Chapter 1 (Part 5)

The rest of the time passed smoothly, and soon the meal was over.

‘I should get back quickly.’

Even though she only roughly spooned some soup, she felt like it wasn’t digesting well.

Living with all the memories of the past was no ordinary task.

As Therese hurriedly rose from her seat, a long shadow was cast over her.

“I will escort you to your room.”

“…?”

“Didn’t you say you had a severe headache?”

‘This is insane.’

Therese’s stomach churned at the Duke’s unexpected kindness.

It wasn’t just Therese who was surprised by the Duke’s actions.

Maria Richard openly scoffed at the sight of her son extending his hand to her daughter-in-law.

“No, Duke. What are you doing?”

The Duke, ignoring this, extended his hand to Therese.

“…Come on.”

“……Ha.”

Therese’s head throbbed.

Honestly, she didn’t want his escort.

But there were too many eyes watching here.

Creating unnecessary rumors was unwelcome.

Therese sighed softly and carefully held the tip of his hand.

Even as they ascended the stairs together, she struggled to grasp his intentions. However, it was difficult to read any emotion from the Duke’s expressionless face.

Finally standing in front of the bedroom, Therese greeted him as politely as possible.

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“Are you really grateful?”

“……Pardon?”

Startled by his skewed tone, Therese raised her chin.

Afraid he might have seen through her thoughts.

Duke Richard cast a sharp glance that seemed to pierce through her.

“It’s nothing. Rest is the best medicine for a headache. Please go in and rest.”

While looking at Therese’s pale blue eyes, he whispered softly.

“…This hand.”

When she lightly shook the hand he still held, the Duke quickly released her.

“Have a comfortable night.”

Returning to his usual expressionless state, he bowed politely before turning away.

Therese leaned against the door of her bedroom, gasping for breath.

“……Hah. Hah!”

Her mind was a mess.

She couldn’t understand why the Duke was acting this way.

Fiddling with the faint red mark left on her wrist where he had held her, she murmured.

“Why now of all times?”

If she had returned to life before the marriage, she would have done anything to avoid this marriage.

But such assumptions were meaningless now.

She had already regressed.

Moreover, her memories of the past and the present were too different, causing confusion.

Riding a horse with Duke Richard and the recent events were all firsts for her.

“Oh dear, Madame.”

Seeing Therese’s pale face, Sophia supported her and seated her in a chair.

“I really don’t know what’s gotten into you lately.”

Sophia’s forehead creased as she combed Therese’s hair in front of the mirror. To her, Therese was more than just a lady she served.

‘Our poor Miss who lost her mother at birth.’

Moreover, the master of the house was always out and about. Yet, Therese had grown up so bravely. Even in distressing situations, she was someone who would rather muster courage than despair.

Sophia hesitated a bit before asking cautiously.

“Is there a problem, Miss?”

“What problem? There’s no problem at all.”

“……That’s a relief, then.”

Although she didn’t show it, Sophia was deeply worried.

Therese had attained the highest honor of the empire as the Duchess of Richard, but that didn’t guarantee happiness.

It had only been a month, but Sophia had clearly seen how the Richard family treated Therese.

The Duke’s family was excessively strict, and there was nothing Therese could do as she pleased.

That wasn’t all.

‘What did Baron Demori’s family do to win over the Emperor?’

‘Exactly. What dirty tricks did they use to catch the Duke?’

‘It’s no wonder our Grand Madame is all torn up inside.’

Even the employees working at the Richard household did not accept Therese.

‘I have no intention of accepting you as my daughter-in-law!’

Maria Richard, the real mistress of the Ducal household, naturally treated Therese coldly.

‘Poor our Miss, what to do.’

As Sophia fretted alone, Therese’s words snapped her back to attention.

“Sophia, prepare to go to Manus tomorrow morning.”

“Do you mean Bazaar? Understood.”

Although she didn’t know the details, it was clear that something had happened to the lady she served. As Sophia finished brushing, a deep concern crossed her face.

