Shortly afterwards, Elliope received an invitation to a ladies’ salon in the Viscounty of Elsen. It came about a week after her arrival in the area. 

“Welcome, Lady Elliope of Elsen.” 

“Thank you for the invitation, Lady Mileina.” 

The attendees were more diverse than Elliope had expected. The group consisted of newly-assigned vassals from Ilmos, who had come when Kallian was granted the territory, long-established landowning families from Elsen, and the wives of recently knighted knights. 

The gathering was exclusively for married women with titles in Elsen, and Elliope felt deeply uncomfortable at the prospect of attending such an event. 

Still, the reason she had bothered to attend this meeting was simple. 

‘I must fulfil my duties as his wife.’ 

“In the end, what really matters above all else…” 

“Is that you are now my wife.” 

His whispered words echoed in her mind, making her heart race. It was as if he truly saw her as his only companion, accepting her in a way that left no room for doubt. 

‘I want to help him.’ 

Giving him physical pleasure and receiving it in return was pleasurable, but she wanted more than that. She wanted to be a partner he could rely on, someone who could support him not only in intimacy but as a true companion he could trust and move forward with. 

This feeling grew stronger when she saw how busy Kallian had become after arriving in Elsen. 

‘Fortunately, I’m not completely at a disadvantage.’ 

She had the advantage of knowing what would happen in the next three years, as well as the education she had received as a Grand Duchess. But to use it properly, she needed a certain amount of respect and trust from those around her. 

She couldn’t just announce: a certain epidemic is going to spread, so we must prepare in advance, or this business venture will be profitable, so trust me and invest. 

If she, a cloistered viscountess, said such things, no one would listen. Instead, she would be dismissed as a fraud or a fool. 

‘If she were an Imperial Princess who had married through less than pure means, it would be even more so.’ 

Emma and Sien, who had arrived in Elsen before her during the move and had had the opportunity to interact with the servants of other households, assured her that such a meeting should be manageable. Even Dylan, who seemed strangely familiar with the workings of Elsen, had nodded in agreement when he heard the names of the ladies present. 

‘Even if it feels like a burden, I should try.’ 

She still had memories of the three years she had spent outwardly as a Grand Duchess in her former life. The etiquette and demeanour she had learnt then would ensure she didn’t make any glaring mistakes. 

…But the atmosphere she was entering, though tense at first, began to soothe her nerves – and even excite her in a different way – within a few hours. 

“Oh dear! Really?” 

“Is this really possible?” 

“Viscount Elsen really is remarkable. I’m so jealous.” 

“My husband should learn from others. He still calls himself a knight, but now all he does is grow his belly. I told him to go to the training grounds because I can’t bear to look at him, but he says he’s too heavy to even run properly.”

“And mine, despite his size, is just… disappointing below the belt.” 

…This was not the kind of meeting Elliope had expected. 

When she first arrived, she had expected light, pleasant conversation. The ladies had greeted her warmly, exchanged polite words and expressed their gratitude for her presence. So far, everything had gone as expected. 

Even as they chatted, Elliope found the group, including Lady Mileina, who had extended the invitation, far friendlier than she had imagined. It really felt as if they had invited her out of goodwill. 

But as soon as someone declared that no gathering in the north was complete without a drink, and several rounds of strong rum began to circulate, the atmosphere changed dramatically. 

By now, Elliope had lost count of the number of scandalous and dangerous stories being told. The conversations, shockingly frank and explicit, seemed far removed from the decorum expected of high society ladies. 

’his is getting more and more out of hand.’ 

The conversation had indeed become bolder. Most of the more daring remarks came from the wives of newly ennobled knights, rather than those of noble lineage. 

“Three times in one go? Does that even make sense?” 

“Wait, didn’t you say it was five times before? My husband couldn’t do it once without a fight, even when we were newlyweds.” 

“Same here. I even went so far as to collect herbal remedies for him and, well… help him with my mouth…” 

“…Excuse me, just a moment.”

Elliope stammered, feeling the heat rush into her face. She instinctively began to fan herself, but her reaction only drew amused laughter from the ladies around her. 

“All right, ladies, stop teasing the viscountess.” 

“But she’s so lovely, isn’t she?” 

Elliope had no intention of engaging in such conversation. But here she was, caught in the middle of their banter, her composure slowly unravelling. 

However, with the other ladies all sharing bits and pieces of their intimate lives, it felt strangely out of place for her to remain silent. More than anything else, the more she listened to the other women’s stories, the more she became flustered, which led her to ask a few questions – which brought things to this point. 

‘This isn’t normal for everyone.’ 

The more she heard, the clearer it became that Kallian was a rather unique case. Perhaps not just a little, but significantly so. 

