So, they all do know about Odelia’s infamous reputation.

With a cool and detached gaze, I decided to observe the people of Norhart more objectively.

“Lady Odelia, you must have had a tiring journey. I am Ian Orlando, the Grand Duke’s castle steward.”

However, there was no trace of the discomfort I sensed at the Marquisate.

They only seemed genuinely pleased.

“We are truly grateful to you for capturing our Grand Duke’s heart. This old man can now die without regret—”

“Ian.”

“I was joking. Lighten up, will you?”

The old steward chuckled heartily at the Grand Duke’s rebuke.

The Grand Duke briefly furrowed his brows before calling out, without even turning around.

“Paul.”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

“Ian, this man was in charge of the kitchen at Odelia’s estate. Introduce him to Clarke and ensure Odelia is served meals without inconvenience.”

Oh my, when did he get so close to Paul? I thought he only sat on the garden bench, exuding cold air before leaving.

‘Is he unexpectedly attentive to those around him…?’

I silently marveled at the Grand Duke’s consideration, which seemed at odds with his aloof demeanor.

“And this child—”

“I’m Mila!”

“She is Odelia’s personal maid. Let her continue attending to her. And this is Hans. He’s strong, so he can take care of the heavy labor in the east wing.”

“Pleased to serve you!”

The Grand Duke’s smooth introductions left me bewildered.

Well, it was possible that Viscount Nielsen, who had investigated these people’s backgrounds, had already briefed him.

“I’ll be counting on you, too. I hope you can share some useful insights about our future Grand Duchess.”

With a playful wink from the steward, Mila let out a bright, tinkling laugh.

“This lady here is Baroness Allen, Odelia’s nanny.”

“Oh dear, you must have gone through so much. Your husband is in confinement as atonement, is he not—”

“It wasn’t just my burden to bear. I’ll be in your care.”

The steward even showed thoughtful sympathy for the fact that Baron Allen, her husband, had been imprisoned as one of Lure’s vassals.

“And this is Dame Gwendolyn, Odelia’s personal physician. She was a renowned visiting doctor in Belvo.”

“Pleased to meet you. I’d like my quarters to be as close to Lady Odelia’s as possible.”

“And…”

The Grand Duke’s gaze finally landed on Mathias, who practically wagged his invisible tail behind me.

“I am Mathias Allen! I was knighted last year in the Lure Order of Knights!”

“…I see. Assign him as a guest knight in the Order. Let them use him however they see fit.”

Unlike his earlier introductions, the Grand Duke’s tone was noticeably indifferent when addressing Mathias. Was it just my imagination, or did he emphasize “use him however they see fit”…?

Just then, the steward gestured toward one of the corridors.

“Regrettably, Your Grace, you must let go now. I will take over from here.”

Since the Grand Duke’s residence was structured in a ‘ㄷ’ shape, his quarters seemed to be on the opposite side of mine.

I nodded in acceptance of the steward’s words—

“You.”

“…Yes?”

Still holding my hand, the Grand Duke pulled it toward his lips.

“Let’s have a private dinner together later.”

Dinner? Just the two of us?

As I gave him a puzzled look, his lips moved silently.

Con. Tract.

Ah, so he wants to settle the contract matter as soon as I arrive?

That was perfectly fine by me.

As I slowly nodded, the corners of his lips curved slightly, and he placed a kiss on the back of my hand.

Oh my!

Did you see that?

Crazy!

Gasps of surprise erupted among the servants at the Grand Duke’s unexpected action.

‘Yes… he must be out of his mind…’

I stared at him in bewilderment, this man who seemed far too committed to playing the role of my fiancé.

***

Since we hadn’t yet fully unpacked from the Blue Roof Manor, we were first guided to the guest rooms.

“It may be modest compared to the Grand Duchess’s chambers, where you will eventually reside, but we will serve you with utmost sincerity.”

Does the word “modest” mean something different in Norhart…?

I was astonished at the lavish hospitality in a room at least five times the size of the one at the Blue Roof Manor.

‘If this is considered modest, just how extravagant is the Grand Duchess’s room? Though, giving the Grand Duchess’s chambers to a contract fiancée is rather ridiculous in itself…’

To the Grand Duke, this must be a grand performance to deceive even his own people.

Resigning myself to the situation, I allowed the professional maids of the Grand Duke’s castle to begin preparing me for the evening banquet.

It seemed the Norhart maids were particularly enthusiastic, perhaps thrilled by their master’s newfound romance. Mila watched their skilled movements with admiration.

The dinner was supposed to be a private meeting to finalize the contract, but it had also been framed as both an opportunity for the Blue Roof Manor residents to rest and an intimate evening between lovers.

“Oh, my lady! I thought you’d never get to wear these dresses again… Oops.”

“…Yes, well, there was hardly any occasion to wear them in Mildorf. I even regretted bringing them along.”

I should have sold them in Belvo while I had the chance.

I smoothly covered up my nanny’s near-slip.

She seemed deeply moved to see me adorned so elegantly again. After all, she was busily selecting a dress that was casual yet beautiful—one appropriate for a private banquet within the estate.

