Chapter 6

Talet grumbled for a while, then glanced around and leaned in close to whisper to Asla, “Please keep this a secret.” 

Asla found the sight amusing and allowed herself a small smile.   

Though she was beautiful, she had always looked like a lifeless doll. When she smiled like a picture come to life, both Talet and May couldn’t take their eyes off her. 

Unaware they were mesmerized by her smile, Asla thought to herself:  Talet had criticized his master, Enoch, but Asla had no intention of making an issue out of it.   

After all, giving orders to “fatten someone up so it’s visibly obvious” was clearly not normal—Talet was right about that. 

‘Since when did he care so much?’ 

Whether it was weight returning to her frail body, or trust returning to her heart after it had shriveled in pain—   

Both needed time. 

‘Not that there’ll ever be time for that between me and Enoch again.’ 

Asla’s expression darkened again, and Talet hesitated before stepping closer. 

“My Lady. At the master’s command, I’ve been investigating what happened between the former Lady of the house and yourself. However… only bits and pieces have come out. Most of the staff are keeping their mouths shut.” 

“…Of course. They all belong to the former Duchess, and they’re afraid of retaliation.” 

Asla spoke calmly, but inside, she was black and blue with bruised emotion.  

In the Ventus estate, the staff had treated Margo as their true master—even more so than Enoch himself. 

‘Even if they disregarded me, they shouldn’t have ignored the head of the family.’ 

Enoch’s order should’ve been enough to compel their cooperation, but still, the staff refused to speak. 

‘Foolish man. Even if you didn’t care for me as your wife, you should’ve at least known your place.’ 

Seeing the shadow fall over Asla’s face, Talet felt even more disheartened. 

“To be honest, I was shocked. You were a noble Princess of the Holy Kingdom, my Lady. I don’t understand how the former Duchess could have treated you like that…” 

‘You’re a fool too, Talet,’ Asla thought, clicking her tongue inwardly. She was relieved that May, busy organizing things across the room, wasn’t close enough to hear their conversation. 

Talet clenched his fists and made a firm request. 

“I know this is difficult, but if you could share the details with me directly, I’ll try to investigate from the other side.” 

“Is that so…” 

Would anything change, even if she did? 

Asla shut her mouth tightly once again, like a clam, and Talet sighed deeply.   

Asla studied his clean-cut, neatly composed face and suddenly realized he reminded her of someone.   

She quickly asked, 

“Talet. Do you have an older brother? Or maybe a distant relative? You look like someone I met.” 

The man she had seen in her dreams—he resembled Talet.   

Talet gave her a puzzled look and tilted his head. 

“Yes, I have an older brother. His name is Robert Hesse. He’s never been to the estate, but he’s the vice president of the master’s company in the capital. We do look quite a bit alike.” 

“He’s taller than you… has a beauty mark next to his eye?” 

“He didn’t make it to the wedding, but—how do you know that? Brown hair, taller than me, and yes—he has that mark near his eye, and thin lips. Is that who you mean?” 

Asla stiffened like a statue, shocked.   

The man Talet described was undoubtedly the one from her dream—the man who had spoken to her-as-Enoch. 

He was real. 

‘Then…it wasn’t just a simple dream. A god really showed me the past?’ 

As Asla reeled in confusion, unable to collect herself, May quickly approached and firmly placed the spoon in her hand. 

“My Lady! You should eat while it’s warm. It won’t taste the same if it gets cold. And you too, secretary—please be quiet until the Lady finishes eating.” 

“…Understood.” 

Talet awkwardly stepped back, and Asla accepted the spoon, giving a small nod.   

Though May’s behavior might have been considered rude, her genuine concern was clear as day—and Asla, rather than being offended, felt strangely pleased. 

It had been a long time since she received such kindness from someone below her in station.   

Suddenly reminded of her old nanny, Asla felt a rush of tears and quickly lowered her head, taking a sip of the warm broth. 

May hadn’t been exaggerating when she claimed this was the most famous health-recovery dish in the city.   

Asla couldn’t finish all of it, but it was delicious enough that she ate quite a lot.   

The broth, simmered with all kinds of herbs and hearty meat, seemed to have a real effect—her limbs, usually heavy and limp, now felt infused with strength. 

Even more than that, the gloom that had always clung to her heart like damp fog now felt like it was being dried in the sun—soft, light, breathable.   

Was it because of the nourishing meal? Because she’d left the Ventus estate?   

Or maybe it was thanks to the gentle, warmhearted maid who looked after her? 

Whatever the reason, Asla finally felt like she could breathe properly. 

While she was resting in her hospital room after the meal, Enoch had already arranged her discharge.   

Asla had expected to head straight for the capital, since her condition had improved.   

So when Enoch—without a word of discussion—took her to the most luxurious and expensive hotel in Dainus, the Ruitel Hotel, she was caught off guard. 

“We’re supposed to go to the capital,” she whispered, pulling gently at Enoch’s arm as he spoke with the bowing hotel manager. 

Enoch looked down at her, his expression stern. 

“Your body’s still too weak. If you try to travel like this, you’ll collapse again. You need a few days of rest.” 

“Enoch…” 

“The hospital room was small and uncomfortable. It’s no place for the Duchess of Ventus. Rest here. I’ll call in a doctor to check on you again before we leave.” 

