Chapter 54: The Marital Bedroom
“If there’s an opportunity later, please teach me. By the way, Your Highness, how did you come to learn the piano?”
Estelle tried to dispel the sudden shift in mood.
‘I’m also genuinely curious about how he started playing.’
The higher one’s status, the more they preferred to listen to music rather than play instruments themselves.
‘In noble circles, playing an instrument was sometimes looked down upon or even discouraged.’
Most aristocrats didn’t bother learning to play, and if they did, they kept it a secret. Estelle herself had learned in secret from a private tutor.
‘Erdé…’
Her tutor had been with her since she arrived at the Winchester estate at the age of eight.
Erdé had taught her how to read, had reassured her that fear of the unknown would only hinder her, and had always been there to guide her.
“Teacher, does Father hate me? Is that why he never visits me or celebrates my birthday?”
“…Lady Estelle, the Duke is a stranger to me, so I cannot say what he feels for you. But one thing I do know for certain—I love you. Thank you for being born.”
Erdé had been the one to fill the void of parental love in her life, the one who had shown her affection in her father’s place.
‘But I never saw her again after she was dismissed and left by ship…’
Her tutor had been dismissed the very day she returned home for her first winter break after entering the academy.
Upon arriving at the Winchester estate, she had been greeted by the sound of clumsy piano playing.
Over the melody, she heard the Duke of Winchester’s laughter.
“Haha, Melody, is your hand too small to reach that key?”
“If I practice a little more, I’ll get better! Daddy, do you think I’m playing well? I want to have a recital!
“…Alright, my dear. I will make sure you can do whatever you wish.”
“But what if I make a mistake during the recital? What if people say mean things about me?”
“It’s alright. No one would dare criticize my daughter.”
Despite Melody’s frequent mistakes, the Duke showered her with praise. He even promised to host a recital to formally introduce her to society.
‘He was willing to wait patiently for her to improve, to support her in anything she desired…’
‘But only because she was Melody.’
It was a kind of love that Estelle could never receive.
That realization had stung.
She had hidden away in the annex, playing her violin in solitude.
Not long after, Melody had barged in.
“Sister! Why were you playing the violin in secret?”
“Oh, well… because Father mustn’t know. Melody, could you keep this a secret?”
“Why should it be a secret? Daddy would love it! He’s hosting a recital for me—why don’t you play the violin with me while I play the piano?”
At first, Estelle had refused.
But when Melody had started whining, she had feared that making her cry would earn her more of the Duke’s scorn.
So, reluctantly, she had agreed.
“You secretly learned the violin, and now you want to play in front of an audience? Do you want to disgrace yourself?”
“…Why am I not allowed? Melody gets to play the piano with you by her side, and you’re even holding a recital for her. Why can’t I?”
For the first time, she had spoken back to the Duke.
She had hoped he would understand how unfair and painful it was.
“This recital is for introducing Melody. What do you think would happen if you took part? And when did I ever permit you to learn the violin? This must be your tutor’s doing.”
“…”
“You’re already attending the academy, so you no longer need a tutor. Butler, dismiss Estelle’s tutor immediately.”
Erdé, the one who had spent more time with her than the Duke ever had, the one she had shared her deepest emotions with, had been cast out that day.
Unlike her piano tutor, she had never abandoned her.
But she had lost him forever.
She never knew where she had gone, how she was living, or if her persistent cough had worsened.
She had been left with nothing but unanswered questions.
“Estelle? Are you feeling unwell? You don’t have a fever…”
Michael’s large hand gently touched her forehead.
“…Your Highness?”
The cool sensation startled her, snapping her out of her thoughts.
“I’m sorry. I was lost in thought for a moment. Where were we…?”
“You asked me why I learned the piano, and I was about to answer.”
She had been the one to ask the question—yet she had been distracted by her own memories.
How impolite of her.
“Could you say that again…?”
Estelle looked at him carefully, meeting his gaze directly.
The moment their eyes met, he quickly lowered his head, avoiding her gaze.
‘Why is he acting like that? Does he feel uncomfortable?’
For some reason, it felt like he was avoiding her, and the thought made her heart sink.
