Chapter 9

“To protect the territory?”

The Duchy of Zan looked impressive at first glance. It didn’t seem weak enough to collapse immediately without an heir. However, an heir is about looking far into the future. It’s about discussing the present and ten years or twenty years ahead.

“What do you think of the Duchy of Zan?”

When Julian asked, I decided to answer honestly.

“There’s no trace of the desolate land from the rumors. The people here might need to wear an extra layer of clothing compared to others, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem. They seem to have enough resources for that.”

Julian nodded.

“I also don’t think my governance has been wrong.”

“If you were to teach, any child would become a great ruler. Have you ever thought about adopting?“

“That’s impossible, and His Majesty the Emperor wouldn’t allow it.”

I felt a great sense of incongruity from his words. People said that the Emperor cherished Grand Duke Zan significantly. There were rumors about the Emperor’s beloved princess and Grand Duke Zan possibly getting married.

However, such a thing never happened, and the rumor only pressured Julian. Despite being a ‘monster,‘ only a count or higher dared to propose. Marrying a monster was too noble for a count or marquis’ daughter.

Julian wanted an heir but couldn’t adopt or get a wife to bear his child.

Did the Emperor truly care for Julian?

Julian gave a small laugh as if understanding the doubt on my face.

“His Majesty the Emperor is my dear uncle.”

There was no falsehood in his words but a hint of bitterness.

“His Majesty the Emperor is both your uncle and the Emperor.”

Julian lightly nodded at my words.

I felt I had a rough idea of what was happening. The rumor that the Emperor cherished Grand Duke Zan didn’t seem entirely false.

However, the Emperor was still the Emperor. It was natural for him to want to reclaim the vast Duchy of Grand Duke Zan.

The Emperor eventually found a way to reclaim the Duchy without harming Grand Duke Zan. If Julian had no heir, the Duchy would naturally fall into the Emperor’s hands. It might not happen in his lifetime, but it could in the next Emperor’s reign or the one after.

“Wow, His Majesty must really dislike me, huh?”

I remarked in admiration, and Julian’s eyes narrowed.

“Aren’t you afraid?”

“I am. But if he truly cares for you, he won’t kill me recklessly. Isn’t that right?”

I leaned back comfortably in the carriage, speaking confidently.

“Just watch. I’ll become the niece-in-law he truly likes.”

Only then could I be involved in the imperial power struggle? I smiled broadly, and Julian turned his head as if to say, “Do as you please.”

After a long ride, the carriage finally arrived at the mansion. The mansion resembled the Duchy of Grand Duke Zan closely. It was more grandiose than elegant. It felt rough, as if carved from a white cliff, but there was an undeniable majesty.

The carriage stopped before the massive gates, and Julian got off first. When the opposite door opened shortly after, I couldn’t help but widen my eyes.

“Your Grace?”

Julian stood there.

“You said you were going to leave me with your servant.“

“A bride gaining injuries wouldn’t benefit me.“

“Is that so?”

I promptly embraced him. His arms were broad and comforting. It couldn’t be compared to the service of a mere servant. Though firm, it wasn’t much different from holding a body instead of a stone. I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled brightly.

“Let’s go, Your Grace.“

“…Do you feel no shame?“

“My parents used to say that often.”

Though Julian rebuked me, he firmly supported my waist and legs. There was barely any shake, making it highly comfortable. That remained the same even when he climbed the stairs. Julian carried me effortlessly.

Well, he did lift the carriage on his own.

I observed the Grand Duke Zan Mansion as he carried me up the stairs. The mansion had an old, antique atmosphere. The stairway walls had square recesses at intervals with items placed inside. When I reached out to grab one, Julian looked flustered.

“Wh-what are you…“

“Why? Can’t I touch it?“

“It’s not that. Just stay still.”

He sounded like a nagging older brother. I giggled and put the item back. A bit of dust had stuck to my fingertips, so I brushed it off.

“Are the servants lazy?”

Julian shook his head at my casual question.

“They are quite diligent.“

“But there’s dust in this corner.”

No matter how intricate the decorations are in a noble mansion, there should never be a speck of dust 365 days a year. That was a matter of dignity. However, I could see dust accumulating in various places in the Grand Duke Zan Mansion.

“With few people, there’s no need to worry about such things.“

“Few people? How many are there?“

“Five.”

