Chapter 12

The result of coveting the position of the Hamilton family head was truly disastrous.

As Astrid mulled over the past, she unconsciously fiddled with her bracelet. Perhaps annoyed by this, Kaiden gazed intently at her wrist.

“Baron Declan Mason, the master of the Mason Merchant Guild, will be here soon. Order anything you need from him.”

“Yes, thank you for your consideration.”

Clasping her hands together, Astrid turned her gaze back to the window. The snowfall grew heavier, and white snow began to pile up on the frozen road.

The snow that had swallowed her entire life fell relentlessly. She couldn’t tell if this was the beginning of a new disaster or if it would soon pass. All she could do was watch helplessly.

At last, the ducal residence appeared, and Astrid straightened her posture.

The drawing room of the ducal house matched the dignity of Raselles. Recently, nobles tended to overdecorate their interiors to flaunt their wealth, but the ducal house chose restraint.

The furniture was arranged appropriately for the space, with luxurious ornaments placed atop them. Even the table in the center of the drawing room had gold leaf only around the edges.

Looking at the ivory porcelain that was all the rage in the Selby Kingdom, Astrid could guess the lady of the house’s taste and the approximate cost.

My eyes have become those of a merchant before I knew it.

Astrid felt both proud and, in a way, embarrassed that she was no longer acting like a proper noble.

She let out a quiet sigh and lifted her teacup. She wanted to check the year of manufacture, but she held herself back.

If Brielle, a fallen noble, were to look around the drawing room with sparkling eyes right after being discharged, it might seem as if she was coveting the ducal family’s wealth.

Kaiden, sitting across from her, drank his tea in silence. When their eyes met, he watched her with such an intense gaze it felt as if it pierced right through her.

Their eyes met, and Astrid felt her heart constrict, so she quickly took a sip of tea. Kaiden remained calm, but she felt like she was the only one flustered, and her cheeks grew warm.

Just then, there was a knock outside. When Kaiden granted permission, the door opened and the Dowager Duchess entered, wearing a sky-blue dress.

The dignified Mary Raselles wore a pearl necklace that hung down to her chest, with her hair styled in soft waves.

“Miss Selinger, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Dowager Duchess, hello. I am Brielle Selinger. Thank you for your kindness.”

“Hm… Sit down.”

When Astrid greeted her politely, the Dowager Duchess looked her over with a sharp gaze.

As the scent of Darjeeling spread through the drawing room, the Dowager Duchess gently opened her mouth.

“Miss Selinger, you lost your child and have no ties to our family. Still, I cannot turn away from the weak, so I will support you until you can stand on your own.”

“Yes, I will recover my body and mind as quickly as possible.”

“During your stay, you will reside in the annex.”

“Mother.”

The Dowager Duchess, who had been smoothly curling her lips into a smile, turned her head at the sudden call.

Astrid, too, could not understand why Kaiden’s tone was so firm, even more so than the Dowager Duchess’s.

“Miss Selinger should stay in the main house. If you send a guest to the annex and treat her coldly, rumors may spread.”

“If a young woman stays in the main house, Princess Sophia may be displeased.”

“Since when did I, as the Duke of Raselles, care about the Princess’s feelings?”

His voice was low and calm, but it was enough to command authority. In truth, Astrid thought it would be fine to stay quietly in the annex, but Kaiden was resolute.

He was obviously more concerned about his reputation, especially with the royal marriage ahead.

Back in their Academy days, Kaiden used to act however he pleased.

The Dowager Duchess’s eyes trembled in displeasure at her son’s tone, but she did not object to the Duke’s decision.

Astrid, having clearly witnessed the hierarchy of the ducal house, bowed her head.

“If that’s truly your wish, then Miss Selinger will stay in the main house. But you must be sure to explain the situation to Princess Sophia.”

“Yes, Mother.”

The Dowager Duchess immediately rose. Astrid hurried to greet her, but she passed by without a glance. It was a way of showing how Brielle Selinger should behave in the ducal house.

She would have to live as if she were invisible.

It was a role that didn’t suit Astrid’s naturally lively character, but she had to endure it for everyone’s sake.

Whew. After the Dowager Duchess left, Astrid’s tension instantly faded.

As dizziness made her slender body sway, Kaiden quickly supported her waist.

Ah.

Those vivid golden eyes were right in front of her. Captivated by their intensity, she could barely breathe.

As Astrid’s cheeks flushed slightly, Kaiden smoothly withdrew his hand.

It was a fluid, understated gesture, but Astrid turned her head quickly, the place where he touched her feeling hot.

“Be careful.”

His voice was even lower as it echoed through the room. After handing off Astrid to a maid, who was unable to reply, he left the drawing room.

Astrid, holding the maid’s hand, slowly walked toward her room. She struggled not to collapse in front of the staff after meeting the Dowager Duchess.

The path to her room felt long.

* * *

Unremarkable days passed.

The weather cleared and the snow melted, only for the cold to return at night. The fickle weather turned the garden into a sheet of ice.

Astrid’s room, with its good sunlight even in the main house, allowed her to see the changing garden at a glance.

Throughout the deep winter, she spent less time enjoying the scenery and more time sitting by the warm fireplace, reading books.

Her room was close to the library, so Astrid brought in rare history books and various reports, reading late into the night and drafting business plans for the Mason Merchant Guild.

She began to hope that time would pass quickly at this rate, but sometimes she was seized by unbearable pain.

She tried the painkillers from the hospital, but they were useless. Only the medicine that Declan could make would work.

Then one day, from early morning, the servants rolled up their sleeves and broke the ice on the paths with hammers and pickaxes.

As the deafening sounds finally faded, a guest came to see Astrid.

“Who has come?”

“It is Baron Declan Mason, the master of the Mason Merchant Guild.”

At those words, Astrid reflexively took a step forward.

She rushed down the hallway, only to realize at the door that she was still in her indoor clothes.

What should I do.

She hesitated, wondering if she should go back, but a maid who had followed quickly draped a shawl over Astrid’s shoulders.

The maid also carefully observed Astrid’s flushed cheeks and excited expression. Astrid quickly closed her mouth and nodded toward the servant.

“Miss Brielle Selinger has arrived.”

Inside the open door stood a man.

Perhaps due to much hardship, the man’s complexion was pale and his jawline sharp.

Declan Mason, her family and her boss—facing him, Astrid’s heart began to pound. She felt tears welling up, but when she saw Declan’s furrowed brow, she managed to hold them back.

Yes, you really have been waiting only for me.

Everyone else treated her as Brielle Selinger, but with Declan, she was always As. Realizing this so keenly, her chest ached.

After a moment of confusion, Astrid became aware of the maids watching and bowed politely to Declan.

That snapped him out of his daze, and he walked over in long strides.

“…Miss Selinger, I’m so relieved you’re safe.”

“Guild master, it’s been a while.”

Declan wore a dark frock coat and a neat shirt. With a patterned vest underneath, he looked even more refined. His appearance was handsome, and his attire was appropriate for visiting a noble house.

If only he could manage his expression.

If it weren’t for his constantly furrowed brows, Astrid would have liked to praise him.

Suppressing such thoughts, Astrid sat down on the sofa.

Soon, refreshments were set between them. The maids remained at a proper distance.

Astrid sipped her black tea without showing any emotion. The tea, with a slice of lemon, was fragrant and calmed her heart a little.

She was about to drink more when she felt a heavy gaze.