Chapter 55

After lunch, the day seemed to pass so quickly that I didn't even notice how time had flown by. Time doesn't usually flow any faster, and the feeling that the day had passed so quickly was entirely due to my mood. After taking a warm bath and changing into my pajamas, I sat in a chair, feeling a bit drowsy. Mari naturally shook the water out of her hair and began to brush it gently, while Anna found a fragrant candle to softly light the room.

"I don't usually go to such lengths to set the mood..."

Of course, they must have known and prepared for this, right?

"Like that fish we had for lunch."

The servants must have collaborated to come up with a plan after seeing how cold things had become between Altear and me.

"You didn't have to go this far..."

Feeling embarrassed, I muttered to Mari and Anna through the mirror, and they both smiled subtly.

"What are we doing? I'm just brushing your hair."

"I'm just tidying up the bedding!"

When did we become so close that Mari and Anna could answer in such perfect unison? If they team up, I have no chance of winning. I was at a loss for words, pouting, and they exchanged glances and laughed.

"Your face is a bit flushed."

Mari, who was brushing my hair, placed her hand on my forehead as if to check my temperature. Her hand felt slightly cool.

"It's because of that dish we had for lunch."

"Which dish?"

"That... the fish dish that's good for health. It's a popular dish in the capital, right? Didn't Mari tell you about it?"

"Oh, I know what it is, but I didn't tell them."

"Huh?"

If it wasn't Mari who told them, how did the chefs from the eastern region know about it? I had assumed it was Mari who told them, so I was puzzled, and she tilted her head in confusion.

"Maybe the kitchen staff brainstormed together. They probably discussed what kind of food you might like and what's popular in the capital... I think they prepared it without knowing the 'real purpose.'"

I was speechless at this unexpected explanation. Thinking about how they must have researched and studied hard to prepare a dish from the unfamiliar capital made my heart warm. I smiled slightly, and just as Mari finished brushing my hair, she led me to the bed and whispered softly.

"Of course, I know the 'real purpose,' so I'm just setting the mood."

"Mari!"

Startled, I lightly tapped her back, and she rarely giggled, stepping back a bit.

"We'll leave early so as not to disturb you. If you need anything, just pull the bell cord."

They probably meant that if I wanted to bathe after... well, you know, I shouldn't hesitate to call them.

'Usually, I'm so tired that I fall asleep right away...'

But I nodded, thinking it might happen this time. Mari and Anna left, and as the door closed, I was left alone in the room, feeling an eerie silence. I sat on the bed, smoothing the sheets, and wandered around the window, but my mind wouldn't settle. As time passed, the night grew deeper. It was usually the time when Altear would finish his schedule, but there was no sign of him in the hallway. I thought about calling someone to ask where he was, but quickly dismissed the idea.

'It would seem like I'm rushing him...'

But I didn't want to just wait around either.

'I could go look for him.'

Satisfied with this quick solution, I found a coat in the dressing room and put it on over my pajamas. Wearing pajamas and a coat was a bit odd, but I couldn't walk the hallway in just my pajamas. Changing into other clothes was too much trouble. I carefully tied the belt of the coat to cover my pajamas. Looking in the mirror, it was a bit awkward, but it was decent enough. I cautiously opened the door and stepped into the hallway. Despite the late hour, the hallway was brightly lit. The floor was covered with a simple but carefully designed carpet, and the windows sparkled, showing the outside scenery clearly.

'When I first came to Eilsworth, walking down the hallway was so difficult.'

I remembered how I stumbled along the dark hallway, accidentally touching Altear, and how startled I was. It was only a few months ago, but it felt like years had passed. I smiled at the memory.

'Back then, I never thought I'd become so familiar with this place.'

I had fled into marriage, despaired at the fact that my husband was the villain Altear, and trembled in fear at everything. If I could tell that Nadia from back then about how things are now, she wouldn't believe it. She wouldn't believe that the once eerie Eilsworth Castle had become so bright. Reflecting on how much had changed, I headed towards Altear's study. If he wasn't in the bedroom, he must still be working. However, before reaching his study, I saw Altear through a window in the hallway. The garden was dimly lit, making it hard to see clearly, but I recognized Altear immediately. No one else in Eilsworth had his build. But it wasn't just his build; I could recognize him by the way he walked with his back straight and his posture upright. I pressed my face against the window to observe him. He was moving around the dark garden, working hard.

'What is he doing?'

No matter how I looked, I couldn't figure it out. Finally, I decided to go out to the garden. I was a bit worried about my slippers, but I didn't think Mari or Anna would scold me for getting them dirty.

'Actually, just having this thought is a huge change.'

When I was at the Vain Marquess's house, any action would result in scolding, and I was always afraid. But here, I believed that whatever I did, they would understand. Hurrying to the garden entrance, I could see Altear more clearly. He was...

'Planting a tree?'

The broken and damaged tree was gone, replaced by a healthy one. Altear was digging the ground with a spade, completely focused. He was so engrossed that he didn't notice me, and his white shirt was covered in dirt.

"The branches don't look the same..."

Altear stroked his chin, examining the tree seriously. I realized the new tree was very similar to the one I had carefully chosen.

'Could it be that I was so upset about the tree being damaged...'

That he decided to fix it himself? He even found a similar tree? He could have asked someone else to do it. In fact, Pavel had already said he would take care of it.

'Why is the viscount doing this himself?'

Especially when there's already so much to do at Eilsworth! I felt grateful and guilty, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. My mind was so full of thoughts that my body moved on its own. I crossed the garden and approached Altear, who was busy planting the tree. He looked surprised when he noticed me.

"Nadia? You're not asleep yet?"

He seemed to have expected me to be asleep.

'After feeding me that kind of food at lunch, how can you expect me to sleep peacefully?'

Instead of shouting, I alternated my gaze between Altear's messy appearance and the neatly planted tree. Sensing my silent protest, Altear ran his hand through his hair.

"I just felt unusually energetic today and wanted to do something. It helped me finish my work early. I didn't push myself too hard..."

"Why did you use your free time for this?"

"I thought it was right to fix the tree you had chosen so carefully."

Altear looked surprised by my reaction.

"I thought you'd be happy if I fixed the tree."

"I'm more upset that you're taking on extra work. You're already so busy..."

I sighed and pulled on Altear's arm.

"If you finished your work early, you should have come back to the bedroom to rest!"

He followed me willingly, and the distance between us closed quickly. Suddenly, he looked startled and pushed me back slightly, frowning.

"Are you okay?"

Altear gently lifted me up and brushed the dirt off my bottom. He examined me to make sure I wasn't hurt, then his expression hardened as he looked at my chest. I bent my head and saw that the belt I had tied tightly had come loose, and my pajamas were wide open, revealing my body.

"Um, I came out of bed to look for you..."

I fumbled to fix my coat, but in my haste, the belt wouldn't tie properly. I even dropped it on the floor. Altear, watching me, ran his hands over his face and stepped closer, grabbing my wrists as I tried to pick up the belt.

"That's cheating."

"What is?"

"Who can resist seeing this? Damn it, no one can."

He leaned in and kissed me without warning. The sudden, deep contact made me widen my eyes in surprise. After a rough kiss, Altear pulled back, his lips still touching mine.

"I told you, I felt unusually energetic today. If you were trying to provoke me... you should be prepared, my lady."