Hyacinth revealed her feelings without reservation.

“I see.”

The man didn’t even offer empty words, but because of that—or perhaps because of that—she liked it even more. She admired even this cruel aspect of Ethan Erentis.

“The garden here is very spacious.”

“It must seem desolate compared to Tyche.”

“I like its majestic atmosphere.”

“You have unique tastes.”

“That’s why I chose you.”

Ethan let out a dry laugh as if he had been caught off guard. Then he slowly extended his hand toward her. Hyacinth nudged the pebble aside and approached her husband with light steps.

“Are you cold?”

“It’s chillier than yesterday.”

“Bremlin’s cold is unpredictable. The temperature can drop dramatically at any moment. You must be careful not to catch a cold.”

“I’ll bring a shawl tomorrow.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Ethan took her hand and started walking like he was guiding her. She expected him to head straight into the castle, but he led her deeper into the garden instead.

Hyacinth fixed her gaze on her husband’s back rather than the monochrome scenery. The back that once pierced her heart like a dagger now seemed reliable, at least today.

I want to embrace him. Hyacinth was startled by her own desire.

No. I shouldn’t do this. She scolded herself, praying that her undoubtedly flushed cheeks would cool down quickly. Thankfully, the evening breeze was sufficiently chilly.

Ethan slowly came to a stop. Only then did Hyacinth take her eyes off his back and peek around.

“It’s a gazebo.”

“Yes.”

It wasn’t surprising that there was a gazebo in the garden, but its size was indeed surprising. Before she could ask if she could go in, Ethan opened the door for her.

Hyacinth firmly grasped the hem of her bliaut and stepped inside.

“…It’s warm?”

Although the walls seemed to be made of nothing but thick glass, it was noticeably warmer inside than outside. She felt her muscles, tense from the cold, gradually relaxing.

“It’s because of the steam.”

“Ah? That’s smart!”

“But if you stay too long, your fingertips will get wrinkled.”

Like the side effect of staying in a bath for too long. Hyacinth raised her hand and tapped the glass wall.

The steam temporarily cleared where her hand touched, then fogged up again as soon as she pulled her hand away.

The garden outside was visible but blurry. The scenery was shrouded in mist. It felt as if only she and Ethan Erentis were left in the world.

Thud, something fell to the floor.

Hyacinth quickly turned around to see her husband sitting comfortably on the floor. How could he sit on the floor like that?

“…You can stand if you want.”

Ethan chuckled as if he had read her mind.

Seeing him so comfortably seated, Hyacinth, after a brief hesitation, gave up her stubbornness. She carefully took off her shoes and sat on the floor. Hugging her knees, she assumed the same position she had while waiting for her husband on their first night.

“Ethan.”

“Yes.”

Hyacinth fidgeted with her hands under her skirt. It was a habit her husband had already noticed, but she stubbornly kept it hidden. It wasn’t something a modest lady should do.

After finally stopping her fingers, Hyacinth mentally listed several questions. There were many things she wanted to ask her enigmatic husband.

For instance, why he had been playing hide and seek all this time but suddenly decided to show up now, or if he had reviewed the budget proposal she had worked hard on.

But as soon as she glanced at his face, Hyacinth lost all her resolve. She could only stare at him as if she was admiring a painting.

The water droplets on the gazebo’s glass cast a mysterious shadow. The surroundings were submerged in water. The man in the rippling shadows was a fantasy in itself.

“Ethan.”

Hyacinth whispered softly. She wondered if her delicate voice had reached his ears, but Ethan answered.

“Yes.”

“Well…”

“What is it?”

His silver hair looked dreamy. It was a beautiful color that made her want to reach out and touch it. Because he was so mesmerizing, words she wouldn’t normally dare to say slipped out.

“Aren’t we going to share a bed again?”

His gaze deepened.

His eyes reminded her of an endless abyss. Hyacinth felt a chill and snapped out of her trance. She felt as if she had been thrown back into reality. The exposed desire made her feel unbearably ashamed.

