His hardened face looked down at me for a long time, as if testing me.

“No.”

“But just now…!”

Before I could ask again, he twisted his head, cutting off my words. It was a gesture indicating he had no intention of explaining.

“Are you all right?”

Norbert, having received a report from another servant, hurriedly approached with a surprised expression and asked.

“I’m fine. It’s not a serious injury.”

I discreetly hid my hand and smiled at Norbert.

I could see curious expressions on the faces of the bank branch managers in the distance, who had no way of knowing what we were discussing, and their wives glancing at me.

It would be unreasonable to ask the Grand Duke again in this situation, wouldn’t it?

“Here it is.”

A servant who had gone to the canopy where the picnic staff were gathered handed Norbert a box containing medical supplies.

Norbert, holding the box, gestured to the lady-in-waiting standing behind me to come quickly and treat me.

“Give it here.”

However, it was the Grand Duke who extended his hand.

Norbert looked up at him as if doubting his ears.

“Pardon…?”

I also turned my head in surprise to look up at him, but the Grand Duke, unconcerned, led me somewhere, dumbfounded.

“Sit.”

His large hand gently pressed on my shoulder, seating me in a chair. Soon after, he knelt on one knee to meet my eye level.

“I should treat you, shouldn’t I?”

He firmly grasped my hand.

From a distance, he might look like a caring husband personally treating his wife’s wound, but the reality was different. The look in his eyes as he gazed down at me was no different from interrogating a captured enemy.

“Explain how you got hurt.”

See?

“Well, this is…”

Clang! The silver scissors he was holding clashed sharply.

It was like a declaration that if I tried to evade, he would cut me.

What could be a convincing answer for this man right now?

One that wouldn’t be seen through if I tried a suitable lie, and one that wouldn’t make this terrifying man leave me alone if he caught me?

Even debt collectors coming for money would have been outwitted by my con artist Dad, who would have slipped away like a snake in situations like this!

O master of con artists, my father. Give me strength!

“A h-hairpin got stuck between my fingernails.”

“…A hairpin?”

He raised one eyebrow as if finding it incomprehensible.

“It seemed like a special day, so I tried to dress up, but I didn’t like the hair accessories. While trying different things in my hair, I ran out of time and rushed to change decorations, which led to injuring my hand. I tried to wipe away the blood, but it seems the pin went deeper than I thought.”

“Ah, so a hairpin pierced your finger.”

“That’s right.”

A cold smile played in his eyes as he looked at me.

“What a dangerous object. A hairpin.”

“You might not know, Your Highness, but women’s accessories are sharper than you’d think.”

“I certainly have no knowledge in that area. Do you agree, Norbert?”

As he glanced at Norbert as if asking for his opinion, Norbert deliberately nodded his head solemnly.

“Women’s accessories have been used as weapons since ancient times. They are objects that can easily cause injury if mishandled.”

Well, that’s not wrong.

Norbert’s serious answer lent weight to my opinion.

However, the Grand Duke burst into a cold laugh as if he didn’t believe a word, taking the medicine Norbert handed him.

Looking at me as if he didn’t believe anything I said, he indifferently began applying medicine to my hand and wrapping it with bandages.

“I’ve never heard of anyone injuring their hand like this with a hairpin. It seems everyone has seen it except me.”

“Ah!”

Aren’t you wrapping it too tightly?

“Um… Your Highness, it hurts a little from the pressure. Besides, you’re wrapping it so tightly that my hand feels heavy.”

It was like my wrist was a stick and the bandage was candy.

“Well. You were injured by such a dangerous object, so I should wrap it tightly. Don’t you agree?”

“But…!”

“Shall we stand?”

He gripped my shoulders and pulled me to my feet.

“Look over there. People are watching.”

“What?”

Slightly tightening his grip on my shoulders, he calmly whispered in my ear.

“Smile.”

Just like the cold and callous Grand Duke he is, threatening comes as naturally as breathing.

When I smiled, surprise and relief began to spread across the faces of the branch managers’ wives watching us from a distance.

They seemed to think they were witnessing the adorable newlywed life of a husband flustered by his wife’s injury and his childish wife.

