Chapter 001: The Sold Bride
—Rattle.
Climbing into the Saltier family carriage, she looked at her parents, who had come out to see her off as a matter of formality. Her parents’ lips were pulled back in broad grins; they looked even happier than when they had sold off their eldest daughter.
Anasta was also glad to escape this godforsaken house thanks to the Saltier family.
What of her husband? He was terminally ill.
When he eventually died, she would become a widow and be free. She could take her money then, find her older sister—who had married before her and was living a hellish life of misery—and the two of them could live together.
Thus, Anasta was also pleased with this situation.
“We are departing.”
The carriage door closed, and the heavy wheels began to churn. Anasta took one last look at the Count’s estate, which felt drier and colder than the winter itself.
The surrounding scenery was much the same. Because the snow had melted, the streets were slippery and filthy. As the window fogged up until the outside was no longer visible, Anasta’s dry gaze shifted forward.
“I am the Head Maid, in charge of attending to you, My Lady.”
“It is a pleasure.”
“Before we arrive at the mansion, I would like to ask one question: have you faithfully received your bridal lessons?” the Head Maid asked her.
“You needn’t worry. I have been receiving them faithfully for several years now.”
“It appears you have thoroughly mastered etiquette, manners, and even aristocratic theory.”
“There will be nothing for the Saltier family to concern themselves with.”
Anasta did not lose her nerve and looked the Head Maid straight in the eye.
“I hope so.”
“What is the first thing I must do upon arriving at the mansion?”
“You are to pay your respects to the Master and Madam. After that, I will guide you to your room.”
“The Young Master… Will I not be greeting the man who is to be my husband?”
“The Young Master is currently very sensitive. He will need some time.”
“I see.”
Anasta was not surprised. This marriage was likely sudden for him as well.
“In the Saltier Ducal house, there is a younger brother besides the Young Master.”
“I am aware.”
“He is currently away at school, but he will return soon. When you encounter him, offer only a greeting. Avoid any private conversation,” the Head Maid said firmly.
“As mentioned previously, the wedding is in six months. After the marriage, you may receive a certain percentage of the Young Master’s assets, but until then, we intend to provide a small allowance for the maintenance of your dignity.”
“Yes.”
Anasta nodded.
“Lastly, you must not leave the mansion grounds without permission. For instance, even when going for a walk, you must be accompanied by a maid. Any external activities outside of social circles are strictly prohibited.”
“May I send letters?”
“Only if my permission is granted.”
It meant she would read and judge them first. The reason they went to such lengths was the anxiety that Anasta might catch the eye of another man.
She was beautiful and a perfect woman who possessed all the necessary etiquette. The Saltier family would not let such a well-captured prey slip away.
Anasta nodded as if accepting everything.
“You must be tired from leaving your hometown today, so you may rest after speaking with the Madam and hearing the explanations. Once the Young Master has adjusted to some degree, I will give you the tasks you are to perform.”
“Yes.”
Having delivered her message, the Head Maid did not add anything further. She simply observed Anasta’s posture with her usual gaze. She intended to point it out immediately if her posture wavered even slightly, but Anasta remained consistent.
The Head Maid could not understand why such a woman had been sold to the mansion, but she did not offer her any sympathy or affection.
If she gave sympathy once, there would be no end to it. For now, this woman was on a path to ruin her own life, not just enter the Saltier family.
* * *
Randeli Village, located on the outskirts of the capital, was a place filled with flowers.
It was a neighborhood with vast parks, a large lake, and a grand market. Everyone there looked wealthy and prosperous.
Passing through an inner road slightly away from the downtown area, a main road lined with maple trees greeted her.
Perhaps the snow had not yet melted, for pretty snow was piled high on the thick branches that were devoid of leaves.
Looking at the road, Anasta naturally imagined the summer when the leaves would be lush, or the autumn when they would be dyed with falling leaves. It was bound to be a beautiful path.
At the end of the road, the grand gates of the Saltier family awaited her.
The mansion, which featured a large garden as a centerpiece, consisted of three annexes and a large main building.
