Silence fell over the dining table. Not liking that silence, I reached out and took a bite of bread with a delicate spread on top.

“Ah, it’s delicious.”

I ate it just to say something, but my eyes widened at the unexpectedly satisfying food. A rich and smooth flavor spread in my mouth. It was a surprisingly tasty awakening.

A smile naturally formed on my face. I didn’t hide my pleased expression. There seemed no need to conceal even the joy of eating something delicious.

“What is this?”

“It’s foie gras pâté. Do you like it?”

“Yes! It’s so delicious.”

My mood quickly improved, and I spoke in a much brighter voice. I thought we could just engage in light chatter like this and be done with it.

By the way, to think I hadn’t eaten something this delicious until now…. I almost regretted the time I spent eating only easily digestible foods while complaining. In my opinion, I could have eaten full course meals to my heart’s content from last week without any problems.

Dishes were served in order, matching Rashid’s and my eating pace.

Grilled mushrooms with sauce made from various stewed fruits, pork terrine, premium caviar with fresh salmon, and even roasted veal tenderloin.

The food was excellent. I continuously talked about the food or my recent condition, and Rashid occasionally responded as the meal progressed.

Even while eating, Rashid’s manners were elegant. Should I say, as expected of the most handsome man of the century? His perfect etiquette, with grace in every movement, made his reputation shine even brighter.

Seeing him eat vegetables with orange marmalade, I secretly tried to imitate him.

‘This marmalade is too sweet.’

I barely managed to stop myself from frowning. I worked hard to manage my expression. Still, the chef had put effort into making it, so I shouldn’t show my distaste. But I should tell the head maid later to make it less sweet. Rashid must think this is too much as well.

As I cut into the main dish served in order, the meat juices seeped out gently. The aroma from the perfectly cooked meat stimulated my nose. As I enjoyed the good smell, I naturally thought of spices that would perfectly complement this meat.

“Do you know? Finely chopping dried truffles and mixing them with salt also gives a wonderful flavor.”

“I didn’t know you were interested in gastronomy. Have you eaten it like that before?”

“Yes, in the past.”

“Then I’ll have it prepared next time.”

‘In the past’ obviously refers to my time in the modern world. I wonder what happened to my truffle salt that I bought for about ten times the price of regular salt. Your owner is somewhat happy now, I suppose….

While thinking such thoughts, the lavish meal continued peacefully.

「Rashid thought her chattering was just like a bird’s chatter.」

A sentence rose up like smoke.

‘This is… Rashid’s thought.’

I blinked my eyes repeatedly. It made sense that there would be a description about Rashid since he was right in front of me, but actually confirming it was somehow surprising.

“Wife?”

“Yes? Yes! It’s good!”

Rashid’s voice pulled me out of my daze as I was contemplating the sentence. I answered hurriedly, startled.

‘But… does he mean I’m noisy?’

Like a bird’s chatter, so is the chatter the main point? Is he saying not to talk too much while eating? I made an effort on purpose because I didn’t like the quiet atmosphere, but maybe I shouldn’t have. I glanced at him slightly.

「When was the last time he had faced such a dining table? Rashid sank into memories of long ago.」

The last time he had faced such a dining table….

Reading the next sentence, I probed Alisa’s memories.

She rarely dined with Rashid, and even on those few occasions, they hardly had any meaningful conversations.

‘Could it be that he’s comparing me with the old Alisa while contrasting memories?’

Maybe I acted too unfamiliarly. Although it’s difficult to speak and act exactly like the previous Alisa, suddenly being too different might seem strange. I don’t intend to live like her, but… I should be a bit more careful for now.

Silence will help me. I decided to focus on the food rather than talking.

Instead of voices, the sound of clinking tableware continued in the dining room.

As I closed my mouth, Rashid also didn’t continue the conversation.

After the meal, desserts were served. The pastries were colorful in various shapes, and the tea was fragrant. Rashid and I exchanged a few more somewhat superficial words as we emptied our teacups.

