She still spoke to me with a clear and composed expression.

“My actions might seem unpleasant, but I was simply saddened recently because Yezar has been distancing himself from both me and Camileo for no apparent reason. That’s why I tried to meet with you—to understand the cause.”

“After marriage, perhaps he felt the need to create some distance. You know how rumors tend to arise when men and women are too close.”

At this, Bertisha covered her mouth and laughed.

“Well, don’t rumors tend to spread even when it’s not about men and women?”

Did Bertisha know about the rumors that once circulated between Yezar and Camileo? But if she did, why wouldn’t she clarify them properly instead of letting them linger?

Even if Camileo didn’t mind, Yezar had continued to bear the false accusation of being a homosexual because of those rumors.

“Besides, in that case, there would be no reason to push Camileo away as well. He didn’t attend the wedding ceremony either. If he skips this banquet too, Camileo might feel hurt.”

Camileo—wasn’t that the name of the male lead in the original novel who had caused me to choose a reclusive life?

Of course, the original story had already ended, and I hadn’t become entangled in a negative fate with Bertisha, so it should be fine. Yet instinctively, my body resisted the idea.

“This is a peaceful approach. If he keeps avoiding us, it’ll become inconvenient even for official duties, and I could summon him to the palace by imperial decree. So please, Duchess, kindly speak to him. Help us clear up this misunderstanding so we can become close again. I’m asking you.”

Bertisha stepped closer, gently brushed back my loose strands of hair, and tilted her head slightly.

Her tone was friendly, but upon closer examination, this wasn’t a request—it was a command. Yezar wasn’t ready to face Bertisha yet. Even receiving letters from her was already difficult for him.

If he had to face her in person and suffer again, those who had seen Yezar struggle would undoubtedly suffer alongside him. I didn’t want that.

“Your Majesty the Empress hasn’t once asked how the Duke has been all this time. Usually, if you were close, wouldn’t that be the first thing you’d wonder about?”

At this, Bertisha’s pupils widened, and the hand she had been reaching toward me dropped. She kept asking me only about the relationship between Yezar and myself, then demanded—almost threatened—that I bring Yezar before her.

If she were truly a friend, wouldn’t she have asked me with concern whether anything had happened, why he was avoiding her? Not like this—issuing veiled threats.

“Well, Yezar and I have shared so much time together. I already know perfectly well what he’s been doing, better than the Duchess herself, so I didn’t need to ask.”

Bertisha smiled brightly as she said this. It was a beautiful smile, yet it felt as though poison was hidden beneath soft petals.

Her tone, so certain that she knew Yezar better than I did as his wife, felt like mockery. I didn’t back down and replied.

“No. Your Majesty the Empress doesn’t truly know. You don’t know what my husband is like when he’s by my side.”

“That can’t be. I know very well what Yezar is like—quietly caring for others from behind the scenes.”

That might be true from Bertisha’s perspective. From her viewpoint, he probably stood silently behind her, watching over her, taking care of her without a word.

But the Yezar I had come to know—outside of her gaze—was a vibrant, radiant person.

“The Duke shines brightest when he steps forward, not when he stays behind. He does have the bad habit of taking burdens upon himself alone, but when that happens, I go to him and he speaks honestly.”

He was honest about his feelings. His face flushed easily, and he was often shy. Though he sometimes tried to dig underground, he laughed freely, occasionally teased me, and had a mischievous side too.

“When walking beside me, he matches his pace to mine and always puts me first. When my heel broke once, he knelt down to check my foot, focusing entirely on me.”

Then, realizing it wouldn’t work, he tried to pick me up in his arms.

“If it’s not too much of a bother, may I carry you, my lady?”

“Yezar carrying me? But I must be heavy.”

At that, he laughed and lifted me up instantly.

“But you’re so light. For safety, please keep your arms around me, my lady.”

Even recalling it now, I thought he was overly protective. But the more time I spent with him, the more I found myself smiling.

“He’s always like that with those close to him. I’ve experienced it too.”

Yes. Surely Yezar had been kind to Bertisha as well. In the novel, Yezar was a devoted secondary male lead who lived for her.

“Yes, he probably was. That’s just who he is. But now, as his wife, I’m the only one he needs to care about. Yezar won’t need to give his attention to anyone else anymore.”

Her graceful figure trembled. Her calm expression, until now serene, wavered as if struck by a sudden wave.

Yes. Even if Yezar didn’t care for me in that way, I was determined to ensure he would no longer direct his heart toward Bertisha.

Enough suffering over a painful first love. Yezar’s time was too precious to waste on such a future.

“Your Majesty the Empress, so I have one request of you as well. Please stop sending letters to my husband. He feels uncomfortable.”

