Chapter 26

Evelyn returned to the mansion, took her medication, and asked Merrilyn to bring her some stationery.

Originally, her plan was to send a letter to Oakley to arrange a visit to the headquarters of the merchant guild, but Fenris was still on her mind.

‘I need to meet Fenris first.’

Evelyn wrote a letter to Fenris. Usually, letters sent to the palace were inspected by a censor, but with the seal of the Liwonoc family on it, it would be delivered directly to him.

She couldn’t write a detailed message like, ‘I know you borrowed a toxicology book to make poison to attack Nosellerton, so I want to meet you to stop you.’ Instead, she wrote something vague like, ‘I will give you an opportunity to repay the favor.’

It would take some time for a reply to come, so in the meantime, it seemed best to rest and recuperate at the mansion to calm her mind and body.

After all, the root of all illness is stress. Despite hearing the frightening term ‘rare disease,’ nothing had been confirmed yet. She didn’t want to be scared prematurely.

Evelyn spent her time doing embroidery. In her previous life, she had no interest in such delicate hobbies, but with no TV or laptop here, she naturally became interested in it due to the lack of other activities. Mindlessly embroidering until dusk fell around her brought her some peace.

Her skills improved gradually, and when she produced satisfactory results, she felt a sense of pride.

Currently, she was embroidering a laurel. This handkerchief with a laurel design was meant to be a gift for someone.

‘Soon, the equestrian tournament will be held.’

According to the original story, an important guest would come to Snowville to participate in the equestrian competition.

Just as Rachel had attacked her through Karina in the original story, albeit in a slightly different location, she believed the person meant to receive the handkerchief would definitely visit.

The laurel symbolized victory and glory. This handkerchief would be a lucky charm for a sure win in the tournament.

Evelyn moved her needle with care, thinking of the person who would receive this handkerchief.

At that moment, Merrilyn knocked from outside the bedroom and said,

“Ma’am, the master has returned.”

Evelyn put down the handkerchief and was about to go outside to greet him when the door suddenly opened.

Dyffrin was standing there. Evelyn had to hold her startled heart.

‘Did he come straight to my bedroom after returning home?’

Before Evelyn could say anything, Dyffrin spoke first.

“Why are you standing?”

“I was about to go greet you since you’re back.”

“Didn’t the physician tell you to rest?”

Dyffrin had a knack for saying everything in a sharp tone. How could he make a statement about resting sound so harsh?

“Resting doesn’t mean I can’t move at all.”

“Still, try not to leave the bed if possible. You might collapse again.”

At the end, Dyffrin’s tone softened noticeably. Perhaps because of his tired eyes, it even sounded a bit kind.

Dyffrin took Evelyn by the arm and led her toward the bed.

Evelyn planted her feet firmly and stopped.

“Wait a moment. We need to eat dinner.”

“We can eat here.”

“…What are you talking about? I’m not that sick.”

“Do you want me to carry you to the bed like yesterday? If you want, I’ll do that.”

Faced with Dyffrin’s threat, Evelyn closed her mouth and obediently lay down on the bed as he instructed.

“You’re being overly cautious.”

“This is my mansion, and I will do as I please, whether it’s overly cautious or not.”

Evelyn frowned and looked at Dyffrin closely.

“Are you really Dyffrin Liwonoc, the one I know…?”

“If not?”

At his brusque reply, Evelyn exaggeratedly said,

“Are you really the Dyffrin who is the youngest Minister of the Apparent, known as the Empire’s beacon and the handsomest man of the century?”

With each word, Dyffrin’s expression twisted as if he had taken a bitter medicine.

‘This is the Dyffrin I know.’

Seeing him take compliments as insults confirmed it.

However, Evelyn still found Dyffrin suspicious. Could this man, who was acting so considerate now, really be Dyffrin…?

Recently, Dyffrin’s attitude had softened, but he was never the kind of husband who would suggest having a meal in the bedroom for his wife’s sake.

This was entirely different from when he had given her a cold compress. He was a man steeped in noble etiquette, someone who would insist on having meals in the dining room with all the proper table settings, no matter what.

In the early days of their marriage, Dyffrin had been puzzled by her changed behavior, but now the roles were reversed.

To Evelyn, the handsome man in front of her now seemed like an alien wearing Dyffrin’s face.

“…Don’t look at me like that.”

“How am I looking at you?”

“You’re looking at me as if I’m some kind of curiosity.”

“Well, you are. Since when have you cared for me like this…?”

Evelyn hastily closed her mouth, realizing she had unintentionally spoken her true feelings. She should have pretended to be touched.

But fortunately, Dyffrin didn’t seem to pay much attention to her last words.

He spoke with his gaze lowered.

“I admit that I was indifferent to you before. But…”

‘But?’