“But…” 

“Asla Ventus.” 

The name fell from his lips in a deep voice—not sharp or cold, but gently spoken, calling her back.   

And without meaning to, Asla released his arm. 

It was the first time her husband had called her by her full married name since their wedding.   

It felt strangely unfamiliar, hearing Asla Ventus come from him. 

‘So I really am Asla Ventus.’ 

But had she ever truly been Asla Ventus?   

Pain. Sorrow. Loneliness. Misery.   

Listing the emotions she’d felt while living under that name only made her more heartbroken. 

Asla gave a bitter, silent smile. Enoch watched her in silence.   

Afraid he might notice her feelings, she quickly nodded. 

“…Alright.” 

Resting for a few days wouldn’t change much—but it also wouldn’t take long.  Most importantly, anywhere without Margo felt breathable. That alone was worth it. 

Asla figured Enoch would ignore her during their hotel stay anyway, so relaxing with the sweet-natured May didn’t seem so bad.   

Besides, she still needed time to sort through the confusing dream the gods had shown her. 

Led by the Ruitel Hotel manager, they arrived at the largest suite in the building.   

Asla and May looked around the room together. 

May chattered cheerfully, saying this was the grandest, most luxurious room in the entire hotel, but Asla’s eyes soon drifted to Enoch—leaving the room with Talet. 

‘Of course.’ 

Asla gave a bitter smile.   

Her husband, always walking away from her. 

The loneliness of it had become familiar now, and she turned without hesitation, heading to the bed and collapsing onto it.   

After a brief nap, Asla awoke to find Enoch had returned.   

She tilted her head, wondering why he was back so soon—but then he handed her a large jewelry box. 

Enoch’s expression was slightly stiff, and he looked almost nervous as he said: 

“We’re dining out tonight. If you want… you can dress up.” 

“…….” 

Asla, caught off guard, accepted the jewelry box and glanced back and forth between it and Enoch. 

‘A gift… from him?’ 

Has he ever given her a present before?   

So surprised she couldn’t even think to say thank you, Asla simply stared at him with her lips pressed tightly shut.   

Enoch scratched his jaw, furrowed his brow, and then walked back out without a word. 

“Oh my goodness, it’s the Gruize logo! Of course—nothing less from the Ventus ducal family,” May gasped, eyes wide with excitement as she spotted the luxurious designer logo on the box.   

Having grown up serving the Marquis of Kreutz’s household, she knew just how outrageously expensive this brand was—far too costly for even the Lady of the house to purchase often. 

“Madam, please! Come sit over here.” 

“Ah… okay.” 

Still dazed by the unexpected gift, Asla stood frozen until May gently guided her to sit at the vanity.   

Asla, in a bit of a trance, watched May hum cheerfully to herself as she set to work, while her own thoughts lingered on Enoch’s unusual behavior. 

Noticing her gaze, May smiled softly. 

“Don’t you like it, Madam?” 

Only then did Asla glance at herself in the mirror, her eyes widening in surprise.   

She hesitated, then said carefully, with a slightly troubled expression: “No… it’s just a bit too extravagant.” 

“Oh, nonsense! These dazzling jewels would look ridiculous on anyone but you, Madam. Your hair is like soft pink cotton candy—nothing else could match it better.” 

Asla’s lips curved into a small smile at May’s enthusiastic compliment.  

Hearing her hair described as “cotton candy” reminded her once again of her old nanny. 

‘She used to say my hair was like fluffy down feathers too.’ 

The memory of her nanny’s gentle touch made Asla’s chest tighten with emotion.   

She reached up and gently pulled down the sparkling, feathered, gem-encrusted headband May had placed on her head. 

“No, this one really isn’t for me, May,” she said, shaking her head firmly. 

“Understood! But this May shall not give up! I’m sure we’ll find something that suits your taste perfectly, Madam!” 

Though slightly deflated, May’s shoulders bounced back quickly, her eyes sparkling with determination as she dove back into the box, sorting through the elaborate hair accessories. 

Watching May delight in the treasure trove of fine jewels, Asla couldn’t bring herself to stop her. 

‘I kind of regret accepting the gift… but seeing her so happy, I guess it’s fine.’ 

“Tada! Look at this, Madam—so beautiful, isn’t it?” 

“…Huh? Oh—yes, it is.” 

May had nimble hands.   

Asla had intended to simply humor the girl’s enthusiasm, but when she caught sight of herself in the mirror, she was genuinely impressed. 

May had carefully twisted and pinned up Asla’s pink hair, securing it with three small pearl combs in a neat and elegant style.  

The soft updo revealed her swan-like neck, and Asla felt lighter, almost refreshed just looking at it. 

She had always worn her hair pinned down low and neatly covered with a net.   

But this playful, airy style made her finally look her age. 

The soft glow of the white pearls matched her hair so perfectly that Asla reached up to touch it delicately. 

“Thank you, May.” 

“Oh, don’t mention it! I should be thanking you—for letting me touch such beautiful, lovely hair, Madam.” 

May grinned brightly, her charm utterly disarming.   

Asla found herself growing increasingly fond of the girl. 

And so, she made a decision. 

She would never, under any circumstance, bring May back to the Ventus estate.