Chapter 6 (Part 8)

Hernes’ mansion was much larger than the one she had lived in. It seemed like a townhouse the Messerode family used whenever they came to Devok.

She stood in awe at the grandeur of the mansion she was seeing for the first time. Then a dignified-looking person approached.

“Welcome. I am Rodain, the butler managing this mansion. Madam Hernes is waiting for you.”

The butler was a rather strict-looking person. He smiled kindly and led her inside the mansion. Following the butler, they arrived at a spacious drawing room. The ornate wall decorations and the patterned carpet were extremely luxurious.

Hernes was gracefully drinking tea. As she approached, Hernes looked up.

“Sit.”

Her face seemed even more filled with ennui today, as if life held no interest for her. As soon as she sat across from her, she noticed the teacup placed in front of her.

The red hue was particularly striking today. Feeling a sudden revulsion, she turned her head, and Hernes spoke.

“Have you been drinking the tea I gave you lately?”

“Yes.”

“It’s good for your health, so drink it often. Keep taking the pills too.”

Without thinking, Brienne looked ahead and noticed the yellow tea in Hernes’ cup. It was strange. Although she said it was good for health, she wondered why didn’t Hernes drink the blood-colored tea herself.

Brienne had been curious about the effects of this tea for a while. Then Hernes lifted her teacup. She looked at her and asked.

“What is this tea good for?”

“Didn’t I tell you? It warms the body.”

“Then it would be good for you to drink it too. Why only give it to me….”

“This tea is good for young people. And everyone has tea that suits them.”

In the end, it meant the tea in front of her didn’t suit Hernes. She frowned in puzzlement.

“I find this tea very bitter. Is it really suitable for me?”

Hernes’ gaze was sharper than before.

“Do you think I gave you poison?”

“No, that’s not it….”

“Then what are you suspicious of?”

“I….”

Then Hernes stood up.

“I’m tired of talking more. I have a lot to do anyway. Stand up.”

Feeling uneasy, she stood up. Hernes walked ahead without saying more. Although the headache was gone thanks to the medicine she took earlier, she felt oddly weak.

They kept walking, but the long hallway showed no sign of ending. Just as she was about to say she wanted to rest for a moment, Hernes stopped. They stood in front of a large door that two people could barely open. Hernes, who had been looking straight ahead, turned to her.

Her gaze was piercingly cold.

“I will teach you the etiquette and related matters appropriate for the Gelleride banquet.”

Hermes gestured to the servant in front of her. Two people pushed the door open with effort. The gradually revealed banquet hall was dazzling.

The floor was polished and shiny, and the chandelier in the center sparkled, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. It was so spacious that one might forget to breathe for a moment. At that moment, a servant handed over some documents. Hernes spoke in an indifferent voice.

“This is the list of nobles attending the Gelleride banquet. Remember their names and faces well. When you greet them later, make sure to mention their names.”

Brienne nodded and received the documents.

Hernes taught her various things in the ballroom. It was more detailed and helpful than expected. It seemed she wanted to prevent any disgrace to the Messerode family.

Brienne had learned basic etiquette at the academy before, but social etiquette was subtly different. Hernes particularly emphasized the demeanor of a hostess.

Learning how to greet those of lower status, how to gently lift the corners of her mouth, or how to elegantly straighten her back felt like experiencing a world she hadn’t imagined. 

After diligently receiving the education and checking the clock, it was evening. Hernes must have noticed too, as she spoke lightly.

“I’ll tell you about the banquet while we have dinner.”

She nodded. Hernes walked with what seemed like confidence, yet her steps were incredibly light. She was certainly different from her.

Then Hernes turned around.

“Aren’t you coming?”

She quickly ran to Hernes’ side. Without a word, Hernes walked at a moderate pace. It was a suffocatingly quiet corridor.

“Isn’t Cardin coming?”

It was a question she barely thought of. Hernes spoke without turning back.

“Do you think he would come here?”

That was true. Cardin hadn’t easily let go of his hostility towards Hernes. He had also urged her not to get involved with Hernes.

Still, she felt regretful. It would have been nice to have dinner together. In fact, she missed him.

The dining room was larger than the one she had lived in with Cardin. The walls were wooden, and the grain was preserved, giving it an antique feel.

She sat across from Hernes and looked at her. Hernes took a sip of water first. Then she raised her head.