Kallian was Elliope’s first man – both in her previous life and in this one. And in all likelihood he would be her last. She had no knowledge of other men’s stamina or endurance, but she had simply assumed that Kallian’s level was standard for all. 

‘Besides, it’s the honeymoon phase.’ 

Even if it had been a little overwhelming at times, she had believed that all newlyweds went through something similar. 

But apparently that wasn’t the case. 

The other ladies responded playfully, winking at her. 

“Well, that makes sense. Sir Kallian – or rather the Viscount – seems to be quite strong.” 

“But it’s a bit surprising, isn’t it?” 

“What is?” 

“There have been rumours for a long time that he does not like women.” 

“Oh, it was intense. To the point where there were even rumours that he preferred men.” 

This part of the conversation took Elliope by surprise, as she wasn’t familiar with such rumours. She found herself flustered as the other ladies continued to chat excitedly. 

“Who was it again? That person he was always with…” 

“Was it Sir Reuben? He always vehemently denied it, saying he had lots of girlfriends.” 

“Everyone thought he was lying.” 

“But for Sir Kallian not only marry, but…” 

The room erupted in laughter again. Lady Mileina, still relatively sober, finally intervened, noticing Elliope’s discomfort. 

“Everyone, be sensible. The viscountess looks a little overwhelmed.” 

“My apologies, Viscountess. Some of us thought it was a genuine concern.” 

“A concern?” 

Elliope stroked her now slightly warm cheeks and took a sip of the strong liquor. A lady who appeared to be quite drunk let out a significant chuckle. From what Elliope remembered, she came from a rather old and established family in Elsen. 

“Among the elders in our house…” 

“There were some who thought it would be a shame if such a handsome man did not pass on his bloodline.” 

Lady Mileina quickly intercepted the comment, smiling softly as she turned her gaze to Elliope. Still taken aback, Elliope replied with a puzzled expression. 

“I didn’t know the people of Elsen thought so highly of the viscount.” 

“Not only Elsen – most of the borderlands under Ilmos hold Viscount Kallian in high esteem.” 

Elliope nodded slowly. She didn’t need to ask why, the answer was clear. She had often heard that, thanks to Kallian, the Borderlands had suffered far fewer invasions than before. 

“It is fortunate that the Viscount seems to have found a good match.”

Lady Mileina added, her words carrying a tone of sincerity. 

“But the process wasn’t exactly smooth.”

Elliope replied with a slight smile. 

“What does it matter? From what we can see, Viscount Kallian seems to hold you in high esteem.” 

“That’s…” 

“Even our Baron has started to come home on time these days. He used to wander around endlessly, but after seeing how the Viscount returns to his wife right after work, he’s had a change of heart.” 

“….” 

“And besides, you’re such a beautiful couple. A perfect example of a good marriage.” 

Elliope raised her glass again, touched by the warmth she hadn’t felt in so long – except perhaps from Kallian. She told herself not to drink too much, but the strange thirst wouldn’t go away. 

‘I did not expect to be welcomed like this.’ 

In the Grand Duchy, the noblewomen and maids had always looked at her with icy, cutting glances. 

Perhaps the ladies of Elsen were simply more down-to-earth and generous. Despite their sometimes blunt language, they seemed to embrace her, brushing aside the controversy surrounding her marriage to Kallian with a hospitality that was unexpected and comforting. 

‘Thank goodness.’ 

With that thought, Elliope, her flushed face warm from both alcohol and laughter, looked around at the smiling ladies around her. At that moment there was a small commotion near the entrance. 

“Wait a minute. This place is…” 

“And why not? I have every right to be here as well.” 

At the sound of the voice, Elliope froze for a moment. Soon the sound of footsteps came closer. 

Crack. 

The salon doors opened. 

The ladies, who had been chatting and laughing amongst themselves, fell silent and stared blankly at the newcomer. 

The hostess, Lady Mileina, reacted a beat too late, but managed to greet the person with a belated smile. 

“Welcome, Charlotte… or rather, Miss Marte.” 

“Sorry for the delay, Lady Mileina.”

The young woman said, her bright red hair – a rare sight in the north – and equally striking red eyes catching everyone’s attention. Dressed more elegantly than anyone else, she turned her gaze to Elliope. 

“So this must be the one.”

She said, and then approached Elliope, clasping her hands warmly as if genuinely pleased. 

“It is such a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness the Princess. I am…” 

“Miss Charlotte Marte.”

Elliope interrupted. 

At the mention of her name, Charlotte Marte’s eyes widened and she smiled brightly. 

“It’s an honour that you know me.” 

How could she not? Her face and name were unforgettable, no matter where or when. 

“Sob, sob! Your Grace! Your Grace!” 

Charlotte Marte had walked ahead of all the other mistresses at Theodor’s funeral, sobbing uncontrollably. 

She was the mistress responsible for Theodor’s death from exhaustion.