‘Clearly, it started out as a gathering meant only for ladies.’

When exchanging letters about where to meet and what to do, I hadn’t expected Yezar would end up coming along too.

“Madam, what are you thinking about?”

“Oh. I was just worried I might be taking up Yezar’s time.”

“That couldn’t be. Since Waiden Count will be at the villa outside the capital owned by the Waiden family, Yezar will have a proper chance to talk with him about swordsmanship. I’ve heard the Waiden territory is an ideal place for knights to train. I wanted to meet and have a proper conversation.”

Yes. It all began with the Marchioness Stemun’s suggestion. When she proposed using the Waiden family’s villa on the outskirts of the capital as the venue, both the Marchioness Stemun and the Countess Pireoa agreed enthusiastically. They did ask for my opinion, but since they had already agreed, there was no reason for me to object.

At first, it was suggested casually as a spring outing together, but since the location belonged to the Waiden family, the mood naturally shifted toward a couples’ gathering.

The Marchioness Stemun kindly told me I could reply slowly, as if considering my late arrival. It seemed she was being thoughtful, knowing Yezar had many busy affairs and might find it difficult to spare time.

I also wanted to grow closer with the other ladies and was genuinely looking forward to meeting them. But I was still worrying about Yezar’s tight schedule. At that very moment, Ember appeared before me.

‘Madam, is something troubling you?’

She had only asked that much. And yet, that simple question led to the current situation. As smoothly as water flowing, it was decided Yezar would attend, and without my knowledge, a letter of acceptance had already been sent to the ladies.

I was startled and about to send another letter to retract, when Lopi came to me, her voice trembling.

‘Madam. I thought my wounds had healed… but maybe they haven’t fully recovered yet.’

‘Goodness. Lopi, are you alright?’

‘If a kind lady like you would spare even a few minutes for a lowly servant like me, I would be truly happy. It would feel as though all my pain had vanished.’

Distracted as if possessed by a spirit, I completely forgot to send the letter again. By the time I came to my senses, everything was already settled.

I stole a quick glance at Yezar sitting across from me. I could see his profile gazing out the window. His sharp nose, the long, calm lashes lowered gently, even his slightly parted lips looked like a portrait.

I stared blankly for a moment, and then he turned his head, sensing my gaze. The straight line of his lips curved upward into a gentle arc.

“Did you have something to say to me, Madam?”

“Oh! Well…”

I couldn’t bring myself to admit I’d been secretly watching his face, so I made up another reason.

“I realized I hadn’t properly thanked you for coming with me. When they mentioned a couples’ gathering, I thought I’d be going alone, which would’ve felt lonely. I’m really grateful you made the time.”

“No matter how busy I am, there will always be time for you, Madam. Between husband and wife, this isn’t something that requires thanks—it’s simply natural.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. It is.”

Because I was used to being put last due to his constant busy schedule, his attitude of prioritizing me made my heart flutter.

‘He probably doesn’t realize how difficult it is for some people to spare time like this.’

“Still, I want to say thank you. I’m truly happy. It’s still not quite familiar to me, someone making time just for me.”

I said more than I should have. Why couldn’t I control myself in front of him? As I inwardly sighed, the man sitting across from me moved to sit beside me.

“Y-yes, Yezar?”

“I’ll help you get used to it. To me, Julietta is more precious than anyone else.”

“Yes. As long as I remain the Duchess, Yezar will always be more precious to me than anyone else.”

That was our promise—to treat each other like a real married couple.

“Th-then…”

“Yes?”

Did he have something else to say? As I stared at him, he shook his head slightly.

“No, Madam. I’m truly grateful you think of me this way.”

“Yes, Yezar.”

“…I will try even harder.”

He already does so much. Now he says he’ll try harder. He really is such a wonderful man.

***

While chatting quietly with him in the carriage, we entered the outskirts of the capital.

“Now that I think about it, the Waiden Count’s estate seems quite far from the capital. The villa is also located away from the city. Is there a reason for that?”

“The Waiden Count prefers to stay distant from political circles.”

“Is that so? I didn’t know that.”

“The Waiden family has long focused solely on mastering martial arts. They’ve never favored entanglement in complicated politics.”