The shock drained the strength from my body. I would have collapsed to the floor if Julian hadn’t been strong.

Only five servants in this massive mansion? The fact that it wasn’t a dust heap demonstrated their diligence.

“As the future mistress, let me be blunt. I can’t live with just five servants.”

Julian sighed.

“You’ll bring your maid, so that’s six. And with the marchioness of Amber’s governess, that makes seven, right?“

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

Who was here to play number games? For the first time, he seemed annoying.

Julian carried me to the third floor. The mansion had four floors, but there was a door at the entrance of the fourth floor that wasn’t present on the previous floors. Without checking, it is evident that it was locked.

“Does His Grace usually stay on the fourth floor?”

When I asked, he nodded obediently.

“Who can enter there?“

“Myself, the butler, the aide, and you.”

I couldn’t help but be surprised by his words.

“Me?“

“Yes.”

I hadn’t expected this. I naturally thought he would restrict my access as well.

“Really, I can enter too?“

“Now I’m tempted to restrict you.“

“No, no. I’ll behave.“

“…Alright.”

Julian seemed to laugh slightly. Unconsciously, I reached out and touched the corner of his mouth. His faint smile hardened immediately.

“What are you doing?”

His face turned cold, and my heart sank. I quickly withdrew my hand and darted my eyes around nervously.

“I’m sorry. It looked like you were smiling.“

“What…”

Julian bit his lip as if suppressing something. He looked like he couldn’t believe it.

“Don’t touch my face.”

His demeanor changed instantly. I regretted my impulsive action but feared it was too late.

I glanced at him apologetically and apologized again.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. I was thoughtless.”

Julian led me to a room on the third floor. Judging by the neat bed and vanity, this was my bedroom. He set me down on the bed and stood in front of me.

“Don’t worry, I won’t devour you just because I’m displeased.”

His tone was almost self-deprecating. I widened my eyes and grabbed his hand—made of flesh, not stone. I feared he’d be more upset if I touched the other.

“It’s not that I thought you’d devour me.”

At my hurried words, Julian tried to pull his hand away. I grabbed it again. He could easily have shaken me off, but he let me hold it.

“I was worried you were disappointed in me.”

He didn’t speak for a moment.

“What a foolish thing to say.”

He turned abruptly and spoke as if to himself. His cape fluttered with each step. I reached out but hesitated, afraid he might get angry again.

Julian left the room without looking back. To my surprise, he closed the door gently. I wondered where he had learned such consideration and smiled a little.

But soon, sitting alone in the quiet room, my mind began to race. Julian seemed to be a good person, contrary to the rumors. At least it’s much better than Kazak.

However, just because he wouldn’t be the worst husband didn’t guarantee he’d be a good one. After all, we didn’t have much time to share a friendship.

I flopped down on the bed and spread my arms wide. Lying in a starfish position, I looked up at the cleanly arranged ceiling light. I could tell how much effort the five servants had put into maintaining this place.

“I’m such a fool. Why am I trying to get close to him?”

As soon as I closed my eyes, fatigue washed over me. I heard someone knock on the door but felt too tired to respond, so I called for Anna in a sleepy voice.

Someone touched my ankle, and I felt like I was being treated. The doctor must have arrived. Still, I didn’t wake up and just kept my eyes closed. As I drifted off, Julian’s face remained vividly in my mind.

“Don’t touch my face.”

Especially his expression when he said that coldly.

Was I… hurt by that…?

* * *

“My Lady, are you awake?!”

I woke up to Anna’s fussing. My body felt weighed down with fatigue. It made sense, considering I had been in a carriage all day and had an accident. Still, I was surprised at how well I had slept in an unfamiliar bed.

Rubbing my eyes, I asked, “What’s wrong? What time is it?“

“The sun is high in the sky. But more importantly, please get up quickly.”

At Anna’s urging, I finally got up. She dashed out, calling, “Butler!”

Look at her, running around like that. What if people gossip about her?

Since Anna had gone to get the butler, I tidied my hair and checked my clothes. She must have changed me because I was in a comfortable nightgown. I straightened the hem of my skirt and looked towards the door.

The butler entered shortly after, but he wasn’t alone.

Behind him, I saw numerous young men and women.

The butler bowed and said to my puzzled expression, “The master has instructed that you personally select your own servants, My Lady.”