Chapter 52

"If I'm honest, I don't want to pay the dowry at all."

In a voice that chilled to the bone, Logan continued.

"Originally, the dowry is meant to cover the expenses for the bride's preparations, right? It's customary to provide funds for the bride's dress and personal items. However, looking at your belongings, it's obvious that they haven't been prepared to the extent that would warrant a dowry."

"That... is indeed true."

"Moreover..."

Amelia, who was smiling wryly, met Logan's eyes, which were now burning with anger.

"Considering the mental pain and suffering you've endured from your family, why should you have to pay money on top of that? I feel a growing resentment, thinking that it should be the other way around. The more I think about it, the angrier I get."

His fists trembling, Logan's voice gradually grew harsher.

In response, Amelia smiled gently and said,

"I'm very grateful that you're angry on my behalf... truly, I am. However, we should stick to the agreement, and I don't think it's good to create unnecessary conflicts..."

"I understand, I understand."

That's why he felt so frustrated.

Regardless of their positions, breaking a contract once agreed upon in noble society would be a matter of credibility. This was even more so for a family like the Duke's, which had deep ties to the kingdom's administration.

Logan didn't have the logical arguments to overturn the terms of such an important contract as a marriage.

Not yet, at least.

"Besides... I think it's better to cut ties with my family, so paying the dowry might be for the best."

"Indeed... that makes sense."

Amelia's words helped Logan gradually regain his composure.

"Besides, considering your true worth, the amount we're paying this time is trivial. Thinking about the great loss they'll realize later, the dowry amount is insignificant."

"That's... an overestimation..."

Despite her usual modesty, Logan was certain.

He imagined that the head of the Haggle family would be deeply regretful once he learned of Amelia's true abilities.

His frustration began to subside.

After taking a deep breath, Logan made his decision.

"...Alright, though reluctantly, I'll proceed with the payment as soon as possible."

"Yes, thank you very much."

Amelia bowed, as she had done countless times before.

As they talked, the carriage arrived at the Hernberg estate.

Looking up at the sky after getting out of the carriage, it seemed there was still plenty of time before sunset. The sun, as always, was shining brightly, illuminating the white mansion of the Hernberg family.

"I'll return to the room to handle the dowry payment and the remaining paperwork. What about you?"

"Can I take a walk in the garden? Since the weather is so nice, I'd like to go for a stroll."

"Of course. This is your home, so do as you please."

"Thank you."

"Be back by dinner time."

"I'm not a child, you know."

Amelia chuckled, and Logan's lips curved slightly in response.

"Alright, see you later."

"Yes, please work hard."

Logan turned and headed back to the mansion. After watching him go, Amelia clenched her fists in front of her chest.

Now, it was time for the long-awaited garden stroll... but first.

After confirming that no one was around,

"Hehehe..."

Amelia's face relaxed into a silly grin as she took the "Crown Blood" pendant from around her neck.

"A gift from Lord Logan..."

Just saying it made her grin uncontrollably. She was thrilled by the dress, but the pendant brought a different kind of joy.

And...

– It suits you very well. It matches your beautiful red hair perfectly.

"———"

So happy, so happy, so happy!

Amelia couldn't help but hop up and down on the spot.

Thanks to Logan, she felt a bit more confident about her curly red hair, which had always been a source of insecurity.

"Hmm..."

(I shouldn't, I shouldn't. I'm being too excited.)

She calmed her 'joy' with deep breaths, but the smile on her lips wouldn't fade.

Finally, she gripped the pendant tightly, treating it like a precious treasure, and held it to her chest.

...Finally, she calmed down.

(Come to think of it, he said the stone's meaning suited me...)

She had missed the chance to ask, but she was curious. She decided to ask during dinner.

After thoroughly enjoying the pendant, Amelia strolled through the garden for a while.

The garden, filled with countless flowers, was vast and beautiful, making it a wonderful experience.

The front garden of the mansion, which was even larger than the backyard, was wide and couldn't be fully explored in a day.

Thinking about exploring it over the next few days made Amelia's excitement grow.

The sky, clear of clouds, was gradually turning red at the edges.

After walking around all day, she felt a pleasant fatigue.

Considering it was time to return to the mansion and take a bath, she was about to head back to the main entrance when...

"I told you, I'm a messenger from the Haggle family!"

A familiar voice made Amelia's shoulders tremble. It was a reaction like a child who had been beaten by their parents many times, flinching at the sight of a raised hand.

Cautiously, she turned her gaze towards the source of the voice and saw a woman arguing with the gatekeeper.

"Even so, I haven't been informed of any such visitors today, so I cannot let you in..."

"I'm in a hurry! Please check quickly!"

"I've already sent another gatekeeper to confirm, so please wait a moment..."

The silhouette of the woman was familiar.

It was a silhouette she never wanted to see again.

Unfortunately, their eyes met.

"Oh, perfect timing!"

Amelia barely managed to suppress a gasp.

Her breathing became shallow.

Her body temperature dropped rapidly.

The sudden pounding in her chest was due to—fear.

"It's been a while, Amelia."

The woman—Melissa, the maid of the Haggle family—smiled with a sticky sweetness.

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