I Thought It Was An Arranged Marriage - Chapter 13

Despite this, flowers wilt quickly, so special magical treatments were needed to keep them fresh for the banquet, often making them more expensive than an equivalent amount of jewels. Thus, the amount of fresh flowers used at a party symbolized the family’s wealth. But this was not a concern for the grand ducal family.

“So, I plan to decorate the hall with pink roses.”

“It will be a lovely sight. It suits you well, Rosie.”

“They are scheduled to arrive tomorrow, a bit early. I thought it would be better to decorate in advance. So, I plan to call a mage tomorrow.”

“A mage? Why?”

“To use magic to keep the flowers from wilting.”

“Why call a mage when you have me?”

“Oh…”

Rosaline trailed off, genuinely not having thought of that. It was true. Preparing for the banquet was the hostess’s duty, and she had no intention of bothering her husband with such trivial matters. Although it would cost more, the budget he had allocated for her was enormous, and he had generously provided a budget for the banquet as well. The amount was enough to hold the banquet she envisioned three times over.

So, when she received the budget, she thought it meant she could do what she wanted without bothering him. But she kept those thoughts to herself because her husband’s expression looked genuinely hurt.

“This is your first event, and I want to help.”

“Lucas…”

“Please rely on me a bit more. I know you can handle everything on your own, but I still want to help.”

His kind words were filled with trust and affection. Rosaline’s eyes grew a bit misty. This was the problem. He always focused his attention on her. No matter how busy he was, they always had breakfast and dinner together, and he always set aside two hours to have tea and talk.

He said he would accept it if she refused to sleep with him, but in the marital bedroom, he was relentless until she cried. Yet, when she was genuinely exhausted, he would stop and just hold her.

His embrace was wide and warm, making her feel secure and fall asleep quickly. And when she woke up, her body was clean and dry. Despite sweating and being covered in bodily fluids the night before. Initially, she thought the maids had cleaned up while she slept.

‘Are you awake?’

‘Lucas…’

It wasn’t until she woke up leaning against his chest in the bathtub one day that she realized it was her husband who had carefully cleaned her every time. Though she paid for the realization by being thoroughly teased in the water.

Yes, her husband cherished and treated her with care. And he didn’t hide it. His aides, her maids, the household staff, her friends, even the Emperor and Empress would often ask with a smile if she was enjoying her newlywed life.

Whenever they asked, Lucas would affirm with a look that said they already knew the answer. He would tell them he was too busy enjoying their honeymoon and not to bother his wife. He would even say she was too precious to be seen by others. And yet, he would always check her reaction to make sure she wasn’t upset.

Rosaline couldn’t help but think that this man loved her. And she believed this wasn’t a delusion.

If this wasn’t love, then Lucas was truly a bad person. How could he treat her like this and not call it love? But Rosaline felt burdened and scared. She couldn’t understand how he could fall so deeply in love with her so quickly, having seen so little of her.

If their relationship had developed slowly from being friends, she could have accepted him more easily. But he was too intense. She worried that a flame that burned so brightly might extinguish just as quickly.

“Thank you, Lucas. Then I’ll leave it to you.”

“Thank you for trusting me.”

It felt strange to receive thanks for giving someone more work, but it wasn’t a bad feeling. Had she ever received such absolute support from anyone? Rosaline thought she needed to stay alert as she felt herself being drawn to Lucas.

The banquet at the Bryant residence would start after sunset, but the mansion was still as bright as day. Not only the interior but also the exterior was brightly lit. This was because the master of the house was an archmage. He had the ability to keep the entire estate illuminated without the aid of magical tools.

He was always a person lacking in motivation. Although he had the ability to do anything, perhaps as a reaction, he had lost interest in everything. But he changed with marriage. He was ready to fulfill whatever his wife desired.

So Lucas was in a very good mood today. Almost as good as on their wedding day. That day, when his long-held wish came true, he was overwhelmed with happiness to the point of feeling he could die without regret. But he was also anxious, doubting whether it was a dream or reality, and impatient to hold his wife in his arms.

Today, he was just as happy but without the need for doubt and with a sense of ease. Even though maintaining the mansion’s lights consumed a vast amount of mana, he could handle it effortlessly.

Humming a tune, he headed to her dressing room. Initially, the staff who used to be startled and avoid him if he even slightly lifted the corners of his mouth now just bowed their heads without any reaction.

He treated everyone except his wife like furniture, walking straight ahead. He couldn’t wait to see her and kiss her flushed cheeks. He wanted to meet her sparkling eyes filled with anticipation and concern about the banquet and reassure her that it would be the best party.

How lovely would she look in the dress that matched his suit. He must tell her she’s beautiful as soon as he sees her.

But Lucas couldn’t accomplish any of his plans. When he saw her, dressed with the help of her maids, he could only widen his eyes and stand there dumbfounded. The always composed and cold Grand Duke of Bryant turned into a fool only in front of his wife. The Grand Duchess, now accustomed to his foolish expression, laughed softly and pulled her husband’s hand.

“Luke. Won’t you hold my hand?”

“Ah, Rosie… beautiful, you’re truly beautiful.”

“Thank you. You look handsome too, Luke.”

The Grand Duchess, who lightly accepted his sincere compliment, seemed so composed and gracious. Lucas felt an overwhelming urge to boast about his wife to the whole world again. But he knew it would embarrass her.

After clearing his throat to gather his emotions, he extended his hand to her. Rosaline, naturally taking his hand and standing beside him, made his heart flutter. The act of reaching out to her and having her smile as she took his hand felt like a daily dream come true, making Lucas’s face break into a silly grin, which he quickly composed. Today was her first event, and he was determined to support her with all his might to ensure it was perfect.

Seeing her husband’s resolute face, Rosaline thought, There he goes with his unnecessary thoughts again.

Over two months had passed since their marriage. She might not fully understand him, but she could gauge him to some extent. He was likely burning with determination for today’s banquet, whether for her sake or his own. Thinking that his feelings for her might be stronger wasn’t just her ego talking.

In any case, she had a thought she had never had before marriage. This man is a bit cute. Was there really a need to be so intense about this? Rosaline laughed out loud without realizing it. Lucas, bewildered by her laughter, began adjusting his outfit again, thinking something was amiss.