Chapter 82
“Of course.”
Reina examined the necklace using Ritsi’s power. Fortunately, no demonic energy was detected.
“No problems. You can use it as is.”
“Phew. That’s a relief.”
Only then did Aiden’s face relax with relief.
Reina could almost guess the mindset he’d poured into crafting it.
Thankfully, Dahlia had a good father.
Watching the affectionate father-daughter pair, Reina felt her own wounds healing.
He grasped both her hands to express his gratitude.
“Thank you so much. I will repay this favor for the rest of my life.”
“You don’t have to go that far. I only did it because the Saintess—”
Reina waved her hand, then froze mid-motion. Aiden’s expression was different from usual.
A kind face, as if he already knew everything.
“I figured there must be a reason you’re hiding it.”
“Pardon?”
His next words drove the final nail into her suspicions.
“…Since when did you notice?”
At Reina’s question, Aiden glanced at Dahlia.
The child had already fallen asleep on one end of the sofa.
The tension must have melted into drowsiness.
He looked at Dahlia warmly and said,
“You commissioned this even before Dahlia manifested her aura, didn’t you? As if you knew things would turn out this way.”
“Well, the Saintess—”
“I thought that no matter how divine a saintess may be, she couldn’t possibly see the situation in the far North so clearly. And when I learned the reason for this commission, I became certain.”
“…”
“A saintess would have no reason to go this far just for Dahlia, would she?”
Faced with his utterly doubt-free expression, she could no longer deny it.
“…You’re right.”
She had thought she’d hidden it well, yet her arm had bent inward without her realizing.
Reina clasped her trembling hands and said,
“Please keep it a secret.”
Reading her visibly anxious face, Aiden looked flustered.
“Of course! Did you really think I’d go around blabbing?”
When Reina blinked, Aiden frowned.
“If I did, hyung would never let me live it down. Besides, aren’t we family? I’m hurt, hyungnim’s wife.”
At his mention of “family,” Reina’s lips trembled.
She was newly shocked that he, who knew it was a contract marriage, called her family.
Even her own blood father had been quick to exploit her power the moment he learned of it.
Looking at Aiden, who was genuinely sulking, Reina’s eyes reddened.
“Thank you.”
“Thank me? I’m the one who— Ack! Are you crying right now? Oh no, if hyung finds out, I’m done for!”
Flustered, Aiden handed her a handkerchief. She wiped her eyes with it and said,
“I should be the one staying with Dahlia…”
“You’ve already done more than enough by caring this much. Of course, Dahlia will miss you terribly when you’re gone.”
Aiden smiled warmly. Reina found herself unintentionally comforted by him.
Watching him, she felt she was beginning to understand what fatherly love truly was.
“Dahlia will be happy because she has you.”
At her heartfelt words, Aiden scratched the back of his head shyly.
“I hope so. Anyway, don’t worry about us and have a safe trip. I’ll keep the North safe.”
Chapter 9. High Society
Lunin, the capital of the Mernie Empire, bustled more than usual.
With the Grand Nobles’ Assembly approaching, the social season had begun.
Nobles who usually managed their territories began gathering one by one at their capital villas with their children.
Naturally, social gatherings and events multiplied.
Parks overflowed with strolling youths; riverbanks teemed with pleasure-boat revelers.
On a day when high society’s matchmaking hunt was in full swing,
a carriage bearing a familiar family crest appeared in the heart of Lunin.
A dragon coiled around a blue sacred tree.
It was the seal of the Crensia ducal house, guardians of the North.
Last year, with the outbreak of mutated beasts, people had expected Crensia to face turmoil amid the demonic century cycle.
Instead, the house had entered a new phase.
They had brilliantly suppressed the consecutively opening gates to the demon realm.
Even those who had never felt the majesty of the dragon’s descendants were awed by their feats.
As the prestige of the Crensia ducal house soared higher than ever, some ladies had secretly come to the capital just to catch a glimpse of him.
Families who had withheld marriage proposals due to the demonic century cycle quietly regretted it.
Especially after the duke married a princess no one had ever heard of.
The ducal carriage stopped in front of a renowned women’s dress shop.
As aide Ben opened the door, the Duke of Crensia stepped down.
A passing noblewoman murmured,
“It seems the Duke of Crensia is attending the assembly after all. The rumors that the North’s situation isn’t as bad as thought must be true.”
“No matter how many times I see him, he’s still coveted. If only the demonic century cycle hadn’t scared everyone off.”
“Is the princess here too? Rumor has it she’s horribly pockmarked. And short and fat…”
“I heard she’s rail-thin and plain.”
Her presence had been so negligible that few knew her actual appearance.
“How on earth did she marry the duke? If it really was just an imperial order, it’s rather pitiful.”
“According to rumors, the princess pestered His Majesty to marry her to the Duke of Crensia. They say it was a marriage to save a life.”
As they whispered behind fans, sharing every tale they’d heard,
a woman stepped out of the carriage, escorted by the duke.
Her platinum hair was beautifully braided and draped over one shoulder; she looked like a flower in full bloom.
Her blue eyes sparkled whenever they met the duke’s.
The noblewomen exchanged awkward glances.
“Ahem, it seems the vicious rumors were spread by those jealous of the princess.”
“Indeed. Where exactly is the ugly pockmarked face?”
Contrary to the malicious gossip, the princess appeared a very refined young lady.
Every gesture overflowed with grace, and she seemed extremely close with the duke.
Crucially, the way the Duke of Crensia looked at the princess was scorching.
No matter how one looked, they did not seem a couple forced into marriage.
Meanwhile, upon arriving at the dress shop, Reina felt the burning gazes directed at her.
The moment they arrived in the capital, the first place Kaiden had brought her was a dress shop.
While Reina wore a dismayed expression at the rows of extravagant gowns, Lily looked nothing short of enchanted.
“The climate is certainly different from the North; even the fabrics and designs are completely different. This airy chiffon would suit Madam perfectly. It’s a shame we can’t wear it in the North without catching a cold.”
Her eyes sparkled as if she’d discovered a treasure island; fashion was her passion.
Today, even Kaiden agreed with Lily.
“We’ll be in the capital for a while, so order anything Reina might wear.”
“Oh my, really?!”
As Lily excitedly examined dress patterns, Reina tugged Kaiden’s sleeve.
“Kaiden.”
“Hm? Is there something you want?”
“No, it’s not that…”
Reina glanced at Lily darting about and whispered,
“Just two or three would be fine. I already have the clothes I wore before…”
She already had plenty of dresses; buying more felt burdensome.
Especially since they weren’t here for leisure.
Even at that small voice, Lily’s ears perked up.
“No, no, that won’t do! The dresses in the North don’t match the season here at all. The one you’re wearing now was clearly thrown together in a rush; how upsetting!”
