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Reflecting deeply on Delis’s poorly lived life, the attendants were nearly finished attending to me.

The maids braided my hair to one side and dressed me in a pink pastel Empire-style gown. The dress accentuated Delis’s curves beautifully.

What fabric is this? Silk? The soft texture felt pleasant against my skin.

I looked at myself, at Delis, in the mirror. Delis’s appearance was a far cry from her personality, separated by about 100,000 light-years.

What did the novel say?

It described her as having alluring eyes reminiscent of gemstones, vibrant amber eyes, golden hair as rich as melted honey, and flawless, snow-white skin—basically, an exceedingly beautiful woman.

When I read the novel, I was curious about her actual appearance. Seeing it in person, I could tell I wouldn’t get tired of looking at her reflection in the mirror every day. Eating meals while gazing at this face? No problem, yum yum.

-Knock, knock.

“My lady, it’s Mary.”

“Come in… I mean, come in.”

I almost used formal speech again. I must have lived too politely in my past life.

Mary approached me, covering her mouth with her hand and whispering softly into my ear.

“I have something to tell you.”

The attendants had finished, and it was just Mary and me left in the room.

“What did you want to tell me earlier?”

“The Duke asked me to convey a message to you.”

“Really? What is it?”

“He advised that it would be best not to let others know about your memory loss, to avoid any potential rumors. He has instructed the staff to keep quiet.”

It seemed Delis was already engulfed in enough rumors. Adding one more wouldn’t help.

“…….”

“…….”

“…And that’s it?”

Mary fell silent after delivering her message, looking slightly embarrassed at having nothing more to say.

It was clear how strained the relationship between Roan and Delis was. Even a conveyed message from him carried a strictly business-like tone.

But it wasn’t surprising.

The memories of Delis’s atrocities against Roan flooded my mind. She tormented him for being an illegitimate child, mocked him in front of the servants, hurled objects when she was displeased… the list went on and on.

Roan always responded to her tantrums with an icy, indifferent expression, ignoring her completely. If I were Roan, I would have wanted to kill Delis a hundred times over.

I used to curse at Delis while reading the novel, thinking, “How can such a crazy b***h exist?” But now, that’s me? Damn it. Sigh. I made a decision.

I would slowly work on mending my relationship with him. I couldn’t leave things like this with my favorite character.

-Knock, knock.

There was a knock at the door. Could it be Roan?

“It’s Ellen.”

“Come in.”

Of course, it wasn’t him. The woman who entered was Ellen, the head maid, as Mary had mentioned.

“My lady, breakfast is ready. The Duke is already having his meal. Will you be joining him?”

“I’ll go down now.”

I headed to the first floor. When I entered the dining room for breakfast, Roan was already eating, as Ellen had said.

Roan didn’t give me even a glance as I took my seat.

It was surreal to see Roan from the novel in real life. Those blue eyes, black hair. A face sculpted with divine effort, no doubt. He really was the Roan from the story.

Like Delis, Roan had an impossibly striking appearance.

As I continued to eat while admiring Roan’s angelic looks, the air seemed to grow heavier. At this rate, I’d lose my appetite. I decided to muster some courage.

“It seems like a nice day today.”

The go-to conversation starter for awkward moments, weather talk. It was cliche, but at least I hadn’t blurted out something awkward.

But what was this atmosphere? I merely made a casual comment, yet it felt like the room was stirring. Roan still showed no reaction. I decided to try again.

“Roan, is the food good?”

As soon as I said that, I felt the servants’ eyes on me. Although no one spoke, their gazes were filled with shock, fear, and astonishment. The silent outcry was palpable.

In this chaotic situation, Roan merely raised an eyebrow for a moment without any other reaction. At that instant, I realized I had made a mistake.

I shouldn’t know Roan’s name yet. This is why lying is only for the smart ones.

“I heard your name from the maids.”

“…….”

I hurriedly explained, feeling guilty, even though he hadn’t asked.

“Is it alright if I call you by your name?”

I had already done so, but I asked out of courtesy.

Roan, who had been silent, finally responded to my persistent gaze.

“…Yes.”

He… he responded. We had an actual conversation!

“Hehehe.”

A silly laugh escaped my lips. Roan and the servants looked at me as if I were crazy, but I couldn’t stop smiling. I had exchanged words with my favorite character.

Roan finished his meal first and went up to his office.

I returned to my bedroom. Apparently, Roan and Delis had separate bedrooms, but due to the duty of producing an heir, they had to share a room once a month.

