Episode 28

I wasn’t sleepy anymore since I had already taken too many naps.

Even though I had walked quite a bit, I figured that walking and getting some sunlight would be good for my health, so I decided not to worry about it.

I left my room with the intention of exploring the garden.

Upon arriving at the garden, I took in the familiar scenery from yesterday and the day before, lost in thought.

In a world without TV or smartphones, what could I do to pass the time?

Leaving the mansion meant dragging a trail of bodyguards like a string of sausages, which was inconvenient. Staying inside meant constantly being surrounded by servants, doing the same things over and over.

I actually enjoyed exercising. Light aerobic exercises like jogging or squats made me feel refreshed both mentally and physically.

But running around in these cumbersome dresses was out of the question.

Besides, if the servants saw the grand duchess running around the garden in broad daylight, they might faint, their mouths agape. There was nothing I could do freely.

I had anticipated that noble life would be quite different from my usual routine, but it was more challenging than I had expected.

I walked a bit and then plopped down on a bench the servants had neatly arranged. I felt Selena’s concerned gaze on me.

“Your Grace.”

“Yes?”

“Is something bothering you?”

“No, not at all.”

I replied with my usual cheerful smile. Selena mirrored my smile, her lips curling up.

“Your Grace, if you ever have any trouble, please feel free to tell me. If it’s something I can listen to, I’ll always be here for you.”

But Selena’s words were earnest.

Amused by her resolute tone, I decided to share a part of my thoughts.

“It’s just that being cooped up in the mansion every day is getting a bit boring.”

I shrugged to show that I was okay, but instead of easing her worries, it deepened Selena’s concern.

“Really? Then what can we do about it?”

She was genuinely worried.

Selena began brainstorming various ways to alleviate my boredom.

From tea parties, outings, shopping, to dates, she suggested numerous solutions.

Grateful and sorry for Selena’s concern, I responded more enthusiastically than usual. This seemed to fuel her enthusiasm, and she started suggesting ideas with even more vigor.

She particularly pushed for hosting a tea party with other noble ladies. She believed that mingling with peers might help me find good friends.

“If you host a tea party, you’ll be busy preparing and can meet new people. Since you’ll be living here for a long time, it’d be good to make friends now.”

“That makes sense.”

I wasn’t sure if there would be anyone whose personality matched mine, but it was better than being cooped up in the mansion.

“Anyway, you’ll have to prepare to receive guests soon.”

“What?”

I looked up sharply at her words. Selena tilted her head, looking puzzled.

“You know, since you’ve joined the family, as the wife of the head, you should host a social gathering to announce it.”

‘So, that’s what it was?’

I had no idea.

I rolled my eyes around, feeling lost.

Thinking about it, back home we did housewarming parties when moving into a new home, and gatherings to introduce partners when dating or getting married.

In a place with a well-developed party and social culture, it was undoubtedly a common event.

“Since you have to do it anyway, why not do it sooner?”

Selena suggested, her face flushed with excitement, probably thrilled by my unexpected response.

Hiding my surprise, I nodded boldly.

“Alright. Then, we’ll start with a tea party for the retainers’ families.”

It was the beginning of a self-invited disaster.

＊＊＊

I went to the library and picked out a book. Today’s read was a history book about the Theabrite family.

If I was going to host a gathering with the retainers, I needed to at least know the background of the grand duchy.

I sat in an armchair by the window and started reading. The armchair was placed there by the librarian for my frequent visits.

When the sunlight pouring in made me drowsy, I finally closed the book.

The history book wasn’t particularly interesting.

I took out a pocket watch from my bosom and checked the time.

Two hours had passed since I came to the library. During that time, Apollion hadn’t left his office.

He used to come out for fresh air occasionally, but lately, he’s been staying holed up in his office, probably due to the increased workload.

“Sigh, what a life.”

I lamented my situation.

I stood up from the chair, patting my shoulders as I placed the book back on the shelf.

Seduction, my foot. At this rate, I’ll end up like a stone statue waiting for a hopeless attempt, just like this morning.

