Episode 51
A stern man scowled fiercely in the mirror.
Kaiden was usually stoic, but not this bad.
Aiden’s advice must’ve strained his facial muscles.
“Be as natural as possible. Don’t let them know it’s a date.”
“What, am I assassinating someone? Just ask for a date.”
“Tch, amateur talk! Think unrequited love is that easy? If they realize it’s a date, they might get overwhelmed and refuse. Want to get rejected?”
“No.”
Aiden’s words echoed.
Recalling the advice to approach gradually, Kaiden strode back to Reina.
“Forget something?”
“You look pretty today.”
“Huh?”
“See you.”
Like a kid finishing homework, he shut the door and left.
Reina blinked, left alone. Lily burst out laughing.
“Pfft.”
“Haa.”
Rose sighed, rubbing her forehead, prompting Reina to ask.
“What’s wrong?”
Lily, eager, exclaimed.
“I never thought this day would come!”
“???”
“I was dying from excitement, Your Grace!”
Not fear?
Reina looked puzzled, but Lily was in her own world.
“Really, His Grace loves you so much. Who knew he could make that face? Like a boy, right, Rose?”
Rose stayed silent.
Reina struggled to follow.
To her, his expression wasn’t lovesick but troubled.
When she showed disagreement, Lily continued.
“I’ve never seen His Grace so nervous around a woman.”
“Kaiden was nervous?”
“You really didn’t notice?”
Lily’s shocked look made Reina nod slowly.
Clearing her throat, Lily whispered.
“He just asked you on a date.”
“A date…?”
The word didn’t suit him, making her tilt her head.
Why would he ask without reason?
Then she realized they didn’t know about the contract marriage.
‘They think we’re a real couple, so they’d assume that.’
Reina didn’t define their relationship solely as “spousal.”
It was a contract, with “marriage” as a formality, nothing more.
‘Though now it’s an irreversible bond…’
Seeing again still felt surreal.
What was unimaginable before became natural with him.
That day he gave her sight, she secretly vowed to serve him as her lord.
She’d give her life for him.
Having died once, her resolve was firm.
Lily, watching, looked incredulous.
“You really didn’t know?”
“No, I got it.”
“Right?”
Lily squealed, relieved.
“Honestly, since you came, His Grace has changed a lot.”
“Has he?”
“He used to rarely be at the castle. Always busy with patrols or hunting beasts, sleeping outside.”
“He seemed around often…”
“That’s because of you! Honestly, who’d stay out with a bunny-like wife waiting? They’d rush home.”
“B-bunny…”
Reina exhaled, flustered by the comparison.
Unfazed, Lily clasped her hands, exclaiming.
“It’s love! Asking for a date in such a busy time—what else could it be?”
“Calm down, Lily. You’re overwhelming Her Grace.”
Rose’s gentle rebuke made Lily catch her breath.
‘Love, huh.’
Before her regression, similar rumors circulated when he cared for her.
Unlike then, the gazes now weren’t negative.
At least she seemed worthy of him.
She realized he’d been considerate of her, a stranger in this land.
Not love, as Lily claimed, but cared for.
It felt nice. She murmured shyly.
“I had no idea.”
Lily held her breath, screaming internally.
She was thrilled to witness the ducal couple’s love up close.
Then Reina’s face fell.
“Is Kaiden overdoing it because of me?”
“Huh?”
“I hope not…”
Her girlish joy turned gloomy.
As Lily floundered, Rose chimed in.
“No offense, but His Grace isn’t that fragile.”
“Hm?”
“If it was too much, he’d have stopped. He’s exceptional at self-care. Comparing a dragon’s heir to a common man would bruise his pride.”
Right.
Reina relaxed.
Rose was correct—Kaiden was a dragon’s heir.
Since the oath, she’d felt his power firsthand.
It wasn’t ordinary. She could sense his boundless life force.
That he’d die in ten years was unbelievable.
“You’re right. I worried for nothing.”
Seeing her brighten, Lily seized the chance to speak.
“You’re the light and salt of Crensia, Your Grace.”
“Me?”
“When you pass through, it’s like another world. Your fair, radiant skin—you stand out. How could His Grace not follow you with his eyes?”
Reina smiled awkwardly at Lily’s enthusiasm.
Compared to the tall Northerners, her petite frame drew attention.
She said casually.
“Probably just worried I’ll cause trouble.”
“No, it’s not—”
As Lily tried to explain, Rose cut in.
“Speaking of, a big market opens in the North soon. Perfect for sightseeing.”
“A market?”
“Yes. For years, foreign merchants have come to sell. The Hook Company’s cosmetics are famous.”
Reina’s eyes widened at the familiar name.
The Hook Company was a top imperial merchant, operating across the continent.
Known for finding missing people or delivering messages.
She’d once wanted to hire them for her brother.
Her maids had dissuaded her, calling
it futile.
‘Should I try now?’
Post-regression, she regretted staying passive.
Though three years had passed since her brother’s disappearance, trying felt better than nothing.
“Can you tell me where the market is?”
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Notes:
Dear readers, I may be late in uploading these chapters. I have an important exam in a month and I need to study well for it because it’s very important. So, please excuse me. I will try to upload the pre-translated chapters. Good luck, guys 😢
That’s totally fine! At least unlike other translators you’re actually posting once in a while unlocked chapters which is GREATLY appreciated! Thank you and good luck