However, he suddenly changed his mind about waiting patiently for two days. Something was clearly bothering him. This was an intuitive feeling.

“Daniel, find out in detail if anything has been happening with Chloe recently.”

Daniel, who had been quickly writing something in his notebook, looked up at the sudden instruction. Though he was House Dietrich’s lawyer, he was definitely Andert’s man, and he confirmed the instruction.

“…You mean Lady Dietrich?”

“Well, do I have anyone else to mention as Chloe?”

“No, my lord.”

The cold question was like a rebuke asking why he was confirming something unnecessary. Right after Chloe left the mansion, something had definitely felt off, but he could wait patiently.

But not anymore. If something was bothering him this much, there must be something going on.

Meanwhile, Daniel couldn’t gauge exactly what he should look into.

Chloe Dietrich was an elegant and cautious person.

She rarely showed herself in social circles unless absolutely necessary. Unlike those who constantly caused problems, it was difficult to determine where to start investigating someone who showed few peculiarities in daily life.

But Andert wasn’t one to waste time on pointless matters. The young master he had observed until now was a genius at investment and quicker than anyone at calculating profits. Plus, he had striking features recognizable at a glance from afar.

In short, he was someone born with many advantages from the start. But perhaps even the Creator thought it was too much, as Andert was extremely cold and frigid.

Even those attracted to his looks, outstanding abilities, and background couldn’t endure his personality and sharp tongue.

Since such a person had said to look into things ‘in detail’, the possibility that something was going on with Lady Dietrich couldn’t be ruled out. Daniel, holding his pen, began organizing what needed to be checked first.

***

“Well, since there’s a dormitory, you can stay there. But it’s a small room so it might be uncomfortable. You’ll have to share the kitchen too.”

Kate continued her explanation after leaving the office.

Looking dazed at her confession about divorce, she couldn’t hide her worry. She seemed to think her friend who had lived in House Dietrich would have trouble adjusting to this life.

But to Chloe, having a place to stay without spending money felt like luck.

“I’m fine with just a space to sleep and wash.”

“Still…”

“Really, it’s fine. Where’s the dormitory?”

“Should we go up and see? It’s that white building. It’s very close, just a 5-minute walk from the office.”

Kate seemed hesitant, but when Chloe repeatedly nodded, she handed over a key.

The two-story building wasn’t large but was overall neat. Their steps climbing the wooden stairs stopped at the innermost room on the second floor.

When the locked door opened, a small room came into view at once.

This was really enough for Chloe. The room had a bed and desk, plus a small bathroom attached. But Kate, still uncomfortable, suggested again.

“Why don’t you come to my house instead? There’s a spare room, so don’t feel burdened.”

This was already the third time she’d said the same thing since introducing Chloe to the job an hour ago.

Kate was the youngest daughter of the Norden family. Though not nobility, the Nordens were a family that had accumulated considerable wealth. Moreover, her father was also the biggest patron of the Bergen Artists’ Association. Through that connection, her friend was in charge of overall management here.

Chloe tried to smile brightly at the worried-looking Kate.

“I’m really fine. You know I’m not picky. I can really live well here.”

“Well, if anything’s uncomfortable, tell me anytime, okay? Ah, you’ll need things to stay here right away. There’s a general store in a red brick building around the right corner. Should we go together?”

“No. Someone came to the office when we were leaving. Didn’t you have an appointment in 30 minutes?”

“Right. The painter whose mood changes more than twelve times a day requested a meeting.”

Kate’s expression fell glumly as she remembered the appointment.

After checking the time, her friend left with a goodbye, and Chloe put down her bag. Since she hadn’t brought many possessions, there wasn’t much to unpack.

All she placed on the desk was a leather wallet, handkerchief, hat, notebook, and one pen. She had left the luggage the maid had packed when leaving the Dietrich mansion at the house in Hanover. Moreover, she had also left her wedding ring, which she had never taken off since marriage, on top of the luggage.

Maya probably discovered the ring first when she returned from her outing after Chloe left like that.

Still, Chloe felt reassured in one corner of her heart, not having expected the existence of the dormitory. Gathering her spirits, she looked around the room again in order. Since she was starting work tomorrow, she needed to prepare minimal supplies.

