Chapter 11: Just Wait!
Norton took me to a place called “Goldrain” after I told him I wanted to explore the shopping district.
“This is a new street that the Duke established when he was renovating the city. It’s currently the largest shopping area in the north. The road is decorated with gold, so everyone calls it Goldrain.”
The decorative stones embedded in the road were clearly gold-colored.
“There are several gold mines in the Blenheim Mountains. The leftover gold was used to coat these stones.”
I clicked my tongue internally.
I had overheard my father, the Marquis, grumbling about my dowry before I left.
Blenheim might seem barren at first glance, but thanks to the magic stones and materials harvested from magical beasts, it was overflowing with wealth.
And yet, they had only sent 500 danirs for the wedding?
Hmph. I pressed my shoe firmly against the golden stones with each step, venting my frustration. Norton, perhaps sensing my irritation over the failed meeting with the Grand Duke, remained silent.
“Since we’re here, we should take a look at everything. What are the most famous shops? A general store? A café? I’m fine to anything.”
Norton hesitated before answering.
“I don’t really know many places around here… I haven’t been to these kinds of spots much myself.”
“Not even one place?”
“I’m sorry. If I had known, I would’ve researched beforehand.”
“It’s fine. It’d be strange if a knight busy with monster hunting knew about these things.”
“Well, there aren’t many famous shops here, to be honest. Northerners aren’t very interested in trends, and they don’t like standing in lines for shops.”
Looking around, I could tell there was some truth to what Norton said.
The shops lining both sides of Goldrain were, at best, practical, and at worst, clunky. Without the straightforward signs listing the shop names, it was hard to even tell what each shop sold.
The view from the Blenheim Mountains had been beautiful, but I tried not to get too disappointed too quickly and cheerfully said,
“Since we’re here for sightseeing, let’s take our time and explore.”
So, I wandered around the shopping district with Norton.
‘Is shopping really this boring?’
The items in the stores were oddly old-fashioned and clumsy.
Even in a store that claimed to sell the latest fashion from the capital, the prettiest hats had ugly ribbons at the back, and the lace gloves that looked decent were ridiculously expensive.
What’s worse was that the shopkeepers were unfriendly as well.
The North was isolated. Even if they were nice, it wouldn’t bring in more customers, so there was no need for them to be polite. Of course, part of it was just the naturally blunt attitude of Northerners.
When we finally stopped by a teashop, I was exhausted from the owner’s glare and bought a cup of black tea, but I quickly felt a wave of fatigue.
“Your Highness, are you all right?”
The reflection of me in the shop window looked drained, even to my own eyes.
“I’m just a little tired.”
“Should we return to the castle?”
But I didn’t want to end my first outing in such a dull mood.
The thought of eating dinner alone in my room again made me even more depressed.
“I’d like to eat something first.”
“Shall I find a café?”
“I don’t know… I’m not really in the mood for cake.”
I had already been to a café called Delitar. It had a much more serious atmosphere than expected, and the butter cake that came with the tea was so heavy that I didn’t enjoy it.
Dining at a restaurant with just Norton felt awkward, too.
Just as I was about to suggest returning to the castle, Norton’s eyes lit up.
“Now that I think about it, there’s an inn nearby.”
“An inn?”
“It’s run by Sir Leon’s parents.”
“Oh!”
I clapped my hands in excitement. I had heard that his mother was an excellent cook, famous even among knights who made special trips to eat there.
“Do they serve meals?”
“Of course.”
I immediately perked up.
“I’ve been so curious about that place! This is perfect!”
Norton let out a subtle sigh of relief at my enthusiasm.
“We are honored, Your Highness! I’m Marie, the owner of this inn, and this is my husband, Jacques.”
Their warm welcome felt unfamiliar.
Until now, most people in Blenheim who recognized me had looked hesitant, if not outright displeased.
The inn was completely empty. As Marie and Jacques flustered over my presence, Norton whispered something to them, and they quickly guided me to a table.
“I’ve heard great things about your cooking. Sir Leon boasts about it all the time.”
“Oh my! Did you hear that, dear? Her Highness knows Leon’s name!”
Marie gasped in delight.
“Is there anything you’d like to eat, Your Highness?”
I hesitated before answering.
“Actually, I do have something in mind…”
A dish had been lingering in my mind ever since I ate that butter cake.
“Do you make tomato stew?”
“Oh, Blenheim-style, perhaps?”
“Yes. Very spicy and full of flavor.”
“The Grand Duchess enjoys tomato stew!”
Marie’s eyes sparkled.
“My husband is an expert at making it! White wine pairs beautifully with it.”
Jacques’ face brightened as well.
“What about you, Sir Norton?”
“I’m fine.”
“Surely you don’t expect me to eat alone?”
“I shouldn’t while on duty…”
I cut him off before he could finish his sentence.
“Two bowls of tomato stew, please. But the wine is just for me.”
“Right away!”
