Yuis blinked, as though she hadn’t expected such a response.

Edric observed her silently for a moment before taking a sip of water and continuing.

“I thought I already told you — you’re free to do whatever you wish.”

“Ah…”

“You are the Duchess of Descartes. Is there anywhere on this estate that you are forbidden from entering?”

Edric tilted his head slightly as he spoke.

Yuis gazed quietly back at him.

The look in his eyes made her shrink — he clearly disliked her asking him about something so trivial.

The dessert she had once enjoyed had long since turned into a soggy mess on her plate.

“What exactly is the problem?”

At his question, countless thoughts flooded her mind:

‘Terian Johannes…’

‘What did you talk about with Lady Johannes? What will happen to me if you ever find out who I really am — that I am Yuis Everett?’

But Yuis swallowed the questions trembling on the tip of her tongue.

She didn’t have the right to ask such things, especially since she couldn’t even fulfil her role as Duchess of Descartes properly.

The question she most wanted to ask remained unspoken.

Even though she knew he would probably think her pathetic, she couldn’t bring herself to speak.

“Are you having second thoughts about this marriage? Even after I’ve already given you the name of the House of Descartes and proven our union?”

At his words, Yuis lowered her gaze. She forced herself to focus on his words alone, blocking out the flood of thoughts that threatened to overwhelm her.

He was making it clear to her.

— that he intended to continue the marriage with Yuis Everett.

He had not chosen the beautiful and noble Terian, but had instead accepted the insignificant Yuis Everett as the Duchess of Descartes.

He had even said that she didn’t need his permission to enter the conservatory.

Lifting her gaze slowly, Yuis parted her lips. Since he had told her that she could ask for anything, she wanted to ask for at least one thing.

“About the wedding, Your Grace…”

As she hesitated, Edric met her gaze, silently giving her permission to continue.

Straightening her posture, Yuis looked into his blue eyes and spoke.

“What if we held it here? I find this place lovely.”

“Very well. I’ll inform Lady Gion.”

“Thank you.”

Everything about the dinner had been perfect —

— except for the inexplicable sorrow that still lingered inside her.

***

The wedding took place at Haneder, the Descartes family estate. It was late May, and a cool breeze drifted through the air. The annex, which had been transformed into an awe-inspiring venue, captured everyone’s attention.

The wedding was originally supposed to be held at the Imperial Palace. However, at the Duchess’s request, it was moved here instead.

Rumours quickly spread through high society that the cold Duke of Kalang had fallen head over heels for his beautiful bride.

As Terian gazed at the gorgeously decorated hall and aisle, a smile touched her lips. But no one noticed the coldness that flashed beneath her eyes.

“What a beautiful wedding!”

Countess Hestia’s daughter exclaimed in admiration.

At this, Baroness Seymour’s daughter scoffed quietly.

“So what? She should just be grateful if he doesn’t leave a mark on her tonight.”

“Oh my, do you think Yuis will just bite her lip and endure it again?”

The ladies laughed. Yet even as they spoke ill of Yuis, their eyes darted around the hall.

Some whispered questions about who was responsible for the floral arrangements, being careful not to be caught by Terian’s gaze.

Clearly, no other noble family in Darec could host such a grand wedding. Perhaps only the royal family could rival it.

Beneath their scornful gaze, both fascination and secret envy could be seen.

Just before the ceremony began, the King of Darec’s aide entered.

Although the king had already obtained proof of consummation, his anxiety had not eased. Unable to rest properly, he had ordered his aide to witness the entire ceremony.

Edric entered the hall, holding Yuis’s hand. When he lifted her veil, her violet, gem-like eyes sparkled beneath it.

The two of them exchanged smiles as they stood side by side, and then the ceremony began.

On a beautiful, golden afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Descartes pledged their eternal love for each other.

Although much simpler than the grand ceremony planned by the Emperor at the imperial palace, its simplicity made it all the more beautiful.

As the final moment approached — the kiss — Edric and Yuis stood facing each other.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer, gently cupping her face with his hand before leaning in to kiss her.

The faint scent of Yuis, which had surrounded him throughout the ceremony, grew stronger as he drew nearer.

Noticing her slight stiffness, Edric lifted her hand and placed it against his chest, deepening the kiss.

The kiss lasted longer than expected, prompting a few guests to cough awkwardly.

Some noblewomen discreetly raised their fans to cover their flushed faces.

Only the King’s aide watched the scene with visible satisfaction.

It was only when Yuis began to gasp for breath that Edric finally pulled away.

He swept her hair back behind her ear, and thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall.

Despite the envy, jealousy and scrutiny in the room, beneath the crimson-tinted sky everyone could see how perfect the couple looked together.

***

Shortly after the ceremony, while the banquet was in full swing, Yuis stood overlooking the mansion’s garden as she changed into her evening gown.

Unlike her voluminous wedding dress, this gown was made of pale, silky fabric that clung delicately to her figure.

Her hair, which had been loose before, was now neatly pinned up and she wore a pearl necklace.

With lace gloves completing her attire, she was finally ready.

Yuis didn’t forget to thank Laura, who had worked tirelessly for her throughout the day.

“Thank you, Laura.”

“Oh no, My Lady. You look absolutely stunning. Like a princess.”

Upon hearing Laura’s words, Yuis let out a soft laugh and left the room.

Outside, waiting for her, was Edric, wearing a deep blue suit that matched Yuis’s gown almost exactly.

As their eyes met, he offered her his arm.

Yuis placed her hand gently on his arm and stood beside him. Together, they began to walk.

Looking at him now brought back memories of the earlier ceremony.

She had expected their kiss to be a brief touch of the lips, but it had been much more intense.

As the kiss continued, whistles and cheers erupted from the guests.

Feeling dizzy and unable to catch her breath, Yuis lightly hit Edric’s side with her fist, prompting him to finally pull away.

“You should breathe through your nose, Yuis.”

While she was dishevelled and breathless, he remained perfectly composed, aside from the slight flush at the corner of his lips.

Edric’s gloved hand reached up to brush the corner of her mouth.

Even through the glove, his touch felt searingly warm.

As she stared at him in a daze, he let out a quiet chuckle and spoke.

“If you keep staring like that, you’ll burn a hole through my face.”

Lowering his head slightly, he leaned in closer.

Startled, Yuis pulled back instinctively, but Edric tightened his arm around her waist just enough to steady her.

The rest of her memories blurred after that. She recalled walking down the aisle beside him, and at the end sharing a kiss to seal their eternal vows.

That second kiss was brief — just a light, soft peck.

Strangely, when his lips pulled away, she found herself feeling slightly disappointed, thinking that she must be going crazy.

After walking in silence for a while, Edric suddenly stopped and called to her.

“My lady.”

Startled from her thoughts, Yuis paused and looked up at him.

Edric gently plucked a stray strand of hair from her shoulder.

“Thank you.”

“No need.”

Yuis absentmindedly reached up to touch the spot where Edric’s hand had been. He watched her with a quiet, wordless smile. Then he led her forward once again.

“I hear Lady Terian Johannes will be leaving in two days.”