Kate’s proposed job was collecting and organizing materials for publications.

“First, it’s best to start with books and periodicals published by the association.”

It was work that matched Chloe’s wish to learn things step by step as much as possible. Plus, it was only a 5-minute walk to the dormitory, so she couldn’t ask for more.

After checking the bathroom, it seemed there would be no problem living here right away if she just got the essential daily necessities. Towels and toiletries, and several sets of ordinary clothes to wear. After organizing the list, Chloe took her wallet and left the room.

The key in her hand felt very reassuring now that she had a space she could return to anytime.

***

On her first night in the strange place, Chloe couldn’t easily fall asleep until late.

Though her body was exhausted from changing trains for several days, her consciousness wouldn’t blur easily. After tossing and turning repeatedly, she finally fell into a light sleep past 4 AM. As she dozed off, Chloe dreamed.

It was when she had just turned twenty.

The moment she faced Andert at the Duke’s mansion right before their wedding ceremony. Returning from an outing, he asked, wondering if she had anything more to say.

“So is that all?”

“Pardon? Oh, do you need to get up right away?”

Visiting House Dietrich for the first time that day, Chloe was actually very nervous. And she wanted to have a longer conversation with Andert, with whom she would hold the wedding ceremony in a few days.

But he checked his watch like he’s about to get up right away after exchanging just a few brief greetings. Finally, unable to say any of the words she had prepared, Chloe spoke urgently.

“Um, actually, I have something to say.”

“Go ahead.”

“Yes. So… since we’re getting married now, I…”

“If it’s about the marriage contract, you should talk to the lawyer. For anything else, talk to Roman the butler.”

As always, it was Andert who cut off her hesitant, intermittent words. His attitude suggested he had no need to listen unless it was absolutely necessary.

But at that time, Chloe thought his indifference and coldness were due to awkwardness. After gathering her courage again, she opened her mouth without hesitation.

Before marriage, there was something she really wanted to say.

“I’ll become someone worthy of you. I’m now a member of House Dietrich, so I want to be a good wife by your side.”

It was like a promise to herself. Compared to House Dietrich, she had almost nothing to show for herself.

Moreover, Chloe had nursed a one-sided love since first seeing him by chance. So she really wanted to become someone worthy of him.

To her heartfelt confession, Andert replied as if it was no big deal.

“Everyone knows we’re being pushed into the wedding chapel by the palace’s wishes. So you don’t need to try to be a good wife either, Chloe.”

“……”

“Still, if you become someone worthy of the Dietrich name, that wouldn’t be bad.”

His indifferent voice showed no particular emotion. Right after, he said he would leave if she had nothing more to say and went out.

Chloe couldn’t find words at the unexpected response. She could only watch the back of the man who would soon be her husband.

The beginning in the mansion, where it seemed she couldn’t even breathe loudly, was daunting from the start. After Andert left while Chloe sat motionless like that, she suddenly came to her senses at some point.

Ah, it was a dream.

Outside the window, it was already bright daylight.

Slowly blinking her eyes, Chloe got up from bed. Having a dream more vivid than the memory was a feeling difficult to explain.

What if she had realized it back then, at that very time in her dream? That Andert was a man who would never change, and in the end, she would be the one to fall exhausted.

If she had known that, could she have given up her one-sided love?

But such questions were pointless now. What mattered was the new beginning she would face starting today.

After washing her face with cold water, Chloe neatly tied her hair. Then she changed into the simple dress she had bought yesterday. Soon, Andert would learn that she had left Hanover.

‘Then, what will be your first reaction?’

Though she pondered repeatedly, she couldn’t picture Andert’s specific expression. Anyway, she had ended up deceiving him.

Would he be displeased at being deceived by his wife? No, perhaps Father had already delivered the news.

Father might have trampled on her desperate final request. Of course, even if he had, nothing would change.

Just as she was picking up her notebook and pen, there came a knock at the door breaking the room’s silence. Knock knock, exactly two times.

For a moment, Chloe was startled. Did she have anyone to visit her in Bergen?

At the same time, a familiar and cheerful voice came from beyond the door.

“Chloe, it’s me. Kate. Are you up? Let’s go get breakfast.”