Chapter 3

When Renee opened her eyes, she saw a high, white ceiling. The cold blankets rustled like fallen leaves, and a strange scent wafted from all directions.

 

“You’re awake, my lady.”

 

Startled by the sudden voice, Renee sat up. Walking slowly toward the bed was Balma Tenez, the Chief of Staff. Renee looked around. Even though she hadn’t asked anything, Balma began to explain on his own.

 

“This is a hospital in the city. Since we were trapped in the Forest of Hallucinations before we could even reach the vicinity of the Janox Temple, we came to the nearest hospital in haste.”

 

“I see… How much time has passed? I haven’t been asleep for long, have I?”

 

Renee brushed back her disheveled hair a few times. Balma cast his gaze upward briefly, as if calculating the time.

 

“We escaped the forest just before dawn, and it is now noon, about a day and two hours since then.”

 

“What? I slept for a whole day?”

 

Her voice rose instinctively, and her throat felt as if it were tearing. Balma, slightly surprised by Renee’s coughing and distress, quickly poured a glass of water and handed it to her. Taking the cup, Renee slowly moistened her throat. Only now did her mind feel fully awake.

 

“Is Sir Tenez alright?”

 

“I feel somewhat ashamed to say, but I believe I fainted as soon as I was trapped in the forest.”

 

“My goodness… You aren’t hurt anywhere, are you?”

 

“No. It was no different than sleeping until the exit opened. I’m so fine that one could even say I took a rest during a busy schedule.”

 

Finishing his sentence, Balma shrugged his shoulders. Renee examined his appearance with concern. Compared to when they left Sainer Castle, his clothes were a bit dirtier and his face looked haggard, but fortunately, there were no visible injuries.

 

“The rest of the party is alright, yes? And the Grand Duke…”

 

At that moment, the hospital room door burst open, cutting Renee off. Running inside in simple attire was Rob.

 

“My lady! You’re awake!”

 

Rob greeted her with delight and quickly took a spot by the bedside. He was smiling so broadly that his cheeks were flushed, but Renee was horrified when she saw his face.

 

Green hair and pale blue eyes—despite being an adult for a long time, he possessed the beautiful appearance of a young boy, but his current state was nothing short of disastrous. His lips were torn and scabbed over, and a deep scratch from something was clear on his cheek. Most of all, his eyes were bruised black and blue, as if he had been severely beaten by something.

 

“Sir Lugentia. What on earth happened? While I was trapped in the forest with the Grand Duke, we were both very worried about your safety.”

 

Glancing around briefly, Rob pulled over a simple visitor’s chair. Seeing that the conversation was going to be long, Balma took a step back.

 

“Then I shall go and check on the status of the rest of the group. Please, the two of you talk.”

 

When Renee tried to get up to see him off, Balma hurriedly waved his hands.

 

“There’s no need for that, so please rest well, my lady. All scheduled plans have been canceled, so recovering your health is the only thing you—and all of us—must do.”

 

Renee nodded deeply, conveying her thanks with her eyes. Balma left the room with an expression that said he understood perfectly.

 

After a moment of silence as he gathered his thoughts, Rob began his story in earnest.

 

“The others told me… one said they suddenly fell off a cliff and lost consciousness. Another said they fell into the sea.”

 

“Those were all illusions, right?”

 

“Right. The problem is, the carriage that you and the Captain were in actually broke.”

 

“Why is that a problem?”

 

“It means that while other things in the Forest of Hallucinations are nothing more than illusions, physical force actually acted upon the two of you.”

 

As soon as Rob finished speaking, Renee let out a small gasp. Why hadn’t she thought it was strange until now? Even though she was the author who had created the device of the Forest of Hallucinations herself.

 

Things that deviated from the original work were constantly happening. She couldn’t even guess what was going on. A chill ran down her spine.

 

“Anyway, from what I’ve gathered, the magic in the Forest of Hallucinations we were trapped in this time wasn’t that strong. Even so, the reason I couldn’t find the exit immediately was…”

 

Rob’s voice dropped significantly. Renee leaned forward to hear him better.

 

“No. It’s nothing.”

 

Rob shook his head as if dismissing it and lightly tapped his thigh. Renee’s brow furrowed.

 

“Please, finish what you were saying.”

 

“A noble lady of the Grand Duchy has no need to hear such gloomy stories. All the terrible and dirty problems of this world are things for the Captain and me to solve.”

 

Rob smiled playfully as he finished.