“Your Grace.”

I turned at the familiar voice behind me. It was Wilson.

“What’s the matter?”

“Do you know that the general assembly is about to be held?”

I nodded. The general assembly had been postponed multiple times due to my marriage with Apollion, but it was now scheduled to happen soon.

While the retainer meetings held every other Monday were smaller, the general assembly was much larger.

The general assembly, held every two months, involved all the retainers of the grand duchy, covering more significant and profound topics than the retainer meetings.

Although it didn’t concern me directly, I looked at Wilson curiously, a shiver running down my spine.

Today, Wilson’s kind smile seemed intimidating.

“The retainers haven’t had a chance to meet Your Grace yet. They are all very curious about you.”

As expected, Wilson began with a foreboding sentence.

“How about making an appearance at this upcoming general assembly?”

“…At the general assembly?”

“Yes.”

A sad premonition is never wrong.

“We should have arranged a separate meeting before or after the wedding, but since the marriage happened rather quickly…”

“Don’t worry too much about that.”

“How could I not be grateful and apologetic to Your Grace?”

If this is how he expresses gratitude and apology, I’d rather he stayed quiet.

“Though it has been delayed due to various reasons, it would be beneficial for you to appear in a public setting as soon as possible.”

“That’s true.”

“In that case, I believe the general assembly is the most appropriate occasion. It’s the only place where you can meet all the retainers at once.”

“…Alright. Let’s do that.”

I nodded at Wilson’s suggestion.

The general assembly. I wanted to avoid it if I could, but there was no escaping it.

The thought of mingling and making small talk with all those old men was already suffocating.

But some things in life must be done, whether you like them or not. Having married Apollion, this was one of those unavoidable tasks.

Wilson’s wrinkled eyes crinkled with a smile as he signaled to a servant standing nearby.

The servant handed me a fountain pen and some sheets of paper. I looked at them, puzzled.

“Your Grace may not be well acquainted with the retainers of the grand duchy yet. Since this is your first meeting with them, there’s much to prepare.”

“…”

“It would be wise to discuss this directly with His Grace. He knows the retainers better than anyone.”

“…Wilson.”

“I believe it would be best to work in His Grace’s study.”

For a moment, I thought I saw a halo around Wilson.

This was all part of Wilson’s grand plan to bring Apollion and me closer together.

Taking the pen and paper from the servant, I headed towards Apollion’s study. My steps up the stairs felt light and brisk.

I ran up to the third floor, where Apollion’s study was located. Standing before the door, I tidied my disheveled clothes and hair.

I knocked a couple of times, and an all-too-familiar voice came from inside.

“Who is it?”

His voice had a sharp edge to it.

I heard his workload had increased significantly recently, and it seemed to have made him more irritable.

“It’s me.”

“…”

“…Apollion?”

There was a brief silence, followed by bustling sounds, and then the door opened.

Apollion looked down at me with a surprised expression, clearly not pleased with my visit.

“Why are you here…?”

He seemed to be saying, “Why are you here again?”

Given my previous antics in his study, he seemed uncomfortable with my presence.

But this time, I had a legitimate reason, so I could be more confident.

I revealed the pen and paper I had been hiding behind my back and smiled.

“It seems many retainers are curious about me.”

“…”

“So, I thought it would be a good idea to show my face at the general assembly. But to participate in the meeting, I’ll need your help, right?”

I gently nudged him aside as he stood awkwardly holding the doorknob, and stepped into the study.

Caught off guard by my reasonable visit, he stepped aside without a word.

I placed the items I brought on his spacious desk. Then, I lifted one of the chairs in front of the tea table.

Apollion quickly rushed over and moved the chair for me.

“Thank you.”

As I spoke with a smile, Apollion sighed helplessly and placed a chair in front of his desk.

Sitting next to Apollion, I firmly gripped the fountain pen in my right hand and turned my body sharply toward him.

At that moment, Apollion flinched and looked at me.

Though he had improved a lot compared to before, his movements were still stiff, like a tin robot.