By the time I finally returned to my bedroom, it was already deep into the night.

“Whew.”

Sitting in a familiar place, I unconsciously let out a long sigh. My body, which had been extremely tense, suddenly relaxed, and I felt as if my entire body was melting.

“My lady, I’ll prepare your bath.”

Louise skillfully guided me to the next schedule. I immersed myself in the porcelain bathtub filled with warm water. As I lightly gestured over the surface, the flower petals floating gently scattered with the ripples.

How much longer would I have to spend time like this? What decision should I make? While repeatedly pondering these unanswerable questions, my fair skin turned rosy from the heat.

The maids clung to my washed body, wiping away the moisture. Although I had experienced this several times already, it was still embarrassing.

After changing into a light chemise dress, I came out to find white wine and fruit placed on the bedroom table. As I was pouring and drinking a glass of wine, Louise turned off the other lights and lit the scented candle on the bedside table.

“Isn’t it a bit dark?”

“Given the day… Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

After Louise left the room, the bedroom became quiet. Gradually, my eyes began to adjust to the darkness.

I stared intently at the candle on the table. The flickering flame burned red, consuming the wick. Whether scented oil had been added to the wax or not, a subtle floral fragrance brought peace to my mind.

I should sleep now. In this world, there’s nothing to do late at night. Besides, I’m a bit tired today, so it’s perfect for going to bed early. I covered the candle to extinguish it and lay down on the bed.

Clank.

Just as I was about to fall asleep, my eyes snapped open at the eerie sound. Was it the wind knocking on the window? But the outside was quiet without any disturbance.

I tried to suppress my uneasy feelings and attempted to sleep again.

Creak.

Then, I heard the sound of the door opening. At the same time, my body reflexively jumped up.

“Who is it? Louise?”

Only after speaking did I realize my voice was trembling.

As if responding to my words, the person who entered the room raised a lamp to their face.

“Alisa.”

It was Rashid.

Only then did I let out a sigh of relief.

Come to think of it, it’s unlikely that an unwelcome guest would dare to enter the Penvernon ducal mansion, but a reflexive fear had sent chills down my spine.

He approached the bed.

“But…”

My voice, about to ask the purpose of his visit, was suddenly cut off. Through the deeply cut neckline of his robe, Rashid’s bare, firm body was clearly visible. Surprised by this unexpected sight, I quickly turned my head away.

“Wh-what brings you here?”

“Well.”

Rashid sat on the bed. As the mattress tilted with his weight, I consciously moved my body in the opposite direction.

“What do you think it could be?”

At that moment, I remembered Louise’s words about the nature of the day. Now I understood. Today was the appointed day, once a month. It was the day for consummation.

As Alisa’s memories of him also surfaced, my face felt like it was burning. After all, Rashid and Alisa were husband and wife, and since Rashid had no plans to drive Alisa away, it was natural for them to have a marital relationship.

When I came to my senses, Rashid was already pressing his thumb firmly against my lower lip. I felt an unfamiliar warmth from his finger on the tip of my chin. It was the body heat of another person, not my own.

“Ah…”

A faint sigh escaped between my teeth. At the same time, he slightly parted my lips. His finger touched the delicate, moist insides. Goosebumps ran down my nape at the same time.

Rashid curled his thumb, lightly brushing over my lower teeth. My exhaled breath scattered over the back of his hand.

Like a hawk eyeing its prey, a predator’s gaze followed me. I twisted my head like an ostrich hiding its head under a haystack to avoid a carnivore. Even though it wouldn’t make him disappear, fear made instinct precede reason.

“Alisa.”

Rashid gently turned my head back in place, applying a bit of force with his hand. He probably wasn’t even aware of using his strength.

Inevitably, I met his eyes. Rashid brought his face close to mine.

Even in the darkness, his eyes seemed to glow on their own, bright and piercing. But the emotions contained within them were invisible, either obscured by the darkness or perhaps they had always been that way. There was only a clear and transparent absence, neither pleasure nor affection.