 

“A noble lady of the Grand Duchy should just stay in her room, reading and embroidering, and that would be enough.”

 

“What?”

 

At Renee’s response, Rob looked visibly flustered and asked back. Renee lowered her gaze.

 

“I’m sorry. That was very rude of me.”

 

“…My lady.”

 

“But Sir Lugentia, I want to know.”

 

“…”

 

“I want to know everything—what happened to us, how dangerous the situation was, and what we need to do. Everything.”

 

At her determined tone, Rob’s eyes wavered. Scratching the back of his head as if troubled, he opened his mouth hesitantly.

 

“But my lady. Even if I explain it to you, it won’t be easy to understand. It’s a story about power struggles involving black magic, mana, the Empire, the Kingdom, and even the Holy See…”

 

“You’re right. I am neither a mage nor a ruler of a kingdom, but merely a noble lady. However, that does not mean I am completely ignorant.”

 

Renee began to calmly explain what she knew about the Forest of Hallucinations. As he listened quietly with a skeptical face, Rob’s eyes grew wide.

 

“My… my lady. How do you know all that?”

 

‘Of course I know. It’s the novel I wrote.’

 

Renee swallowed the answer and gave a vague smile.

 

After agonizing for a moment, Rob seemed to make up his mind and nodded slightly. He checked his surroundings once more and spoke with an incredibly serious face.

 

“As you just mentioned, my lady, the Forest of Hallucinations is originally a space created as mana naturally gathers. However, this time, as soon as I tried to manage the mana to open the exit, the magic bounced back. Which means this time…”

 

“…This time?”

 

“It seems like someone did this intentionally.”

 

“What?”

 

Renee asked back, but Rob gave no answer. Renee gripped the edge of the blanket, her lips trembling.

 

“Sir Lugentia. Are you saying someone manipulated mana to intentionally create a Forest of Hallucinations? Who would do such a thing, and why?”

 

When Renee pressed him, unable to wait any longer, he looked somewhat troubled.

 

“I haven’t accurately figured that out yet, my lady. Nothing like this has ever happened before.”

 

Rob trailed off. He looked utterly confused.

 

Renee was equally confused. This was because the Forest of Hallucinations wasn’t something someone could create artificially. This wasn’t just a slight deviation from the original plot; the very setting of the original work had changed.

 

‘Come to think of it, Ricard returning a full month early was already a major departure from the original. I thought it was just a minor variable…’

 

Perhaps from the moment she fell into this world, the rules of the original work had begun to warp.

 

“Don’t worry too much. I might have just been mistaken. Sometimes I stay up all night imagining strange things.”

 

Noticing Renee’s pale complexion, Rob smiled warmly to reassure her.

 

“Thank you. But how did you get hurt like that?”

 

“As a supposedly high-ranking mage, it’s embarrassing, but… I don’t remember how I got hurt. It’s clear I was attacked, but I don’t know by whom.”

 

“That’s worrying. But you’re okay now, right?”

 

“Of course, as you can see. And.”

 

“…”

 

“If someone intended to put our group in danger, the target would likely be the Captain, not me.”

 

The expressions of both darkened simultaneously. Rob was right. If someone had attacked them with a purpose, the target they wanted to eliminate was most likely Ricard.

 

“Where is the Grand Duke?”

 

“Ugh, that stubborn man.”

 

Even before Renee finished her question, Rob let out a deep sigh and blew at his bangs.

 

“I shared the story I just told you with the Captain first. And then, saying the culprit might still be near the forest, he went off to track them down himself.”

 

“Ah… I see.”

 

Renee stroked her arm and looked down. The time from the carriage accident until her reunion with Rob—every moment spent trapped in the forest—felt as distant as if it had happened ten days ago.

 

“I told him we should go together, but he stubbornly insisted on going alone, so I couldn’t even follow him. Even though his body isn’t in good shape.”

 

“What? The Grand Duke is hurt?”

 

Renee’s voice suddenly became agitated. Rob blinked blankly.

 

“You didn’t know? You were with him the whole time.”

 

“It’s true we were together, but he didn’t look hurt…”

 

“His left arm is fractured.”

 

“What?!”

 

“And on top of that, he has a tear from here to here.”

 

Rob grimaced as he pointed from the middle of his forearm to near his elbow. It was news that was hard to believe.

 

“When, when was he hurt? I mean, since when?”

 

Looking utterly distressed, Renee retraced the time she had spent trapped in the forest with Ricard.

