Chapter 8
“This feels tight.”
“Young miss, it’s too big for a tiny one like her.”
“It’s not big! Mommy, I want to wear this!”
Before coming to the marquis’ estate, Anna had worked as a nanny, so she was very skilled with children. As Aria tried to take the dress off, saying it was tight, Charlotte quickly and expertly dressed her. It was just one of twelve outfits sent from the dress shop, but it fit nicely.
In the North (Nostri estate), it was hard to find children’s clothes. Like Ash said, there weren’t many children here, so shops didn’t usually carry them unless ordered in advance. But Charlotte couldn’t keep putting Aria in old clothes, so she had to buy from a familiar shop under Anna’s name.
‘If people found out a noblewoman who left the capital suddenly bought children’s clothes, it would cause gossip…’
Aria kept tugging at the lace on the skirt, but then she suddenly smiled brightly, seeming to like it. Charlotte gently stroked her soft hair.
“You look so pretty, Aria.”
“Really?”
“Yes, you do.”
“Then I have to look pretty! It took four days to get here from the capital!”
Anna teased, and Aria began tapping her with her tiny hands.
“You’re mean, big sister!”
“I don’t like you either, little squirt.”
“Mommy!”
“Anna, don’t tease her.”
“You’re too soft on her, young lady!”
Anna puffed her cheeks in fake frustration and squished Aria’s cheeks, making her lips pout like a fish. Aria began to cry and ran into Charlotte’s arms. As Charlotte gently patted her back, Anna pulled out a coin from her pocket and poked Aria.
“Here, I’m giving you something special.”
“What’s this?”
“You can use it to buy cookies. Your favorite.”
Hearing the word cookie, Aria’s eyes lit up. She especially loved cookies—and all sweet things—but the word alone would make her stare at Charlotte and swallow hard. Now, she held the coin carefully in both hands and shouted happily:
“I like you, big sister!”
“Such a tiny thing, acting all cute! I’ll let it slide because you’re adorable!”
“I like Mommy too!”
“Yes, yes.”
Aria skipped around the room happily holding the coin.
“Hold onto that coin tight. There’s a really yummy bakery in the village. If you lose it, you won’t get to eat!”
“You’re going to the village with Aria?”
“Yes! Me, Aria, and you too, young miss.”
“I don’t really need to go—”
“You should go too. You’re not planning to stay in the castle forever, are you?”
“You can just take Aria—”
“Nope! The marquis said if you don’t go out, I have to make sure you do!”
So Grandpa gave that order. Charlotte sighed quietly. She had planned to stay hidden in the castle until it was time to return. What if someone recognized her? But her grandfather had already predicted she’d try that and ruined her plan.
She had wanted to come quietly and leave quietly… But now, pulled along by Anna, she had no choice but to enter the powder room to get ready.
***
To most nobles, the North meant harsh cold and frozen legs. But in truth, Nostri was beautiful. As soon as Charlotte arrived at the village, she stopped in her tracks.
Every house had white walls, roofs, and windows. White winter trees lined the streets, and snow from the branches would drift down gently with the wind. Though it snowed often, sunny days were bright and sparkly. The village looked like a palace from a fairytale.
“Young miss, please wait here. I’ll go get the carriage ready.”
“Alright.”
While Anna stepped away, Charlotte walked toward a blue crystal fountain in the town square. When she touched it, it felt cool. Was it really crystal? She had never seen such a large, beautifully carved piece before.
“Mommy, I want to touch it too!”
“Okay.”
Aria raised her arms excitedly. Charlotte picked her up and brought her close to the fountain. Aria splashed around but soon shivered because of the cold. Her hands were red. Charlotte blew warm air on them, and Aria giggled joyfully.
“What’s so funny?”
“A white horse!”
“A horse?”
Aria pointed behind Charlotte. Turning around, Charlotte saw a large shadow fall over them. It was Ash, riding his big white horse. The horse let out a whinny and stomped its foot when it saw them.
“Lady Blanche.”
“Duke Valiant.”