“Now, at least, I won’t treat you like a stranger.”

“Why the sudden change?”

“…If I neglect you, there will be more gossip. I realized this clearly at the recent royal ball.”

Evelyn inwardly agreed with that. Since it was their first appearance together at a social event as a couple after their marriage, Dyffrin must have heard quite a lot of talk.

People wouldn’t dare openly discuss their marital relationship in front of Dyffrin, but he must have overheard some whispers.

This time, especially because Dyffrin sided with her, there must have been quite a stir, likely in a positive direction.

Rumors that their relationship wasn’t as bad as it seemed were certainly not bad news.

Lost in various thoughts, Evelyn eventually finished the meal with Dyffrin in the bedroom.

“I heard from Merrilyn about your diagnosis. Stress-induced neuroticism, right?”

“…Yes, that’s right. Since I moved into this mansion, I’ve been managing the household and the staff, and I guess the stress got to me without realizing it.”

Evelyn answered while idly poking at an empty plate with a fork. When she finally looked up, she noticed that Dyffrin had a rather peculiar expression on his face.

“If managing the household is too tiring for you, we can hire a new head housekeeper. You can also add more maids if needed.”

“No, that’s not necessary. I’ve completely adjusted to the mansion now. Collapsing was just the result of accumulated fatigue.”

Evelyn hurriedly shook her head. She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but it felt like Dyffrin’s mood had suddenly darkened, and she felt the need to explain.

“Then I’ll leave that to your judgment. But if you collapse again, I’ll hire more staff without asking.”

Despite his directive and authoritative tone, the content was not unpleasant, so Evelyn didn’t feel offended like she used to.

Instead, she felt a bit cared for, which was both unfamiliar and slightly exciting.

Evelyn tried to hide her smile as she looked at Dyffrin.

‘Since he’s been behaving so well lately, maybe I should give him a small reward.’

“Well, I’ll go back to the bedroom then.”

Just as Dyffrin was about to stand up, Evelyn grabbed his arm and made him sit back down.

“Stay a little longer. After visiting the medical center, I’ve been alone in this room all day, and it’s been quite boring.”

Dyffrin, who she expected to frown and say, ‘I’m not your toy to keep you entertained when you’re bored,’ surprisingly remained silent.

“What do you want to do?”

Dyffrin responded calmly.

‘Could there really be an alien inside him?’

Despite her doubts, Evelyn focused on the fact that he had accepted her suggestion.

She brushed aside her thoughts and answered,

“Poker.”

“Poker…?”

“Yes, I recently read a novel about conquering the world with poker. It piqued my interest, and I wanted to try it out.”

Dyffrin muttered to himself, “What kind of books are you reading…,” delaying his response.

He didn’t seem thrilled about the idea of playing cards.

He was probably thinking, ‘Do I, someone so noble and elegant, really have to play a game that drunkards and commoners enjoy?’

Evelyn pouted and said,

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I’ve heard there’s a social club where they play card games. I can try it there.”

Dyffrin raised an eyebrow.

Although poker was a commoner’s game, recently, even nobles had started enjoying card games, creating clubs for them, as she mentioned.

However, such clubs were filled with idle noblemen. If an innocent woman like Evelyn joined, they would certainly hit on her.

Just imagining it made the veins on his forehead bulge.

“Fine. I’ll play with you.”

“Really? Then I’ll ask Merrilyn to bring the cards.”

Evelyn excitedly pulled the bell cord. The maids and servants often played card games, so they had cards on hand.

Before starting the game, Evelyn spoke with a determined face.

“It wouldn’t be fun without a bet. If we’re going to imitate gamblers, we should wager something.”

“Then let’s bet gold coins.”

“Gold coins sound too much like real gamblers.”

Pretending to ponder, Evelyn proposed what she had already decided.

“Let’s bet massages.”

Dyffrin looked incredulous at the sudden mention of massages. He was probably wondering if she was possessed by a massage ghost since she kept bringing it up.

“The loser has to give the winner a massage. I’ve always wanted to get one from you.”

Although Dyffrin had banned massages, she thought it would be okay if it was considered a punishment for the loser.

“Let’s bet gold coins.”

However, Dyffrin didn’t agree easily, seemingly wanting to stick to his rule of not receiving massages from a patient.

“No, let’s bet massages.”

“I distinctly remember telling you I wouldn’t receive massages from you anymore.”

“Not ‘anymore,’ but until I get better.”

“You’re always frail.”

Evelyn clicked her tongue and said,

“Why are you assuming I’ll lose? I’m planning to brag about receiving a massage from you at the social gathering.”

Dyffrin ran his fingers through his hair, looking tired at Evelyn’s cheeky response.

“Fine, then. Let’s see how this goes.”