 

‘The fact that his complexion was bad… was because he was injured?’

 

Rob continued his explanation.

 

“My lady. Do you remember coming to this hospital on horseback with the Captain?”

 

“I’m not sure, but yes.”

 

“Since the carriage was broken, we had to travel by horse, but you weren’t in a state to hold the reins yourself. So, even with his arm in that condition, the Captain personally held and carried you all that long way.”

 

Renee recalled the scene of riding the horse with Ricard once more. While the dizzying sound of hooves and the voices of the party were faint, the warmth of him touching her back remained vivid.

 

“When you arrived at the hospital, you were completely unconscious, so you probably don’t remember, but the Captain personally carried you in his arms to this fifth-floor ward.”

 

“What? The Grand Duke did?”

 

“Yes. Like this.”

 

Rob raised both arms, mimicking the action of carrying someone. As he said, it was a story she had no memory of.

 

“He was shouting at the doctor to examine you immediately, veins bulging in his neck. A crowd of doctors and nurses came running from the end of the hallway, dripping with sweat, you know? But do you know what the Captain did then?”

 

For some reason, Rob’s pale blue eyes were sparkling. What showed on his face, which had been dark with worry, was clearly amusement.

 

“…No.”

 

Renee managed to squeeze out an answer in a tiny voice.

 

“The doctor lifted your dress slightly like this to check your condition. Then the Captain’s brow furrowed like this, and he roared at everyone in the hospital room to close their eyes immediately.”

 

Rob burst into a hollow laugh, as if he still couldn’t understand it. Renee, who had been listening quietly, felt her ears turn red.

 

“He must be crazy.”

 

The thought slipped out of her mouth involuntarily. Watching Renee’s face turn bright red, Rob chuckled, his shoulders shaking slightly.

 

“He doesn’t seem sane, does he?”

 

Renee could neither agree nor disagree with Rob’s playful question. She merely replaced her complicated feelings with a smile.

 

“So, Sir Lugentia. What happened with the Grand Duke’s arm being injured?”

 

“I was just about to tell you that. After checking for a while, the doctor gave the opinion that you had collapsed from exhaustion. And since your forehead was slightly torn, they gave you emergency treatment.”

 

“Ah.”

 

Renee subconsciously touched her forehead following Rob’s gaze and let out a small groan. Only now did the fact that she had injured her forehead at the same time as the carriage accident come back to her.

 

“Are you alright, my lady?”

 

“Yes. It’s nothing. Please keep telling the story.”

 

Looking at Renee with concern, Rob nodded slightly and continued.

 

“Only after your treatment was finished did the Captain slump down on the edge of that bed over there. I was about to relax and get some rest too, but then I happened to look at him and saw bright red blood dripping from his fingertips.”

 

Rob gestured toward the bed where he said Ricard had been sitting. He then shook his head with a distorted expression as if the scene were coming back to him.

 

“I ran over to look, and good grief, his skin was torn all the way from the middle of his forearm to his elbow, and even the bone was damaged.”

 

“…”

 

“I knew it, but man… he’s a tough one.”

 

Renee was speechless. It was an emotion that couldn’t be fully explained by the word ‘surprise.’

 

“When did he say he got hurt? Did you ask?”

 

“He said he got hurt the moment the carriage accident happened… Ah.”

 

Rob quickly covered his mouth. When Renee looked at him with questioning eyes, he squinted slightly and curled the corners of his mouth.

 

“It’s a secret from the Captain. He told me never to tell you, my lady.”

 

“Tell me what?”

 

“How he got hurt.”

 

“Why would he…”

 

Trailing off, Renee let out a small gasp.

 

‘If he was hurt the moment the carriage accident happened…’

 

The moment the carriage was shattered into pieces along with a massive impact. It was definitely Ricard who had embraced and protected her body.

 

‘He got hurt because of me. And yet, I didn’t even know he was injured. Like a fool.’

 

A shadow fell over Renee’s face. Guilt surged like a massive wave.

 

“But, my lady.”

 

Rob’s voice, which had been playful throughout, became suddenly serious. Renee painfully lifted her lowered head.

 

“I’ve been working as the exclusive mage for the Hebaron Knights since I was fifteen, so I’ve known the Captain for eight years now.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“But even I have never seen the Captain like that before.”

 

“Like what…?”

 

“The Captain is someone so cold it’s as if he has no emotions.”

 

Rob closed his lips for a moment, choosing his words. His eyes, which had been fixed on Renee, briefly lost their way.