“But this is too much… isn’t it?”

I looked at Norbert, showing him my hand as if asking for help, but Norbert was in no position to challenge what the Grand Duke had done.

“It looks very nice, my lady.”

You don’t need to take his side that much.

Feeling his gaze watching me, I had no choice but to raise the corners of my mouth again.

The Grand Duke immediately took my hand to link arms and walked away without a word, forcing me to hurriedly follow along.

But did Norbert’s face just now look much more relaxed than before, or was it my imagination?

Not just that. The expressions of the bank branch managers and their wives watching us had all brightened considerably.

How should I put it—a sense of relief had spread.

Why would our seemingly good relationship be such a relief to them?

“Your Highness.”

After observing their reactions, I quietly spoke to the Grand Duke.

“Don’t their expressions all seem to have improved? I think they’ve guessed our relationship is good because you treated me.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“So my injury wasn’t all bad, right?”

As I glanced up at him seeking agreement, the Grand Duke paused and looked at me.

Though it was just a moment, it felt like his gaze lingered, making me open my eyes wide, but he quickly furrowed his brow.

“Hardly.”

“It’s… not?”

“It only confirmed that you need supervision.”

After raising his head from leaning toward me to speak, he started walking again.

I need to make him recognize that I could be a helpful person whenever possible, but ugh, this man. It’s really not easy.

“Stay quiet until dinner. You can manage that, can’t you?”

“……”

“Ah, did you answer just now and I didn’t hear it?”

He asked with a seemingly affectionate yet menacing tone while gripping my hand.

That immediately snapped my wandering mind back to attention.

He seemed determined not to give me any time to think.

“Yes, yes! I understand. You wrapped my hand so beautifully that I keep getting distracted by it.”

“So you’re complaining.”

“I’m impressed.”

“What?”

Unconsciously mimicking his brusque tone, I noticed his gaze softening slightly as he watched me.

My heart sank for a moment when our eyes met.

What was that…?

“……”

Of course, it must have been my imagination.

It would be difficult for the Grand Duke to find a reason to smile at me.

Moreover, the Grand Duke was now looking at the guests as if he had never looked at me.

When we reached the tables, the branch managers and their wives who had been waiting for us greeted us respectfully.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

Following them, I reflexively greeted and smiled, and the branch managers’ wives began to address me eagerly after confirming my response.

“Thank you so much for showing us such a wonderful place.”

“I expected the castle gardens to be splendid, but I never imagined they would be prepared so beautifully.”

“Have you recovered fully? We were so shocked when we heard about the incident through the news. We’re so grateful that you welcomed us warmly despite the difficult situation.”

Just as I was wondering how to respond since I hadn’t decorated this space, Norbert subtly spoke up.

“The lady paid great attention to the details. This is the first time we’re hosting guests since the accident, so she gave meticulous instructions for everything.”

“My goodness!”

The wives exclaimed in admiration and smiled at me with goodwill.

“……”

Only then did I understand why Norbert had sighed in relief earlier.

He was relieved that part of his work had been successfully completed.

The wisteria flowers, either white or light purple, were in full bloom on the arched tunnel’s iron frame under the tree tunnel, filling the space above everyone’s heads, and their subtle fragrance circulated in the cool air.

The white linen covering the tables, lily of the valley decorations, and clean silverware were perfect for entertaining distinguished guests, and the servants under the white canopy had completed their preparations and were waiting calmly.

So, all of this was Norbert’s accomplishment.

“……”

Originally, selecting the garden location for receiving guests, choosing the hospitality method, and selecting farewell gifts would all be the grand duchess’s responsibility, but Norbert had probably been handling everything until now.

Norbert’s duties seemed truly overwhelming, including not only his work as a butler’s work but also the mistress’s share.

Poor Norbert.

I’ll perform the role of grand duchess perfectly until I divorce. And I’ll make sure to match the Grand Duke with a wise and perfect woman who will become the next mistress!

“Thank you.”

When I silently mouthed my thanks, Norbert nodded slightly with his usual kind smile, acknowledging my gratitude.

Unaware that the Grand Duke was watching our eye exchange.