Chapter 17
The dry and cool dressing room was large enough for several people to change clothes at once.
Various types of dresses hung on hangers, and every time the maids brought something to try on me, the room echoed with the sound of sliding hangers.
I walked across the glossy marble floor and stood in front of a mirror. The maids brought a selection of dresses and showed them to Marilyn.
She alternated between looking at me and the dresses, then promptly chose three. One by one, she held them up against me.
“Your fair and clear skin goes well with yellow shades. But since you’ll be practicing dancing, a calm cream tone would be more suitable.”
“That sounds good.”
“This one will be best for today.”
Even I could tell that the one she picked was the best.
Marilyn then checked my posture and noble etiquette. Fortunately, I wasn’t so bad that she frowned or scolded me as she had earlier.
“How did my father manage noble etiquette?”
“Well, there are those who are naturally gifted. Perhaps he was one of them.”
Marilyn answered indifferently. Apparently, such people do exist from time to time.
She then taught me the waltz steps again.
“Your greeting is perfect. The problem is your outdated steps. Let’s practice together.”
Though strict, she was a good teacher.
“When you’re not moving your feet, they should stay flat on the floor. Distribute your weight evenly on both legs. When dancing, pull your shoulders back, keep your chest upright, and head straight. Maintain a shoulder-and-foot’s width distance when moving.”
It was quite difficult since I had to pay attention to my posture while changing the steps, but I picked it up quickly.
Marilyn said I followed along well, so I must be a decent student.
After the lesson, she glanced at the clock.
“…It’s almost time for the master to arrive. I heard you’ll eat together after the dance and conversation.”
Her voice trembled slightly.
“…You’ve grown up.”
That was the first thing Marilyn said to Duke Schultz.
“What?”
Duke Schultz let out a dry laugh. It seemed habitual but leaned more toward a sneer.
Marilyn seemed like a completely different person. The sharp and strict demeanor she had with me was nowhere to be seen. She looked flustered in front of him.
“I’m sorry I didn’t greet you first. You resemble the late madam very—”
“That’s enough. This isn’t the place for that.”
Duke Schultz cut her off, his expression turning cold. The atmosphere instantly grew heavy.
Even I felt a chill.
“I only summoned you for the sake of my future wife.”
“…”
“Don’t get your hopes up.”
His blue eyes shifted from her to me.
“Miss Prim.”
I consciously straightened my back.
“Ah, Miss Prim… she has a solid foundation. She’ll pick things up quickly.”
“I see. You may go now.”
His voice was emotionless.
Marilyn left the hall with a deep bow, unable to hide her sorrowful face.
‘Did something happen between them?’
As I stared at the closed door, a large shadow loomed over me. I turned my head and looked up at Duke Schultz.
His face had returned to a perfectly composed expression. Perhaps even a little gentler.
“Did you finish your practice?”
His voice matched his face—kind and composed.
He bowed slightly and extended his hand to me. I bent my knees and placed my hand in his.
“Yes, Marilyn taught me well. Was I okay just now?”
“Impeccable.”
Duke Schultz gave a subtle smile and gently placed his other hand on my waist.
“Excuse me.”
His upper body drew close. I could feel his breath—he was that near.
Caught off guard by the sudden closeness, I inhaled sharply.
It felt completely different from dancing with my father or with Marilyn. And…
‘This is embarrassing.’
Maybe it was worse because there was no music.
The sound of the dress brushing against his legs, our footsteps echoing across the floor, even the sound of our breathing—all of it was crystal clear.
My face flushed red. My palm and forehead were damp with sweat.
Looking straight ahead revealed his chest under the thin shirt. Looking up met his piercing blue eyes. Looking down wasn’t appropriate either, and I couldn’t exactly stare over his shoulder.
I didn’t know where to look and just let my eyes dart around aimlessly.
To make matters worse, the shoes were a bit big, and I kept slipping, making my steps a mess. This didn’t happen when I danced with Marilyn!