I spoke to her in a surprisingly calm and polite tone. I didn’t even know I could sound like this until today.

I had been happy to meet the female lead from a novel I once loved. But it seemed we wouldn’t become good friends as we had in the story.

“I didn’t realize it made Yezar uncomfortable. Thank you for telling me.”

“No, I’m sorry for having to deliver my husband’s message like this. I’ll make sure to persuade him well so we can attend official banquets together as a couple. Please don’t worry.”

I smiled brightly at her, just as she had done to me. Bertisha smiled back, but her eyes did not smile.

Returning to the tea gathering like this wouldn’t end well. Besides, everyone already knew my health wasn’t good. I could use that as an excuse to leave.

Since I had only attended out of politeness, I had no intention of staying longer.

As I followed behind her, I paused briefly and turned my body toward the carriage.

“Your Majesty the Empress, I think I should head back now. I’m not feeling well.”

She had been walking silently, but now turned around to look at me. Smiling that beautiful smile she had when I first saw her, she spoke.

“I see. Your complexion does look poor. Please go quickly. I’ll explain properly to Marchioness Yekert.”

“Thank you for your generous understanding, Your Majesty the Empress.”

I bowed to her and swiftly turned away. I had to leave this estate before Bertisha finished the tea gathering and possibly met Yezar.

“What time is it now? It’s much earlier than the time he mentioned—he probably hasn’t arrived yet.”

My heart was filled with anxiety, worsened by the thought that Yezar and Bertisha might meet here. Perhaps she interpreted my unease differently, because the maid guiding me asked.

“Are you alright? You don’t seem well. Did you force yourself to attend?”

Her voice was weak, her eyes dull, yet there was genuine concern in her gaze.

“I had to respond to the Marchioness’s invitation.”

I gave a vague excuse in reply. The maid bit her lip briefly before speaking.

“The mistress dislikes it when guests attend only to leave midway. She’ll definitely harass the Duchess. I’ve seen it happen.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

I was genuinely curious. The servants in this household all had deadened eyes and showed no interest in anyone.

“…I thought I could explain things well to you. Even though I’m just a maid, I’m good at making excuses. Sometimes I’ve helped other ladies before.”

“You’ve helped other ladies before?”

“Yes… The mistress is strict, but she doesn’t dislike those who treat her with respect and flattery.”

“Is there a particular reason you’re helping?”

Despite her lifeless eyes, the maid answered calmly.

“I simply find it hard to watch others’ faces grow dark. Even though I’m a lowly servant and they are noble ladies I must serve.”

This maid was saying she couldn’t bear to see others suffer. I fell silent for a moment, and she lowered her eyes, as if used to such reactions.

“I’m sorry. If you wish to punish me for overstepping my place, I will accept it willingly.”

“I was just surprised, that’s all. I won’t punish you. There’s no punishment for someone as kind as you, who worries about others. Hmm… Tell me, do you—do you have any interest in changing positions?”

The maid’s lifeless expression suddenly came alive.

“Excuse me?”

Only then did she seem like someone my own age, and I almost smiled. Even though this was a tense, anxious moment.

“I think someone who risks punishment just to care for others is exactly the kind of person the Duke’s household needs. If you’re willing, I’ll ask the steward to let me write a recommendation letter for you.”

“S-such an honor, how could I possibly—”

But she didn’t seem to dislike the offer—her face flushed with excitement.

“I’ll take that as a yes, then? Everyone else in this household saw my pale face and only thought of themselves. But you were different—I liked that. I’m sure everyone in the Duke’s household will come to love you.”

Bringing in trustworthy people—wasn’t that part of a Duchess’s duties too?

“T-thank you, Duchess! I will serve you with my life!”

“Yes. Before you go, I’d like to know your name. Will you tell me?”

“My name is Lopi, my lady!”

In an instant, “Duchess” had become “my lady.” For some reason, that made me want to smile, but I didn’t have time for that now.

“Yes, Lopi. Could you please guide me to where the carriage is now?”

Lopi nodded, her eyes brimming with tears, and pointed ahead. Ah, I’d been so distracted—I hadn’t realized we’d already arrived.

But there, standing at that spot, was an unexpected person. Upon seeing me, they seemed surprised and asked.

“Julietta? Why did you come out so early?”

“Yezar, why did you come to pick me up so early?”

“Well, the servants from the Duke’s household kept urging me to return quickly, and I also finished my preparations earlier than expected, so I arrived at this time.”

I could guess why the Duke’s servants had urged him. They probably anticipated that I, unaware of anything, would be torn apart by gossip there. Conveniently, everything worked out perfectly.

I quickly grabbed his hand.

“M-my lady! Why are you holding my hand so urgently—?!”

Today, I didn’t have time to enjoy watching him flustered.