Chapter 90
“We’ve arrived.”
At that moment, the carriage door opened to the polite voice of a servant.
Rebecca exchanged a brief look with Julian before stepping out.
“Oh my…”
Her mouth fell open.
“This is far more impressive than I imagined.”
Julian smiled in satisfaction, his gaze sweeping over the grand building.
The magnificent salon, reminiscent of an ancient temple, gleamed white as snow.
Elegant marble pillars and statues here and there exuded a sacred atmosphere.
It was a sight that suited the Duchy of Johannes perfectly.
A red carpet laid over pristine white steps led up to the entrance, welcoming guests.
Just setting foot on it made one feel specially treated.
Rebecca lifted her gaze to the sign engraved on stone.
<La Bonne Salon>
Her heart swelled as she looked up at it with an almost tearful expression.
In her previous life, the La Bonne Salon that Margaret founded had begun in a small, renovated bakery.
With the help of the people of Liberta and Margaret’s tireless efforts, La Bonne Salon had grown rapidly.
By the time Rebecca died, it had become one of the most renowned salons in Irencia—even though it was meant for commoners.
Memories of her former colleagues resurfaced—days of hardship, but also happiness.
Julian noticed her eyes growing moist and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“What’s wrong?”
At his concerned touch, Rebecca lifted her face to meet his gaze.
Beneath his sharp eyes flickered a softness.
“It’s nothing,” she said quietly, linking her arm through his.
After all, today they were here as an affectionate couple soon to be married.
The moment her bare skin brushed against his, Julian stiffened, cold sweat running down his back.
“Welcome.”
As they entered, an enormous salon lobby stretched before them.
Crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, and even the reception desks and tables were decorated with golden engravings.
Employees lined both sides of the lavish lobby, bowing deeply to greet them.
Their movements were impeccable—graceful and disciplined.
Had Rebecca not looked closely, she might never have guessed these were the people from Liberta.
“Rebecca, Your Grace. Thank you for visiting.”
Danae greeted them with a bright smile.
Rebecca lightly kissed her mother’s cheek.
“Mother, it’s absolutely beautiful. I knew you’d do well, but I never imagined it would be this magnificent.”
“It’s all thanks to His Grace,” Danae replied. “If it weren’t for the alchemists of his household, we couldn’t have built something this large so quickly.”
Julian shook his head modestly.
“Not at all. I’d been curious whether alchemy could be integrated with architecture. Thanks to you, I gained valuable insights.”
While Danae explained to Julian how alchemy was used in construction, Rebecca turned her eyes to the line of employees waiting nearby.
They stood perfectly straight, but she could feel their furtive glances toward her.
Judging by their pressed lips, they seemed eager to speak to her.
Rebecca looked over each face—she remembered them all.
They were people who had helped her, knowingly or unknowingly, in her past life.
Rebecca opened her arms.
“You don’t have to be so formal. I’ve missed you all!”
A brief silence followed.
Then, as if on cue, the employees abandoned hesitation and ran into her embrace.
“Lady Rebecca! We heard you were unwell—we were so worried!”
“It’s such a relief to see you looking healthy.”
“Thanks to you, I finally have a home I won’t be kicked out of. I can’t thank you enough.”
“You look even more energetic than before!”
“And to think you divorced that Zeppelin scoundrel and are marrying the Duke—what in the world! Oh, don’t worry, we’re keeping the secret!”
“But Miss Margaret’s gotten scary lately. I accidentally cursed once and—well, never mind!”
Countless questions and warm greetings poured out at once.
Rebecca didn’t tire. She met every gaze, responding kindly and sincerely.
Soon, warmth filled the vast lobby like sunlight.
Watching the scene, Julian murmured under his breath, almost in awe,
“She’s amazing.”
“Pardon?” Danae asked.
“Isn’t she?” he said. “Everyone who meets Rebecca seems drawn to her. Even those who start off hostile… they all end up opening their hearts.”
Danae looked at him silently. His eyes were fixed on Rebecca, full of unguarded affection.
He was clearly one of those who had fallen under her spell.
Her earlier doubts that their marriage might be a contract seemed ridiculous now—Julian’s gaze toward Rebecca brimmed with genuine love.
Danae smiled fondly.
