What would it feel like to stand before Anette under Casian’s name?

The number of times Hertian had imagined this was too countless to even attempt to count.

‘Would Anette be disappointed? Or would she like it? Or would she feel something else entirely?’

Tens of thousands of scenarios unfolded in his mind alone.

Moreover, he had just shed the shell of Casian. Now he intended to approach Anette proudly as Hertian, as her husband.

But suddenly, Anette had met with Casian?

“Who met whom?”

Hertian was engulfed in the greatest confusion of his life.

The real Casian was right here, so who on earth could be claiming to be Casian?

“Hertian? Why are you suddenly like this?”

Anette asked curiously, watching Hertian burst out.

“I’m just too curious.”

He smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. His heart was pounding wildly. He wanted to find out who that bastard was right away and tear him limb from limb.

“I told you before our marriage that I had a pen pal, remember? I finally met that friend whose face and name I didn’t know.”

“So. Who turned out to be this person’s identity?”

He asked urgently, then dragged out the end of his words. It was to avoid arousing unnecessary suspicion from her. But he couldn’t suppress his legs trembling under the table.

“Hertian probably wouldn’t know him. He’s a nobleman, but not someone who’s very active.”

“Were there other people like that besides me?”

“There were. He seemed to have family issues, so he was reluctant to talk about his family with me too. That’s why he was hesitant to meet me, he said.”

He barely held back a bitter laugh.

The more he heard, the more ridiculous it became. This person was acting just like him, as if he had stolen and read all the letters.

“What a pitiful person. So who does this person claim to be?”

Hertian asked again, chewing the inside of his mouth. Anette thought for a moment, then told him who it was.

“It’s Michael Balosone.”

As she said, it was someone he didn’t know well.

In short, this person had appropriately chosen someone who could make similar excuses to his own.

‘What the hell is Serdis up to?’

He had long known that it was Serdis who had burned all the letters in front of him.

At the time, he thought it was simply provocation out of jealousy for his relationship with Anette, but after hearing her story, it was clear there was some other scheme at work. Using the fact that he couldn’t reveal himself as Casian.

“Hertian? Do you know him?”

As Hertian was lost in thought, Anette waved her hand in front of him.

“I don’t know him. A viscount, you say? Quite a high position.”

“I was surprised too. Plus, he said he’s the temporary aide to Prince Serdis. Apparently, he entered his service wanting to find out what happened, knowing I had fallen out with Prince Serdis. How thoughtful.”

“Bullshit!”

A harsh curse suddenly burst from Hertian’s mouth. Anette stepped back in shock, never having heard him swear before.

“Are, are you angry?”

“Yes. I’m angry.”

Of course he would be angry.

‘Does this so-called viscount have nothing better to do? Sucking up to someone like Serdis and pretending to care about Anette?’

The more he dwelled on it, the more vexing it became.

As he was fuming, Anette rummaged through her bundle and handed him a pill.

“Your arrhythmia is getting worse. Calm down.”

“Thank you.”

“But what is Hertian angry about?”

He pondered briefly. There were thousands of reasons to be angry, but this seemed the most appropriate to tell her.

“He didn’t serve you fish dishes, did he?”

“You’re angry because of fish?”

Anette continued to look at him quizzically.

“I despise such insensitive people the most. If it were me, I would serve my favorite dish to a friend I’m meeting for the first time.”

In the end, he made an excuse with whatever came to mind. Of course, the lack of sensitivity was displeasing too. If you’re going to imitate, do it properly. How dare he serve fish dishes to Anette?

‘I even changed my taste buds?’

Hertian had changed his eating habits after marriage. He had given up all the fish dishes he used to enjoy and started eating egg dishes and meat that she liked every day. In case Anette might be displeased by the smell.

“The more I think about it, the more vexing it is.”

He gritted his teeth and picked up his jacket.

“Where are you going?”

“This won’t do. I must treat you to a delicious meal today. To make you forget such an unpleasant memory.”

Hertian left the townhouse first, saying he would look for a good restaurant.

I chuckled as I watched the spot where he had left.

“Sometimes I think Hertian knows me better than Casian does.”

He has never done anything I dislike. Even before we were married. No, from the moment we first met, he has given me exactly what I wanted. Like a magician granting wishes.

Thanks to him, my mood, which had sunk after meeting Casian, instantly improved.

“Should I suggest we go for macarons for dessert? Or should we eat something else since we had them yesterday?”

I fell into happy contemplation as I tidied my mouth. Meanwhile, Butler Noh approached, having noticed I had finished my meal. He looked worriedly at the plate with food still remaining and asked.

“My lady. Was the food not to your liking?”

“It was excellent. But I only ate a little since we’re planning to go out for a delicious lunch.”

“I see. That’s a relief.”

Butler Noh let out a sigh of relief.

“The master said these were dishes you enjoy for breakfast, so I was worried they might not suit your taste.”

“The Duke did?”

Butler Noh nodded lightly at my question.

“As soon as he returned to the house yesterday, he gave instructions on everything from meals to furniture arrangement to ensure you would be comfortable.”