Soon, the rich, spicy aroma of the stew filled the air.
Along with the stew and fresh bread, grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a seafood dish with a rich broth were placed on the table.
“This is quite a feast!”
“We just wanted to prepare a little extra for Your Highness…”
Marie adjusted the plate’s position slightly, making sure it looked its best. I could sense a mother’s desire to make a good impression for her son’s sake.
This feels like a home visit from a teacher.
“Why don’t you both join us?”
“Oh, we couldn’t possibly…”
“That would be inappropriate!”
“It’d be too boring with just Norton and me.”
Though shocked, the couple hesitated only briefly before sitting down once Norton nodded his approval.
“Oh my!”
I took a spoonful of tomato stew and immediately turned to Marie.
“Is it not to your taste, Your Highness?”
“It’s delicious!”
“You flatter me.”
Marie shyly touched her cheek.
“I mean it. The knights weren’t exaggerating!”
I eagerly took another bite.
“If it pleases you, there’s plenty more.”
Seeing the couple so genuinely happy, I devoured my meal enthusiastically. The ingredients might not have been as luxurious as those at the castle, but the lively company made the food even more enjoyable.
Jacques poured me a glass of white wine. It was sweet but not overpowering, and it went down smoothly.
One glass, then another… before I knew it, I had finished half the bottle.
“Your Highness, perhaps you should stop drinking now.”
Jacques hesitated, glancing at Norton’s concerned expression.
“It’s fine. This is nothing.”
Norton frowned, scanning my face.
“Really. I’ve never met anyone who can drink more than me.”
Drinking wasn’t about tolerance—it was about willpower.
Back in my old life, my job required a lot of drinking.
My boss would take me to drinking meetings for important deals. Since he couldn’t handle much alcohol, my role was to drink on his behalf and outlast the clients.
I hated being dragged around, but some people still accused me of using alcohol to get ahead.
“I didn’t think I’d be hated here, too…”
Without realizing it, I mumbled aloud.
“Your Highness…”
Marie looked at me with a mixture of embarrassment and sympathy.
“I didn’t mean to say that to you. I’m just so grateful that you’ve welcomed me so warmly even though I barged in.”
The couple had probably heard all sorts of bad rumors about me.
It was likely because of their son, but I appreciated their kindness despite everything.
“Your Highness, what are you saying?”
“Just the fact that you invited me here is an honor for your family.”
Marie leaned toward me and said,
“Leon brags about how well you’ve treated him. We’re so grateful for your generosity toward our son.”
Leon said that, huh?
I thought everything was fine, but I guess a lot had built up without me realizing it.
The moment I heard the lady’s words, a weight in my heart that I hadn’t even noticed melted away.
“I am the Duchess of Blenheim.”
I repeated the words to myself, as if making a vow.
“Of course.”
“I am now a person of the North.”
“You’re undeniably a Northerner.”
“So, I don’t want to be hated by the people of the North.”
“……”
The couple, who had been agreeing with me without knowing why, suddenly fell silent.
They exchanged a brief glance in the air before Marie leaned toward me with a kind expression.
“Your Highness, if I may say so, I believe the people of Blenheim will soon understand your sincerity.”
“Do you think so?”
“Of course. The Northerners may seem blunt and bad at expressing themselves, but deep down, they are some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet.”
“Even the Duke?”
“…Pardon?”
Marie’s gentle gaze wavered for a moment.
“Is the Duke warm-hearted too? He won’t even come to see me.”
Had my heart warmed too much? I suddenly felt a surge of frustration.
I turned to Norton.
“Well, Sir Norton, tell me.”
The loyal knight Norton’s shoulders flinched.
“I mean, isn’t the Duke even a little curious about what his own wife looks like? Isn’t that just too much?”
With three people awkwardly silent in front of me, I poured out my frustration for a long time.
‘How did I get to my room?’
When I forced my heavy eyelids open, I found myself sprawled across the sofa in the sitting room.
I clearly remembered taking the carriage back to the castle… and making a fuss about not needing an escort from Norton. I recalled him anxiously following me to my room.
As I tried to get up, my legs were shaky as I struggled to stand up.
‘Wait, am I drunk?’
It seemed Annette’s body couldn’t handle alcohol well. It was shocking to feel this tipsy after just a few glasses of wine.
Suddenly, I felt utterly pathetic.
Lying around in such a miserable state.
Why was I so distressed over a Duke I hadn’t even seen in days?
‘Was I always this weak-willed?’
No, it wasn’t about willpower—there just hadn’t been a chance to see him.
But should I really just barge into his room in the middle of the night?
That would be the last resort…
‘Looks like I need a plan.’
I glanced at the tea tray on the table. There was a tea pot with a herbal scent and teacups, probably left by the maid.
Maybe it was the alcohol, but I suddenly felt a burst of courage.
I forced myself to stand up straight, holding the tray of tea.
“Alright, let’s go see the Duke’s face.”
