Chapter 52
“…What do you mean by that?”
Kalid spoke with such firmness that even the servants outside the parlor stirred. Among those surprised, Luna’s eyes widened the most.
“My wife is already the Duchess of Bahir. The wedding is only tomorrow, but all necessary imperial documents are complete. Tomorrow’s events are under her jurisdiction, so follow her orders.”
Luna looked up at Kalid awkwardly. He had only arrived in Bahir a few days ago, yet he had already finalized official documents. She knew from Eastern reports that he was a man of remarkable drive.
“Kalid! Are you ignoring Elfreze right now? Have you already forgotten all the support she’s given? Are you rejecting a loyal family like this?”
“That’s not the case.”
Kalid lightly pursed his lips, as if finding her words slightly off.
“Elfreze isn’t just you. The presence of the Marquis and his wife is enough.”
“…You really.”
Camilla clenched her trembling fists, tears falling in beads.
“How can you treat me like this? I worked so hard for Bahir!”
“I already reward your efforts to the family every year, haven’t I?”
“That’s not what I want!”
Camilla’s pent-up frustration burst out in a shout. But her opponent held a rank far above hers.
Kalid stepped closer, radiating a cold cynicism.
“Is there something more I should do for you? What do you want? Worry about your own body even though you’re a healer who can’t even cure yourself?”
“…!”
Kalid’s mocking tone was sharp, warning her not to push further.
“Camilla, I’ve been informed about you from outside. Don’t cause trouble and go see the priest. For the sake of Marquis Elfreze, I’ll overlook this.”
If Camilla had been cruel, Kalid was ruthless. He trampled her sunflower-like heart in front of everyone without a second thought.
Finally, Camilla drew ragged breaths, her entire body trembling. Not only had she been overlooked, but to be spoken to harshly by him made her agony unbearable.
Twisting with resentment, the proud noblewoman left the parlor. Her figure was so pitifully forlorn that one might feel compelled to comfort her.
She wiped her tears with messy hands. She had been humiliated in front of someone she could never forgive.
“I wish that woman would disappear…!”
Until now, her misdeeds had been overlooked because of her extraordinary healing abilities and her tendency to harass only those she deemed subordinate, never taking anyone’s life. But now it was different.
For the first time, Camilla was seized by the desire to kill someone.
The parlor, which had been whipped into a storm, fell silent for a brief moment.
Kruuuung―
The silence was broken by the door Kalid had smashed. The door, barely hanging on its hinges, could not withstand the warped weight and collapsed with a crash.
Luna clicked her tongue at the ruined door. He could have knocked, but instead destroyed an innocent door. This man was violent, no doubt about it.
“Both of you seemed lost in your own thoughts, ignoring my knocks multiple times.”
“Eh? Uh-uh?”
Kalid looked down at Luna as if reading her mind.
“I had something to think about…”
Luna avoided his gaze awkwardly. Her heart sank, worrying that he had caught her silently criticizing him.
“…?”
Suddenly, she felt the familiar touch of his waist and thighs. Without warning, he had lifted her up.
Blinking wide-eyed, Luna faced Kalid’s close face.
“What were you thinking so intently about, my wife?”
He erased the earlier harshness in his tone, speaking gently.
“I-it’s a secret.”
“A secret, huh.”
Kalid seemed displeased with her answer and moved his face even closer.
‘W-what is this man doing all of a sudden? Everyone can see!’
Luna, almost ready to scream, tensed her neck and tried to lean back, but the higher he lifted his arms, the closer he drew her.
When his face finally came close to her ear, his low voice flowed in.
“Don’t avoid me. Don’t keep secrets from me.”
“…?”
“Have you already forgotten? That we’re a happy couple.”
“I haven’t forgotten.”
But I thought the contract started properly tomorrow! This impatient man…
Clutching her racing heart, Luna gently wrapped her arms around his neck. Only then did Kalid finally carry her to the dressing room.
“W-wait. You’re taking me all the way to the dress room?”
“This is good for you too.”
“Well, yes, but…”
From the moment they started, Luna felt the eyes of following servants and passing palace staff on her. She buried her face in his chest, not wanting anyone to see her blushing like a ripe red apple. Except for Gerard, who looked endlessly pleased, most were wide-eyed in shock.
Every time she overheard something like, “Wow! Is that the master and his future wife?” she gripped his arm tighter, thinking she might die of embarrassment.
“Take your time to change, I’ll wait.”
“Aren’t you leaving now? Aren’t you busy?”
“The remaining schedule is only a brief training after dinner. It’s delayed because of someone.”
Luna entered the main dressing room, feeling Kalid’s harsh tone as a glance.
“Then let’s quickly finish the last fitting!”
The costume director and assistants, who had waited a long time, lit up with energy and began preparing Luna. Kalid waited outside the curtains, arms crossed.
“The Duke is outside, so be meticulous!”
“Yes!”
“No, not like that! White roses are good, but for the bride, Cara and white tulips suit her. Lily of the valley too!”
The director’s voice radiated determination.
“There! Tighten the waist more! Make it thinner than an ant’s!”
“Ugh!”
“Bride, breathe! Breathe! You can do it!”
The commotion caused Kalid to unconsciously raise his hand to the curtain, though he shook his head and focused ahead.
Bang, thud!
Various shadows passed with clattering noise.
Could they be harming her? She was only changing one dress, but inside the curtain, it was like a war.
After about ten minutes, the costume director and assistants emerged, smiling, sweat-drenched from their effort.
“Madam?”
“She’ll be out shortly. You’ve waited a long time, so we’ll all leave now.”
“…Understood.”
Kalid was curious if it was really over, but seeing the resolve in the director’s eyes, he reluctantly nodded. Still, even after waiting, Luna had not appeared.
Heart sinking, Kalid furrowed his brow and drew the curtain.
“Your Highness?”
Luna had also pulled the curtain, meeting him face-to-face. Kalid’s gaze lingered, captivated.
Her flawless white skin complemented the elegant, modestly low-cut dress, highlighting her graceful figure.
Her rose-quartz colored hair, like spun cotton candy, was loosely braided with small floral ornaments, and her large eyes shone clear like tourmaline, as if a spring goddess had descended.
Kalid was helplessly drawn in by her scent. It felt as though the world around him was dyed in her color, and his chest tightened.
“How do I look? Does it suit me?”
It suited her too well. She exuded elegance and a subtle allure. Swallowing the words he wanted to say, Kalid asked only what was necessary.
“Are you uncomfortable?”
“Hmm, breathing is a little tight.”
“I’ll have it adjusted.”
Luna held her bouquet tighter and pouted. Even now, he remained practical. Contract marriage aside, she hadn’t expected any romance…
She decided to ask what had been on her mind.
“Your Highness, don’t you have anything to say to me? I feel like you forgot something.”
Kalid hesitated briefly, then turned his gaze away, his ears slightly flushed.
“…You’re beautiful.”
The unexpected compliment made her neck warm. She hadn’t expected it, yet her heart raced.
“Hm. I mean, not about the wedding dress, but about the contract. And besides, Elfreze’s young lady is much prettier.”
“Camilla? I can’t agree with that.”
Kalid fixed an unamused gaze on her at her cold opinion.
“Having traveled all over the empire, I’ll speak objectively. Luna Bahir, you are far prettier and more beautiful.”