 

“But while he was holding you, he seemed to have lost his reason, acting as if he didn’t know what to do with himself.”

 

His gaze was fixed on the window where the noon sunlight was pouring in. Yet, somehow, he seemed to be looking at somewhere far beyond that window.

 

Rob Lugentia. In the original work, he was a character who remained loyal to Ricard until the end. And when the original Reneezmia killed Ricard and took her own life, Rob lived the rest of his life alone, never meeting anyone, and ended his life in terrible sorrow.

 

What was Rob thinking now? And what about Ricard, who was said to have left for the forest again with his injured body?

 

If future events continued to flow differently from the original work, would everyone’s fate change as well?

 

“Anyway. I’ll be going now, my lady.”

 

It was Rob who first broke the silence between the two who had fallen into contemplation together.

 

“The whole group has decided to stay at this hospital for today. We plan to return to Sainer Castle together as soon as everyone recovers.”

 

Finishing his words, Rob stood up. After pushing the visitor’s chair back toward the wall, Rob turned around with a light nod.

 

“Sir Lugentia. Where are you going?”

 

It was Renee who caught him. This was because Rob’s retreating back felt somehow like that of someone who wasn’t going to rest.

 

“I have to find out something. What happened in the forest. If it really was a trap someone set intentionally.”

 

Renee’s vision blurred. It was because her heart felt heavy with the guilt that she might be the cause of all this.

 

“If I happen to run into the Captain, I’ll make sure to bring him back.”

 

As if to comfort her, Rob gave a mischievous smile. Watching the playful wrinkles form on the bridge of his nose, Renee had no choice but to smile back.

 

 

***

 

 

Late afternoon. Fidgety and restless, Renee stepped out into the hospital backyard. It was that time of day when the short winter sun had just begun to dip below the horizon.

 

Wrapping her cloak tightly around her, she began to walk slowly along the promenade. The warm tea she had brought with her had long since turned lukewarm. Although the hospital was small—having been found in haste—the surrounding scenery was quite spectacular. A dense row of roadside trees stretched from the end of the path to the entrance of the city; though the branches were bare due to winter, they held a certain stark elegance.

 

Breathing in the scent of wood, she felt as if her very core was being purified. Brushing her fluttering hair behind her ear, Renee leaned her back gently against a tree trunk. She closed her eyes languidly and listened to the sound of the wind for a long while until, from the end of the path, the sound of hoofbeats echoed.

 

Renee slowly lifted her eyelids. A large brown horse had drawn quite close, and a man was dismounting from the saddle.

 

It was Ricard.

 

“……Lord Sainer.”

 

At Renee’s startled call, Ricard, who had been adjusting the saddle, whipped his head around. His eyes widened as he discovered her. He looked even more surprised than she was. It was understandable; to see someone who should have been unconscious, or at the very least asleep, wandering about outside would make anyone doubt their own eyes.

 

After standing dazed for a moment with the reins in hand, Ricard seemed to regain his senses and tethered the horse to a tree. He patted the horse’s long neck as if thanking it for its hard work, but his gaze remained fixed on Renee throughout.

 

‘Why is he staring so intently…’

 

It was difficult to meet his gaze, which was as straight and unyielding as iron bars. Renee looked down at nothing in particular. The silhouette of Ricard’s approaching footsteps entered her field of vision. When she gathered the courage to look up again, he was already standing right in front of her.

 

“You really can’t seem to stay put anywhere quietly. Why are you out here again?”

 

“You’re hurt… because of me, aren’t you?”

 

Their voices overlapped. Ricard flinched, instinctively tucking his injured arm behind his back.

 

“It’s no use hiding it. I’ve already heard everything.”

 

Seemingly flustered by her unexpectedly firm tone, Ricard soon furrowed his brows. His face was that of a man who knew exactly who the culprit was.

 

“Rob, that big-mouthed….”

 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t even know the Grand Duke was injured….”

 

Unable to finish her sentence, Renee bit her lip. Facing his haggard face made the guilt weigh even more heavily on her chest. To think she had been with the man who was hurt because of her for a full day without even noticing his condition. Had he not been pale and breaking into cold sweats?

 

Ricard could not offer an answer. He simply ruffled the back of his hair with his uninjured hand. He was a man who had never offered consolation in his life. He had no idea what words to give his wife, who stood before him looking as though she might burst into tears at any moment.

 

“It’s all because of me.”

