Episode 9
By the time I had changed into lighter clothing, Rachel and the maids were busy unpacking, and I made my way down for a meal.
The dining room was already prepared, filled with light yet refined dishes that wouldn’t upset my stomach.
‘Thank goodness. If I had eaten anything greasy, I might have thrown up on the spot.’
Relieved, I took a seat, only to find Denok already seated as well, also dressed casually. He was the first to speak.
“Please, help yourself.”
I nodded and, without a second glance in his direction, focused solely on the food in front of me, practically burying my nose in the plate.
It had been so long since I tasted something truly delicious—I almost felt like crying.
The creamy soup wrapped my tongue in rich, velvety flavor, while the smoked duck released savory juices with each bite.
For a while, I ate with reckless abandon.
Only after my stomach began to settle did I realize I wasn’t eating alone.
Startled, I lifted my head—and found Denok’s gaze locked on me.
“…I’ve been on a restricted diet because of the wedding preparations,” I mumbled, flustered.
“I see,” he replied plainly, picking up his utensils.
‘This is embarrassing.’
It was only our second meeting, yet all I’d shown him were humiliating sides of myself—dozing off in the carriage, devouring food like I hadn’t eaten in days…
Clearing my throat awkwardly, I spoke again.
“I’m sorry about what Rachel said earlier. I’ll apologize on her behalf.”
His knife paused mid-slice.
“I suppose… I was clinging to a bit of pride,” I added, sipping wine to moisten my throat before casting a glance around the dining room.
“I noticed earlier—you don’t have many servants here. Managing such a large estate with only a steward must have been difficult.”
That, at least, was sincere.
Compared to the endless numbers of servants in typical noble households, the Grand Duke’s mansion had shockingly few.
And yet, the dining hall showed no signs of disrepair. Everything was spotless, warm, and inviting.
Even if the garden and hallways lacked attention, the interior of the mansion spoke volumes about the care that had gone into its upkeep.
‘With so few people, and likely not much money either…’
I recalled hearing rumors—how the previous Duke and Duchess had died suddenly, and Denok had spiraled into madness. As a result, many of the estate’s residents had fled.
That would explain the modest welcome I’d received earlier.
I hid a bitter smile when Denok’s low, drawn-out voice broke the silence.
“Why are you the one apologizing?”
I blinked.
“I have been neglecting the estate,” he said. “But because of that, I gave the steward fewer duties.”
His voice remained calm as he resumed cutting his meat.
“Don’t apologize for things that aren’t your fault.”
The unfamiliar title, and the unfamiliar words—they stirred something in me.
I unconsciously brushed the corner of my lips.
I didn’t know what expression to wear.
Back at the Sertia Ducal House, “I’m sorry” was always the first thing out of my mouth. It was second nature—expected, habitual.
But now… just hearing those words from someone else made me realize something.
I’ve truly left the Sertia Duchy behind.
And for the first time, I gave a clumsy, awkward smile.
I couldn’t name the emotion.
But it wasn’t a bad feeling.
After we finished the meal, the moment I could no longer delay finally arrived.
Back in the room, I paced restlessly.
Last time, the circumstances had been dire. I’d rushed in without a second thought.
But now, with a clear head and the prospect of spending the night with Denok looming—it was almost too much to bear.
Maybe I should’ve just gotten drunk on wine earlier…
Unfortunately, there wasn’t even a single dessert, let alone wine, to be found in the dimly lit room. Only the rose-scented candle filled the air with its subtle fragrance.
“…Haa.”
Eventually, I stopped pacing and looked down at my outfit—only to bury my face in my hands.
The heat in my palms was intense.
‘I didn’t expect it to be like this…’
When I first received the slip, I hadn’t realized just how sheer it was.
Now that I moved in it, the fabric clung to me, outlining my figure and faintly revealing the inside.
My face flushed so hard I could feel it burn. I quickly pulled my thick, red hair forward to cover myself.
With my body somewhat hidden behind the curtain of hair, I was finally able to erase the image from my mind.
‘Focus. I need to sort this out.’
In the original novel, there was no first night scene.
Edith had entered the Grand Duke’s mansion already pregnant.
Even with all the rumors, Denok hadn’t batted an eye.
Eventually, after persistent gossip, Edith had barged in with a visible belly, and Denok had no choice but to marry her.
But now… things were different.
‘I had my period.’
My father had clicked his tongue in disappointment but patted my shoulder, saying there was still time.
‘If I know Rachel at all…’
She’d likely follow Father’s orders and inspect everything thoroughly until there was definite proof of pregnancy.
She’d check my body while bathing, eavesdrop during the night.
Last time, we had the advantage of a soundproof room, so noise had helped us get by.
‘But not this time.’
This meant… we’d need even more convincing physical evidence.
“Please… swallow it.”
Suddenly, I recalled the sensation of his tongue gliding against mine.
His sweat-slicked face, his bitten lips from holding back moans, the way his hips surged forward like crashing waves—
The memory turned my ears blazing hot, and my thoughts went blank.
I pressed my palms to my cheeks, but the rising heat refused to fade.
Knock knock.
“…!”
The quiet knock shattered the stillness.
I flinched and looked up.
One small door connected my room to the next.
Through it came a calm, low voice.
“May I come in?”
“…Come in.”
The heavy door creaked open, and shadows flickered across the candlelit room.
Amethyst eyes glowed faintly in the dark.
Step by step, he walked across the thick rug, the air thickening with each pace.
With nowhere to run, I twitched my fingers in place.
When his shadow finally reached my feet—
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It’s fine,” I said, trying my best to steady my trembling shoulders.
I couldn’t lift my gaze.
Not with the way I was dressed…
‘Denok came in wearing just a robe, too!’
I wanted to shut my eyes tightly.
I even wished the candles would blow out with a gust of wind.
But the window was firmly shut, and my eyes had already captured everything.
The robe draped over his strong frame… and the sculpted chest visible through the slightly open front.
Wait—he stayed locked up in the mansion, and yet… why does he have a body like that?
“…Are you alright?”
His voice from above seemed even deeper than usual.
Just as I was about to reply, a faint sound of footsteps echoed from beyond the door.
‘Rachel.’
She was here to monitor us.
‘…There’s no time to hesitate now.’
I had come here prepared for this.
Determined, I lifted my head and stepped closer to Denok.
Though my heart pounded like a drum, I didn’t stop.
He didn’t back away either, and soon we stood so close that our breaths overlapped.
I relaxed my stiffened limbs, lifted my arms, and embraced him.
He awkwardly bent forward, allowing my lips to brush his ear.
“Rachel is listening outside,” I whispered, leaning against his firm shoulder.
“She won’t be convinced unless we leave clearer traces than last time. So…”
Biting my lip, I pressed my mouth closer to his ear, murmuring breathy words only he could hear.
When I pulled away, he blinked slowly.
Then, he brought his lips to my ear as well and whispered back.
“…Will that be enough?”
