“Um…”
Milena grew uneasy at Sharpeil’s reaction. Thinking it better to confess than deceive, she opened her mouth to speak, but Sharpeil gently cut her off.
“One year, right?”
Milena looked at him with slightly widened eyes. As if understanding her thoughts, Sharpeil’s eyes softened with a gentle curve.
“You… already knew?”
“Well, when you’re in this position, you hear and see a lot without ever leaving your bedroom.”
Before she knew it, Sharpeil was speaking to her like one would to a younger sibling. Watching Milena’s flustered expression, a subtle smile played at his lips.
“I was told that you were forced to marry the Archduke and chose Lexion as a substitute.”
Despite the pleasant tone of his voice, his words were dry and bitter.
“Yes, that’s right.”
He knew everything in such detail. Did Lexion tell him directly?
‘The people in this estate must never find out about this.’
If word spread that she was only a wife for a year, the way people looked at her would change. She might be treated differently or even restricted in what she could do.
“You don’t have to worry. I’m the only one who knows.”
“Oh… okay.”
Sharpeil’s words, as though reading her thoughts, left her a little uncertain and uncomfortable.
Was it really okay to enter a contract marriage with someone so dear to him? As he quietly observed her, Sharpeil suddenly asked,
“Milena, how is Lexion? Do you like him?”
“Huh?” She had been waiting for a question, but it was one she hadn’t expected.
“Hmm. I’m not just saying this because he’s my brother, but Lexion is a fine young man. No matter what others say, I hope you won’t forget that the Lexion you see is the real one.”
Listening quietly, Milena smiled faintly at the warmth hidden in his words. She could feel his affection for his younger brother. Lexion had such a wonderful family. She couldn’t help but feel a little envious.
“Yes, I know. Lexion is a good man.”
She recalled how he had helped her come this far. Although they had both wanted something from their arrangement, it was because he had accepted her proposal that any of it had been possible.
She never forgot that everything she was enjoying now stemmed from Lexion’s goodwill.
“Then, what are your plans for after the year is over?”
“…”
She tried to read his intentions, but his expression was unreadable. The only thing she could sense was a hint of concern in the kindly tone of his voice. Perhaps he had heard how she had ended up here.
Since the brothers were close, it wouldn’t be strange if Lexion had shared her situation with him. So she answered with confidence.
“I don’t have any.”
“Hmm?”
“I have no plans at the moment. I just want to enjoy what I can while I’m here and experience things I never have before. It’s embarrassing to admit, but at my age, everything is new. There’s so much to learn.”
She was asking to stay until then—and that made Sharpeil smile. Milena, full of resolve, seemed radiant in his eyes.
“That’s a wonderful plan. Of course, you’re welcome to stay after a year as well. Even better if you stayed forever.”
“…What?”
“I’m just saying, Milena.”
There was a subtle pull in his voice, something oddly compelling.
“Yes?”
“If you ever feel like settling down here—and if you come to truly accept your marriage to Lexion—would you be willing to stay?”
She couldn’t understand such unconditional kindness.
“…Why?”
She was bewildered by the trust from someone she had only just met.
“You’re aware of my reputation in the North, aren’t you?”
Surely the Duke had looked into the woman marrying his beloved brother. There was no way he didn’t know how people talked about her.
“I trust my brother’s judgment.”
As expected, Duke Sharpeil knew her reputation too. His clear blue eyes, as transparent as glass, fixed directly on her.
“And in my eyes, you seem like someone who will make my brother happy. Gérard told me that ever since he spent the night with you, the lord’s condition has been excellent.”
“T-That’s…”
It must’ve been because Lexion absorbed the white magic residing in her body. But how could she explain that? Milena’s cheeks flushed red.
“Of course, it’s likely due to the magic. But even with that in mind, I believe that because of you, Milena, Lexion has found peace.”
There was a part of their flowing conversation she needed to pause and address.
“Um, Your Grace.”
She could understand why the Duke was acknowledging her as Lexion’s partner. But still—this man was…
“I’d prefer it if you called me by name. Milena.”
His eyes curved playfully as he spoke, and she realized he shared that trait with Lexion. The siblings in this family were all strikingly beautiful. They seemed to know how to use their looks well.
“…Okay, Lord Sharpeil.”
As he tilted his head slightly, long silver hair flowed over his shoulders like a waterfall. His picture-perfect appearance left her mouth dry for no reason.