❖ ❖ ❖

Spanning several hundred years, Manus Bazaar was the largest and oldest market in the empire. The number of shops stretched along the maze-like alleys was uncountable, and there were more than ten large entrances.

“I didn’t expect to come back here.”

Sophia cautiously spoke, looking displeased at coming to the Bazaar. Therese, with her cloak pulled deep over her face, walked forward without answering.

Though the dawn was still faint, Manus Bazaar was already bustling as if it were midday. The voices of those moving goods, opening stores to clean, and gathering to enjoy tea filled the market with noise.

“Madame, are you sure everything’s alright?”

“Sophia. If you ask one more time, it’ll be the hundredth, you know?”

Therese’s light jest finally eased Sophia’s expression.

As they passed through the wide passageway, a narrow alley that seemed easy for newcomers to get lost in appeared. Therese, without any hesitation, made her way through.

“Who goes there!”

As those guarding the entrance drew their swords and blocked the way, Therese revealed her hidden face. Upon confirming her identity, they quickly put away their weapons and silently opened the door.

“This doesn’t seem right, Madame.”

Unable to hide her anxiety, Sophia began to bite her nails.

“Wait outside, Sophia.”

Standing in front of the office, Therese took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

When a response came from inside, she entered the dimly lit interior.

‘Strangely unfamiliar.’

Though she had frequented this place since childhood, it felt slightly unfamiliar after just a month.

Strictly speaking, it had been five years since her last visit.

Baron Demori was often away for ten months a year, focused on trade. She always felt a void in her heart, craving her father’s affection. The large jewels and expensive silks brought by Baron Demori did little to warm her heart.

It was Manus Bazaar that had caught Therese’s interest. After accompanying her father a few times, she became quite acquainted with the merchants here. Overflowing with goods and information, Manus Bazaar became Therese’s playground and friend.

The man standing by the uncurtained window naturally bowed to Therese.

“You’re here.”

A single candle flickering dangerously on the desk was the only source of light in the room. His solid chest muscles were faintly visible, dressed in black trousers and a pitch-black shirt.

“Wouldn’t it hurt to show a little surprise?”

“Why should I be surprised?”

“Are you asking because you don’t know?”

As she removed her cloak due to the stuffiness inside, the man quickly approached and took her outerwear.

“What are you doing making it like a cave here? If others saw, they might think this is an assassination guild, not an information guild.”

“I apologize.”

The man hurriedly ran to open the curtains and flung the windows wide open, letting fresh air fill the stuffy room.

She stood still, slowly surveying the interior of the room.

Soon, having finished his work, he stood in front of Therese again.

As if waiting for her next command.

“…Roshan.”

Therese hesitated for a moment in front of the man who was at least two heads taller than her. Changing her decision like this was not typical of her.

‘It’s certainly not a dignified thing to do.’

Since becoming the Duchess of Richard, she had withdrawn from her previous activities. She had believed that was the best course of action five years ago.

To become a lady fitting for the dignified Richard family.

To become a daughter her beloved father could be proud of.

She had made such a choice.

Soon, Roshan seated her at the head and served her warm tea. With a towel draped over one arm, he bowed his head again.

“Madame. Please give your next instructions.”

“……Please stop calling me that.”

“I apologize, Master.”

Roshan, who immediately apologized, placed two sugar cubes in her tea. Looking up, she could see his shameless face, not at all sorry.

“I’m thinking of reversing my decision.”

“Whatever your will, Master.”

Roshan’s lips twitched as he added milk to the tea, clearly teasing her. She was annoyed by Roshan’s attitude, which was obviously teasing, but she didn’t have the energy to be angry right now. After sipping the moderately sweet and smooth tea, she remembered why she had come here.

“Roshan. Look into the affairs at the border. And there’s something that needs to be handled very discreetly.”

The man tried not to show his excitement at the command of his master who had appeared without notice after a month.