I found it strange, but quickly understood since he was a person with consideration ingrained in him.

“The Duke is quite meticulous, isn’t he? Please understand.”

At my words, the butler widened his eyes and then chuckled.

“It wasn’t difficult at all, but hearing that he’s meticulous is a first in all my years of serving the master.”

“Is that so? The Duke I’ve observed is a thorough person.”

“Perhaps it’s because it’s you, my lady, that the master is paying so much attention. One tends to want to look good in front of someone precious.”

Butler Noh spoke with a kind smile. On the other hand, I marveled again at Hertian’s thoroughness.

Not only his considerateness, but even making the butler who has served Hertian for a long time see him as a man in love.

I learn a thing or two from him again today.

But on the other hand, it felt bittersweet.

‘Even his date invitation today must be because of our contract marriage.’

The thought that all of this was due to our contract marriage. Thinking that without it, all this kindness and consideration would disappear made a corner of my heart feel empty.

When we eventually divorce, Hertian probably won’t have any reason to smile in front of me anymore.

When that time comes, he’ll treat me coldly to act out the part of a divorced couple. Because he’s a thorough person.

Negative thoughts continued to chain together.

“My lady. Shall I call a maid to help you prepare for going out?”

Butler Noh’s voice broke through my reverie. I hurriedly answered, looking at the butler who had cleared away all the dishes.

“Please do.”

He bowed politely, then briefly added before leaving.

“I hope you make unforgettable memories.”

It was a cliché remark. But that one sentence made my distracting thoughts disappear.

‘Still, let’s enjoy this moment.’

Life is uncertain – I don’t want to suffer because of needless thoughts.

My appointment with Hertian was at noon.

There was still some time left even after I finished getting ready.

I decided to sightsee the capital’s streets in the meantime.

“The weather is really pleasant.”

Clear skies. Cool breeze. Warm sunshine too.

Weather that’s hard to come by in the North made my mood flutter with excitement.

I walked aimlessly, letting my feet guide me, then stopped in front of a jewelry store. An unusual sign I’d never seen before caught my eye, and all the displayed accessories were pretty.

It seemed to be a new jewelry store that had opened while I was in the North.

“This would suit Violet well.”

Among them, seeing a soft purple gemstone immediately reminded me of her.

I had felt bad about not being able to pay much attention to her when Violet recently came to the North, due to the medicinal herb trade and Lilly. I promised to visit her when I came to the capital, so it would be nice to give her a gift too.

I had enough pocket money to afford a necklace like this.

I opened the jewelry store door without hesitation.

The interior was more spacious than it looked from outside. The jewels shimmered softly due to the bright chandelier light on the uniquely patterned wallpaper.

“Welcome!”

The jewelry store clerk greeted me brightly as he approached.

“I’m looking to give a gift. Can you wrap this for me?”

I immediately chose the necklace I had seen earlier.

“You have a good eye! But there are even more wonderful accessories inside, why don’t you take a look?”

As he said, there were quite a lot more accessories on display than in other jewelry stores.

Now that I looked closer, it wasn’t just a lot – it was more like they were piled up for sale.

“There are so many varieties? It’s not easy to acquire this many gems.”

With each step I took, there were various accessories of different colors and shapes. I gaped at them in awe. The clerk, looking pleased, volunteered an explanation.

“Our store’s accessories are on a different level from those simply made by processing gems. We call them ‘enchants’ rather than mere accessories because we imbue natural colors into magic stones to give them different powers.”

Enchants are items imbued with magic. I had only heard of them being used mainly for protective gear and weapons, but never seen them in person. And to think these gems were magic stones.

“This is getting really interesting.”

It felt like the fun of a world from novels was finally appearing.

“Then what ability does this purple enchant have?”

“Before I explain, I’d like to ask about the person you’re gifting it to. Is this person precious to you?”

“Yes. They’re someone precious.”

“Are you married, by any chance?”

“I am.”

I wiggled the ring on my fourth finger. The clerk’s eyes widened as if struck by inspiration, exclaiming “In that case!”

“I thought you had excellent taste from the start, and sure enough, you’ve chosen the perfect enchant.”

“So it has an ability good for gifting to someone precious. Is it a protective magic?”

“While protective abilities are good, they’re not greatly needed unless you’re going to war. This has an even more special ability.”

He took out the purple enchant and showed it to me. A ethereal light reminiscent of Violet spread out. I was already smiling, imagining how happy Violet would be wearing this.

“This contains purification magic. In moments full of despair, it makes you forget bad memories and expels toxins from your body, purifying you completely.”

It was an ordinary but necessary ability for Violet. After all, she’s an unfortunate person who always suffers in the original story. It will be quite a meaningful gift for her.

“I’ll take this one. And do you happen to have any enchants with location tracking abilities?”

“It’s a popular product among young lords and ladies lately, what with all the talk about public safety. Though the price is a bit high.”

“That’s fine. I’ll take it.”

This was a gift for Hertian. So that I could easily find him if something like this happened again.

“Certainly! Then I’ll show you the colors.”

The clerk grinned and dashed into the back of the store.