“That must be her gift. Rebecca’s always been surrounded by people since she was little. Other children would beg me just to play with her. She loved it too—curious and adventurous as she was, always delighted to meet someone new.”
A shadow crossed Danae’s face as she reminisced.
“For such a child to have been isolated for so long…”
Julian’s brow furrowed in sympathy.
He recalled the young Rebecca he’d seen at the Obelia estate.
He vowed once again to help her rediscover that bright smile.
“Don’t worry,” he said firmly. “I’ll make her so happy that she’ll forget every bit of her past sorrow.”
Danae looked at him, lips pressed tight with emotion.
Even Theo had never said something so romantic.
Her cheeks flushed with delight.
“What do you all think you’re doing!”
A sharp voice cut through the lively chatter, ringing across the lobby.
Margaret strode toward them, her expression thunderous.
Cold fury radiated from her face as she scolded the gathered employees.
“How many times have I told you not to behave recklessly? This is not a marketplace! You are serving nobles here! Do you not understand that some guests won’t forgive even a single mistake?”
“But Miss Margaret, it’s just—we were so happy to see Lady Rebecca again…”
Margaret shot the speaker a glare so fierce that the employees immediately retreated to their positions.
Rebecca stepped in, smiling.
“It’s all right, Margaret. I asked them to be informal with me, so please don’t be angry.”
“No, it’s my fault for failing to train them properly,” Margaret replied stiffly.
Her expression softened little, though her old hostility had waned somewhat.
Still, Rebecca could sense her unease.
Perhaps seeing Rebecca’s face still reminded her of Zeppelin.
Rebecca gave a small, bitter smile.
“It’s fine. You’ve done wonderfully. Everyone’s posture and demeanor have improved so much. I’m excited for the opening.”
“There’s no need for compliments. This is my business as well,” Margaret said curtly.
Julian was taken aback by her tone.
He could hardly believe there existed someone in the world capable of speaking to Rebecca so coldly.
Even Croa, who was normally stoic, would soften whenever facing her.
Hadn’t Danae just said it? Rebecca was always surrounded by people.
Julian glanced at Rebecca—and froze.
She looked awkward, almost intimidated in front of Margaret.
He had never seen her like that before.
So that’s why she’d seemed uneasy on their way here… it was because of Margaret.
How could anyone hate Rebecca? It was beyond comprehension.
Seeing her anxious expression made anger flare within him.
But all he could do was grit his teeth.
Whatever had happened between them, it was not his place to interfere.
He barely knew her past beyond what she’d told him.
Judging from the tension in the air, this was something deeply personal.
He suppressed his questions, murmuring to himself that it would be presumptuous to pry.
Yet his chest tightened painfully.
It hurt to know there were parts of her life he didn’t understand.
As he brooded, Margaret suddenly turned and locked eyes with him.
Her cold gaze now fixed on Julian.
He flinched, quickly softening his expression.
“Your Grace,” she said, “the dessert samples for the wedding reception are ready.”
“Ah… thank you,” he replied, frustrated by her unreadable, businesslike tone.
“This way to the main garden.”
At her signal, a few staff members followed behind her.
“I have something to review,” Danae said cheerfully. “You two go ahead.”
She waved them off. Rebecca nodded, linking arms with Julian again.
Again…
Julian couldn’t help smiling faintly. He was clearly more comfortable around her now.
He gave her hand a reassuring pat.
Rebecca gazed down at his large hand soothing hers.
The faint sound of his touch seemed to whisper, It’s all right.
Her worries about Margaret faded, replaced by the warmth between them.
A soft smile bloomed on her lips.
“This is the main garden where the ceremony will take place.”
A vast expanse opened before them—large enough to host several hundred guests. Rows of green evergreens were neatly trimmed.
Graceful fountains and statues adorned the area, yet somehow it still felt a bit empty.
Seeing Rebecca’s faintly puzzled frown, Margaret added,
“This garden was designed to host not only weddings but also outdoor balls and other large events. It’s meant to be redecorated according to the occasion, so it looks rather bare for now.”
Rebecca nodded in understanding. Indeed, it suited the salon’s purpose perfectly.
Glancing at Julian, she saw that he was already envisioning, in vivid detail, how to fill this blank canvas of a garden.
