NMRJKM Chapter 80

 

When I finally opened my eyes, it was already midday. As soon as I woke up, I let out a breathless laugh.

Wow, this is crazy. I mean, wow.

Is this okay? Even if we’ve been married once, can a guy who’s never been with a woman do this?

I was lying on the duchess’s bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. I had told Carlothian everything, but I wasn’t sure I did it right; I had been so disoriented.

This man with a bad temper kept asking me to talk while touching me here and there.

Can’t we just have a normal conversation?

I sprang up from the bed, but thick arms pulled me back down onto the mattress.

“Sleep more.”

His voice, still a bit drowsy, was so low it tickled my ears.

I nestled into his embrace, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

“Do you really believe everything I said?”

“Yeah.”

His slightly sleepy voice answered. He held me tighter. I don’t know what he’s thinking, and I’m not even sure if he really believes me.

But I want to believe that what he said was true. I looked at his peaceful face as he kept his eyes closed.

Right now, he was the only person in the world who knew the truth about Ariadeline.

I lightly tapped his nose, thinking, Would this bring Ariadeline some comfort?

I pondered what Ariadeline would have said.

The answer came quickly:

‘Yeah. That’s enough.’

Strangely, tears began to flow. Lying on my side, they soon soaked the pillow, and I closed my eyes.

One part of my heart kept aching. I recalled the words I often spoke during my bouts of madness. Perhaps some part of Ariadeline still lingered within me.

“Why are you crying again?”

He said, having suddenly woken up. I didn’t respond; instead, I burrowed deeper into his arms. He slowly stroked my bare back.

I moaned as he moved his fingertips along the bumps of my spine, pressing each line.

“Don’t tease me in the morning.”

“When did I do that?”

I grumbled and wiped away my tears, getting up from the bed. My hair was a tangled mess from the previous night’s activities.

“Hmm…”

I muttered in discontent as I watched as Carlothian played with my messy hair.

“It’s your fault, you know.”

“I suppose it is.”

His calm acknowledgement made me blush, and I hurriedly urged him.

“I, I need to wash up first.”

Carlothian rang the bell beside the bed, calling for the servant without hesitation. I was taken aback and grabbed his hand.

“What if they see us like this?!”

“What’s the problem?”

“No, oh, I have to get dressed.”

While Carlothian was looking at me as if wondering what I was talking about, the servant knocked.

“Come in.”

“Now, wait a minute!”

Unfortunately, the owner of this mansion is Carlothian. The servant, who was momentarily hesitant at the sound of the two people’s voices, opened the door and came in. I sank into the sheet, and only Carlothian, who had his upper body out, spoke confidently.

“Prepare the bath.”

“…Uh, uh. Yes!”

I peeked my head out from under the sheets as the servant hurried outside.

“How can I face the others now?”

“You just look at them.”

“I’m not as shameless as you.”

“I don’t know what’s shameless about me.”

“That’s the most shameless thing to say.”

I let out a big sigh. After a while, the servant announced that the bathwater was ready, and Carlothian picked me up effortlessly.

“W-what are you doing?”

“You said you wanted to wash.”

“Are we washing together!?”

“Of course.”

What’s so obvious about that? What’s so obvious? You refused me before!

Carlothian took me into the bathroom. Wait, I’m not ready to be seen in bright light yet! But contrary to my protests, the bathroom door closed coldly.

After some time in the bathroom with Carlothian and a meal that I couldn’t tell whether I ate with my mouth or nose, it was already afternoon. It ended sooner than I expected.

I remembered something, so I went to the Duchess’ office to write a letter. But is it okay for me to sit here?

I came in because they told me to write as I pleased, but is this okay? I sighed again and said to the maids, who were watching me with sparkling eyes,

“Why do you keep staring at me like that?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“Of course. Of course. Don’t overdo it today.”

The maids exchanged glances and smiled at each other but didn’t look away. I guess this is what happens when you’re a noble.

There are no secrets among the servants. No secrets. I handed the letter to a maid and said,

“Send it to Her Royal Highness, Princess Dorothea.”

At that, Rodi, who had started following me around, ran over to take the letter. How cute.

“I’ll make sure to deliver it!”

“Okay, be careful on your way.”

I waved to Rodi. The maids were still looking at me with smiles. I honestly didn’t know how this would turn out.

I wondered if this incident would interfere with Carlothian’s marriage someday.

I’m really worried.

I let out a deep sigh.

Meanwhile, the maids, oblivious to my thoughts, asked if they should bring some snacks if I was hungry.

I shook my head and decided to get up. I needed to take a walk.

As I stretched and tried to leave the office, the maids followed me. But just before I opened the door—

Knock, knock.

What was that?

Instead of answering, I swung the door open. A slightly flustered butler stood there. I tilted my head and asked,

“Butler, what’s the matter?”

“Actually…”

His next words were enough to surprise me.

“The jeweler summoned by the Duke has arrived.”

“What?”

What jeweler? What’s going on?

“I heard you ordered jewelry, Miss Ariadeline.”

“Why would I need to see a jeweler? I don’t have any use for jewelry.”

When I asked, the butler simply responded as instructed, without a hint of explanation.

“The jeweler has arrived in the reception room.”

“I guess I’ll go, but…”

I let out a reluctant laugh and headed toward the reception room. I used to have to go out myself to get dresses made, but now I can even summon a jeweler.

‘Has my reputation improved or something?’

I decided I would subtly ask the jeweler. I walked quickly to catch up with the butler.

“Welcome! Miss Ariadeline!”

A madame in a green dress with her hair elegantly styled greeted me. I awkwardly smiled and replied,

“Sorry for making you wait!”

“Not at all! It’s an honor to be summoned by you!”

I sat across from her and asked,

“Was it too sudden for me to call you?”

“Since you need jewelry, Miss Ariadeline, I had to come right away!”

With that, she skillfully placed her bag on the table. It was a square-shaped, luxurious leather bag adorned with a golden trim. As I stared at it, she quickly opened it.

“Wow…”

I gasped in awe at the sight inside. The bag was filled with jewels that sparkled blindingly.

‘The sizes of these jewels are no joke.’

The smallest one was larger than my fingernail. I looked down at them with a stunned expression before glancing back at the madame.

“Well, it seems difficult to choose.”

“Excuse me? Choose?”

The madame smiled with a confused expression.

“The Duke Denaves instructed me to leave these for you.”

“Excuse me?”

I widened my eyes in disbelief. Was this man insane? I pointed shakily at the bag.

“H-How much are all these?”

The madame replied cheerfully, “A total of 68.5 billion gold!”

“Si, sixty….”

I felt like I was going to faint. My reputation, my rumors, everything can just go flying out the window! Who cares?!

The maids behind me were gasping in amazement. I held out my hand to Madame.

“Wait a second. I’ll be right back.”

“Oh, of course! Take your time!”

I gave a polite smile and gracefully left the reception room. Then,

“Miss Ariadeline!”

“Don’t run!”

I sprinted toward Carlothian’s office, ignoring the maids chasing after me. When I reached the office, I barged in without knocking.

Bang!

“Carlothian!”