Chapter 46

Nife’s eyes watching us already had “Such a loving couple, I’m so jealous!” written all over them, so I wasn’t entirely against getting away from her quickly. However, it didn’t seem like Julian was hurrying for the same reason as me.

It wasn’t until we reached the third floor that I voiced my question.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like Nife?”

“Aren’t we on bad terms with the Count’s Sasha family?”

I nodded at Julian’s question.

“Yes, we are. We even fought at a party recently.“

“Then why did you bring her into our home?”

Julian was more cautious than I was, so it was natural for him to feel uneasy about this. I sincerely apologized, understanding his feelings.

“I’m sorry. But it wouldn’t have been good for the Grand Duke’s reputation to send a young lady who came here away. It’s also dangerous.”

Before Julian could say anything, I quickly added.

“I’ll make sure she leaves first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Rather than that.”

I thought I had given the correct answer, but Julian said something unexpected.

“Stop calling her by her name.”

Then he turned to head up to the fourth floor. I stood there blankly momentarily, then gathered my skirts and climbed the stairs quickly. Julian stopped naturally as I caught his cloak.

“Julian, do you dislike me being close to Nife?”

“I don’t like it.”

“Why?”

Instead of answering, Julian sighed. His eyes reflected confusion more than displeasure.

Was he trying to run away by climbing the stairs so quickly? I climbed a few more steps and stood beside him, holding his elbow. Peeking out my head, I saw his face looking straight ahead so earnestly.

“You…”

I couldn’t hide the mischievous smile spreading across my face.

“Do you like me that much?“

“You’re talking nonsense.“

“Aren’t you worried I might get closer to someone other than you?”

Julian tried to climb the stairs again. Finding him adorable, I laughed like a fool and hugged him.

“You’re the one I’m closest to.”

When I spoke coyly, Julian didn’t push me away. Instead, he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close before slowly relaxing his grip. He placed his hands on my shoulders and looked at me.

“Still, make sure that girl leaves soon.“

“Why are you so cold to her when you’re so kind to me?”

Julian frowned as I teased him.

“Should I be kind to women other than my wife?”

Sometimes, he said things that sounded like lines from a romantic play, even if he wasn’t unaware. Laughing loudly, I rested my cheek against his broad chest and looked up at him.

“You’re right. There’s no need for that. By the way, did you really not have any women before we got married? Not even a first love?”

I intended to tease Julian, but I seemed to have given him an opportunity. Even half his face hidden by a mask, I could tell he was unnecessarily thinking seriously.

“Was your first love, Marquis Amber?”

I scowled and pulled away from him.

“Don’t even mention that scoundrel!”

Julian tried to pull me back into his arms, but I wouldn’t back down if he didn’t use force. I quickly stepped down a couple of steps to escape.

“Why are you running away?“

“You’re the one talking nonsense!”

Marquis Amber was indeed my first love. I was even more upset because Julian was right. As I fumed and tried to leave, I heard a sincere apology from behind.

“I’m sorry.”

I felt guilty and couldn’t move my feet.

“I apologize.”

A man who apologized quickly, even when I was just a little upset… I turned around and put my hands on my hips.

“I’ll forgive you since you apologized.”

Julian smiled, finding the situation amusing and perhaps feeling relieved as well.

I walked back to Julian and took his hand. I considered spending some time together, maybe having tea or playing chess.

“Well, I was wrong too. I’ll make sure Nife leaves as soon as possible. Besides, there’s nothing I can do for her…”

At that moment, a sharp voice rang in my ears, and footsteps rapidly climbed the stairs. From below, I heard the maids frantically calling, “My Lady!“ But no adult could stop the young girl from charging up the stairs like a wild animal.

Julian pulled me behind him, shielding me with his body as Nife appeared before us. She looked already on the verge of tears, her face red, tears streaming down her cheeks and dripping off her chin.

“There’s so much you can do! You haven’t even talked to me yet!“

“Nife, suddenly…”

I didn’t know what was happening, but my first thought was calming Nife down.

However, Julian stepped before me, blocking my way to her. I looked up at him, puzzled, and he gave a slight nod, signaling me to stay put.

“Lady Sasha. This stairway leads to the master bedroom. This is inappropriate.”

Nife looked startled by his words, and the tears stopped falling from her eyes. Though she had entered boldly, Julian must have been a fearsome presence for her. Knowing how the world viewed him, I didn’t particularly appreciate her fear.

“But, but…”

Nife was clearly frightened yet showed no intention of backing down quickly. I patted Julian’s shoulder twice.

“Just a moment.”

It wasn’t as if I would lose to this little girl, yet Julian was distraught. Standing beside him, I looked straight at Nife.

“When I said there was nothing I could do for you, I didn’t mean that you were no benefit to me. I meant there was nothing I could do for you.“

“Your Grace!“

“If you thought this matter was simple, you wouldn’t have come to me. Isn’t that right? You could have gone directly to Louis or proposed marriage to the Winsley family.”

At my words, Nife clamped her mouth shut. As expected, she knew this situation wouldn’t resolve quickly. She acted innocent and carefree, but it was unlikely that a noble lady truly knew nothing.

I sighed and continued speaking.

“I can’t offer you anything, nor do I want anything from you, but I can listen. So, why don’t you calm down until dinner?”

Nife sniffled, lowered her head, and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. Then she lifted her skirt and curtsied politely.

“Please forgive my rudeness. I apologize, Your Grace, Your Ladyship.“

“Alright. Now, go to your room.“

“Yes…”

Nife turned and walked away, visibly crestfallen. A maid assisted her as she descended the stairs, and her back looked particularly small. Julian spoke in a cold voice before she took a few more steps.

“Send her away quickly.”

I elbowed Julian in the side and glared at him.

“She can hear you.”

Julian wrapped an arm around my shoulder, indifferent to whether she heard. He moved toward the third floor and suggested,

“We won’t be able to dine together, so how about a chess game?“

“Alright.”

We naturally headed to the room where we usually played chess. I thought I heard Nife sniffling from downstairs but decided to think about it later.

* * *

Julian always disliked dining with others. Since it wouldn’t be right to let a guest dine alone, tonight’s dinner was just Nife and me.

Perhaps because of the earlier incident, Nife was much quieter than when we first met. Her table manners were elegant, and her conversation consisted of polite small talk about the mansion. Just when I thought she was surprisingly patient, she spoke.

“Your Grace seems to be romantic.”

Of course. Nife’s mind was entirely preoccupied with love stories. A girl deeply in love wouldn’t tire of singing love songs all day.

“Your Grace is a kind husband.”

She wasn’t wrong, so I nodded in agreement. Nife covered her mouth and giggled. She waved her hand dismissively when I tilted my head, indicating it was nothing.

“Your Grace must also be very fond of His Grace.”

I couldn’t find the right words to respond. I was very fond of Julian, but I didn’t think of it as romantic feelings.

I never considered it because I didn’t think I had the right to. However, Nife’s question clearly implied “romantic feelings.“ I hesitated briefly but answered before it was too late.

“It’s natural for a couple to like each other.“

“Is it really natural?”

I looked up at Nife. She pressed the vegetables on her plate with her fork, lips firmly shut.

“Nobles often have arranged marriages. So, neither the husband nor the wife would love each other.”

Why did it feel like her words were aimed at me? When I didn’t respond, Nife hurriedly apologized.

“I’m sorry. I know there are exceptional couples like Your Grace and the Grand Duke.“

“No. So, what are you trying to say?”

Nife hesitated and said,

“I probably won’t be like Your Grace. There’s no way I could love anyone other than Louis.”

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.