Ash gently patted the horse’s mane and got down. His face was flushed, and his robe was dusted with snow—he must have just returned from the mountains. His breath came out in white clouds.
“What brings you here?”
“Anna said it’s not good to stay locked in the castle.”
“You’ve got a good maid. Fresh air is good for you.”
Even Grandpa said that. Charlotte chuckled softly. Then, the white horse curiously pushed its head toward her. She stepped back protectively with Aria, but Aria laughed and reached out to pet it.
“It’s white and pretty! So soft!”
“I’m sorry. He’s usually calm. I don’t know why he’s so excited today.”
Ash tried to pull the horse back, but it didn’t work. The horse happily wagged its tail as Aria touched it. She hugged its head and rubbed her forehead against it. Then she looked up at Ash with wide eyes.
“This is Duke Valiant. You remember seeing him before, right?”
“Duke?”
“You should call him ‘Duke.’”
“Duke?”
Aria tilted her head, then reached out to Ash just like she did to the horse. Ash hesitated, unsure whether to take her hand.
“My name is Aria.”
“Nice to meet you, Aria.”
“I’m wearing new clothes!”
“I see.”
“I’m wearing new clothes, so…”
“Yes, I noticed.”
“Ugh…”
“…?”
Charlotte bit her lip, holding back laughter. Aria’s eyebrows furrowed, and her cheeks puffed up. Ash looked confused, trying to figure out what he had done wrong. He looked so awkward around the child that Charlotte couldn’t help but tease.
“I think she wants to hear that she looks pretty.”
“Ah… right. You look very pretty, Aria.”
But it was too late—Aria had already turned away, just like she had done with Anna earlier. Ash froze, stiff as a board. Charlotte finally laughed softly, and Ash’s cheeks, already red from the cold, turned even redder.
“Sorry, I’m not very good with children.”
“That’s okay. I’m still getting used to it too.”
“Aria, I’m sorry. I really think you’re pretty. Will you forgive me?”
Ash cleared his throat and carefully tried to cheer her up. As he spoke kindly, Aria began to peek up at him. After hearing “pretty,” “good girl,” and other compliments, she smiled again. Ash gently patted her head with a small smile.
He’s not used to children, but he clearly likes them. Aria rubbed her cheek against his hand. As Ash gently touched her soft face, he smiled and said:
“Until your maid returns, would you like to visit Lady Rossi’s salon? Aria’s cheeks feel cold.”
“A salon?”
“Yes, it’s nearby. The lady there is kind. It might be nice to meet her.”
Charlotte remembered the noble list Anna had shown her. Lady Rossi was very active in the northern social scene. Charlotte gave a polite smile.
She didn’t really want to meet other nobles. Even if the North had little contact with the capital, she still wanted to avoid attention. But since Ash had offered kindly, she didn’t want to refuse. A short visit wouldn’t hurt. She nodded quietly, and Ash’s face brightened.
“I’ll take you. Aria, shall we go?”
“Yes! Mommy, I want to walk! Hold my hand!”
Aria grabbed Charlotte’s hand and skipped ahead, humming. Charlotte and Ash walked faster to keep up. But Aria soon stopped.
She stared at something, then quickly hid behind Charlotte.
“Isn’t that the Duke?”
“Oh, Duke! What brings you here?”
From the alley, a group of large, rugged men approached. Covered in scars, they carried huge weapons—swords and clubs as big as a child, and even bows on their backs.
Hunters?
Ash quickly stepped in front of Charlotte to shield her. She noticed he was just as tall and strong as the men, but still—facing a group alone seemed risky. Then Ash sternly scolded them:
“How many times have I told you not to carry weapons around in public? You’re scaring people.”
“Sorry! We always forget this part. We remember our hunting numbers but forget everything else.”
“Sorry, young lady. Let me introduce—”
“Wait, Duke! You have a wife and daughter?!”
“…What?”
Ash had been about to introduce the hunters, but their words caught him off guard. What truly surprised him, though, was what Aria said next:
“Mommy, is the Duke my daddy?”
