MHWMM 04

Chapter 4

Yulia had to chew over what she had just said.

That’s how baffled Cayente had looked—as if she’d said the sun rose in the west or snow fell in summer.

Of course, it was natural since he was much taller than Yulia, but Cayente looked down at her with eyes that seemed to lower her even further. Under his gaze, Yulia felt herself shrinking smaller and smaller and quietly shut her mouth.

Did I say something wrong? Asking when they’d go look at wedding rings didn’t seem like such a strange question.

“Didn’t you confidently say you could handle the rest of the wedding preparations yourself? Do I look like I have the time to go around picking out rings with you?”

“Still… isn’t choosing wedding rings something a couple does together—”

Yulia couldn’t even finish her sentence, Everyone does it.

“Yulia Ruper.”

Just hearing her name called in that icy voice froze her in place.

“Don’t make me repeat myself. There’s no need for meaningless formalities. Everyone already knows we’re getting married. Besides… do you think people need to see us fawning over each other like lovebirds desperate to show off their relationship?”

Even if they weren’t desperate lovebirds, choosing rings together didn’t seem too much to ask—but Yulia couldn’t bring herself to say it aloud. As she stood frozen and speechless, Cayente turned away as if even looking at her was a waste of time, boarded the carriage, and disappeared.

Yulia finally exhaled the breath she had been holding and stared at the carriage vanishing in the distance, replaying what had just happened.

“He’s just… busy.”

— Do I look like I have the time to go around picking out rings with you?

Yes, that’s what he meant. He was just… busy.

Trying to believe that, Yulia worked to calm her bitterly pounding heart. This awful feeling—it must just be because Cayente’s demeanor had changed so drastically from before.

“The Count didn’t come again today?”

“No… I came alone. He’s… very busy.”

That’s how it was from the start—this kind of marriage.

“Oh, look over there.”

“So the rumors were true. She’s shopping for wedding rings all by herself.”

Even when people nearby whispered while looking at her, Yulia couldn’t say a word to defend herself. She knew she couldn’t expect any personal hope from this marriage.

I didn’t think he’d sell off his daughter for some money and then speak of honor.

Even if Cayente hadn’t outright said he was “buying” her, Yulia knew full well what her position was.

“All you need to do is pick the gem to go with the design you mentioned earlier. Which one do you prefer?”

“I like the one with the ruby better… Which one looks prettier to you?”

“It really depends on your preference… But diamonds are usually the most popular choice for wedding rings.”

I know. I thought I understood that…

But somehow, disappointment began to pile up in Yulia’s heart. Even if he was busy, he had to breathe, didn’t he? Couldn’t he, just once—just once—show up unannounced?

Even though she’d been told directly to handle it all herself, whenever she thought of Cayente, the image of his past self appeared vividly in her mind. That Cayente—could he really abandon his future bride, blaming his busy schedule?

Because of that hope, Yulia sent a letter to Cayente every morning describing her daily activities. Even if he was busy, she thought, maybe if he found a sliver of time, he’d surprise her with a visit.

“The diamond feels a bit too expensive…”

“What are you worried about? The Count-to-be is a tycoon whose name is known beyond the Empire.”

But Cayente never showed up. Not once—not while she picked the shop, nor while she considered the design, nor while she chose the jewel.

Eventually, Yulia began to wonder whether Cayente even read the letters she sent. She knew the truth but couldn’t accept it—he really had abandoned her like this. Once upon a time, he’d find time for her no matter what…

“But isn’t 100,000 gold a bit too much for one ring?”

“It’s expensive—that’s why people like it. Diamonds are clear and pure, and symbolize chastity.”

“Is that so?”

Chastity, huh… There was no doubt about hers; the rumors had never dared question it. But was her brother really someone who fit such a ring?

Yulia sighed as she stared at the large diamond that sparkled with a presence of its own.

This sigh wasn’t born from worries about whether Cayente had led a depraved life in their years apart. If anything, she might’ve preferred to hear such rumors. Yulia knew nothing of what happened during those eight long years Cayente had lived alone.

“A ring like this must be nothing to him, right?”

“Of course.”

Just like everyone else, Yulia had heard the rumors about the Count Clue family’s prosperity. Already a wealthy household, they were now rich enough to not even have space to store all their gold. She knew that now, not just the Principality of Esacudia, but the entire continent knew of Count Clue.

“He returned to the Empire to expand his business, didn’t he? He’ll probably get even richer.”

But Yulia knew nothing beyond what the rumors said. Why had he returned? Why had he inherited the title already? People whispered about an accident involving the former Count, but even that, she didn’t know.

Even if this marriage was more of a transaction, was it okay to get married knowing absolutely nothing? Was this how all noble arranged marriages worked? Most at least spent time together before the wedding—but Cayente, she could barely even catch a glimpse of him.

“I’ll think a bit more about the gem and decide next time.”

“Of course, my lady. It’s your wedding ring—you should choose carefully.”

Is this really okay? With that thought, Yulia stepped out of the shop—only to realize with a hollow laugh that she didn’t even know where to go if she wanted to find Cayente.

They were about to get married, and yet she didn’t even know where he lived.

Maybe Mother knew? Probably. She had somehow known Cayente was living alone when no one else did.

After the engagement was confirmed, the Baroness had started bringing back gossip every day—about how the Clue family had a private island near the Valk coast, and that Cayente’s wealth exceeded even that of a duke.

Even if he’s busy, he must be sleeping and eating, right? Yulia couldn’t go on like this, knowing nothing. So if she had to, she’d find him and look him in the face.

She turned onto the main road, toward the plaza with the fountain.

“Huh…?”

Just as she exited the narrow alley with the jewelry shop and stepped onto the main road, a familiar-looking carriage slowed down beside her.

She couldn’t possibly mistake it—it was the same carriage she’d been pulled into by Cayente at the last ball.

The Clue family crest gleamed on its side. It rolled to a halt near the fountain just ahead of her.

Yulia watched closely, and soon, through the wide-open door, a long leg stepped out.

“My Lord, we’ve arrived.”

He was so tall…