 

“……Don’t talk nonsense. It’s cold, so let’s head inside for now—”

 

Ricard’s sentence cut short. A single tear had finally traced its way down the corner of Renee’s eye. The color drained from Ricard’s face, turning pale as ash.

 

He had seen countless women cry before him. Of course, they were usually of the sort—a new maid trembling and begging for her life, or the wife of an enemy commander pleading for her child. A situation like this was a first for him.

 

“No one died, and my arm hasn’t been severed, so why on earth are you crying?”

 

“Ugh….”

 

The words he offered as an attempt at comfort only made things worse. Perhaps imagining someone dying or an arm being severed, Renee’s tears began to well up like a stream overflowing in summer.

 

“You’re going to drive me mad.”

 

Ricard pressed his hand to his forehead in agony. Renee tried to stop the tears, but it wasn’t as easy as she wanted it to be.

 

“Everything I do is a mess. I was caught trying to leave the Grand Duke, I provoked the Grand Duke by saying I’d start a business, and I even caused the Grand Duke to get hurt.”

 

Renee closed her eyes tight. Reciting her own tracks with her own mouth made her feel all the more miserable.

 

“I have no right to be the Grand Duke’s wife.”

 

“What kind of bull— are you talking about? Are you saying you want to divorce me then?”

 

Suppressing the urge to shout, Ricard grabbed Renee’s shoulders. As he spat out the word ‘divorce,’ the veins in his neck bulged clearly.

 

“Damn it. You want a divorce because you ‘don’t have the right’ to be a wife? How exactly—”

 

Renee hadn’t even brought up the word divorce, but he seemed already unable to control his rage. He merely stared at her with resentful eyes, teeth clenched as he steadied his breathing.

 

Anger and resentment, reproach and self-blame, then anger again. His eyes, which had been darting through a multitude of emotions, suddenly became detached.

 

“Fine. That thing you wanted to do. Do it.”

 

Having forced the words out as if being pushed, Ricard ground his teeth in lingering anger. Renee wiped away a stray tear and opened her lips.

 

“……The divorce?”

 

“That again!”

 

“Then what…?”

 

“The business. Whether you sell what or where, do whatever you want. But don’t you dare utter that nonsense about divorce ever again.”

 

Renee blinked blankly. Once again, it was an unexpected development.

 

A cold wind blew, as if to wake her dazed mind. Startled by the chill on her cheeks, Renee flinched. It was the sensation of the wind touching the tracks where her tears had passed. Renee hurriedly raised her hand to wipe away the remaining tear stains.

 

Ricard simply stood there, watching her. After a moment of silence, Renee spoke hesitantly.

 

“But Grand Duke. Didn’t you fly into a rage when I mentioned starting a business before?”

 

Her expression was one of complete incomprehension.

 

Ricard scowled. She was right. Had he not set out on this path originally intending to take the head of whoever this ‘Traveler J’ was that had been exchanging secret letters with her?

 

It was Ricard himself who had hounded Renee like a cornered rat, asking what kind of business she thought she was doing. Not even three days had passed since then, and yet he was flipping his stance like a palm; it was natural for her to be confused.

 

“That’s….”

 

Ricard finally managed to start. Renee blinked, waiting for the answer to follow.

 

Looking at that innocent face, Ricard could hardly continue. There was only one reason he had changed his mind. It was because Renee, weeping about having no right to be his wife, looked as though she might hand him divorce papers at any second. He felt as though he could permit anything, even more than a business, if it meant stopping her.

 

She was a woman who had already been caught trying to flee in the middle of the night. There was no guarantee that a woman who had jumped out a window looking like a strange piece of freshly hauled seaweed wouldn’t attempt another escape.

 

After much deliberation, Ricard had reached a conclusion: he would let Renee do what she wanted as much as possible, but he would attach a reliable subordinate to monitor her every move for safety.

 

“Because I changed my mind.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

Renee narrowed her eyes, not understanding. She looked up at Ricard as if demanding an explanation, but he turned his gaze away, his mouth shut tight as always.

 

“Who knows if you’d just try to run away again under the excuse that I stopped you”

 

The moment Ricard pronounced the word ‘run,’ Renee flinched. A prickle of guilt ran down the back of her neck.

 

“……Is that the reason? Because you’re afraid I’ll run away?”

 

“Yes. You’re a woman who, even if locked in an attic with bound wrists, would send a mouse-like maid to exchange secret letters with some unknown fellow. What choice do I have?”

