Chapter 10

 The Eclipse ducal territory, Iclea, where the lord’s castle stands, was a week-long journey from the capital, Kalifa. We couldn’t use the portal for an extended period because I was believed to be pregnant. Due to this, we had to go through portals in various cities, stopping for meals and rest, which is why it took so long.

For me, that week was enough to make me realize that my new life as a duke’s wife would not be easy.

Since Nine, who had shown no signs of marriage, suddenly held a ceremony, everyone seemed to have misunderstood that we were deeply in love. The Silver Wolf Knights of Duke Eclipse, who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Emperor’s Imperial Knights, were initially delighted by my arrival. Some of the knights offered to escort me, saying they finally had a lady to protect. The other servants also took care of my every need, asking if the meals were to my liking or if my bed was comfortable.

But that welcoming attitude didn’t even last a week.

No one offered me a hand when I got out of the carriage anymore, and they no longer spoke to me with familiarity. They even served my meals half-heartedly. Everyone expressed through their actions that they were only doing their duty out of obligation.

I knew Nine and Norman wouldn’t let the real reason for our marriage get out. So, they must have changed their attitude after seeing that Nine, during the entire journey to Iclea, didn’t even go near me, let alone have a conversation. Thanks to their coldness, I was able to steel my resolve even more over the past week.

When we arrived at the Iclea portal station, the sun was already setting, and the world outside the carriage window was bathed in a warm orange light. It was a sight befitting the capital of a kingdom once ruled by the northern conqueror, from a time when the continent of Gradia was divided into many kingdoms. Compared to the capital Kalifa, the colors were muted, and the white snow and gray buildings might have seemed bleak, but I found the scenery to be refined and calm. It was clearly cold outside, but the sunset made me feel as if I was being warmly welcomed.

‘I like it.’

The atmosphere of the city resembled Nine.

The Nine I knew as a reader of the novel was exactly like this. He seemed sharp and cold on the outside but had a refined and warm heart that cared for people on the inside.

The faces and mood of the people outside the window were bright.

‘If Nine were the same person he appeared to be, their expressions wouldn’t be like that.’

I enjoyed taking in the sight of the people lightly bowing to the Duke’s carriage and the lively atmosphere of the market.

‘This is the territory Nine has protected since he was a child.’

As I peered out the window with interest, Laura began to explain various things with a hint of pride.

“That bakery on the main street is a real local gem. And the fountain in that square is a dragon spouting water—there’s a legend that if you put a coin in its mouth and make a wish, it’ll come true.”

Listening to her speak like a guide, we soon arrived at the lord’s castle.

Duke Eclipse’s castle, as if showing off that it was once a royal palace, was colossal. Its upper part, which seemed to pierce the sky like the spirit of the North, was particularly impressive.

“My Lady.”

As I was about to step out of the carriage, Annie, who had disembarked first, offered me her hand. Nine and the knights who had been escorting my carriage weren’t even looking my way.

“…Thank you, Annie.”

I forced a smile, took Annie’s hand, and got out of the carriage.

Only then did Nine, who hadn’t approached me since the wedding, step forward and offer his hand.

Even if he wasn’t happy about my presence, it seemed he intended to at least save face as the Duke’s wife on my first arrival. I placed my hand on his gloved one.

Rumble…

The huge castle gates slowly began to open.

Light and a fragrant scent poured out from within. In the entrance hall, servants were lined up in two long rows, and a dazzling chandelier greeted us.

‘This scent…’

I turned my head, sensing a fragrance that felt different from the northern image I had. There, I saw flowers decorated everywhere. They were pink hydrangeas, the symbolic flower of my Blueberry family, which were difficult to find in the North.

‘The people here must not have heard the rumors yet.’

It had to be something they prepared for me, since they didn’t know the nature of my relationship with Nine. A mix of joy and bitterness washed over me.

‘This kindness won’t last long.’

Shaking off my brief emotions and thoughts, I looked around again.

‘But… something is missing, isn’t it?’

