Episode 15
Overwhelmed by the warm welcome, Reina wore a dazed expression.
A man who seemed to be the butler approached and greeted her.
“Pleased to meet you, my lady. I’m Dive, the head butler of Crencia Castle.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“We prepared a room in haste upon hearing of your arrival. I hope it suits you.”
“I’m fine as long as I have a place to sleep.”
Reina’s casual remark made Dive blink. Ben whispered,
“Likely a royal jest.”
Reina was sincere, but no one took it as such.
Dive nodded smoothly.
Royals were known to dislike even minor inconveniences, so he assumed it was a joke.
Guided by Dive to the bedroom, Reina let out a soft exclamation.
“Goodness…!”
Unlike the castle’s stark exterior, the interior was cozy and charming.
For a hastily prepared room, it lacked nothing.
From a gilded vanity to luxurious furniture, everything was exquisite.
The plush bed looked like it would lull her to sleep instantly.
Reina headed straight to the curtained window.
A majestic snow-capped mountain filled the view.
The white peaks contrasted with the clear blue sky, captivating her.
The breathtaking scenery stirred a pang of regret.
After her birthday, she’d no longer see this view.
“It’s beautiful.”
Her obvious delight reassured Dive.
He’d worried a royal might find the rushed room lacking, but she seemed pleased.
In truth, Reina’s enthusiasm was exaggerated; compared to noble ladies’ rooms, it showed haste.
He’d braced for complaints, but her reaction surprised him.
‘Is she frugal? Or is this an act?’
Dive observed Reina discreetly.
The North distrusted royals.
With the Duke loathing the Emperor, a royal Duchess appearing suddenly drew skeptical glances.
The hasty, informal marriage led many to assume it was forced by imperial decree.
Dive thought differently.
The Kaiden he knew wouldn’t marry under orders.
There must be another reason.
Trusting his master’s judgment, he stayed reserved, though he couldn’t control every servant’s opinion.
Dive stood silently behind Reina, who was entranced by the view.
Kaiden entered the room, approaching her by the window.
“Like the room?”
“Kaiden!”
Reina turned, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Her animated gaze softened Kaiden’s expression.
Leaning against the windowsill, he tilted closer.
“Your face says you do.”
“Thank you, Kaiden. I love it.”
Dive’s eyes widened at their exchange.
Reina’s casual address of Kaiden already shocked him, but Kaiden’s gentle response was astonishing.
His usually stern master was acting kindly.
And smiling.
Kaiden, who rarely smiled, looked at ease.
Dive had assumed a transactional marriage, but now he wondered if rumors of a deeper bond were true.
Reina pointed to the door Kaiden entered through.
“Did you come through there?”
“I did.”
“I thought that was the entrance.”
Dive explained,
“The door you entered is the corridor entrance. That one leads to a parlor connected to His Grace’s bedroom.”
“So our bedrooms are linked?”
“Yes. Since His Grace often retires late, we separated the bedrooms for your comfort. As you see, you can move freely between them.”
“I see.”
Reina nodded, fascinated by Dive’s explanation.
As Dive began describing the castle’s layout, Kaiden cut him off.
“That’s enough for today. Reina’s tired from her first portal trip.”
“I’ll return tomorrow with the head maid to guide you, my lady.”
“I’m fine, really…”
Reina protested, eager to learn the castle’s layout quickly. But Kaiden was firm.
“Fine? Have you seen your face?”
His nagging made her wince.
He was right—her first portal trip caused nausea, and long carriage rides left her aching.
She thought she’d hidden it, but his keen notice flustered her.
Dive asked with a polite smile,
“Shall we prepare dinner here?”
“Bathwater first. Dinner in the bedroom after.”
At Kaiden’s command, Dive left, and two maids entered to attend Reina.
“The bath is ready. This way, my lady.”
“I’ll be back.”
Reina waved, and Kaiden headed to his own bathroom.
* * *
The bath, infused with oils, emitted a subtle fragrance.
Reina sank into the warm water, closing her eyes.
The heat melted her fatigue away.
As she grew drowsy, the maids dressed her in a silk chemise nightgown, sheer enough to reveal undergarments.
Draped in a robe, she entered the parlor, where Kaiden sat on the sofa.
About to sit opposite, he patted the spot beside him.
“Sit here.”
“Not there?”
“You never listen the first time.”
Kaiden pulled her arm, seating her beside him.
Lifting her legs onto his thigh, he began massaging her calves with his large hands.
“Ouch!”
Reina yelped at the sudden pain.
Unfazed, Kaiden continued.
The firm pressure hurt each time he kneaded.
As she squirmed, he gripped her legs tighter.
“Stay still. This’ll keep you from aching tomorrow.”
“How’d you know my legs hurt?”
“You kept rubbing them earlier.”
His casual remark surprised her.
She thought him oblivious, but he was observant.
Lowering her head, she muttered,
“The carriage seat was uncomfortable. My feet didn’t reach the floor.”
“You should’ve asked for a footrest.”
“Didn’t want to bother anyone.”
“That’s more bothersome. Speak up next time.”
Grumbling, Kaiden kept massaging.
He seemed practiced.
He targeted sore spots so well that Reina flinched repeatedly.
But soon, the pain gave way to relief.
Forgetting her embarrassment, she half-reclined, accepting his care.
Past experience taught her he wouldn’t stop once committed.