 

His tone was peculiar—half-sarcastic, half-self-deprecating.

 

A silence hung between them. Ricard, who had been looking down in thought, raised his head.

 

“I’m going to send most of the party back to Sainer Castle tomorrow. You and I, along with a coachman and one attendant, will remain and head to Pomfritz Square.”

 

His tone was now clear, all subtle traces of emotion gone like clearing clouds. In this moment, Ricard looked less like a husband suffering through a difficult marriage and more like a commander leading a knighthood.

 

“Pomfritz Square… you mean we’re going to meet Traveler J?”

 

When Renee asked, Ricard nodded lightly.

 

“We were going to have a three-way confrontation anyway, weren’t we?”

 

This time, the words ‘three-way confrontation’ pierced Renee’s heart. In the crisis of being trapped in the Forest of Hallucinations, she had momentarily forgotten. She had forgotten what had happened to her the morning she left the castle.

 

‘Ricard caught the secret letters I exchanged with Traveler J, and because of that, I ended up accompanying him on an unscheduled outing.’

 

Since Ricard had snatched the letter before she could even read it, she hadn’t even seen the contents, but she was certain of one thing. If Ricard were to interrogate Traveler J and her together, all the lies she had told so far would be exposed.

 

How would Ricard react? What would happen when he realized that her claim of wanting to do business to help the household finances was a blatant lie, and that all she truly wanted was to escape?

 

Renee lowered her eyelids, her face turning ashen. She knew that now things had come to this, there was nowhere left to retreat.

 

‘I don’t know. Let happen what may.’

 

Being backed into a corner, she felt a sense of literal desperation.

 

“I understand, Grand Duke. Let’s go to Pomfritz Square together and meet Traveler J.”

 

Renee replied in a fairly calm tone and slowly opened her eyes. Ricard, who had been standing across from her with an unwavering posture, nodded.

 

The wind blew again. Her wavy, rose-colored hair scattered over her features. Ricard’s right hand twitched involuntarily, but he forced himself to withdraw it. He knew that the role of a husband tenderly brushing away his wife’s fallen hair did not suit him.

 

“Let’s go in now.”

 

Renee felt an inexplicable sense of guilt at Ricard’s low voice. His expression as he gestured toward the hospital building seemed a bit displeased.

 

As Renee began to walk, he followed a few steps behind her. A faint shadow stretched over the winding path.

 

Crackle, crackle. Only the sound of dry winter leaves being stepped on and the rustle of clothes filled the silence.

 

Renee, who had been walking at a steady pace, gradually slowed down. Ricard stopped his footsteps as she came to a complete halt. Renee turned around slowly. A look of question appeared in Ricard’s eyes.

 

“I’m so sorry for causing you to get hurt. I’m sorry for acting childishly without even knowing you were injured. I remember, though not clearly, drunkenly rambling to the Grand Duke and sleeping peacefully alone. And…….”

 

“…….”

 

“I remember everything—that I came to this hospital being carried in the Grand Duke’s arms.”

 

Renee finished her words with difficulty.

 

Ricard, who had maintained a look of frustration throughout her speech, finally couldn’t take it and let out a sigh.

 

“What exactly do you take me for?”

 

It was an unexpected question. When Renee couldn’t find the words to answer, Ricard’s expression hardened.

 

“All you ever say to me are lies to escape a situation, and apologies made with a face that looks like it’s about to die. Only those two things.”

 

The twilight was falling behind Ricard’s back. The burning colors characteristic of sunset seemed as though they were about to devour the whole world. Ricard suppressed and suppressed the inner thoughts he could not bring himself to voice.

 

‘Damn it. Do you even think of me as your husband?’

 

Renee was staring at him with a most innocent face, her eyes wet with unshed tears. It was just as Ricard took a step as if giving up.

 

Renee’s hand—so white her veins showed through—grabbed the collar of Ricard’s coat. It was a careful yet quite firm touch.

 

“The reason I said I was sorry isn’t just a simple apology, Grand Duke.”

 

Ricard looked down at the back of Renee’s hand gripping his clothes. The mere fact that a part of her body was touching him made him feel as if something inside him had malfunctioned.

 

“It means… that I’m worried about the Grand Duke.”

 

“…….”

 

“Ever since I heard from Sir Lugentia that the Grand Duke was hurt, I’ve been worried the whole time.”

 

Renee’s beautiful light-green eyes shone sorrowfully. It was a gaze that seemed sad at a glance, yet was as warm as a campfire.

