Chapter 52
“What’s going on?”
“I was wondering if I could use the family library?”
In this world, books were as valuable as jewels. For that reason, the family’s library was strictly controlled and only family members were allowed to enter.
Evelia was destined to become a Duchess, but it seemed unlikely that he would willingly allow her to access the family’s library.
‘Because there may be family secrets.’
But Cassis asked back as if he didn’t understand why she was asking.
“Why are you asking?”
Evelia misunderstood his question and muttered as if making an excuse.
“I was just bored so I thought I’d read a book.”
Han So-yoon, who read the novel, knows about Ruth’s curse, but Evelia didn’t. So I couldn’t honestly say, ‘I want to investigate Ruth Curse.’
‘Nor can I say I want to investigate the Cesia Kingdom, because she might think I’m researching Lionel Cesia.’
If I said that, Cassis might get angry again and ask why I asked that.
But I guess that wasn’t what Cassis meant. He corrected me.
“What I meant was, why did you come to ask my permission?”
“That’s it….”
“You will be my wife in the future. There is no place you can’t go in this mansion.”
But I’m just a contract wife. Those words lingered in my mouth.
However, instead of saying those words, Evelia expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you.”
At that time, Cassis, who was sitting, stood up.
“I will guide you.”
“No, I can go alone.”
Evelia whispered, but he was stubborn. Evelia had no choice but to follow him.
The Adelhard family’s study was as large as most libraries. While Evelia was admiring, Cassis came looking for some books.
“I have selected books that are light to read.”
Evelia looked at the title of the book he was holding. Despite the fact that it was a ‘lightly readable book’, the titles of the book were all heavy and profound.
‘The history of the empire. Does Cassis read these things to kill time?’
I couldn’t help but smile as I imagined Cassis reading that thick book in his spare time. Cassis flinched as I smiled without realizing it.
“Why are you smiling?”
“No, just…”
I decided to speak honestly out of fear that Cassis might have some strange misunderstanding.
“I don’t think it’s an easy book to read. I was thinking of a novel.”
“Ah…”
He was a little embarrassed and tried to put the books he was holding back in their original positions.
‘That didn’t mean I wouldn’t read it.’
Evelia grabbed Cassis’ arm as he put ‘History of the Empire’ on the bookshelf.
“It looks fun. I want to read it.”
Cassis pulled out the book again. At that time, there was a book that caught Evelia’s eye.
‘The history of the Kingdom of Cesia.’
As if possessed, I reached out for the book and Cassis placed his hand on the back of my hand.
For a moment, a shiver ran through the place where he touched, as if electricity was flowing. Evelia almost missed the book she was picking out.
“Ah….”
“I will do it.”
Evelia hurriedly moved to the side. Cassis lightly took out a book and placed it on top of the book he was holding.
“Is there anything else you’re interested in?”
“No. I think that’s enough for today.”
Evelia stretched out her hand towards him. It was a signal to hand over the book, but Cassis only blinked and did not move.
“Duke, please give me the book.”
“I will bring it to your room myself.”
“No, you don’t have to.”
However, he started to leave the library before hearing Evelia’s answer.
Evelia looked around the library and then hurriedly followed him.
Only after arriving in front of the door did Cassis hand me the book.
This time too, my hand touched him. Evelia was startled and took a step back.
“Thank you, thank you.”
Then she hurried back into her room.
It was an unfamiliar night.
*****
From that day on, Evelia went in and out of the library and diligently researched the kingdom of Cesia and its royal family. I also heard various stories from Nikita.
‘But nothing came about it.’
The legends of the royal family had been passed down, but it seemed that even the royal family themselves treated them as mere legends
Even Nikita said harshly, ‘They must have made that up to build up the royal family’s dignity.’
‘Still, I’m glad I have another source.’
A few days ago, Cassis finally received approval for the marriage from the Emperor. The Emperor eventually gave up on his attitude of visiting the Imperial Castle every day.
Thanks to this, Logan had stepped up his preparations for the wedding.
But the only thing Evelia cared about was the dress.
‘But why don’t they make dresses?’
Two weeks have already passed since I heard that they would order a wedding dress from Madame Olette. But I still haven’t seen Madame Olette.
Eventually she went to Logan and asked.
“W-when is Madame Olette coming?”
I was a little embarrassed even as I said it. It was as if she was looking forward to her wedding dress.
‘But if I’m going to get married, I have to prepare properly.’
Logan replied with an apologetic look.
“I guess I didn’t tell you. I have a reservation for this weekend. You can go to Madame Olette’s salon with Duke.”
“We’re going directly? Why isn’t Madame Olette coming here?”
Evelia didn’t know much about shopping here, but she knew that if nobles like Adelhard purchased something they would come to the mansion.
“Yes. Because that is Madame Olette’s management philosophy. I’m sorry if you were offended. Let me make some adjustments….”
“No, it’s okay. The Duke didn’t say anything either.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
“But is it just me and the Duke who are going this weekend?”
“Yes?”
“Young master is going to….”
“I haven’t heard about that.”
“Okay, thank you.”
After finishing the conversation with Logan, Evelia headed to the office to meet Cassis.
It was still before dinner, but Cassis was now at the mansion, unlike before. That’s because he didn’t go to the Imperial Palace.
“What’s going on?”
Cassis stood up and greeted her. Evelia sat down on the sofa as he led and then got to the point.
“I heard we’re going to Madame Olette’s salon this weekend.”
“Oh, is it this week?”
“Yes. But he said Young master wasn’t going with us. I wish he would go with us.”
Ruth is living in a mansion because of people’s attention.
Evelia hoped that such a child would see more of the outside world.
‘He was very excited the last time he saw the sea.’
When I remembered the child’s brightly smiling face, I wanted to give him more experiences.
“From what I heard, it seemed like he didn’t go out and play much. So, I think it would be a good idea to go out together this time.”
Cassis thought for a moment and then gave a positive answer.
“All right. I’ll tell Logan.”
So this time, the three of us went on an outing to the capital.
*****
The day they were supposed to go to Madame Olette’s salon.
Logan had even booked the opera for the evening when he heard that Ruth was coming along.
“I hope you three have a good time.”
By adding that.
Evelia, Ruth, and Cassis ate lunch and headed to the downtown area.
“Wow!”
Ruth was amazed as he looked outside the carriage. They were now on one of the busiest streets in the capital.
It was natural for the eyes of a child who lived only in a mansion to widen.
“Eve, what is that?”
What Ruth pointed to was a gorgeously decorated cafe. It was a nice day and the terrace attached to the cafe was already crowded.
As Evelia explained, Ruth’s eyes sparkled.
‘I guess he wants to go there.’
Evelia asked Logan while observing the child.
“Lord Logan, do we have time before we go to Madame Olette’s salon?”
Logan understood what she meant and answered.
“We don’t have time before we go to the salon, but we have time before you see the opera. We’ll go to the salon and then take you to the cafe.”
“Did you hear? We’ll go to the café later.”
“Can I eat there too?”
“Sure. I will order you your favorite chocolate drink.”
While Evelia and Ruth were chatting, the carriage arrived in front of the salon.
