Episode 03
The Future Plan of the Duchess-to-Be: Becoming the Duke’s Family Tutor
Following Rona and Lena downstairs, I found Baridas already seated at the large dining table.
It looked as though he had been waiting for me—there wasn’t a single dish set before him yet.
I glanced around.
But the children were nowhere to be seen.
The excitement I had felt while coming down the stairs—thinking I’d be dining with those adorable kids—collapsed instantly.
“Please, have a seat.”
At Baridas’s words, Lena pulled out a chair for me. I whispered my thanks and sat down.
As soon as I took my seat, dishes began to arrive one by one.
First came soup and steak, followed by an array of other courses arranged neatly across the table.
Baridas picked up his knife and began cutting into his steak.
I awkwardly held mine—and suddenly, worry crept in.
Before possessing this body, I had absolutely no talent for cooking… and that extended to eating as well. Forget steak—I couldn’t even properly cut pork cutlets at a casual diner.
Hesitating, I pressed my knife into the steak.
And then—
My hand moved smoothly, slicing through the meat with ease.
…Huh?
Was it just because it was tender?
No.
The meat was actually cooked quite firm.
That’s when I realized.
Even though I didn’t have Fiora’s memories, her habits and skills were embedded in this body.
Otherwise, there was no way I could cut a steak this perfectly.
Not to mention—
I had been right-handed before.
But now, I was holding the knife in my left hand.
At least the gods had some basic decency.
Relieved, I placed a neatly cut piece of steak into my mouth.
It was incredibly soft and delicious.
A satisfied smile spread across my face as I savored the taste.
Then Baridas spoke.
“Have you had a chance to look around the mansion?”
Gulp.
I swallowed the half-chewed steak in a rush, feeling it slide down my throat.
…There was no way I could say, “I cried myself to sleep instead.”
After a brief pause, I cleared my throat lightly and forced a graceful smile, trying my best to sound noble.
“The journey was rather long, so I wasn’t feeling well. I haven’t had the chance to look around yet.”
That should be good enough… right?
Earlier, I’d been speaking far too casually—like talking to a parent.
Thankfully, he didn’t seem to find anything strange. He simply nodded, cutting another piece of steak.
“In that case, after the meal, I shall show you around myself.”
…That’s really not necessary.
Male lead—no, dear guardian—I would very much like to decline.
Inside, I waved my hands frantically and shook my head at least five times.
But outwardly—
“Thank you for your kindness.”
“It’s nothing.”
And so, the meal continued in silence.
It felt as though solitude and stillness were the true side dishes.
Still, the food of the ducal house was exceptional.
The soup and steak had been excellent, but the roasted turkey and salad that followed were just as delicious.
However, Fiora had a much smaller appetite than I expected.
Even though it didn’t feel like I had eaten much, I was already full.
Reluctantly, I set down my spoon.
At that moment, the doors opened, and servants began bringing in desserts.
And the moment I saw them—
I couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.
A cake piled high with cream, fruit tarts decorated with fresh produce, and sweet-looking cream puffs—
I had just thought I was full.
Apparently not.
Sweet and salty is always the ultimate truth!
Without hesitation, I cut a slice of strawberry cake and placed it onto my plate.
…Then another.
After finishing two slices, I picked up a strawberry and placed it into my mouth.
The sweet and tangy flavor burst across my tongue.
Wow… now I’m really full.
As I set down my fork, Baridas spoke again.
“Did the food suit your taste?”
I nodded firmly.
It had been genuinely delicious.
Especially the strawberry cake—it was exquisite.
I almost regretted not eating more.
“Yes, it was wonderful.”
At my answer, Baridas smiled faintly and stood, walking toward me.
Then, he extended his hand.
“Shall I show you around the mansion now?”
…Am I supposed to take that?
After a moment’s hesitation, I placed my hand in his.
He helped me up from my chair.
And that’s when the problem occurred.
I was wearing high heels.
Losing my balance, my body tilted forward—
But Baridas quickly caught my arm, preventing me from falling.
He looked slightly apologetic, as though he hadn’t expected it.
It’s not your fault—it’s the shoes.
Seeing his expression made me feel strangely guilty.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.”
Letting out a quiet sigh of relief, he took my hand and led me elsewhere.
We climbed the stairs, reaching the balcony at the very top of the ducal residence.
From there, the entire garden and forest of the estate stretched out before us.
“Wow…”
The garden, illuminated softly by moonlight and lanterns, was breathtaking.