 

 

***

 

 

The next morning, a long procession lined up in front of the hospital.

 

Centering on the main flowerbed, the group on the right consisted of those returning to Sainer Castle. On the left were Ricard and Renee, a skilled coachman, and Balma, the Chief of Staff, who were heading toward Pomfritz Square.

 

“Hyah!”

 

At the coachman’s signal, the two groups split in opposite directions.

 

Renee leaned her head against the wall of the carriage. Since the carriage they had ridden from Sainer Castle had been destroyed, this was a worn-out one that Balma had managed to procure in haste yesterday afternoon. Compared to the massive, golden carriage used for the Grand Duke’s official travels, it was humble and cramped, but it had the advantage of being low to the ground, offering a clear view of the scenery outside.

 

Square buildings. Fences built relatively high to block the winter wind. Lofty clock towers in every village. Rows of sycamore trees lining the road. Cherry blossom trees, now just bare branches in winter. Roadside trees of all sizes.

 

The path to Pomfritz Square was a landscape she had painted herself in the real world. Though it should have been familiar, experiencing it firsthand within the world of the text felt indescribably strange and surreal.

 

‘It felt exactly like this the day I woke up on that beautiful, massive bed in the inner quarters of Sainer Castle.’

 

The carriage began to slow down as it entered the square. Early morning at Pomfritz Square was vibrant with merchants just beginning their business for the day.

 

“We have arrived. Please step down, Grand Duke.”

 

At the coachman’s words, Ricard and Renee looked at each other. Following that, Balma opened the carriage door.

 

Ricard, who stepped down first, extended his palm toward Renee. Carefully taking his hand, Renee stepped onto the ground and looked around.

 

‘Traveler J’s’ shop was located at the edge of a secluded alley. Despite the winter, the area was lush with vegetation and exceptionally quiet, giving off a mysterious atmosphere.

 

Balma, who was walking ahead, reached the shop entrance first. When he looked back at Ricard, Ricard gave a slight nod. Balma pulled open the heavy, weathered wooden door and stepped aside so that Ricard and Renee could enter first. Ricard placed Renee behind his back and took a step inside.

 

“I will be waiting outside, Grand Duke.”

 

The door closed behind Balma’s words.

 

Tinkle. A clear bell sound broke the silence.

 

Despite it being morning, the shop interior was extremely dark and quiet. A scent of dry wood mingled with an unidentifiable, peculiar fragrance. The wooden desk in front was so massive and high that it was impossible to see if anyone was behind it.

 

Ricard approached the desk. Just then, a head popped up suddenly, like a mole emerging from the ground. It was a man with curly orange hair. Dressed in black wool clothing, he slowly stood up.

 

“Welcome—!”

 

The man, who was about to greet them with a somewhat bored face, was struck with horror.

 

“No, who… Is this not His Grace, the Grand Duke?”

 

Hurriedly walking out from behind the desk, the man rubbed his eyes vigorously with the back of his hand. After confirming that the man standing before him was indeed Ricard Sainer, he threw himself flat on the floor in total panic.

 

“What brings Your Grace to such a humble place without any word!”

 

Ricard looked down at the top of the man’s head and furrowed his brow slightly.

 

“Stand up. Stop making a scene.”

 

Renee tilted her head and looked at Ricard’s profile. This was the first time she had seen him dealing with a complete stranger, rather than a close colleague or a subordinate. The gaze Ricard cast down at the man was cold beyond measure. It seemed he didn’t appreciate the man’s exaggerated behavior upon meeting him.

 

‘I mean, who wouldn’t be surprised when the man himself swings the door open and walks in without a word?’

 

Renee secretly pouted. For all that he was her husband, he really didn’t know how to consider other people’s perspectives.

 

The man, jumping to his feet, finally shifted his gaze to Renee. Their eyes met. Seeing him up close, he looked quite young.

 

‘He probably isn’t Traveler J himself. Just an employee?’

 

Renee instinctively stared at the man’s face. The man, who seemed a bit flustered by her blatant gaze, bowed his head deeply toward Renee.

 

“You must be the Grand Duchess. It is an honor to meet you.”

 

After a brief hesitation, the man continued.

 

“I once received a great kindness from your father, Duke Dainis.”

 

“Pardon? From my father?”

 

“Yes. It was a long time ago, but…”

 

The man looked into the air as if reminiscing about the distant past. After being lost in thought for a moment, he shook his head as if to shake off the sentiment. Then, with a faint smile, he offered a greeting.

