fresh, innocent romances—like mine with him.”
Her face flushed a soft peach as she smiled, as if imagining it made her happy. Oddly, I felt at ease. I had come for networking, but simply talking to her was enjoyable.
As we sat, she offered me a warm cup of tea and stared at me intently. I couldn’t resist asking.
“What exactly are you curious about, madam?”
“Why, the hot stories of the newlyweds, of course.”
I almost dropped my teacup. Hot stories? Could there really be any? We hadn’t even consummated our first night.
A cold sweat ran down my spine at her words. But the next thing she said shocked me so much that I froze.
“Duke Perhaem is so strict, avoiding contact with all the young ladies, that people thought he was… well, you know… of a certain preference. Among young ladies, rumors circulated.”
“What rumors…?”
“It may shock you, madam, but the Emperor and the Duke were supposedly… involved in a certain way, so that they spent time together with the Empress, who was their childhood friend, forming a trio.”
“No! Absolutely not!”
I shouted without realizing it. Eyzar was far too pitiful. He’d endured so much, hurt and troubled by that couple. And now… now people would say he was the same as that damn Emperor!
“So, perhaps the person Eyzar loves isn’t Bertisha… oh, my God.”
I forgot my original purpose, focusing only on defending Eyzar’s honor.
“My husband likes women! Even if he’s embarrassed enough to try running away when I touch his chest, he still says things lovingly—awkwardly, but affectionately. And in the bedroom, he has the habit of removing clothes while half asleep…”
I realized I’d spoken too freely and covered my mouth. The Marquess Stemun’s wife’s eyes curved with delight, as if watching a cute couple.
“Oh my, if Duke Perhaem does that every night, your bedroom must be blazing! Who initiates—the lady or the ascetic duke?”
This woman was teasing me. But I couldn’t avoid answering. I had to clear Eyzar’s reputation here.
I’m sorry, Eyzar.
“…The Duke.”
“Goodness.”
For tonight, please be that peerless beast for her. I’ll apologize when I return.
“Ahaha. You two are really passionate. A lovely sight.”
“…Yes.”
Satisfied with her answer—or perhaps deciding not to tease me further as my face burned bright red—she shifted to casual, everyday conversation.
Of course, while nodding along, I still felt guilty.
“I turned that innocent man into a beast… how do I make up for it?”
But I couldn’t let people continue believing the rumor that he was… of that preference. Whoever spread it would get a solid beating with my wooden sword if caught.
As we chatted, more ladies arrived. Seeing me, they greeted politely.
“Oh, you must be the Duchess of Perhaem! Pleased to meet you, I’m Katrina Wyden of the Wyden Count family.”
“I’m Betili Pireoah of the Pireoah Count family.”
I rose and introduced myself.
“Pleased to meet you as well. I’m Julietta Perhaem of the Perhaem household.”
The Marquess Stemun’s wife greeted them warmly as they arrived.
“Welcome, Katrin. Berri.”
Those must be their nicknames. Their ease with one another confirmed that this tea truly was among close friends.
“I wonder if they also know the Marquess Stemun’s wife is the veiled genius painter, Cortina?”
Probably not. Even the Empress, Bertisha, didn’t know her true identity.
I pushed that thought aside and focused on conversation. I didn’t want to make any missteps or leave a bad impression.
“I hurried to arrive since I heard the Duchess of Perhaem would be coming, yet it seems I’m late.”
“I stayed up thinking about meeting you, Duchess of Perhaem, so I ended up being late. My apologies.”
“Oh no, I haven’t been here long either.”
Unlike my anxious anticipation, the Countesses Wyden and Pireoah were gentle and kind.
“You haven’t shared any interesting stories yet, have you?”
“That would be a shame.”
“Oh, then it’s the fault of the latecomers, Katrin and Berri, right, madam?”
Her playful question made me laugh unintentionally. The conversation then flowed smoothly.
They included me naturally, speaking of hobbies and recent theater performances—simple topics easy to follow.
“This is more enjoyable than I expected.”
The cozy atmosphere lifted my spirits. But then, the topic unexpectedly shifted to child education.
“When did you hire a tutor for your children? It might be time to start teaching them basic education.”
“Speaking of which, Katrin’s child is four, right?”
“No, already six.”
“Children grow fast. Already six!”
Everyone marveled as they spoke. I had nothing to add, just blinking quietly.
But seeing how much they adored their children made me smile.
“They really don’t listen, such stubborn little things.”
“Oh, I still find that age adorable. My nine-year-old seems to prefer friends over me.”
It was the Marquess Stemun’s wife who said that. Could someone so youthful have a nine-year-old? I found it hard to believe.
“Children… it doesn’t matter. Eyzar and I have a two-year contractual marriage anyway.”
As I thought this, the conversation turned toward me.
“So, when do you plan to have children, Duchess of Perhaem? Usually, news comes soon after marriage.”
“Indeed. I’m curious too.”
My mind went blank. We had never discussed children before—I had no idea how to answer.
“Since the Duke is so exceptional, I imagine the child would be very intelligent, like him.”
“Exactly. And since you are beautiful as well, how lovely would the child be?”
Indeed, if the child resembled him… they would cherish life and smile brightly, saying only beautiful things by my side.
‘Mom, look! A leaf as pretty as your eyes.’
I imagined what our child might say and paused.
“Did I just… naturally imagine a child between Eyzar and me?”
Realizing it, I panicked but tried to regain composure.
“Our child… we haven’t planned yet.”
My flushed face only worsened as I spoke. The Marquess Stemun’s wife’s eyes sparkled mischievously.
“They said your nights are so hot… yet not yet?”
“…The Duke wants to enjoy our newlywed time first.”
It was the only excuse I could think of, but it seemed to have the opposite effect—their smiles deepened.