Like a puppet, I clumsily followed his lead.
In contrast, Duke Schultz was fluid and skillful. I must’ve looked ridiculous.
“I’m sorry. I’m just nervous…”
“It’s all right. You’ll get used to it.”
“…I hope so.”
As he said, I began to feel more comfortable dancing.
“Have you thought about how we’ll address each other?”
Duke Schultz asked.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ve been so distracted, I forgot to think about it.”
We talked for a while about what to call each other.
Something not too formal, but close enough to feel intimate.
After some deliberation, we agreed on “you” or using each other’s names.
Johannes told me to call him whatever I liked, but given the status gap, I figured I’d mostly call him “you” or “Duke” when we were alone.
“One moment.”
Just as I finished our final waltz and was about to head back, Johannes stopped me.
“Would you walk with me a bit? There’s something I want to talk about. Not here.”
“Have you ever been in a romantic relationship?”
The question came out of nowhere.
Was he going to kick me out if I said yes?
I stopped walking beside Johannes.
If I was right about his intentions, this would be absurd. But since I’d never been in a relationship, I answered right away.
“No.”
His reaction was the opposite of what I expected. Instead of relief, he narrowed his eyes.
“That’s… troublesome.”
He muttered as if to himself.
“…Why do you ask?”
“Do you love someone else? Sorry for asking this late, but I’d like an answer.”
I didn’t understand where this was coming from and just looked at him blankly. Johannes raised an eyebrow.
He looked hesitant about how to say it. When he saw how confused I was, he finally spoke.
“After the wedding, we’ll have to share a room. It’s a family tradition in House Schultz, and if we don’t, there may be rumors.”
“I see. That’s fine.”
“…We’ll also have to appear as a couple deeply in love. Of course, nothing will actually happen.”
“I understand.”
I nodded without concern.
“There might be times we have to kiss in public. We’ll need to appear convincingly in love. It could be at the banquet, or even at the wedding.”
So that’s what he was hesitating about? I replied with a calm expression again.
“Yes, I’m fine with that.”
“I don’t mean just pretend—”
“I know. You’re talking about actually kissing. I wouldn’t have accepted your proposal if I weren’t prepared for that.”
His expression shifted oddly. Even I could tell I’d spoken with surprising determination.
I never had any fantasies about a first kiss. My only question about that intense act was:
Why on earth do people rub their lips on someone else’s?
Ever since I was little, I’d despised kissing. It made no sense to me.
But if I had to, I would. That’s all it was.
“If you asked because you have someone else in your life, I’ll respect your privacy. I won’t care who you meet.”
I continued, eyes unflinching.
“Not that I know if I even have the right to say that.”
Johannes Schultz’s reputation was famous even among commoners. So many women dreamed of marrying him.
Well, maybe not anymore, now that he was under fire for embezzlement.
Still, it would be absurd to believe he’d never had a lover. He probably dated several women.
As I thought about his rumors, Johannes stepped closer to me.
“Miss Prim.”
His voice was a little resigned. Now at close distance, he spoke softly.
“You’re clearly misunderstanding something about me.”
He was right, but I tried not to show it. He added:
“I’m sorry we didn’t start like ordinary lovers.”
He gently tilted my chin so our eyes met. When I saw his blue eyes in the dark, I momentarily forgot to breathe.
“But I intend to be a good husband. You won’t have anything to worry about.”
His tone was dry, but the sentiment behind it was warm.
Because of how close we were, I couldn’t speak. I barely managed a nod.
Johannes tilted his head slightly, as if that was the permission he needed.
“This should do.”
His breath brushed against my lips. I tried not to tense up and asked,
“Yes, this should be enough. Should I close my eyes?”
And I tightly shut them.
I could feel the distance shrinking. I’d never been this close to anyone before, and it was a bit unsettling, but I did my best to remain calm.
Just hold out for a little while.
That thought helped me stay still—until light appeared before me again. Johannes had backed away just before our lips met.
My heart…
