Chapter 10

Two days later, Lidel set off for the territory with Friedrich. As expected, they traveled in separate carriages.

She was indeed being avoided. However, a week later, when the long journey ended, she found it more comfortable this way. Although Friedrich was a benefactor of the Dromore family, spending long hours in the same carriage with his expressionless face and no conversation was nothing but painful.

However, the most impressive thing was that as soon as they entered the territory, the so-called main road turned into a series of rural paths, and the carriage jolted and swayed, causing Lidel to suffer from motion sickness. Moreover, there were no inns, and they had to camp outdoors for two nights. Despite it being summer, the mornings and evenings were bitterly cold.

The baron's territory was also far from the capital, but the neighboring territory was prosperous, so they never had to camp on the way to the capital. The vastness of the territory must mean that it was largely undeveloped, which made her feel uneasy. Of course, the soldiers from the Northsaller territory, who came with her as attendants and guards, were considerate, so she did not suffer too much inconvenience.

On the seventh day of their journey from the capital, they entered the capital of the Weller Duke's territory. His ancestors were said to have protected this land from the ancient barbarians.

The carriage proceeded toward the castle on the cobblestone road. The town was neither large nor desolate, but it lacked vitality.

After passing through the capital and driving up a small hill, the castle of the Weller Duke's family came into view. Its rugged stone structure resembled a fortress more than a castle, giving it a bleak and cold appearance. Behind it, a sinister tower, resembling a watchtower, pierced the pale blue sky.

After passing through the castle gates, they split into two directions. Friedrich headed toward the main castle, while Lidel's carriage went to the annex. This was in accordance with the contract, but she was unable to greet her husband while still in the carriage.

However, when Lidel stepped out in front of the annex, she was taken aback. Beyond the well-maintained garden stood a three-story, elegant mansion.

Stepping into the spacious entrance, the chandelier in the open space reflected and shimmered. The interior was lavishly decorated, and the floor was made of warm parquet.

The salon to which she was led had a plush carpet and dedicated servants for the annex. It seemed she was being welcomed...

She had forgotten about the shocking content of the marriage contract, but he had indeed promised to treat her with respect as his wife.

Even if she was the daughter of a baron, he seemed to be a man who kept his promises.

"Madam, would you like some tea after unpacking?"

Dorothy, Lidel's personal maid, whom she met for the first time today, asked with a bright smile.

In the baron's household, after her cousin went abroad, the maids treated her rudely, and she had to do everything from laundry to meal preparation herself. Here, everyone was kind and considerate, and they were very attentive.

The duke's demeanor was cold, and he did not appear during the long journey, which made her feel disheartened under the thin, cold northern sky. However, considering the excellent treatment, he might not have any ill intentions. He was probably just that kind of person.

With this, she might be able to manage. A sense of gratitude began to grow in Lidel, who had been drifting along until now.

◇

While enjoying the fragrant tea and the simple baked goods unique to the northern region, Dorothy spoke to her.

"Madam, you must be tired from the long journey. Would you like to take a bath?"

The journey, which included camping, had left her body dusty and exhausted, so the prospect of a bath was delightful. At her own home, she had only been able to rinse off, and it had been a long time since she had soaked in a bathtub.

"Of course, I would like to."

Before the bath, Dorothy brought her a fruit water, a very thoughtful gesture.

"Madam, the bath is ready. Please, this way."

"Bath? Not a bathtub?"

Confused by the unfamiliar term, she asked.

"Yes, the bath is a source of pride for the Weller family. Please, try it."

Dorothy led Lidel down from the first floor to the basement. After walking down a quiet stone corridor and opening the door at the end, steam billowed out, and beyond the marble floor, a spacious rectangular bath was visible. It could easily accommodate five or six people.

"What is this?"

She was amazed at the bath filled with steaming water.

"It's a hot spring. In ancient times, soldiers used it to heal their wounds, and it was also used for the recovery of nobles and ladies after illness or childbirth."

"How wonderful. I've never seen anything like it."

Her voice trembled with excitement.

"In the northern duchy, this is quite common. There are hot springs in the guest rooms on the first floor. Your room also has a small bath, but unfortunately, it's not a hot spring because it's on the second floor."

"Really? That's amazing. To have a hot spring in a room instead of a bathtub."

"If you prefer a room with a hot spring on the first floor, we can move you there."

"No, that's not necessary. I like the view from my room."

It was the truth. Lidel's room overlooked the garden, and it was undoubtedly the best room they had prepared for her.

"That's good. Now, Madam, please, let me help you with your clothes."

It felt good to be taken care of and to take a bath after so long. She was a bit embarrassed, but she had lived such a life until three years ago, so she quickly got used to it.

Lidel's treatment had clearly worsened after her cousin went abroad. Looking back, he had been the only conscience in that household.

She soaked in the bath, easing the fatigue from her journey. The anger and sadness that had clouded her mind seemed to dissolve in the water, purifying her. The rising steam was comforting. She wanted to stay longer, but she was told to get out to avoid overheating.

After the bath, cold water was prepared for her.

"Amazing, everything is so thoughtful."

Moreover, she didn't have to take care of her husband.

(This is... happiness. As long as I don't expect his love.)

She was a bit worried about her relatives who thought he was tyrannical, but with this, she might even have more than she expected...

◇

For her solitary dinner, she drank a clear red soup unique to the region. Adding sour cream would cloud the beautiful ruby color, but it added a pleasant tang and richness, making it incredibly delicious. Meat was also served. The taste was simple but as delicious as the food in the royal palace.

Meat must be a rare delicacy in the north. Lidel expressed her gratitude directly to the waiters and the chef.

After finishing her after-dinner tea, a young butler named Howard came from the main house. He was probably in his mid-twenties. Unlike the master of this place, he had a pleasant smile on his face.

"Madam, I will be in charge of your education. Would it be alright to start the lessons on estate management tomorrow? Or would you prefer to get more familiar with the territory first?"

His words were gentle, and his consideration made her happy.

"Let's start tomorrow, please."

There was no point in delaying what could be done immediately. She decided to start studying right away.

(Her husband has more than fulfilled his promises. Then, I...)