Chapter 3 – Exploration (Part 3)

The negotiation, rocky from the start, continued to be fraught with tension as they adjusted minor clauses. Elysia found it difficult to just watch the Duke maintain a stern, expressionless face even as her father showed a strong stance.

‘Since I can’t guess what he’s thinking, I can’t mediate on my own.’

Tobias approached the negotiation with a level of pickiness that bordered on quarrelsome, and Cassius responded by simply stating facts, as if he hadn’t noticed. It would have been easier if he at least showed a displeased expression, but his lack of change over a long period was unsettling.

‘If he doesn’t speak, it’s like having a statue here. I can’t tell if he’s upset or if he’s thinking nothing at all…’

Tobias’s deliberate pickiness was also due to the Duke’s unchanging expression. Seeing no emotional change made him feel certain that the Duke would face Elysia with that same expression at the Ducal estate, which was appalling as a father. Elysia thought she was indifferent, but compared to that ice sculpture, she seemed like a very passionate daughter.

Despite the unilateral nature of the marriage and the Duke’s poor reputation as a husband, Tobias hoped that over time, the two would grow closer and have a happy married life. Even if they hadn’t gone through a passionate courtship like himself and Lillian, the young and attractive couple had every possibility to grow fond of each other in the future. There were also many who, despite entering into arranged marriages, lived together respectfully and amicably.

However, seeing the Duke in front of him now, that possibility seemed nonexistent.

Meanwhile, the contract negotiations had reached an important part. It was about alimony and child custody in the event of a divorce. And Elysia, who had been watching the three of them, cautiously opened her mouth.

“I’d like to stop for today and continue the negotiation on alimony and child custody at a later time. How about that?”

Cassius, busy with work, wanted to finish adjusting the contract today since it was difficult to free up his schedule often. However, Elysia wanted to escape the overheated atmosphere as soon as possible. She was too tired. Aaron, too, had noticed Elysia’s fatigue and was aware of Tobias’s harsh demeanor, so he quickly spoke to Cassius.

“Madam seems very tired. And the important items should be discussed calmly with her father, so it would be best to give them enough time and set another day for the negotiation.”

Only after hearing Aaron’s words did the Duke notice that Elysia’s complexion had grown paler. Continuing the negotiation in this state seemed unwise for all involved. Cassius finally signaled to the legal representative that today’s meeting was over.

Everyone rose from their seats.

“Elysia, go ahead and wait outside. I have something to discuss with the Duke.”

Elysia was worried that if she left the two of them alone, her father might grab Cassius by the collar, but seeing her father, who had always been soft on her, looking so determined, she had no choice but to leave the room. Aaron, who was also sent out with Elysia, seemed just as anxious and restless.

Elysia asked Aaron, trying to stay calm.

“Aaron Hass, do you think the Duke might grab my father’s collar?”

“What?”

He burst into laughter at the unexpected question.

“The Duke would never do something like that.”

“But what if my father grabs the Duke’s collar first? Would the Duke still do nothing?”

“The Duke is a very cool-headed and rational person, so even if his collar is grabbed, he wouldn’t rashly grab back. If it ever comes to a real fight, he has the skills to subdue the situation with minimal harm.”

“Oh… I see.”

Tobias wasn’t particularly strong in combat. On the other hand, Elysia had heard rumors about Duke Grendel’s prowess. There were stories of how, in his teenage years, he had trained at the border garrison, where the former Ducal territory was, showcasing unmatched strength. If they were to fight, Tobias would be no match.

‘Surely, my father won’t become a punching bag because of me…’

Worried about what might happen inside, Elysia pressed her ear to the door, straining to listen.

It wasn’t long before Tobias and Cassius emerged from the room together. Judging by their intact appearances, it didn’t seem like a physical altercation had occurred. Tobias looked somewhat relieved.

Tobias gently patted Elysia’s shoulder as he spoke.

“Elysia, don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

Before she could ask what exactly was going to be fine, Tobias bid Elysia farewell, telling her to stay healthy until they met again, and gave a reluctant nod to the Duke before leaving the law office. Unable to contain her curiosity, Elysia asked Cassius.

“If it’s not too much trouble, could you tell me what you discussed with my father?”

She felt a bit nervous when his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, but Elysia met his gaze without flinching.

And then the Duke gave a very unexpected answer.

“I received advice on healthy living habits and improving relationships.”

“What?”

The Duke turned away and walked off, as if he had nothing more to say.

