TRANSLATOR: HARU HONEYSHIKIPROOFREADER: ROYALSQUALITY CHECKER: HARU HONEYSHIKI
The reality finally sunk in after Zahid declared me as the Duchess of Carnor; I'm a real Duchess now. I followed his lead in a trance-like state as he led me somewhere and brought up my inner worries without me having to voice them.
“You must be curious about your siblings, aren't you?”
He stopped in front of a small annex, wherein the twins could be seen sleeping in a bedroom. Both appeared to have been given a thorough bath and dressed in clean clothes. The slightly wounded Ethan wore a bandage wrapped around his forehead. They slumbered peacefully in the comfortable bed, tucked beneath a white blanket. My worries and agitation dissipated as immense relief washed over me and I finally could breathe.
The aged butler, Dimon, who I hadn't met earlier on the steps of the mansion, stood beside my siblings. He sketched a brief bow at me and Zahid. Having been frantic over the twins, I ended up receiving his greetings late. Dimon summed up the results of the doctor's examination. Although there wasn't any significant internal damage to their bodies, they needed to recuperate for the time being and consume soft food.
“I'm so glad…”
I had been so fretful they might have unknowingly suffered serious injuries, but calmed down after hearing the diagnosis and inhaled deeply to steady myself. Zahid, who was observing me, remarked,
“Your love for your siblings is extraordinary.”
I looked at him and began to speak,
“Thanks to Sir Zahid…”
“Zahid.”
He cut me off with a gentle smile.
“I told you to stop referring to me like that, Ertha.”
I felt goosebumps skitter across my spine. My muscles and joints felt like they would creak unnaturally if I so much as blinked. Zahid raised his eyebrows. I shot him a questioning look, but he seemed to be questioning my behaviour instead. He was faithfully fulfilling my condition to treat me like his beloved woman in front of others. It almost escaped me that he is the protagonist; he acted his part too well.
I stammered a reply,
“That's-that… I'm-I'm sorry, Zahid, I'm not used to it yet…”
His fingers tweaked the tip of nose, a shadow of a touch.
“Wash up and get dressed then come over to my office.”
We still have a lot to discuss, don't we, Ertha? I heard the underlying meaning in his words as his captivating whisper passed through my ears. I gave a poor excuse of a nod.
“Dimon, I'd like you to guide her.”
“Yes, sir.”
Dimon beamed at me. I stood still, and only after Zahid completely disappeared from view did I relax my stance. Dimon brought me into the annex.
“This annex is yours. You'll be staying here with the young Master and Lady.”
It took me a second to realise that the Master and Lady he meant were Ethan and Charles. Dimon showed me the dressing room first. When I opened the closet, it revealed pretty dresses hanging from one end to the other. It wasn't a good idea to prepare such fineries for the new lady of the house in a hurry, and furthermore, they were too much; most of it were too rich for my tastes. It was likely that twins' wardrobe was decked out similarly.
After choosing a decent-looking piece, I was led to the bathroom. The maids refused to let me sponge down in the bathtub on my own. Following the bath, I dried my hair in the bedroom and donned my clean new clothes with the maids' assistance. All of them seemed hesitant, unsure of what to make of me and moved only as I directed them. I figured I have a long way to go before I can grasp the helm of a true Duchess. After maids' ministrations, I headed to the office escorted by a man who had been sent for me.
Unlike the modest annex I was housed in, the main building was gorgeous. When I entered, Dimon withdrew from the room. His back to the large window as he sat behind the wide table, Zahid lifted his head slowly. The curtains were aflutter due to the lazy breeze. He signed the piece of paper he was perusing with a flourish of his quill pen and smiled at me.
“That looks better.”
“I'm pleased that you like it.”
“I do, very much. Let's talk a bit about our deal.”
He picked up a sheaf of papers from the corner of the table.
“I looked into it and the details here have caught my interest, Ertha.”
It must have been very interesting. No matter how much you probe, at the end of the day, the fact remains that I have nothing to my name and am only a simple girl who grew up in the slums. It sounds unbelievable that I scouted out the location of the information guild on my own and even came across the secret that the chief of the guild is none other than a Duke. This secret was highly confidential.
“How did you come to be aware of my identity?”
“That's a secret. I have to hold my cards close to my chest.”
He shot me a distrusting look, disapproval written in his eyes. I accepted his eyeful nonchalantly.
“Would you believe me if I admit that I'm a clairvoyant?”
But the protagonist didn't even consider my words to be a grain of salt's worth.
“I'm very much aware you don't have a history of mental illness.”
“…”
I shut my mouth silently. Zahid laughed at my action, as if I was amusing.
“If you're a true clairvoyant, wouldn't you have a proper establishment somewhere instead of living in a rundown shack?”
True. However, the reason I didn't actually take on a job of that nature wasn't because I didn't fully know the novel's contents but rather, I wanted to avoid crossing paths with this man in front of me. Zahid continued to smile and acquiesced,
“It's fine if you don't wish to confide in me. Let's try our utmost here.”