“Beautiful” didn’t even begin to describe its almost mystical atmosphere.
“The garden is quite vast, so it’s easy to get lost. For the time being, please walk with a servant. Once you’re familiar, you may go alone.”
He wasn’t exaggerating.
There were already two fountains in sight, along with ornate structures and even a training ground.
Nodding, I turned my gaze toward the forest.
Darkness had settled thickly over it, giving it a mysterious—almost ominous—presence.
This forest…
It was the main setting of the novel.
If I could see it up close… maybe I’d remember more of the story.
I was just thinking that I should visit it soon when—
“I would prefer if you did not go near the forest… or the tower at the edge of the estate.”
What—how did he know?!
Startled, I turned to him sharply, feeling as though I’d been caught red-handed.
At my reaction, he let out a small chuckle.
“There are wild beasts. If you must go, please bring a knight with you.”
I nodded.
“Understood.”
Even as I answered, my gaze lingered on the forest.
At that moment, a breeze swept through.
It tousled my hair and brushed against my shoulders—cool and crisp.
The flowers in the garden had only just begun to bud.
It seemed to be early spring.
As I shivered slightly, Baridas extended his hand again.
“Let me guide you inside.”
I carefully took his hand and followed him back in.
He showed me the locations of the drawing room and his office, and then led me to a greenhouse connected to the mansion.
The moment I stepped inside—
I couldn’t help but gasp.
Familiar flowers and countless unfamiliar ones bloomed beautifully under soft lighting.
After the tour, he offered to escort me to my room.
Honestly, there was no way I’d find it myself in such a vast mansion, so I followed him.
And just as we reached my door—
Two small shadows darted out from somewhere and ran toward me.
Recognizing them, I broke into a bright smile.
It was Lemon and Green, now dressed in their pajamas.
Lemon held a large teddy bear, while Green carried a big book.
“Hello…”
They greeted me shyly, their cheeks flushed.
I waved back, and they beamed before running toward Baridas.
“Brother.”
“Big brother.”
Their eyes sparkled with expectation.
But Baridas’s gaze remained emotionless.
“What is it?”
At his cold response, the children took a step back.
I didn’t know what was happening, but I silently cheered them on.
Then Lemon gathered the courage to speak.
“We wanted to apologize… for disobeying you earlier.”
Both children bowed deeply at the same time.
“We’re sorry.”
Baridas let out a quiet sigh.
“I am not angry, so do not worry.”
Then he gestured toward a large statue in the hallway.
“You as well. Come out.”
At his words, Ren and Thomas cautiously emerged from behind the statue, stepping forward to stand beside Lemon and Green.
From behind Baridas, I gave them a small wave.
Their faces brightened instantly.
“All four of you—it’s time for bed. You should return to your rooms.”
At his words, the children’s expressions lit up.
They greeted us politely in order before heading back.
Soon, only Baridas and I remained in the hallway.
When the sound of their footsteps faded completely, he spoke.
“Your Highness, it would be best if you also retired for the night.”
With that, he gently kissed the back of my hand before stepping into the room next to mine.
Perhaps because it was meant for the duchess, his room was right beside mine—though still quite far, in reality.
When I entered my room, Rona and Lena were already waiting.
Before I could protest, they quickly undressed me and guided me to the bath.
The bathtub, decorated with gold, was filled with rose petals.
Unable to accept help with bathing, I sent them away.
Sinking into the warm, steaming water, countless thoughts filled my mind.
As I stared blankly at the wall, something suddenly surfaced.
A memory from the original story.
Baridas and the children had not been close.
Because—
They weren’t full siblings.
They were half-siblings.
Baridas’s mother had died, and his father remarried—the children were born from that second marriage.
When he mentioned he had only recently become duke… I should have realized.
I brushed my wet hair back.
In the original story, Baridas was twenty-seven.
Which meant—
He was probably twenty-four right now.
Far too young to bear the title of duke.
The reason he had no choice…
Was because his father and stepmother had died in a carriage accident during a journey.
And just like that—
He had been forced to take responsibility for the family… and for the young children left behind.
No wonder he seemed so cold.
He wasn’t just a duke.
He was already the head of a household—
Responsible for five younger siblings.
Thinking that far, I felt a quiet heaviness settle in my chest.
He must have had it hard.
And the children…
They had lost both parents and grown up without receiving proper love, relying only on each other.
I clenched my fist.
From now on… I’ll be the one to love you.
With the image of their adorable faces in my mind—
I slowly closed my eyes.