True. If one doesn’t desire high status and simply wishes to pursue martial arts purely, they wouldn’t want to get involved in complex politics. Getting involved at the wrong time and causing the family’s downfall isn’t exactly rare.

“Under normal circumstances, the current His Majesty the Emperor would have avoided meeting me. Rumors of my close ties with Duke Ferhaem would disrupt their quiet life.”

I hadn’t considered this issue. Could it be that I’d thoughtlessly brought Yezar along?

“Could it be… I should’ve declined the Waiden Countess’s invitation? I’m an unwelcome guest, dragged here only because of the Marchioness Stemun…”

“How could that be? If they had any reservations, they would’ve chosen a different, quieter location. And they wouldn’t have mentioned it as a couples’ gathering either.”

I had been happy to meet someone who treated me not as a lady to be formally hosted, but as an easygoing companion. But now I momentarily panicked, wondering if I’d been inconsiderate.

“Right? Exactly!”

I grabbed his hand and shook it firmly. Seeing my renewed energy, Yezar smiled.

“Yes, Madam.”

Truly, what a relief. Even if there had been other intentions at first, now I genuinely wanted to spend a pleasant time with them.

“We seem to have arrived. Shall we get off now, Madam?”

“Yes, Yezar.”

He stepped out of the carriage first and extended his hand to me. I took his hand and calmly stepped down.

A waiting servant guided us inside.

Opening the parlor door, we found the ladies already seated. Beside each lady, their husbands—seemingly—were affectionately attending to them.

At the sound of our entrance, all eyes sparkled and turned toward us.

More precisely, they were fixed on me, linked arm-in-arm with Yezar.

“At last, the final guests have arrived. I felt it last time too—Duke Ferhaem and the Duchess are truly adorable.”

The Marchioness Stemun said this with a smile, whispering something to her husband. The ladies beside her nudged their husbands’ sides and asked.

“Weren’t we like that once, dear?”

“Hmph. Others are present. Save that for home, Berry.”

“Lord Waiden, this villa is like our second home. Don’t you have anything to say?”

“I have a name—Eric. Why call me so stiffly, Catherine?”

Seeing such tender couples, I didn’t know what to do and just tightly gripped Yezar’s sleeve. Then the Marchioness Stemun called out to us.

“Why are you so tense? Come, sit down. It must’ve taken a while from the capital. Catherine was worried something might’ve happened to Julietta on the way here with the Duke.”

At this, the Waiden Countess smiled softly, clearly relieved we’d arrived safely.

“Nothing happened. Thank you for your concern. But you called me Julietta…”

As I sat down and asked the Marchioness, she flustered and quickly apologized.

“I’m sorry. I was so delighted to see Duchess Ferhaem that I didn’t realize I’d said it…”

Then the Waiden Countess and the Countess Pireoa, standing nearby, said casually.

“That’s just how Sina is. When she likes someone, she rushes right in.”

“Exactly. Sina must’ve wanted to call the Duchess Ferhaem more familiarly. Though it is rude to do so without permission.”

Sina seemed to be the Marchioness Stemun’s nickname. As she apologized, I tried to say it was alright.

“Stop it, Catherine, Berry. It slipped out without me realizing. I’m sorry. It must’ve felt uncomfortable. I won’t do it again from now on.”

After the Marchioness said this, I missed the chance to say it was fine. Truthfully, I was happy to be called Julietta. After all, the ladies were calling each other by affectionate nicknames.

As I hesitated, wondering how to respond, Yezar took my hand.

‘Huh? Why did he suddenly take my hand…?’

He slightly moved his lips. It’s okay. Everyone likes you. That’s what he was saying.

‘Ah, he noticed my hesitation. Right—I’m not here alone.’

“It’s alright. It wasn’t rude at all. If you call me Julietta, just like how you call each other by nicknames, I’d be happy.”

The ladies’ eyes widened simultaneously.

“Really? Then please call me Sina too, Julietta.”

“Goodness. Me too. Call me Catherine.”

“And me Berry—call me casually.”

Seeing them all rush to speak first made me laugh.

“Yes. I look forward to getting along well. Sina, Catherine, Berry.”

As I said this, they all giggled happily. I glanced sideways at Yezar and, mimicking his earlier gesture, silently mouthed ‘thank you.’ He responded with a warm smile. He’s always such a dependable person.