Chapter 39
Switching carriages and confidently declaring that I would never go back on my word meant I couldn’t ask to reverse my decision now.
It was an absurd situation that almost made me laugh, but the Duke muttered as if accustomed to such matters.
“Evgenia again…”
The Tower Lord, who managed to catch those words, turned sharply with a face full of despair.
The Duke cleared his throat awkwardly and exchanged a knowing look with his eldest son, both of them sharing a slight chuckle.
***
“Hmm.”
“Miss, what’s wrong?”
“Eh? Oh, the sofa is a bit…”
Was it just me, or did it feel like the seat was digging into me?
“No, it’s nothing.”
I shook my head and awkwardly swept my hand over the carriage.
I had hurriedly commandeered the Tower Lord’s carriage, eager to leave the capital as soon as possible. In hindsight, perhaps I should have taken the Basilian Duke’s carriage or requested a new one from the Tower.
It was ironic that the Tower, known for its magical stones and enchanted carriages, would have such a modest vehicle for its Lord.
“Well, never mind,” I thought.
Even if it was a rocket carriage, I was unwilling to delay my escape from the capital any further.
‘Finally, escape.’
Ever since I had found myself in this world, I had longed to leave the capital and the Basilian Duke’s estate behind.
The thought that I had finally done it brought tears to my eyes.
‘Especially when the Crown Prince isn’t around,’ I reflected.
It might have been an unfounded fear, but the last time we met, his presence had been unnervingly oppressive. I never wanted to encounter him again. He felt like someone who would block my path at every turn—a harbinger of misfortune.
Ironically, I was probably such a presence to him, too.
‘Still, I can’t help but wonder.’
He had dismissed my words as lies with a scoff. What kind of face would he make if he learned I truly got married?
Not that I had any desire to see it for myself.
Between Melissa and the rest of the noble circles, I knew I would cross paths with the Crown Prince at some point. In fact, I had a foreboding feeling it would happen more frequently than I would like.
‘At least I don’t have to lower myself like I did last time.’
Back then, I had no choice but to accept being treated like a stalker by the Crown Prince. But now, as a married woman, I wouldn’t need to go out of my way to explain myself or prove I’d changed.
‘Wow, a married woman…’
I shivered at the thought, feeling embarrassed by my own realization.
I bit my lip.
‘Ah, to think I actually managed to marry my favorite character…’
It was an achievement I wanted to shout about to the whole world but couldn’t. It was something I’d cherish for the rest of my life.
Of course, yesterday’s encounter with Euclid was unforgettable, but today had been especially groundbreaking.
The events in the bridal waiting room still left me in shock.
‘To think my favorite character turned out to be a sweet potato farmer…’
In our first-ever private moment, Euclid had said the most surprising things.
The misunderstandings were ridiculous, almost laughable.
“I’m sorry you have to marry someone as unworthy as me. So, even if you hate me, it’s okay. Even if you continue to have feelings for someone else, that’s fine too.”
The perfect Euclid, saying something so absurd, left me utterly speechless.
I never imagined his self-esteem could be so low.
But… even though his words choked me up like a lump of sweet potato, they were strangely endearing.
‘His flustered expression when I offered him that relaxing drink was so adorable.’
He truly embodied everything—charming, kind, and irresistibly lovable.
Learning more about this side of him made me feel proud and fortunate.
I remembered how I used to email the author who created this world, asking about Euclid. I had been so curious about everything: his favorite color, the food he disliked, his sleeping habits, and even his first love.
I had begged them to write more stories featuring him.
Who would have thought I’d end up being part of that story?
‘From now on, I’ll be by Euclid’s side every day, learning everything about him better than anyone else.’
I would fill the gaps in his confidence, show him my genuine feelings, and leave my embarrassing past behind.
But I didn’t realize then how much time I would actually spend with Euclid.
How many chances I’d have to clear up misunderstandings and convey my feelings.
How arrogant my confidence had been.
***
Two Days After the Basilian Duke’s Daughter Became the Duchess of Rudion
Delano, Euclid’s aide, noticed something peculiar.
The odd feeling had started during the wedding ceremony itself.
Granted, the officiating high priest, with his solemn appearance, turned out to be unexpectedly unorthodox, which was strange enough.
But what truly puzzled Delano was the series of unusual events that began the moment they departed the capital for the North.
Delano, who had lived his entire life in the barren and isolated North, was unaccustomed to luxury.
So when they stopped for a night in Muel, a large city halfway to the North, and visited a hotel owned by the Basilian family, he was utterly astonished.
The grandeur of the hotel rivaled that of the Duke’s mansion, yet in a completely different way.
He had initially grumbled inwardly about the delay, thinking they should have gone straight to the North. But upon entering the hotel, he felt ashamed of his complaints.
The general manager himself greeted them with utmost courtesy, and Delano was shocked to find that he, like Euclid and Evgenia, had been assigned one of the most luxurious suites.
It was a room he could never afford on his salary, not even in his wildest dreams.
At first, he chalked it up to the Duke’s influence. But then something strange happened.
“Excuse me, you seem to have dropped something,” the Duchess said, stopping suddenly as they crossed the lobby.
The man she addressed, standing near the front desk, looked confused before noticing the item on the floor. His face paled as he picked it up.
“Thank you so much! This belonged to my late mother. Losing it would’ve been devastating. Please, may I know your name so I can repay your kindness?”
The item didn’t appear particularly valuable, but the man was overly effusive in his gratitude.
The Duchess responded with indifference, “Even without me, the hotel staff would’ve found it. It’s no big deal; you should be on your way.”
However, the man was insistent, pulling out a pocket watch from his coat and offering it to her.
“I’m a merchant from the Slanka Kingdom. A watch is indispensable for someone in my line of work. Please allow me to repay your kindness. May I at least have your contact information?”
Delano was sure the Duchess would refuse. After all, the watch, though encrusted with jewels, was nothing compared to the wealth of the Basilian family.
• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •By Esraa• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •
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