Episode 71
During a tense time, Eliano had quietly sent a letter to the Georgia family asking them to deliver her brother’s body to his sister Annika—an unusual request since Zacador and Vianteca were enemies. Despite the danger, Annika came herself to collect her brother. When she saw his body, she wept bitterly and insulted Eliano and her husband. Eliano had to restrain Flint, who wanted revenge. In this life, that tragedy is gone—Eliano isn’t destined to be the seventh princess of Zacador but instead the Howard Duchess, and that fate is changed.
Later, they dined in the manor’s main hall. The meal was simple and light, chosen to not strain Eliano late at night. Georgia’s famous plums, once praised by Albert in another life, were served—and Eliano happily enjoyed several. The hosts beamed with delight, and Annika invited them to breakfast the next morning. Flint agreed at once, since it was better to linger a day for Eliano’s health.
But after dinner, an awkward moment awaited them.
A maid knocked and announced:
“Your Grace, we’ve prepared your bath.”
She blushed to explain:
“The Georgia Duke and Duchess use a shared tub. They barely need help from maids.”
Flint and Eliano exchanged quiet looks.
“They also left oils—for bath or massage,” the maid added shyly.
Eliano quickly cut in:
“It’s too personal. We’ll bathe separately. Please take them away.”
Embarrassed, the maid left. Flint picked up one oil bottle and sniffed it:
“It smells like massage oil—maybe to ease travel fatigue?”
Eliano gently shook her head:
“That’s not massage oil… it has aphrodisiac in it.”
Flint looked sharp; Eliano sighed:
“It’s meant for married couples.”
Flint’s face reddened as he understood. Eliano gave a small smirk:
“Let’s not embarrass ourselves.”
Flint handed the bottle back to the maid. Eliano dismissed her with a serious glance.
“Grace, you should bathe first.”
Flint nodded and quickly went in. Eliano bit her lip, amused by his shyness—such a warrior now humbled.
In the bathroom, Flint rinsed and stepped out. He overheard Eliano struggling with her nightgown and realized she was changing alone. Flushed with modesty, she peered through the red curtain—thin enough to flicker shapes.
Flint quietly left the bathroom. Seeing her rough robe, he looked away politely—and Eliano laughed.
“So tonight is just sleep, right?”
Flint’s voice was firm:
“Only after the wedding. Not tonight.”
Eliano pouted:
“Who said we would… It’s better this way—travel and early pregnancy can be dangerous.”
Flint tried to remain composed:
“Please don’t tease me.”
Eliano lightly teased back and Flint looked down in embarrassment.
From the tub, she murmured:
“The water’s cold now…”
Flint seized a long strap to pull water again.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast with the Georgia family, the Howards continued north. Eliano sat quietly in the carriage. She read a bit, rested on Jane’s shoulder, or gazed out the window.
Flint joined quietly sometimes, but words were few between them. He didn’t push conversation, and Annika’s butler Oliver nudged Flint to join them so they’d speak naturally. Still, silence prevailed.
Eventually, Flint asked softly:
“What were you reading?”
Eliano glanced down:
“The Book of Makarisera.”
Flint frowned, unfamiliar:
“Makarisera…?”
Eliano explained:
“It’s about the fairy of fortune.”
Flint brightened:
“We have that statue in my realm’s temple, right?”
“Yes. I’d love to see it.”
“Then we shall—after the wedding ceremony.”
Words stopped again and Flint hesitated:
“The wedding…”
He didn’t continue. In silence, Eliano drifted to sleep, her head resting gently on his shoulder. Flint carefully softened his posture so she wouldn’t wake. He tenderly untangled her hair, counting her long lashes. He noticed how pale her skin looked against her dark hair and lashes, but her presence—so calm and lost in sleep—filled him with quiet affection.
As a gentle murmur escaped her lips:
“Mm…”
Flint held still, savoring the moment as the carriage rolled onward through northern lands.
