Chapter 6 – Changes in Emotion (Part 1)

With Sandy’s help, Reubellina had just finished her bath and was now sitting in front of the mirror, dressed in a light indoor gown. Sandy, who was drying Reubellina’s still-wet hair with a towel, asked her with a frown on her face.

“What’s wrong?”

“No, why do I always have to look like that?”

“Pardon?”

Reubellina’s words were not meant for Sandy. Reubellina continued her self-deprecating monologue.

“Why can’t I ever show some elegance befitting a noble lady or the demeanor of a queen of society?! Why must I always appear shabby and awkward!”

Reubellina slammed the vanity table with a loud bang.

“My lady.”

“No, listen. What kind of impression do you think people have when they see a woman constantly covered in dust, tripping over herself, and receiving verbal abuse?”

“They probably think you’re beautiful.”

Reubellina froze at the sound of the low male voice. She couldn’t unclench her fist and turned her eyes towards Sandy standing next to her. Sandy whispered with an embarrassed face.

“That’s what I called you for.”

“You should have called louder…!”

Reubellina responded to Sandy in a lowered voice. The sound of footsteps approaching was too loud for her to turn around.

“I heard you had quite a day.”

Reubellina glanced at Tartenon standing behind her through the mirror, then began to fiddle with her still-wet hair.

“It was nothing significant.”

“I heard you handled it wisely.”

“Oh, come to think of it, I wanted to ask you something……!”

As she rose from the stool, she lost her balance because it had no backrest. The stool rolled away with a thud, and Reubellina, who lost her balance, was about to fall when Tartenon grabbed her waist firmly.

“Are you alright?”

She was very alright, except for the hand on her waist.

Reubellina, feeling Tartenon’s hot hand through the thin fabric, tried to pull herself away. As her foot got caught on the rolling stool, Tartenon held her tighter.

When her face was buried in his broad chest, his scent enveloped her. His strong arms held her firmly. Her wet hair stained his white shirt, and Reubellina felt his heartbeat against her.

The tension made her fingertips tingle, and she couldn’t breathe properly. They stayed still for a moment, locked in the embrace.

Reubellina, who had been listening to Tartenon’s heartbeat, didn’t even notice that his shirt was getting soaked from her hair.

“It’s too cold.”

“Pardon?”

“I said, it’s cold.”

As Tartenon repeated himself, Reubellina blinked. His shirt was soaked.

“Oh my!”

She tried to wipe his shirt with a towel, but it was also wet. Just as Sandy was about to hand over a dry towel, Tartenon took off his shirt. His muscular torso was revealed, and Reubellina, though turning her head, sneaked a glance at his chest.

‘Wow.’

In the Duchy of Asillious, even knights-in-training were not allowed to remove their shirts, as Duke Asillious, who had an unmarried daughter, had strict orders to the contrary. Reubellina took the unexpected opportunity to openly stare at Tartenon’s torso.

Tartenon, glancing at Reubellina, took the towel from Sandy and wiped himself down before saying he would change his clothes and left the room.

“My goodness.”

Reubellina, whose legs gave way, slumped down as Sandy supported her.

“I tried to tell you His Grace was here…”

“Next time, just pinch me instead of announcing it!”

“But you told me not to do that before.”

Supported by Sandy, Reubellina covered her flushed face with her hands.

“…He has a good body.”

“Indeed. As expected of the Grand Duke of the North…”

Sandy whispered, comparing him to the pale people of the capital.

“And he called you beautiful.”

“Of course, I heard that too.”

Reubellina shrugged her shoulders. Being called beautiful was something she never got tired of hearing.

When Sandy placed the stool back in its place, Reubellina immediately sat on it. The reflection in the mirror she saw a moment ago and now felt completely different.

Her previously sullen face now bore a bright smile, and she examined her face more closely. Looking in the mirror, Reubellina had a sudden thought.

‘But it’s just a contract, after all.’