Last night was that night, which is why Roan had come to my room.

However, Roan and Delis had never consummated their marriage. Given how much they disliked each other, it was understandable.

“Mary.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Thanks to my earnest efforts to show that ‘Mary is safe with me,’ she had stopped stuttering in front of me.

“Where is the Duke’s office?”

“It’s the second room on the left corridor.”

“Do you think it’s okay to visit him now?”

“…Pardon? What is the reason for your visit?”

Judging by Mary’s reaction, it seemed Delis rarely visited Roan’s office.

“I have something to discuss with him.”

“What?”

“Is it not allowed?”

“It’s not that. The Duke has been busy with the northern barbarian issue, but since he usually stays in his office even without special matters, it should be fine.”

Oh, right. Roan is an incredibly skilled swordsman. Even at a young age, he had accomplished much in wars. He was one of the few Sword Masters on the continent.

The kind where aura emanates from his sword. As expected, our Roan. Good job, Roan.

Every time Roan went to battle, he returned victorious, making the empire trust him with any war.

Roan was a crucial asset to the empire. Other countries would undoubtedly welcome him with open arms if he ever decided to go to them.

So now, no one dared to belittle Roan for being an illegitimate child. No one except the foolish Delis, that is.

In the novel, Roan was given a nickname by his enemies.

The Incarnation of the Blue Wolf.

It was inspired by the sight of his blue aura on the battlefield. Ugh. It was a cringe-worthy nickname that made me feel like a middle schooler with a black dragon tattoo.

But oddly, it suited him. Why did it fit him so well? Even that middle-school-level nickname worked because of his looks.

-Knock, knock.

The door to the office opened, and a man with dark brown hair and light brown eyes appeared.

You! Brown eyes and dark brown hair—it’s you!

David. David was Roan’s loyal aide, mentioned several times in the novel. He was the second son of Baron William and became Roan’s adjutant shortly after the death of the previous Duke Banister.

Hmm, but he also…

“…My lady? What brings you here?”

Didn’t like Delis. His eyes, filled with curiosity, looked at me.

His formal speech sounded like it was hiding the question—why are you here? Considering how she treated his master, it’s no wonder he didn’t like her.

“I came to see the Duke. May I go in?”

“I’ll ask His Grace.”

Creak. The door opened again.

“You may enter.”

Entering the office, I saw Roan seated at his desk. He seemed to have been working on some documents.

The office had a neat and restrained feel, reflecting its owner’s personality.

“Good morning.”

I greeted him brightly. Greetings are the foundation of relationship-building.

“…….”

The result was brutal. Completely ignored. Roan stared at me with an emotionless expression, his lips in a thin line.

“Roan?”

I held onto my courage and called him again.

“What brings you here?”

Roan finally responded.

“Well, you’ve heard about my situation, right?”

“Ah. About your sudden memory loss.”

His blue eyes seemed to pierce through me.

Despite the content, his tone suggested disbelief. It seemed he didn’t fully believe I had lost my memory.

“Yes.”

“I’ve heard. Didn’t I send a message through a maid earlier?”

“Roan.”

Calling his name caused his expression to change ever so slightly.

“I know that before I lost my memory, our relationship was… not very good.”

Actually, it was terrible.

“The reason I came here is that I want to talk with you, Roan.”

“You want to talk with me?”

A brief, almost mocking smile passed over Roan’s lips.

“Now that you’ve lost your memory, you probably don’t remember that you used to call me a bastard all the time.”

Roan’s tone was sarcastic, his face expressionless.

For a moment, I was at a loss for words. The phrase Delis had often used came to mind.

“You’re just a bastard and you dare to call yourself a Duke.”

No wonder he didn’t trust me. There was no trace of trust between us to begin with. Delis wasn’t exactly trustworthy.

Seeing my speechlessness, Roan smirked as if he had expected this reaction.

“Whatever your intentions, it’s best you give up quickly.”

“That’s not it!”

I shook my head quickly.

“If I’ve treated you badly… I’m really sorry.”

Acknowledging my wrongdoings—though technically, they weren’t my own—and seeking his forgiveness seemed the best approach. It wouldn’t heal his wounds immediately, but I hoped my sincerity would come through.

“…….”

Roan looked at me with an unreadable expression. It seemed he was trying to figure out my intentions.

Silence hung between us for a while. Roan didn’t seem inclined to speak further.

He probably needed time to process this. Despite my desire to continue the conversation, I held back.

“Well… I’ll be going then.”

Roan still didn’t respond.