Even though she had received an answer, Elysia couldn’t fathom what it meant. She looked at Aaron, but he also wore a confused expression.

Unable to resolve her curiosity about what her father and the Duke had discussed inside, Elysia hurriedly followed after the Duke.

***

Upon returning to the Ducal estate, Cassius headed to his office within the mansion. The Duke, who was busy organizing his work to have dinner with Elysia, took out the paper prepared by the legal representative after his private meeting with Tobias and reviewed it. It contained the additional conditions Tobias had set for the marriage contract, which he had asked Elysia to keep confidential.

After reading the paper carefully, Cassius spoke to Aaron, who was helping him organize the documents.

“Aaron, listen to what I’m about to read and tell me your impressions.”

Impressions, not opinions? It was an unexpected request, but Aaron put down the documents he was reviewing and focused on his superior’s words.

The content Cassius read was as follows:

First, ensure a regular lifestyle, including waking up and meals.

Second, arrange for daily physical activity at an appropriate level.

Third, be mindful not to skip meals or excessively snack.

Fourth, have meals together at least three times a week. Attempt to gradually build intimacy during meals.

Fifth, physical contact should be gradual and slow. Sudden physical contact is not welcomed.

The Duke read the additional conditions set by Tobias, omitting the subject ‘Elysia.’ Aaron, who had been thinking seriously, responded.

“Are these guidelines for raising a pet?”

Cassius didn’t respond to Aaron’s reaction, instead locking the paper away in a drawer.

***

“It’s time to wake up.”

Elysia, buried under the covers, opened her eyes slightly. The bluish light of the early dawn seeped into her barely open eyes. For Elysia, it was a time akin to the middle of the night. She closed her eyes again, but the sound of curtains being drawn and someone moving diligently reached her ears.

“…Daisy? Why are you waking me up so early…?”

“Madam, skipping breakfast is not good for your health. It would be best to wake up, have your meal, and then take a rest.”

‘Right, skipping breakfast isn’t good for health. It’s not that I sleep in because I don’t know that… Wait, Madam?’

The unfamiliar title didn’t suit her at all, snapping Elysia awake. For a moment, she was confused about where she was due to the dreary atmosphere of the room, but soon realized it was the bedroom in the Ducal estate. She looked around for the owner of the voice that had awakened her, but saw no one.

Outside the window, it was still dim. Elysia couldn’t quite understand why she was awake at this hour and blankly looked around.

“You’re awake. I’ll help you prepare for the morning. The Duke asked me to inform you that he can’t join you for breakfast as he has to attend a meeting at the royal palace early.”

Millie, who appeared suddenly, began to assist Elysia. Still not fully awake, Elysia staggered as she got up with Millie’s help.

‘Going to a meeting at such an ungodly hour? Being a high-ranking noble isn’t easy.’

But the problem wasn’t the Duke, who had gone to a meeting at the crack of dawn. It was herself, who had to wake up at this time.

This change started a few days ago. The people of the Ducal estate, who had previously adjusted to however Elysia lived, had completely changed.

From the day after she went out to negotiate the marriage contract, it seemed the Duke had given some instructions, as the maids began to interfere with her daily life. It seemed that the previous period was merely a time of observation. And it seemed Elysia’s daily life was set according to the Duke’s waking hours.

“Uh… Millie?”

“Yes, Madam.”

“Do the people of the Ducal estate always wake up at this time?”

Hoping this early wake-up was just a temporary exception, Elysia asked.

“Yes. One of the family mottos of the Ducal estate is that those who wake up after the sun rises are not worthy of enjoying the blessings of the Kingdom of Brunchia.”

Millie answered with sparkling eyes, seemingly proud of the family motto. The logic from the Serenze house, where sleeping in was justified by saying that if the masters woke up too early, it would also advance the servants’ waking times, causing them hardship, wouldn’t work here.

Elysia looked silently out the window. Outside, it was still so dim that the shapes of the garden’s trees couldn’t be distinguished. It was a dawn scene she would never have seen if she lived as she did before, but according to Millie, she would have to get used to such scenes from now on.

‘According to the Ducal family’s motto, I shouldn’t even exist in this kingdom as a terrible sluggard. No… I was a sluggard. Now it will be in the past tense.’

Feeling unknown tears welling in her eyes, Elysia paid her respects to the comfortable life she had led. Her steps, guided by Millie to the bathroom, felt like those of a prisoner being led to execution.