It was a contractual marriage with a three-year term, and they hadn’t even held the wedding ceremony yet. Reubellina had to return to the capital after three years to inherit the Duchy of Asillious, so she couldn’t afford to give her heart away.

Steadying her emotions, she asked Sandy.

“How are the servants from the North?”

“Generally friendly, but I’m not sure.”

“What do you mean, you’re not sure?”

“Hard to tell?”

“Maybe because I’m an outsider, they don’t speak clearly with me.”

“Hmmm.”

It seemed the closed-off nature of the Northerners was causing some difficulties.

“How are the others doing?”

“There aren’t many who came along, so they stick together tightly.”

“That’s not very good.”

This meant fewer eyes and ears she could rely on. Reubellina decided she needed to talk to the Northern staff herself.

“I guess the best thing to do is party, right?”

Sandy’s eyes lit up, understanding Reubellina’s words.

“It’s the best way to get to know them.”

“Hmm, are most Northern people as well-built as Ren?”

“It seems so.”

““Ohhh. Is that so?”

“Why do you have that unsettling look, my lady?”

“Well, if they’re strong and good with swords, they must be able to do a lot of work, right?”

“Not work to do, but tasks for you to assign them, my lady.”

“Well, it’s the same thing.”

Reubellina’s eyes gleamed as she confirmed the Northern people’s exceptional physique. She knew there was a suitable mountain nearby. Developing that area would benefit Speraum, but she lacked the manpower.

“If the Northerners are all so physically capable, that’s great.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

Reubellina’s smile slowly curled up. The chill in her smile held multiple meanings.

***

Returning to Reubellina’s room after changing his clothes, Tartenon suddenly felt a chill and rubbed his arms. His eyes caught sight of Bruelin.

Bruelin, who was delighted to see Tartenon, quickly approached him.

“Here you are.”

“Bruelin.”

Tartenon had been avoiding Bruelin, who said he had a report to make, by hiding in Reubellina’s room, but his shirt was soaking wet.

Tartenon sighed weakly, and Bruelin’s eyes narrowed.

“There’s a mountain of documents for you to approve today.”

“I was busy patrolling and dealing with thieves.”

“I understand, but you still need to review them all.”

“Then bring them to Reubellina’s room.”

“Pardon? Her room?”

Bruelin’s eyes fell upon Tartenon, who boldly declared that he should bring the documents to the unmarried lady’s bedroom. Despite the disapproving look, Tartenon remained unfazed.

“We’re going to get married, after all.”

“But the wedding hasn’t taken place yet, so you shouldn’t…”

“It’s a marriage sanctioned by the temple; no one can say otherwise.”

“Well, if you put it that way…”

Despite Bruelin’s reluctant tone, Tartenon remained unwavering. Telling Bruelin to bring the documents to Reubellina’s room, Tartenon added.

“Surely you don’t intend to actually enter her bedroom, do you?”

“What are you talking about?! I am no scoundrel!”

Bruelin, who was flustered, was met with Tartenon’s cold gaze. Avoiding his piercing blue eyes, Bruelin hurriedly said.

“I’ll bring the documents.”

Watching Bruelin hastily leave, Tartenon resumed his steps towards Reubellina’s room. The passing staff stopped and bowed to him.

Even though it was not too late in the day, Tartenon’s visit to his fiancée’s bedroom was quite unusual, and as soon as he entered, the servants began gossiping amongst themselves.

“Is this the first time?”

“Seems like it.”

“Looks like our Grand Duke finally found a woman he likes.”

“She’s much better than the previous lady.”

“Ah, that woman.”

The staff exchanged words, barely holding back their scornful expressions. If Paddington were there, he would have tried to silence them, but he was away on an errand for Reubellina.

“I thought all noble ladies from the capital were self-centered, but she seems different.”

“Well, we’ll see. She might show her true colors later.”

“You have to experience it to know, after all.”

The servants’ gazes towards Reubellina’s bedroom did not waver easily.