She quickly turned her head and bit her lip.

She needed to say something more to cover the situation. But it felt like her soul was burning, and no words came out. She gripped the hem of her bliaut tightly. Blood rushed to her lips from biting them so hard.

A sharp, stinging sensation.

Just as Hyacinth was calming her heart and choosing her words, Ethan spoke.

“I’ll come tonight.”

“…What?”

“Should I not come?”

“No!”

She shook her head so vigorously that he let out a dry laugh. Hyacinth anxiously watched her husband’s reaction.

Was he forcing a smile? Had he lost affection for her but was hiding it? She scrutinized him with such worries, but fortunately, he was smiling with his eyes as well.

The gentle curve of his eyes was dazzlingly beautiful.

It felt like watching snowflakes flutter alone in the stillness of dawn. Ethan Erentis was Hyacinth’s most enchanting winter.

She would live in this beautiful season from now on.

Having already revealed her desire, Hyacinth decided to be even more honest. Perhaps the courage came from her initial success.

“Can you kiss me?”

Ethan raised one eyebrow without saying a word.

His eyes and mouth remained unchanged. He smiled gently but gave no answer.

Simultaneously, they did not move.

In this fleeting moment of freezing beauty, Hyacinth asked again.

“May I kiss you?”

Ethan looked at her for a long, long time again.

Snow fell in his eyes. One flake, two flakes, a blizzard that seemed to color the whole world with its hue.

At some point, the man slowly closed his eyes.

Although it was an action that blocked her from his sight, Hyacinth instinctively understood the true meaning. So she cautiously approached on her knees.

Up close, her husband’s cheeks were white and clean. She carefully observed his thick eyelashes, elegant nose, and red, neat lips. Even though she took quite a bit of time, Ethan continued to keep his eyes closed.

She wanted to touch him. Her fingertips twitched uncontrollably. Afraid of ruining this opportunity, Hyacinth restrained herself once more. As she gripped the hem of her bliaut more tightly, she felt the fabric crumple beneath her fingers.

Quietly, very cautiously, she tilted her head and kissed him.

She prayed earnestly that one day she would be able to meet his eyes, that she could kiss him without asking, and that he would one day kiss her of his own accord.

Throughout the kiss, Hyacinth kept her eyes open, looking at her husband. Hoping that perhaps their gazes might intertwine.

Ethan Erentis did not open his eyes until the very end.

It was truly beautiful.

* * *

Ethan came to her at night as promised.

Just like their first night together, he lay silently beside Hyacinth.

And left at dawn.

* * *

The next morning, Hyacinth reached out to touch the space beside her.

No warmth. The cold bed sheet seemed to reflect his feelings.

Don’t give up.

Hyacinth swallowed hard, comforting herself. Otherwise, questions would burst out from deep within her. It felt like the seeds of questions were sprouting from her heart.

She wanted to speak.

She wanted to let it out.

If only she could hold onto her husband and question him. She really wanted to, but it wasn’t a choice she could make, desperate as she was to receive even a shred of his attention.

Hyacinth closed her eyes tightly and formed sentences in her mind.

She wondered if what they were doing was truly a consummation. Why did it feel so wrong, and had he deceived her? She took a deep breath. It was still unbearably frustrating. Her heart felt so heavy that she wanted to pound on her chest.

I… Ethan, I…

A couple of knocks on the door. Hyacinth slowly opened her eyes and straightened her back.

“Duchess.”

It was the voice of the head maid calling her.

It was a moment when she had to be perfect on the outside, no matter how she felt inside. Hyacinth cleared her throat and commanded them to enter.

The head maid, along with other maids, and finally her nanny Seina, entered one by one. As they passed by, Hyacinth and Seina’s eyes met.

I want to talk. Hyacinth whispered silently, and Seina, who had embraced her precious baby all her life, understood immediately.

Their already precarious daily life, barely visible cracks, were becoming more severe.

It was shaking.

* * *