Yet, no matter how hard he tries, I'll not reveal it. Zahid put down the first document he'd picked up and moved on to the next one. This was the marriage contract I signed, and it seemed to tremble ever so slightly in his hold.
“There's another reason why I agreed to take you in as my Duchess… apart from the ultimate one.”
An essential purifier for him to use magic. That's the basis of our contractual relationship.
“It's to put an end to the pressure of marriage talks coming from the imperial family.”
At his words, something came to my mind. Amongst the multitude of other females who had come onto him with licentious motives, there had been only one woman, a princess, who approached him to simply talk.
“And that's how you became the Duchess of Carnor, therefore I'd like to initiate you into a formal education… although it may be tough on you, however, I want you to do as per my wishes.”
It would've been stupid on my part to not comprehend that this was an order, not a request. As I had come in prepared, I answered confidently,
“You don't have to worry about that.”
“Good. We'll also be working hand in hand for your younger siblings' education and sponsorship, the details of which you shall hear from Dimon.”
“Yes, Sir. Zahid.”
“Is there anything else that you require?”
My eyes widened in response to his query. He smiled and let out a chuckle at my reaction.
“Tell me. I'll listen to everything.”
He propped his chin on his interlocked fingers, smiling,
“This is just a fraction of our agreements so that you stay close by my side, Ertha.”
I'm going to be very close to him for the next five years anyway, and I've been planning to be a great duchess. If I intend to be one, I shall need to start my way up from the bare essentials first. I asked boldly,
“Si-Zahid. Please buy me some new clothes.”
***
Zahid had burst into laughter at my words. However, I was delighted at the chance to go shopping soon. Busy Duke that he is, he still escorted me himself without his employees in tow. Our destination was the boutiques on the capital's main street. Although I've been to the main street a handful of times to run errands, I never bought anything. Now that the purpose of my visit is different, I began to see everything in a new light, not without a little bit of excitement. Noticing my buoyant spirits, Zahid grinned.
“I don't know much about women's fashion but I do know which boutiques are famous.”
The carriage stopped in front of the biggest and most colourful fashion emporium on the street. The footman lowered the small carriage stairs before opening the door. As the door swung open, Zahid's persona changed into that of an attentive fiance. He alighted first, and offered his hand to me. As I clasped it and stepped down, his leanly muscled forearm circled my waist, drawing me flush against him. Facing me with that handsome face of his, he said in a voice soft with affection,
“Ertha, sweetheart, buy whatever your heart desires.”
Hearing his saccharine sweet tone, the footman who was arranging the carriage stairs, stiffened, as if hewn from rock, and his eyes darted elsewhere. It wasn't only him that displayed such behaviour; I blinked once then froze, as if facing off Medusa. I'd rather Zahid be churlish and sarcastic. Whenever he attacks me unawares like this, my heart takes a blow. His face is really bad for my well-being. I would believe it if someone claimed that many perished from heart attacks due to his looks. I forced my trembling lips to arch into a smile,
“I will, Zahid.”
He looked amused, no doubt finding delight in my predicament before leading me to the large boutique. The employees lined up at the front doors executed a polite bow, whilst trying to sneak a peek at me from the corner of their eyes. They were trying to be secretive, but it seemed that they couldn't contain their curiosity any longer.
It wasn't long after I signed the marriage contract that the rumours spread throughout the capital. After all, the subject was none other than the Duke of Carnor who's the stuff of dreams for countless women, being the sole unattached nobleman of his age and status. The single ladies of the empire all struggled in vain to attract his eyes. It was to the extent even married ladies and courtesans blatantly tried to seduce him. Despite that, he never faltered when those cheap women flung themselves into the bedroom fully naked. His stoic resistance gave rise to rumours that he was impotent.
The ambitious Zahid's interests only focused on fame, power and enormous wealth. Perhaps everyone who's heard through the grapevine that the Duke of Carnor picked up a slum girl out of nowhere to pay her debts then wed her, are going crazy. It would've sparked another flurry of gossiping if we act tactlessly here. I acted naturally instead of being hoity toity or shy. While he sat on the settee and was served simple refreshments, the dressmaker clung to my side. I returned the ladies' fashion catalogue to her and waved my hand at her to cease speaking then gave out orders.
“First of all, I'd like you to bring out all the ready-made children's clothes that you carry.”
She was taken aback by the deft command, but quickly formed a smile, clueing me in instantly as to what she thought of me. Before my family fell into ruin, I had received a formal education as a child; of course I knew the basics well. Zahid who had been paying close attention to me and the dressmaker, suddenly smiled thinly, the glimmer in his eyes cooling into a cold glint.
“She's my wife and I would appreciate if you serve her to the best of your capabilities.”
His succinct sharp words hit the mark and the flustered designer hurried to apologize. Zahid turned to me with a beam,
“Clothes for your siblings?”
“Yes, I'd like to order their clothes first.”
I asked the other assistant to note down their measurements. They were still growing, so I thought to order their clothes a tad bigger as to save money since it would take longer for the twins to grow out of them. Then I realized this husband of mine here will urge us to buy new ones anyway when the clothes start to shrink, so I decided to order them in the correct size.