I saw Nine receive the greetings of the servants without any expression, and it was then I realized what the problem was.

‘Where is his family?’

Nowhere in the hall was a family member to welcome Nine’s return. Only the servants were present. A sudden new duchess might be unwelcome, but for the head of the family’s return, no one came out?

Unaware of my question, Nine spoke to the bowed servants.

“This is Chacha Eclipse, who I have married.”

Nine’s introduction was brief.

As if no further explanation was necessary, he called over an elderly man who appeared to be the butler.

“It is an honor to serve you, Lady Chacha. I am Van Clayman, the butler of the Eclipse family.”

As the butler introduced himself and bowed, Nine simply let go of my hand and walked away, as if his job was done.

I calmly tucked away my hand that Nine had held and looked at the butler. Van, a handsome man with a kind-looking face, took over for Nine, offering his hand and escorting me.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Van.”

I used formal language to show respect to the existing staff as a new person in the household, and Van smiled softly.

“Please speak to me informally, Lady Chacha. Now, you must be tired, so I will guide you to your room.”

I just gave a slight nod, and Van immediately walked beside me, with Annie and Laura following behind.

Of course, they weren’t the only ones following.

I could feel the many gazes behind me, filled with various emotions. I ignored them and kept walking. Van turned around once, clapped his hands, and got everyone’s attention.

“Everyone, return to your duties.”

His words, though not a shout, spread with authority. In an instant, all the stares directed at me scattered.

Van gave me a slight bow. “My apologies, Lady Chacha.”

“It’s alright. Thank you for your consideration.”

I smiled with a composed expression and continued to follow his lead. A little bit of curious staring and rudeness didn’t faze me. Instead, I was grateful for Van, who noticed even the smallest misstep and considered my feelings.

But at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness.

‘Van will soon become as cold as the knights.’

Watching temporary goodwill fade was a heavier feeling than I had anticipated.

***

The room I was assigned did not reflect my taste at all. However, as the Duchess’s room, I could tell it was an elegant, dignified, and very fine room.

After Van left and Annie and Laura began unpacking, I suppressed the urge to jump on the bed and sat at the table near the terrace. While I could have relaxed any other time, today was not the day to let my guard down.

‘There will be a dinner party tonight.’

I had lived as a noble lady since I was seven and was well-versed in aristocratic etiquette. When a head of the family returned after a long absence or a new person joined the family, dinner would become a formal banquet.

‘Nine’s family will all be gathered at the banquet, right?’

In the original novel, Nine’s family wasn’t deeply explored, so I had no idea what they were like.

‘It bothers me that no one came out to the hall…’

Before I could ponder for long, Van knocked on my door. It was already evening.

When I arrived at the dining room with Van’s guidance, I realized I was the first one there.

‘Well. Better than being late.’

As I took a step to find my seat, I had to try not to let my eyes widen.

‘Wow.’

The Duke’s dining room was far larger and more lavish than I had expected. A chandelier sparkled from the ceiling, and beneath it, a long table was placed, seemingly large enough to accommodate collateral relatives. On the table, a soft cloth runner was laid, topped with candelabras and flower arrangements that wouldn’t interfere with the meal, all of which were clearly high-end.

Even though I had grown up wealthy as the daughter of a count who ran a large trading company, I was surprised. I walked as straight as I could, glancing around to avoid being caught in awe.

And when I sat down, I was secretly stunned.

‘Oh my god, the tableware is a magic tool…!’

It was a testament to the region, which was the largest producer of mana stones. The shimmering, well-maintained utensils were magical artifacts designed to keep food from getting cold.

I was already nervous about meeting Nine’s family, but the grandeur of the dining room intimidated me and added to my burden.

‘What should I talk about when they all gather…’

Knowing that I couldn’t expect Nine to lead or help with the conversation, I sat for a long time, lost in thought.

However…

“…”

To my dismay, no one else arrived at the long table, not even Nine, even after the appetizers were served.