“Try it. When the Messerode family has distinguished guests, they always serve roast goose. Lord Moder, the third Duke, recovered from his illness after eating goose.”

Brienne nodded and etched it into her memory. Meanwhile, Hernes taught her in detail how to hold a water glass elegantly and how to summon a servant with a glance.

It was slightly tiring yet fascinating to learn about a new world. It was especially so because these were things she could never have learned under her father.

Her father was the kind of person who said it was useless for her to attend social gatherings or even the academy. The only reason she attended the academy was because she could do so on a scholarship.

Brienne spoke without thinking.

“Mother-in-law, you’re better than my father.”

Hernes slightly furrowed her eyebrows. It was the sensitive face she had seen from Hernes before. Then Hernes gave a peculiar smile.

“You’ve learned to be sarcastic.”

For a moment, her face hardened.

“I’m not being sarcastic; I mean it.”

Hernes looked at her with an expressionless face. Brienne earnestly continued.

“My father would never teach me like this. Of course, you are teaching me for the Messerode family, but still, you’re doing your best to teach me.”

“…….”

“My father would never do that. He just finds it bothersome and doesn’t care what happens to me….”

“Isn’t it excessive to express gratitude just for teaching you that?”

Hernes lightly swirled her wine glass. She gave a slight smile and looked at her.

“I don’t think well of you.”

“…….”

“As expected, you’re naive.”

For a moment, Brienne was at a loss for words. She felt she had judged based on appearances without considering the depths. Though she felt intimidated, she didn’t want to stay silent.

Hernes had taught her that as well.

“What you taught me is more than I deserve. For someone from an insignificant family to learn.”

Hernes tilted her head and watched her. The subtle ennui in her eyes slightly faded. Brienne calmly continued.

“For me, it’s never ‘just that.’ If I hadn’t married Cardin, it would have been an invaluable experience I could never have learned.”

At that moment, a servant carved the goose meat and placed it on her plate. She awkwardly looked at the plate and spoke.

“Anyway, thank you for teaching me something meaningful. I’ll make sure not to let any words tarnish the Messerode family.”

Hernes looked at her and picked up her spoon. The sound of cutlery clashing echoed. Even though Hernes didn’t respond much, she didn’t feel bad.

Brienne felt relieved to have said what she wanted. Throughout the meal, Hernes didn’t speak. She also had nothing more to say, so she kept her mouth shut.

It wasn’t awkward. Instead, she could focus on eating and savor the taste properly.

As the meal was nearing its end, Hernes spoke as if giving advice.

“When you go to the Gelleride banquet, there will definitely be people who look down on you because of your family. Even if you become part of the Messerode family, they are people who can look down on you, so greet them by remembering their names as I taught you. Then they won’t have a choice.”

“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Hernes stood up.

“I won’t see you off.”

She turned away coldly. Brienne watched Hernes leave and finished her meal. The tomato salad here was particularly appetizing.

The sour yet distinctive taste of tomatoes was well felt, and strangely, she kept eating it. Moreover, having eaten a lot, she felt more energized and much better than before.

It was an enjoyable dinner after a long time.

“It would have been nice if Cardin was here too.”

She couldn’t help but feel regretful about him.

*   *   *

In the morning, she turned to look beside her, but the bed was empty. It seemed natural, yet she hadn’t noticed any sign of him coming last night, so she immediately pulled the bell rope. After a while, Melin entered.

“Madam, did you call?”

“Where’s Cardin?”

“He hasn’t come back because of work.”

Her voice naturally quickened.

“He didn’t come back? Is he very busy?”

“He seems especially busier these days. Last night, he sent someone late, but since you were asleep, he didn’t want to wake you and said he was very sorry.”

There was no need for him to apologize. Instead, she felt more sorry because it seemed he was busy because of her. She was more bothered by his apology than the fact that he hadn’t come.

Then Melin cautiously asked.

“Madam, should we not tell the Master that you met Lady Hernes?”

“Why?”

“It seems the Master is very worried about you meeting Lady Hernes.”

Previously, Cardin had told her not to meet Hernes unnecessarily. Since Cardin was busy, she didn’t want to cause him any more worry.

“Don’t tell him.”

Melin nodded. She spoke with a slightly relieved and bright face.

“Is there anything else you need?”