For the first time since becoming Odelia, I was about to be fully dressed, with makeup and hair perfectly done…

“Maah! Pty!”

“Pretty? Is sister pretty?”

“Mmaah! Pwty!”

“Mm, okay, I got it.”

I looked at Angie, who was still calling for her mother, with an awkward expression.

The fact that I, the infamous villainess of high society, was being called “Mama” by a baby was perfect fodder for rumors, especially if the maids were unaware of the secret Viscount Nielsen had mentioned about Norhart.

Angie flailed her tiny arms and legs excitedly as she gazed up at me, oblivious to my inner turmoil.

Well, at just four months old, Angie was already sitting up alone, holding her head steady, and wiggling her body. Her growth was truly remarkable.

Her delicate golden eyes sparkled like sunlight reflecting on the waves.

‘They say babies have an eye for beauty.’

Even I had to admit that today, Odelia was more beautiful than ever.

The pearl powder and rosy blush gave life to my pale complexion, concealing any signs of illness. Soft curls were added to my platinum-blond hair, enhancing my delicate charm. Dressed in an apricot-colored gown that complemented my fair skin, adorned with the amethyst accessories gifted by the Grand Duke—

‘Ah, at this rate, the Grand Duke might just fall for me all over again.’

I jokingly mused to myself, as if to calm my nerves. That is, if he truly had fallen for Odelia at first sight, just as he claimed.

And then, as the time for the banquet arrived, the Grand Duke came to escort me.

At the entrance of the east wing, where he awaited me, he momentarily lost his words.

The tranquil garden, bathed in the hues of the setting sun.

Despite his simple attire—a shirt and vest—his well-fitted clothes accentuated his strong build, making him look undeniably refined. But what stood out the most was…

“You are always beautiful, but tonight, you are even more so.”

His words came with a faint, boyish smile.

A man who was usually reserved, always keeping his expression stern.

His face, the tips of his ears—they seemed slightly flushed… but I decided to attribute it to the sunset.

“You look wonderful as well, Your Grace.”

“Again.”

“…Cedrion, you too.”

His lips curled slightly into something resembling a smile before he gently took my hand and pressed a light kiss to it.

Was it arrhythmia or hyperventilation? My heart pounded erratically at his composed yet weighty demeanor.

I convinced myself that it was merely the resolve I needed to properly play the role of his fiancée.

***

“See that rose greenhouse over there?”

The banquet was set in a gazebo in the Grand Duke’s rear garden.

All the way there, Cedrion diligently explained various parts of the garden to me. Considering he had previously mentioned wanting to clear it for a vegetable patch, he seemed quite attached to it after all.

With my hand in his, I took in the romantic and elegant scenery of the Grand Duke’s estate, my heart racing wildly.

Because the garden was breathtakingly beautiful, of course.

‘I need Angie.’

Holding Angie always calmed me when my heartbeat quickened like this.

Perhaps thanks to Cedrion’s words, Angie had willingly allowed the nanny to take her, even though I had not pleaded as much as usual.

“If you’d like, that greenhouse can be yours. If you’re interested in hydroponic gardening, I can summon an expert. That flower bed over there also gets excellent sunlight, so just let me know.”

…So he wasn’t just attached to the garden?

“If you’re willing, we can take a stroll around the estate after dinner and decide where to relocate the vegetable patch. Since you mentioned that the central courtyard felt too overwhelming,”

“There’s no one at the Blue Roof Manor right now… Do you think everything is alright?”

“I’ve sent a few knights. They may not be as attentive as you, but… even the plants should experience missing you for a day.”

“Did you just call them ‘plants’?”

His choice of words sounded almost playful, making me unconsciously chuckle.

After our walk through the garden, we finally arrived at the gazebo nestled among the trees, where the banquet was set.

The sun had nearly set, yet the sky had not yet surrendered to the night—a fleeting moment when day and evening intertwined.

Against that exquisite sky, the gazebo was softly illuminated, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

“Careful as you step up.”

Despite the few stairs leading up, Cedrion, having ascended first, anxiously watched as I took each step.

Small lights twinkled like fireflies, adorning the gazebo’s pillars and ceiling, casting a dreamlike glow over the dinner setting at its center.

Taking in the mesmerizing sight, I couldn’t help but gasp.

“…Wow.”

“Do you like it? This is something you used to love.”

“…I did?”

For a moment, I wondered if I had misheard Cedrion’s quiet remark.

His lips were now firmly pressed together as if he had never spoken in the first place.

‘A preference I didn’t even know I had…?’

This scene was undeniably beautiful, but wouldn’t anyone find it enchanting?

Yet, his golden eyes were fixated on me—not expectantly, but as if simply observing my reaction.

Ah, I see.

‘So this is something Odelia, the real Odelia, used to love.’

The realization settled in, and with it, the rapid pounding of my heart began to subside.

‘I must not misunderstand. Any kindness he shows me is meant for the real Odelia, not for me.’

Because, after all, I am not her.