The mansion had once been the residence of a real duke. Though its outer walls were aged, they had a sturdy and elegant charm. Even the entrance, adorned with statues that appeared to hold up the roof, exuded a solemn grandeur mixed with luxury.
“It’s an honor to serve you, my lady. I’m the butler, Alvin.”
Outside the mansion, dozens of servants including the butler bowed in greeting.
Emily had feared that some of the staff might be mafia gangsters in disguise, but judging by their appearances and uniforms, they looked like ordinary people. She quietly sighed in relief.
“I’ll be in your care as well.”
Escorted by Killian, Emily stepped down from the carriage and received the servants’ greetings before following the butler into the mansion.
After passing through the deliberately dim and dramatic entrance, she entered the central hall—an awe-inspiring, lavishly decorated space.
The ceiling mural, painted in three-dimensional technique, looked so vivid it seemed the figures within might move at any moment.
“Hup—”
Climbing the stairs while admiring her surroundings, Emily winced as a dull ache flared in her knee—still sore from bumping it in the carriage.
‘No! I can’t fall again!’
She forced herself to walk naturally, determined not to recreate that earlier embarrassment.
But from behind, Killian noticed something was off and furrowed his brow, murmuring under his breath.
“So she wasn’t alright after all.”
Emily worried he might say something in front of the butler, and as she turned to whisper in his ear to play dumb—
“What in the world?!”
Killian suddenly lifted her into his arms.
Butler Alvin averted his gaze and cleared his throat, pretending not to notice.
“Please put me down! People are watching!” Emily whispered frantically.
“There’s no need to worry about that.”
“They’ll say it’s indecent!”
“There’s no need to mind propriety here. And there’s no one bold enough to gossip about me.”
Alvin nodded quickly beside them, but Emily was too flustered to notice.
“Still, this is—”
“I’m in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for you to limp upstairs. So bear with it.”
In other words, he didn’t want to wait for her.
Speechless at his shamelessness, Emily puffed her cheeks in protest. Even then, the chandelier above and the murals on the ceiling were breathtakingly beautiful.
Killian carried her all the way to the bedroom and only set her down once they were inside. Despite his blunt demeanor, he was surprisingly careful when lowering her to the floor.
Now on her feet, Emily looked around the room. One wall featured a grand tapestry, and the other three were covered in luxurious leather wallpaper.
It was extravagant without being gaudy—elegant and full of class.
“If you’re hungry, we’ll prepare a meal immediately,” Alvin offered.
“I’ll be heading out, so just bring something to the lady’s room,” Killian instructed, shaking his head.
“I’m not that hungry either,” Emily added.
With both declining a meal, Alvin said he’d instead prepare a light tea table for her. Not wanting to idle alone, Emily asked what was keeping Killian so busy.
“It’s about a new business venture. You should rest or explore the mansion.”
His dismissive tone irritated her briefly, but she quickly remembered this was exactly the kind of distance she wanted from him.
“Alright then. Take care.”
Her curt reply clued Killian in that she was upset.
But with time pressing, he had no chance to explain further. He hesitated, looking like he had something to say, then sighed and left the room.
“Though the master seems cold, he’s quite warm-hearted. Please don’t take it personally,” Alvin said gently.
Embarrassed, wondering if her feelings had shown on her face, Emily cleared her throat and changed the subject.
“By the way, is this my room or the couple’s room?”
“This is your personal room, my lady. The master ordered that the furniture and curtains be replaced to suit your preferences, so for now only the essentials are here.”
The room was already stylish and modern. A few more pieces of furniture would complete it.
“And the master’s room is just next door, with the shared couple’s room between them,” Alvin added, showing her the connecting passage.
“…I see.”
Most noble couples kept their bedrooms on separate floors or at a distance, even if they were deeply in love. The fact that their rooms were side by side was likely a mistake by someone unfamiliar with noble customs.
…It was a mistake, right?
“There’s also a fun little passage that connects the rooms. Would you like to see it?”
“No, thank you.”
There was no way Emily would voluntarily enter his room. She didn’t even want to imagine why such a secret passage existed.
“Then I’ll go instruct the maids to finish setting the tea table. Please rest until they come.”
“Thank you, Alvin.”
Once Alvin bowed and left, Emily approached the large bed and lay down.
A magnificent mansion, tasteful interior design, well-mannered staff—surely Killian could’ve married someone much better than a debt-ridden noblewoman like her?
The thought left a strange feeling in her chest.
—
After touring the mansion with the help of the servants, Emily spent her tea time alone in the garden.
Surrounded by colorful flowers and fruit trees growing freely, she began making mental plans for how she might reorganize it.
There was even a waterfall. With a little work, the garden could become stunningly beautiful.
“My lady, shall I bring more sweets?”
A quick-witted maid asked as she cleared Emily’s empty plate.
“Yes, please.”
Emily especially liked baked confections—financiers were her favorite. Fortunately, Star mansion’s pâtissier made them exquisitely.
“If not for how the story ends, living here wouldn’t be so bad.”
Feeling oddly at peace, Emily popped the last financier into her mouth.
“The texture’s absolutely perfect.”
She chewed happily, satisfied.
—
Killian didn’t return at all that day. It wasn’t until the next morning that he came back to the mansion.
“The master wishes to dine with you, my lady.”
‘Is he feeling bad for leaving me alone on my first day?’
Emily allowed the maids to help her get ready and went down to the dining room. It would be her first meal alone with Killian since their marriage.
Killian, already seated, stood to pull out her chair before returning to his seat. Though blunt, he had basic manners.
“Thank you.”
Emily greeted him politely and sat. Soon after, the butler began bringing out an array of dishes.
They ate in silence for some time. Surprisingly, Killian had impeccable table manners—so perfect they could be used in etiquette textbooks.
Where had he learned that? Emily debated whether to ask when Killian spoke first.
“There’s an invitation from the imperial palace.”
“The palace?”
Puzzled, Emily took the invitation he handed her.
It was for a banquet celebrating the crown prince’s return from a long study abroad in the Robert Empire.
Emily had never met the crown prince since he had been abroad during her time in high society.
“Have you ever attended a palace banquet?”
Killian shook his head. He’d only recently purchased his marquis title, and the palace hadn’t hosted any notable events during that time.
Moreover, as a man who bought his title, he likely hadn’t been invited to many noble gatherings at all.
In that case, he might be completely unfamiliar with noble etiquette. She’d have to teach him everything to prevent any embarrassment at the party.
Emily, once highly ranked in society, didn’t want to make a fool of herself either.
“Honestly, seeing your table manners, I might not need to worry…”
Killian already knew what she was getting at.
“You’re worried I’ll embarrass myself at the palace banquet.”
“What do you think?”
“I admit I’m unfamiliar with such settings.”
“Then… may I give you some lessons?”
As a married couple, his dignity was now tied to hers.
Killian agreed without hesitation. After all, he’d purchased the marquis title precisely because he needed access to the palace for certain reasons.
For the sake of his plans, a little etiquette training wouldn’t hurt.