It was a place where deep purple roofs stood out against unpretentious gray walls that never went out of style.
There were countless windows, and the employees moving about were too many to count on one’s fingers.
It was truly worthy of the Saltier family, Anasta thought as she watched the carriage continue even after passing through the main gate.
“This is the Saltier family, boasting over a century of history.”
“The garden is beautiful.”
“Leaving the estate is forbidden, but you are free to walk in the garden. Accompanied by a maid, of course.”
That was the most welcome news she had heard.
“We have arrived.”
As soon as the carriage stopped, the Head Maid spoke in a dry voice. Anasta carefully stood up so as not to wrinkle her dress, then stepped out of the carriage with an elegant demeanor.
There, five maids, one butler, and two mercenaries greeted her. Following their guidance, Anasta stood before a large door on the inner side of the second floor.
“Madam, Lady Anasta has arrived.”
“Tell her to come in.”
Anasta remembered the voice she had heard a few days ago.
When the door opened, a young Madam in a cool-toned dress was sitting in a chair drinking tea.
“Welcome.”
She greeted Anasta without even giving her a glance.
“Hello, Madam.”
“Yes. Was the journey difficult?”
“It was comfortable, thanks to you.”
“Sit.”
Anasta sat before the lady and held her breath. Usually, when a guest arrives, it is common courtesy to serve tea together, but the Madam was savoring the tea alone.
Anasta did not know the etiquette for such a case, so she simply remained silent.
“I trust you listened well to the Head Maid? From the moment you enter this place, you cannot leave as you please.”
“Yes.”
“Did you see Ryan’s portrait?”
“Yes. He was a very beautiful person.”
“You should consider it a stroke of luck to be married to a Young Master who is wealthy and handsome. You are very blessed.”
“I am aware.”
“He is not my biological child, but Ryan is very… beautiful. A portrait cannot capture all of that boy’s face. Let’s leave that discussion here.”
The Madam quickly shifted the subject, as if she did not enjoy praising Ryan’s appearance.
“I hope the work is as easy as possible. I want you to marry Ryan in six months.”
Anasta knew well that those words were not a high evaluation of her. The Madam simply wanted to deal with this matter quickly.
“I hope so as well.”
“It is still very early, but do you have any intention of bearing his child?”
Anasta’s eyes widened slightly at the unexpected question.
“I am not sure yet,” she answered calmly.
“I don’t know what Ryan’s libido is like, but it would be best to ensure contraception. What good would come of bearing a terminally ill man’s child? What if the disease is passed to that child?”
“…….”
“You are aware that this disease is hereditary, aren’t you? I do not wish to pass down this cycle of nursing. You must feel the same, right? Ani-sta.”
It’s Anasta…
She did not bother to correct her and simply nodded. She also wished to avoid passing a disease to a child.
“Should you happen to spend a night with Ryan, tell me. I will prepare the contraceptives.”
“Yes.”
“Good, that is all I have to say. You may leave now.”
It was a fairly short conversation. Anasta stood up without much complaint and offered a polite bow.
“Please follow me.”
As soon as she came out, the Head Maid who had ridden in the carriage with her guided the way.
Where she headed was the annex behind the main building.
It was the innermost of the three annexes; though smaller than the main building, it was much larger than the Count’s mansion where Anasta had lived.
It was four stories high. There was a separate garden there as well, with chairs and tables for tea time.
“This is where you will be living. Everything you need, including the dining room, is all here.”
That meant, in other words, there was no need to go to the main building.
“Your room is right next to Young Master Ryan’s room. I will show you the way.”
—Crash!
It was just as Anasta was entering the mansion following the Head Maid.
The sound of a window breaking came from the third floor, and shards of glass fell below.
“Kyaaa! Young Master!”
Anasta looked up at the window where the sound had originated.
There, the handsome man she had seen in the portrait was staring down at her with sharp eyes. He was perched right on the windowsill.
‘That person.’
Anasta captured Ryan clearly with her eyes.
His outward appearance was frail and delicate, but his gaze alone was that of a beast.