“Just how much do you know?”
—
Milena left the Duke’s bedroom with mixed feelings.
In the end, she hadn’t gotten a clear answer. Sharpeil had only smiled, as if to say he knew more than she thought.
Hmm. Was there no secrecy between brothers? Or… Gérard? No—that couldn’t be it. The one who mentioned the white magic had been the Duke’s personal physician. Of course, it would’ve been reported.
“Did your conversation go well?”
Claudia’s husband, Archer, was still standing outside the door. Her tangled thoughts came to a halt.
“Oh, yes.”
“If you head straight down the hallway, Jenny should be waiting for you. Now then, I also have something to discuss with the Duke.”
“Thank you.”
Archer gave her a polite smile and then entered the room. As Milena’s presence faded down the corridor, the door quietly closed, and he turned back inside.
—
After Milena left, Sharpeil was gazing at his thin, bony hands. Just like he’d done with Ashdel, he had tested her power through a handshake.
Her power was more unusual than he expected. Milena didn’t seem aware of it herself, but perhaps it was her emotions—rooted in goodwill—that had produced the effect.
Her mana, mixed with holy energy, soaked into him like water into a withering tree. Unlike when he had absorbed Ashdel’s power, this time his body felt comfortable. But this was still just a shortcut. Her power wasn’t replenishing his life force.
“Archer.”
“Yes, my lord.”
At Sharpeil’s soft call, Archer answered immediately.
When Sharpeil flicked his finger, a stack of reports flew over and landed gently on his lap.
“The Crown Prince seems to be relying too heavily on Lexion.”
He tapped the papers as he spoke.
“I don’t want my brother getting influenced by him.”
“Don’t worry. Master Lexion is better than anyone at keeping his distance.”
Sharpeil’s sharp eyes turned to a blank page where letters were beginning to appear automatically.
It was a magic only Sharpeil could perform. With minimal mana, he could record everything happening in the places he was focused on, just as if he were seeing it himself.
This was how he always seemed to know everything without moving an inch.
“Lexion won’t attend the next noble assembly either.”
“Yes, sir.”
Looking at the dark shadows under Archer’s eyes, Sharpeil offered a sympathetic smile.
“Support him well.”
No matter what anyone said, Lexion Silbert was the true master of this house. They had to wait until Lexion himself acknowledged that fact. There was still time. Understanding his meaning, Archer placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head.
“I will serve him wholeheartedly.”
“Claudia seems to be holding in a lot of complaints—comfort her well. She might seem strong, but she’s delicate inside.”
A soft smile tugged at Archer’s normally stern lips. The only person who could break down his composed demeanor was his wife, Claudia.
“I know. I’ll protect her.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
Just as much as she was grateful for Archer, Sharpeil also felt fortunate for Milena’s presence.
“Please tell my mother to give Milena an allowance for household management and the rights of a lady of the house.”
“Understood.”
“My mother seems to like her too, so if you relay my wishes, she’ll take care of the rest. She must be tired from overseeing the household affairs for so long.”
Sharpeil had arranged everything so the ducal household would run smoothly even without him. The moment Lexion took over as head, everything would fall into place without resistance.
“What do you think, Archer? Do you think Milena suits the role of Duchess?”
Archer held back a response. That was something time would reveal. He knew nothing about Milena yet. As acting head of house, he couldn’t make such a judgment lightly. His cautious stance made Sharpeil smile.
“Watch her. She’ll do well.”
After all, she was the woman Lexion had chosen.
—
After meeting with the Duke, Milena headed to the room where Ashdel was sleeping.
Soft, steady breaths could be heard. Just like always, the child was sleeping with a stuffed rabbit in his arms—adorably so.
Noticing the sweat on his forehead, she gently brushed aside his damp black hair.
“Auntie…?”
At her touch, the child’s pale pink eyes slowly opened.
“Go back to sleep. I’ll stay right here.”
Ashdel blinked sleepily up at her, then let his eyes fall halfway shut.
They said nothing as they looked at each other. She simply pulled the blanket over him and gently patted his back to help him sleep. Under her steady touch, Ashdel yawned widely and, with tears clinging to his lashes, said,
“Auntie, you know…”
“Hmm?”
“When I saw Mom earlier…”
“Yes?”
“She was with someone.”
“Who?”