When was our contract was set into motion, I was worried about the twins the most. To put it bluntly, they would be too out of place in polite society. I couldn't picture them as aristocrats. Charles' fiery temperament is to be expected of a fire wizard; it was absolutely impossible for her to laugh demurely just as the average aristocrat does. It would be fortunate enough for them if she didn't beat someone up.
Meanwhile, Ethan possessed a gentle demeanour becoming of a wizard of the wind but he had suffered from a long bout of Aphasia after witnessing his parents' suicide which caused severe speech impediments. Fortunately, we can chat with him now even if he stutters sometimes. This flaw of his will be a great disgrace in the beau monde, where one is expected to speak eloquently and articulate well.
My siblings will stick out like a sore thumb in their midst. And that's why I desired for them to look gorgeous. The beau monde will not be able to treat us badly with our fine appearances and status as the Duke of Carnor's household. Impassioned, I eagerly began to choose clothes that would suit the twins best. Zahid, on the other hand, seemed to be displeased with something. His eyes narrowed.
“Your clothes.”
“I want to buy my siblings' clothes first…”
“Then shall I choose yours?”
“… What?”
I almost asked why, but changed it at the last minute.
“I heard you don't know much about women's fashion.”
“True, I don't.”
He admitted while skimming through the ladies' catalogue leisurely.
“Instead, I'm going to try with the power of love.”
There was a loud, quick burst of exclamation amongst the staff. It was a line that would have earned a slap if someone else had said it but that possibility was nonexistent with Zahid being the speaker.
“Do you hate it, Ertha?”
He asked again, tilting his head to the side slightly. He looked handsome and picturesque… even a little cute. Is there anyone who can say no to that face? Probably not. Even if there were, I wasn't one of them at least.
“That's good.”
I decided to leave the matter of my clothes in his hands. It was a great decision. Thanks to his good taste, Zahid picked out clothes that flattered me. He even offered unexpected colour combinations that complimented my dull colouring; pale hair and dusky, indistinct coloured eyes. Even the designer herself was surprised to find out how well they suited me.
He brought everything he could in the emporium that suited me head to toe. In between his endless orders, I managed to order the twins' clothes, and when I emerged from the boutique, I'd been adorned with all kinds of glittering ornaments, not unlike a peacock fanning out its tail in full glory. I looked as if I could scintillate on my own even if I stayed still. It's been ages since I've been dressed like this…
I fixed my wide-brimmed bonnet awkwardly and glanced at Zahid. The designer who was out in front of the emporium with the staff to see us off, swung her arms in goodbye. The bonnet's ribbons had loosened as soon as I touched it. At that time, the designer had tied it meticulously.
“Ertha.”
Zahid called for my attention, before tending to the loose ribbon. His long fingers slowly unknotted it before tying it securely again. The silk tickled whenever it brushed against my skin and I pulled back slightly. Zahid's brows lifted a fraction.
“Stand still.”
I complied readily. I thought I had issued a pretty good command in the boutique before but it was nothing compared to his. He isn't the one who could have someone step on his head in the first place. Zahid smiled in satisfaction as he finished tying the ribbon beneath my chin.
“The next stop is just around the corner, so let's walk a little bit.”
Then he slid his arm around me in one fluid motion. With the cacophony of the emporium's staff behind us, I walked alongside him feeling like a prisoner. Yet, I felt good. Up until yesterday, I had been distraught and losing sleep thinking how to survive day to day and what we should line our stomachs with, but I shouldn't dwell on those negative thoughts when I'm currently shopping in this bustling district.
It was then, while trying to contain my excitement, that a familiar shop caught my eye; a confectionery which sold an assortment of confections and tidbits including candied fruits. My footsteps came to a halt unwittingly. I'm quite fond of sweets, however it's ridiculous to buy sweets when you couldn't even procure a slice of bread. Sometimes, whenever I stop by this district, I would walk past the confectionary and think, ‘I wish I could have a candy'.Cookies in transparent glass jars were in abundance, far from my reach. I always wondered if I could ever try one before I died…
"Do you want me to buy it for you?"
Zahid's voice filtered through my thoughts. My gawking may have been too overt. Since it has already come to this, I said plainly,
“Buy it, please.”
A chuckle slipped from his mouth, his mirth reaching his eyes.
“Wait here.”
Zahid ordered the guards that had been shadowing us to stay with me before making a beeline for the confectionery. Just as I was thinking it would take a while to buy sweets, he returned. I blinked as he came into view, armed with a big bag of fruit-flavoured marble candies and a piece of paper which read: Confirmation of sale. Zahid smiled sweetly at the confounded me who has yet to grasp the situation fully.
“It's yours now.”
I requested cookies and he bought me the whole confectionery. I stared at him holding the bagful of candies and bill of sale, bewitched.
“What's wrong, Ertha?”
He slung his arm around me in show of affection, then drew closer and whispered into my ear.