She shook her head. Melin smiled and left the room. She sat quietly, looking at the closed door, and then checked the calendar.

There wasn’t much time left until the Gelleride banquet. She quickly got up and sat at the table. The list of nobles she had brought yesterday was full.

For Cardin, to avoid tarnishing his family, she carefully memorized it.

Brienne spent the whole day memorizing the list of nobles. By the time she had almost memorized all the names, it was 1 a.m. when she checked the clock.

“Cardin still hasn’t come?”

By this point, she wondered if he even had time to sleep. Worried, she looked out the window, but only the faint gaslight was visible, and it was dark.

She had no choice but to lie down on the bed. Just as she was about to fall asleep, the door opened, and calm footsteps echoed. Feeling pleased, she opened her eyes, and the spot beside her slightly sank.

A firm arm wrapped around her body. A soft breath touched her neck deeply, and warmth spread for a moment.

As she moved slightly, Cardin held her tighter.

“Did I wake you?”

His voice was languid and low. It felt tired. As she turned her body, Cardin made a slight gap for her. His face, illuminated by the moonlight, was clear even in the darkness.

Then Cardin hugged her tightly and spoke.

“Sorry, you must be tired, and I woke you.”

The word “sorry” bothered her. She spoke brightly for no reason.

“It’s okay, I was just about to sleep.”

Cardin smiled faintly and held her tightly. He buried his face in her neck and whispered lowly.

“I feel like I can live because you’re by my side.”

His deep breath strangely scattered. Ignoring the feeling of goosebumps, she asked.

“Is work keeping you busy?”

“Yes.”

“Is it related to my father?”

Cardin was silent for a moment. Just when she thought she might have said something that bothered him.

“Has there been any contact from your father?”

“Why?”

“He said he would apologize to you, but he hasn’t moved.”

“I don’t need an apology from my father. I just hope he realizes his mistakes.”

Thinking about it, that was true. Even though she knew what kind of person her father was and had no more expectations, the people who suffered because of him would live with that pain forever.

“I’ll make sure of it.”

“How?”

She was curious. He was so busy, yet he was concerned about her father’s matters. Cardin didn’t answer immediately but hugged her tighter with one arm.

“So you won’t have to worry about it.”

He kissed her forehead. Then he hugged her tightly, as if he didn’t want to let go of this moment.

For a while, Cardin held her quietly. Thinking he might be asleep, she moved slightly, but he tightened his hold as if not allowing any space.

For a moment, it was hard to breathe.

“Did my mother bother you?”

Her heart skipped a beat. She had told Melin not to mention meeting Hernes, but it seemed Cardin already knew, as his tone was relaxed.

Feeling like she was hiding too much from him, she asked honestly.

“How did you know I met your mother?”

A soft laugh echoed.

“There are many of my people around here. If I wanted, I could know more.”

Her efforts seemed to have been in vain. Even if she asked Melin to keep quiet, Cardin had already mobilized people around him and knew everything.

“Why do you keep meeting my mother? She really didn’t do anything to you?”

Cardin’s voice was subtly low. It seemed he was bothered by her meeting Hernes.

Hernes’s words were overly honest, but she didn’t think she was being tormented.

“Yes.”

“You’re not just saying that, are you?”

“It was actually very helpful. Your mtaught me things I didn’t know, so I don’t think I’ll make any mistakes at the banquet.”

“It’s okay if you make mistakes. I’ll take care of everything, so you….”

“No, people are already gossiping. Saying my family is insignificant, yet I married you. So this time, I want to act in a way that doesn’t let them say such things.”

Brienne didn’t want to be looked down upon like at the wedding. Even if the marriage wouldn’t last long, she wanted to do her best while she was with Cardin.

Cardin hugged her tighter and whispered in her ear.

“I think I’ll be late again tomorrow.”

“Is work that busy?”

“I want to finish it quickly.”

“What kind of work is it?”

Cardin kissed her forehead and got out of bed.

“I’ll tell you when it’s sorted out.”

In the soft moonlight, his smile had a mysterious glow. What kind of work was it?

“I hope you’re not busy because of me, Cardin.”

Cardin smiled brightly and turned to enter the bathroom. Watching the door close in the dark, she turned over. Her heart felt heavy, like a stone had been placed on it.

She tried to sleep, listening to the faint sound of water. Calming her anxious heart.

**Continued in Volume 3**