“It was the only time Princess Cecilia would acknowledge me… I wanted to earn her praise. I was just a child.”
“Princess Cecilia…?”
She was Michael’s birth mother.
But for a mother, the way he referred to her felt distant and formal.
‘Were they not on good terms? But if he wanted her praise, then that shouldn’t be the case…’
Estelle found his words strange and repeated them in her mind.
‘If it was the only time, that means they didn’t spend time together otherwise.’
Princess Cecilia.
Despite giving birth to a prince with golden eyes, she had never become empress. She was a foreigner, erased from the imperial lineage.
Other than the fact that she had passed away long ago, little was known about her.
“That grand piano is one of her belongings. Even at the end… she never gave me a single word of praise. She didn’t even say goodbye. And yet, I still brought it here… for what reason, I wonder.”
Michael let out a bitter laugh, as if mocking himself.
Even without seeing his face, Estelle could feel the sadness in his voice.
He had longed for her praise, but she hadn’t even bid him farewell.
She could guess what that must have meant.
‘I don’t want to force him to recall painful memories.’
It would be best to take him somewhere where he wouldn’t have to see that grand piano.
Taking his hand, Estelle gently pulled him along.
“…Estelle?”
He sounded surprised, as if he didn’t understand her sudden action.
“Staying in one place for too long feels stifling. I haven’t even seen the entire castle yet. Shouldn’t we explore more?”
Michael adjusted his pace to match hers, walking by her side.
“This way leads to my office.”
His voice regained its usual lightheartedness.
Relieved that his mood had improved, Estelle eagerly continued exploring the castle.
As they walked down the corridor, she passed a room that felt oddly familiar.
‘That’s strange… I’ve never been in this castle before, and none of the other rooms gave me this feeling.’
“What is this room for?”
Estelle stopped in front of the door, reaching for the handle.
“Estelle. I’d rather you didn’t go in there.”
Michael quickly covered her hand with his, stopping her from entering.
There were no sounds coming from inside, so it didn’t seem like anyone was there.
‘Then why is he stopping me?’
She was about to grow curious, but then she noticed something—his hand was trembling slightly.
When she looked up at him, she saw that his face had gone pale.
‘Ah… is it someone’s old room?’
Realizing why he might be reacting so strongly, Estelle decided not to press further and nodded quietly.
“Ah… I see. Do you always stay in this castle, Your Highness?”
“I avoid the imperial palace because of the empress. When necessary, I stay at the Marquis of Aslan’s residence instead.”
“And what about the servants?”
While exploring, she hadn’t encountered a single servant. Yet, the castle was spotless, with not a speck of dust on the railings. Clearly, someone was maintaining it.
“They stay in the back quarters when not working. I had them withdraw today on purpose.”
‘So the servants don’t permanently reside in the castle, and he prefers not to see them around.’
“Isn’t it lonely, staying in such a large castle by yourself?”
“Estelle, are you scared?”
His voice carried a teasing lilt as he smirked at her.
“I didn’t say I was scared! It’s just that being alone…”
“Being alone in a quiet place… It reminds you that there’s no one around.”
Estelle liked peaceful places, but when the solitude lasted too long, it became lonely.
She disliked noisy crowds, yet at the same time, she didn’t want to be truly alone.
It was a contradictory feeling.
“This castle…”
Michael’s voice dropped lower, taking on an eerie tone.
“…This castle…?”
Estelle instinctively swallowed hard as he hesitated.
“It has many beautiful places. Take your time exploring.”
Estelle was certain now.
‘He enjoys teasing me.’
“Since we’ve seen everything here, let’s go upstairs!”
Feeling flustered, she quickened her pace, leaving him behind.
“I didn’t mean to scare you.”
He followed after her, clearly amused by her reaction.
It was annoying—but not unpleasant.
Rather, it felt like a sign that their relationship had grown close enough for playful teasing.
“What is this room? The door’s open.”
Now on the third floor, Estelle noticed a large room with its door ajar.
“That’s the marital bedroom. It was probably left open because they’re in the process of remodeling and combining the rooms.”
“The… marital bedroom…?”
