Chapter 10
“Still, I think we should be careful about things like this. How about we write a contract for our married life once we get to the estate?”
“Ah, do as you wish. I don’t mind.”
A contract… even though they were technically husband and wife. How did she end up marrying such a conservative man?
Violette clicked her tongue quietly behind Narsia’s back, then picked up the cigarette she had dropped earlier and placed it back in her mouth. Seeing this, Narsia’s expression showed a faint shock. Reading his embarrassed look, Violette raised her voice, feeling slightly awkward.
“Hey, I barely smoked it! It’s practically brand new!”
The cost of the cigarette didn’t matter—she was a smoker and simply couldn’t bring herself to throw away a freshly lit cigarette. Yet Narsia seemed unable to understand, stepping back a little further.
His gaze followed the burning tip of the cigarette, the dark, acrid smoke curling into the air. It looked toxic, and the smell was harsh. How could she put that in her mouth? From a distance, he asked her:
“Don’t you plan to quit?”
“Are you talking to me right now?”
“Who else would it be? That stuff’s bad for you.”
“Wasn’t it just that I shouldn’t smoke in front of the Duke? That was the promise. Oh… wait a second…”
Violette’s lips curled into a small smile as she realized something. Already he was concerned for her health? Normally she hated interference, but she could let this slide as a little act of charm.
“So you’re worried because I’m your husband? How considerate.”
“No, it’s bad for my body. My lungs are actually quite weak.”
As expected. Violette’s face fell slightly, disappointed at her unnecessary hope. After pondering briefly, she frowned a few times and stamped out the cigarette on the ground.
But it hadn’t even burned halfway.
“That’s all you smoked? It looks like there’s still plenty left.”
“…My lungs are weak. Even after hearing that, I’m not the kind of shameless woman who would puff smoke in front of you.”
Violette felt a faint sense of guilt from their previous encounter. Even if the promise was arranged by her father, Narsia had believed it and planned carefully for the future. And she, drunk and not remembering it, had suddenly demanded a cancellation…
“Unexpected. Thank you.”
“This isn’t much. After all, we’ll be living together for a year. I can adjust to most things. Cigarettes… I can’t quit entirely, but I’ll try not to smoke around you.”
Feeling awkward, Violette avoided his gaze. Narsia, seemingly surprised by her response, smiled gently.
“I’m glad to hear that. Could you write that in the contract too? While we’re at it, make it precise, down to the meter…”
“Ah, you’re so annoying, really.”
Her husband had a strange way of being infuriating. And so, the wedding day of Violette and Narsia came to a close.
The Erphen Empire, northern Navian estate. Owned by the Duke of Kegrainner, this estate touched the empire’s border and often experienced harsh weather.
Today, a blizzard completely obscured the view, filling the sky with snow. A carriage bearing the Kegrainner family crest struggled through the storm and stopped in front of the mansion.
“Wow, the weather’s no joke. We’re supposed to maintain this place? Maybe the Duke and Duchess dislike me already.”
Bundled in thick coats and a fur hat, Violette stepped down. The massive mansion looked cold and unwelcoming, perhaps reflecting how the estate would need careful attention. But since it wasn’t truly hers, she remained nonchalant, scanning the surroundings.
“…Gachi Ga.”
Soon, a pale Narsia followed her from the carriage. Only today did he realize just how sensitive he was to the cold. Despite all the protective clothing and even Violette’s scarf, his hands and feet were frozen, unable to move. He chattered his jaw but tried to keep a neutral expression.
The staff came forward to greet them. An elderly butler, draped in heavy fur, bowed respectfully.
“Your Grace, Your Ladyship, welcome. I am Ardman, steward of the Navian mansion.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Violette Kegrainner, starting today. I look forward to working with you.”
“Oh… it’s been a while. Ah… Ardman…”
Narsia’s trembling hands were so noticeable that it was almost embarrassing. Violette gave a soft smile.
“Can we greet people inside? As you can see, my husband is sensitive to the cold.”
“The mansion is already warmed up. Please, come in.”
Stepping inside, the temperature and atmosphere immediately felt different. The mansion was quite old; though spacious, parts of it showed signs of wear. Violette carefully observed as she followed Ardman.
“….”
Narsia still shivered from the cold, so Violette reluctantly took off her coat and draped it over him.
“Goodness, you’re high-maintenance.”
“…Th-thank you.”
Violette shook her head at his helpless yet handsome appearance. Narsia was all outward charm, but inside, he was like a hollow shell.
Ardman led them to a large room, where the staff’s effort was evident in the shining, polished surfaces. Yet the room felt oddly empty, perhaps from being unoccupied for so long.
“This is Zera, the head maid. Anything you need, please tell either of us. We anticipated your arrival and prepared a bath. If you require anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you.”
Several well-dressed maids waited politely, and Narsia, still stiff, responded with a slow nod. Ardman hesitated, then spoke carefully:
“Unfortunately, the carriage bringing warming stones had an accident, so we gathered the remaining stones here. There’s only enough for the beds. The fireplace is on, so it should be fine, but it might feel cooler than you’re used to. I noticed, Your Grace, that you’re very sensitive to the cold…”
Ardman glanced at Narsia, who was visibly shivering—understandably concerning.
Yet to Violette, the room didn’t feel cold. The fireplace, likely burning for hours, was doing its job.
“Well, the bed’s warm, so that’s fine,” she thought, nodding casually.
“I understand. We’ll talk more tomorrow, it’s late tonight.”
“Understood.”
As Ardman bowed, Narsia urgently asked:
“Where’s the bathroom? I need to warm up…”
It was the most desperate and urgent voice Violette had ever heard from him.
Later, in a shower gown on the balcony, Violette smoked a cigarette while gazing outside. The blizzard had passed, revealing a calm night sky.
“So quiet… nice.”
The difference from the bustling Rascal estate was striking. She felt the reality of leaving home.
Married overnight to Narsia, introducing herself as Violette Kegrainner to Ardman—she still found it slightly embarrassing.
Then, hearing a door open in the distance, she startled and flicked the cigarette away. Only a day since she promised to cut down, she couldn’t show such weakness.
“Why are you taking so long? I thought you died in the bath.”
Violette stepped off the balcony, scolding him lightly. Narsia, having soaked in warm water, looked relaxed, his face flushed.
“Finally alive. I thought I was going to die…”
“You really are sensitive to the cold. How are we going to live here…”
Her gaze wandered, stopping at the slightly parted shower gown. Droplets clung to his pale skin, his damp silver hair glistening like spider silk kissed by dawn dew, resting on his shoulders.
Only then did Violette realize the situation. Two newlyweds, fresh from a bath, wearing only a shower gown, damp hair and skin, a firmly closed door, the first night of marriage.
“Ah…”
Her face turned crimson in embarrassment, blinking dumbfoundedly.
