Chapter 24

Mari stood before the cold man, swallowing hard. When she heard the news that she was summoned to Eilsford Castle, she had thought, "As expected, my lady is looking for me!" with a carefree attitude. However, the person she met at Eilsford Castle, where she hurriedly arrived, was a man with a cold demeanor, exuding a fierce aura.

'This is Altair Eilsford.'

The lord of Eilsford, whose status had completely changed due to the recent discovery of a magic stone mine in the territory, and the husband of her lady. Although rumors in the capital described him as an ugly, crippled man who couldn't function properly, the lord of Eilsford she met in person was a handsome man, like a sculpture crafted by an excellent artist. Of course, he had a very intimidating presence...

"Have you been with the von Baine family for a long time?"

While Mari was examining Altair's face and continuing her thoughts, a question was casually thrown at her. Startled by the cold voice, Mari, as a skilled servant, maintained a calm and polite demeanor and slightly bowed her head.

"Yes, that's correct. My mother worked for the von Baine family, so I helped with the work from a young age. I have served Lady Nadia, who is now a baroness, for a long time."

"Then you must know the von Baine family well."

"Yes."

"Leaking the affairs of the family you worked for is a disqualification for a servant. However... I want to hear a specific story."

Mari couldn't help but take a deep breath under the intense gaze that was fixed on her.

"I want you to answer honestly if I ask about the von Baine family. This won't affect your reputation for being talkative. I promise that clearly."

The greatest virtue of a servant was silence. No master would entrust important duties to a servant who gossiped about the family's secrets.

"So, let me ask you now. Did the Duke of von Baine really dote on his nephew?"

Mari took a deep breath at Altair's question, but for a different reason. She had a lot to say about the Duke of von Baine's actions, but she wasn't sure if it was a good idea to spill everything in this situation. It wasn't because she was afraid of being labeled as talkative. She had no idea how Lord Eilsford would react to the stories from the von Baine family. Mari was worried about Nadia.

'Will it help my lady if I reveal the Duke's despicable actions?'

The von Baine family was a prestigious house that could rival a duchy. Regardless of what happened internally, Nadia was clearly a member of the von Baine family, and that fact could be a strong backing for her in the outside world. However, if it became known that Nadia was a black sheep of the family, the perception of her would completely change. The man in front of her would also change his behavior in some way. Mari had just met the Lord of Eilsford and couldn't fully trust him yet.

"......I apologize."

After much deliberation, Mari deeply apologized. She expected to be scolded for daring to refuse the lord's command, but surprisingly, Altair only nodded calmly.

"You're much more cautious than I thought. You're also tight-lipped."

"......"

"Although you couldn't help me much, you are an excellent servant. I want you to take on the role of a governess."

Surprised by the unexpected offer of a significant role, Mari's head snapped up.

"A governess... I am still young and lack experience."

"From what I've seen today, Eilsford is just beginning to establish its system and has many shortcomings. I could entrust important duties to an experienced middle-aged lady-in-waiting, but the baroness is too kind to control such a person. She might even be manipulated. You are the right person for this role."

Mari's eyes lit up at Altair's words, which seemed to show a good understanding of Nadia. This conversation allowed her to read some of Altair's affection for Nadia.

"New masters need time to be trusted. For now, take good care of the baroness. Help her manage the household without overworking her."

"......Thank you. I will do my best."

As Mari bowed respectfully, Altair waved his hand, indicating that she could leave. Following his command, she slowly backed away and paused just before opening the door.

"My lord."

Hesitantly, Mari called out, and Altair looked at her. After much deliberation, she finally spoke, as if making a decision.

"If you are willing to invest time for my lady, I suggest you investigate a ring called 'Cassandra's Smile.'"

"Cassandra's ring?"

"Yes. That's all I can say as a mere lady-in-waiting."

"......I will do that."

As Altair nodded slightly, still full of questions, Mari bowed deeply again. Cassandra's ring. What could it be that investigating it would reveal something about Nadia's past in the von Baine family? Her thoughts didn't last long. Altair was the type who acted before planning.

'......I should have Blan investigate.'

