Chapter 55

The sky began to rain flower petals, adorning the garden beautifully. A single red petal gently landed on Charlotte’s hand. 

The noblewomen, who had been disparaging Charlotte just moments ago, were now completely entranced by the breathtaking scene, their eyes fixed on the sky as they admired the dance of the petals.

“What is this all of a sudden? It’s so beautiful!”

“Could someone have cast magic?”

Charlotte was just as startled. She remained frozen, unsure of what was happening, when through the cascade of petals, Erhen appeared, walking across the garden.

Now? …Here?

Charlotte’s mouth fell open in shock at his dramatic entrance, reminiscent of a scene from an over-the-top period drama. She had seen something like this before—perhaps in that show about the weight of the crown? Or was it the movie where three flower boys made their grand entrance? She couldn’t quite place it.

Even Philip, who had likely been with Erhen earlier, stood at the garden’s entrance, unable to bear watching the scene unfold, his head turned away. 

Still, one thing was undeniable: Erhen’s handsome face blended seamlessly with the falling petals. The noblewomen, now gazing at him standing beside Charlotte, were visibly enchanted.

“Pardon me.”

Erhen bowed slightly, greeting them politely. One of the noblewomen, recognizing him, immediately spoke up.

“Oh my, Marquis! What brings you here? And this beautiful magic—what is it?”

Her question completely ignored Charlotte, who was sitting right there.

But Charlotte didn’t have the energy to care about being treated as invisible. The situation unfolding before her was overwhelming. She realized her ability to keep her composure was severely lacking.

Erhen, however, responded to the noblewoman’s question. His cold gaze silenced her immediately.

He then gently placed his hand on Charlotte’s shoulder and smiled faintly.

“I came to escort my wife.”

“Your wife? Oh!”

The noblewomen’s gazes finally shifted to Charlotte. Erhen bowed slightly toward her, his voice unusually tender as he said:

“My lady.”

His smile, directed at Charlotte, caused the noblewomen’s faces to flush red. Known as the Empire’s walking sculpture, Erhen’s gentle smile was enough to make hearts flutter. But when they realized that smile was meant for Charlotte, they froze in realization.

Wait, wasn’t their marriage supposed to be loveless? Then why was the Marquis looking at her with such adoration?

Their glances darted back and forth in silent conversation, trying to make sense of what they were witnessing.

Charlotte, meanwhile, was too stunned to react. Erhen called her again, smiling once more.

“Charlotte.”

Startled, Charlotte finally responded.

“Y-Yes?”

“It’s time to go home, my lady.”

“…Oh.”

“Did you have a pleasant time?”

The seemingly affectionate exchange between a newlywed couple left the noblewomen dumbfounded. Charlotte, feeling the weight of their stares, quickly nodded and stood up.

Judging by Erhen’s convincing performance, the evidence collection must have gone well.

As Charlotte hurried to prepare to leave, Erhen addressed the noblewomen, who still looked utterly confused.

“I apologize for leaving so soon, so I thought I’d leave you with a little spectacle to enjoy.”

He placed Charlotte’s hand naturally on his arm and added, as if regretful:

“I simply cannot bear to be without her for even a moment.”

With acting skills rivaling those of Elias, Erhen delivered such lines with a straight face, leaving Charlotte internally applauding him.

But why…

“She’s so lovely that I don’t feel comfortable letting her out of my sight.”

Why?!

“I apologize for interrupting your delightful conversation, but I must take her now.”

Why was my heart racing in such a cliché, over-the-top scene?

Charlotte lowered her head, trying to hide her reddening face. The noblewomen, mistaking her reaction for shyness at her husband’s affection, quickly tried to smooth things over.

“Oh, newlyweds are like that—it’s only natural!”

“Please don’t mind what we said earlier, Marchioness.”

“Yes, thanks to you, we got to witness something so beautiful.”

Their belated flattery didn’t escape Erhen, who smirked faintly—a clear indication of mockery.

As they exited the garden and boarded the carriage, their charade as a loving couple ended the moment Erhen released Charlotte’s arm. 

Though it was expected, Charlotte couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of disappointment. She awkwardly coughed and fanned herself, trying to shake off the feeling. Forcing a casual tone, she asked:

“Did everything go well?”

But Erhen, sitting with his legs crossed and gazing out the window, didn’t respond.

“I asked if it went well. Why aren’t you answering?”

When she pressed him again, Erhen finally turned to her, his expression sour.

“Is your silence in the face of insults a reflection of your inferiority complex about your origins?”

Instead of answering, he chose to provoke her.

What now? His evasive answer made it clear things had gone as expected. Charlotte, unfazed by his sudden attack, replied calmly:

“Why should I get angry? You’re being more insulting than they were.”

“You could’ve stood up for yourself even half as much as you’re standing up to me now.”

“Oh, enough already. Besides, were they wrong? I did buy my noble status with money. And it’s true our marriage isn’t based on love.”

Though the last part stung a little, Charlotte knew she wouldn’t have agreed to a contract marriage if her life hadn’t been at stake.

But her nonchalant response only darkened Erhen’s expression.

“You are Rosenheim.”

“…What?”

“No matter what the truth is, I can’t stand seeing my wife insulted.”

Charlotte, who would normally have snapped back, found herself speechless at his unexpected words—especially “my wife.”

Why…why was my heart fluttering? What had I eaten today to make my heart malfunction like this?

Seeing her silent, Erhen looked away, his gaze softening. He knew, deep down, that his anger wasn’t directed at Charlotte.

“If you’re going to remain silent, at least make them think I’m a man madly in love with you.”

“….”

“That’s your role as my wife.”

Contract or not.

Erhen couldn’t make sense of his own emotions either. Watching Charlotte force a smile as she endured the nobles’ ridicule had made him want to expose their secrets and humiliate them. He would’ve even used forbidden magic if Philip hadn’t stopped him.

Unaware of his turmoil, Charlotte seemed to come to a decision.

“Alright. I’ll do as you say, Erhen.”

Clenching her fist, she looked unusually determined.

“Next time, I’ll flip the table!”

Erhen chuckled softly at her bold declaration. Though his laugh was tinged with disbelief, Charlotte found herself staring at him, mesmerized.

Today was definitely an odd day. Otherwise, her heart wouldn’t keep skipping beats just from looking at Erhen.

It didn’t take long for her to recognize her feelings as love. But her pride kept her from confessing, dragging things out even longer.

Later, Charlotte, with the help of a maid, arrived at Michael’s office. After being announced, she entered upon his permission. The door, adorned with intricate patterns, opened to reveal the golden-haired King basking in the sunlight streaming through the windows.

Charlotte curtsied gracefully.

“Viscountess Lintz.”

Michael, who had been surrounded by piles of documents, greeted her warmly, his expression one of relief, as if she were his savior.

“Peace to Rohadin.”

Once they were seated, a simple tea set was brought to the table. With a gesture, Michael dismissed the servants, leaving them alone. He spoke with evident excitement:

“I don’t think I’ve ever waited for someone as eagerly as I have for you today.”

“I apologize for not coming sooner.”

“No, it’s fine. Have you thought it over?”

His question was filled with hope.

Charlotte hesitated, her gaze meeting Michael’s golden eyes. Once, she had thought him mad. But now, she understood the weight of his words. Rohadin’s King was not one to prioritize his own safety.

Finally, Charlotte spoke.

“I don’t think I can help you, Your Majesty.”