He would likely find the answer soon. * * *

"My lady. I am delighted to greet you here."

I was surprised by the unexpected appearance of a person and jumped up from my seat.

"M, Mari?"

I rubbed my eyes, thinking it might be an illusion, but the figure in front of me didn't disappear. The short, neat haircut and determined expression were unmistakably Mari's.

"How did you get here, Mari?"

I had already filled in Mari's name on the hiring list, but the process was still ongoing. I thought it would take more time to meet her again.

"My lord summoned me first. He said to hurry and assist my lady."

"Really?"

It was an unexpected consideration.

"I told the butler about you, mentioning that you served me at the von Baine family. It seems the story reached my lord. Even so, I didn't expect him to call you first..."

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I stumbled over my words, but Mari smiled familiarly and helped me sit back down.

"My lord seems to think a lot about you. He emphasized that you should be well taken care of."

"R, really?"

I was already starting to see Altair differently, observing him and gradually letting go of my prejudices. The Altair in the novel was a terrifying villain, but the real Altair seemed to respect me as his wife.

'I was determined not to get carried away by my feelings, thinking it might just be my imagination...'

But with Mari's accurate judgment, I gained a bit of confidence.

"Actually, my lord has been very kind to me. He bought me a lot of clothes recently, praised my hard work, and allowed me to manage the castle's repairs and hiring of servants as I see fit. And..."

As I cautiously began to boast, a pleased smile appeared on Mari's face. However, as my boasting continued, her expression became cloudy.

"Um... my lady."

Mari interrupted me with a cloudy expression, and I blinked, looking at her. She opened her mouth with a worried look.

"Have you... had any intimate moments with my lord?"

"Intimate moments?"

"Yes. From what you've said, it seems there has been no marital intimacy..."

My face turned red at the mention of marital intimacy. Even though noblewomen often discussed and sought advice on such matters with their ladies-in-waiting, I felt embarrassed as it was my first time. I could feel my face turning red, and it must have been noticeable. Mari smiled understandingly and knelt in front of the sofa, matching my eye level with a determined look.

"Marital intimacy is very important for a smooth marriage. You also need to produce an heir."

Mari was right. I had chosen marriage as a way to leave the duchy and had thought a lot about this aspect. I was well aware of the duties of a noblewoman.

'But...'

As I hesitated, Mari took my hands firmly.

"As your personal lady-in-waiting, you can share your concerns with me. I will help you if there's anything I can do."

"W, well..."

"Are you sleeping in separate rooms?"

"No. At first, we did, but now we sleep in the same bed."

"Since you were sleeping in separate rooms at first... Was the first night not a good experience?"

"It wasn't bad, but... I fainted during the wedding ceremony, so nothing happened."

"Huh?"

Mari's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected answer.

"Nothing happened?"

"Yes. Because nothing happened on the first night, nothing has happened since then..."

"Nothing has happened since then?!"

Mari, who was usually calm, jumped up and asked me.

"Has my lord said nothing about it?"

"Yes."

"Although I just arrived at Eilsford and don't know everything, I understand that my lord is in a hurry for an heir. That's why the marriage was rushed."

"Ah..."

Mari tilted her head, clearly puzzled. As she struggled to find an answer, my mind raced. I recalled the conversations I had with Altair about the role of a wife.

'If you tell me, I can do anything with enthusiasm. I know more than you think. I won't disappoint you.'

'I can study if I don't know. I can read books or ask people who know.'

Altair had reacted with disbelief when he heard these words. If his reason for marriage was really to get an heir...

'I'm crazy!'

What did I think I could do well and be enthusiastic about? My face, which had just calmed down, turned red again. Seeing my flustered state, Mari jumped up from her seat.

"This doesn't make sense, my lady. No matter how much you don't know, a normal man can't just sleep soundly in the same bed with such a beautiful bride."

"Maybe he's being considerate because I don't know much..."

"If that's the case, you need to let him know that you know everything and are well-prepared."

"How do I let him know that?"

"There are ways."

Mari smiled confidently, but I felt a chill down my spine, sensing something unsettling.