 

“My apologies for the late introduction. I am Lecto Brown, the representative for Traveler J. You may call me by my name.”

 

Lecto Brown. Renee pronounced the name silently.

 

“As you can see, I oversee and manage the shop. I do not know what brings the Grand Ducal couple here, but…”

 

“So, does that mean you are not Traveler J yourself?”

 

Ricard irritably cut Lecto off. Lecto nodded.

 

“That is correct. My duty is to meet customers and conduct transactions on behalf of Traveler J.”

 

“Where is that person now?”

 

“I am not sure. I have worked here for five days now, but I have never seen them in person.”

 

Ricard twisted his lips and let out a hollow laugh before Lecto could even finish.

 

“This sounds like something out of a ridiculous novel. An anonymous shop owner.”

 

“But Grand Duke, what I have told you is the absolute truth. Traveler J and I communicate solely through letters.”

 

“I wonder what kind of fellow they are. Suspicious as can be.”

 

Ricard did not hide his displeasure. As he scanned the interior with a sharp gaze, it looked as though he would burn the entire building down the moment he found even a single flaw.

 

“Fine, let’s wrap up the talk about Traveler J and get to business. You said attending to customers is your job?”

 

At Ricard’s question, Lecto blinked blankly, having failed to catch the meaning behind Ricard’s words. Ricard gave a slight nod toward Renee standing beside him. It was her turn.

 

“I have come to collect the items I requested and to pay for them.”

 

“Wha—?!”

 

Lecto let out a yell that was almost a scream. Renee spoke with a slightly embarrassed expression.

 

“It should be reserved under the name ‘Mia’.”

 

Lecto hung his mouth open as if he couldn’t believe his ears. Hurriedly returning to the desk, he pulled out a large ledger and flipped it open. His finger traced down the list until it stopped. He seemed to have found the name ‘Mia’.

 

Lecto looked back and forth between the ledger and Renee several times, rubbing his forehead vigorously with his thick fingers. Only after a long while did he close the ledger, put it back, and stand up as if possessed. He shuffled back toward the two of them, mouthing like a fish, but ultimately failed to say anything and closed his mouth.

 

“You want to ask why someone like the Grand Duke’s wife would use a pseudonym to buy such miscellaneous items, don’t you?”

 

At Renee’s question, Lecto flinched as if hit on the mark. He then checked Ricard’s expression. He wanted an answer, but he was clearly wary of Ricard.

 

“As you well know, my lady, there is nothing lighter than a feather except for the mouths of street merchants.”

 

Just as Renee was about to speak, it was Ricard who blocked her. His tone was sarcastic yet extremely firm. By ‘street merchant,’ he obviously meant Lecto.

 

‘To be so rude when the person is right there.’

 

Renee’s expression hardened.

 

“There must have been a reason, my lady. Even if you were to explain it in detail, a mere peddler like me wouldn’t understand.”

 

Lecto, who had been observing the atmosphere between the two, intervened.

 

“The items you requested are quite numerous, so I have prepared them in another space. Please take a seat here and wait for a moment.”

 

Lecto added politely, gesturing toward a reception table in a corner of the shop. Renee nodded and pulled out a chair to sit. Ricard remained standing as if nailed to the spot, keeping his guard up.

 

Lecto called out someone’s name loudly. A boy, looking much younger than Lecto with lingering baby fat, walked out quickly. He must be an employee of the shop. After receiving instructions from Lecto, the boy nodded and vanished somewhere.

 

Before long, the boy reappeared, carrying large items in both arms. At Lecto’s signal, the boy placed the items on the table. They were boxes wrapped in red velvet cloth, looking luxurious at a glance.

 

“These are the high-end tableware and various antiques you requested first. Please check them yourself, my lady.”

 

Renee carefully unwrapped the cloth and opened a box.

 

“Wow…”

 

A thin exclamation escaped Renee’s lips. Although the shop was very dark—lacking specific lighting and being cut off from the outside—the moment she opened the box, it felt as if her surroundings brightened.

 

The items were that beautiful. The tableware was delicately crafted, and the various antiques bore the traces of time, making them elegant and uniquely characteristic.

 

Lecto began to pick up the items carefully and explain each one. He added simple anecdotes along with the regions the items were sourced from.

 

Ricard, who had been strolling and looking around the interior, let out a small cough when he sensed the conversation was going to be long. Renee, who had been absorbed in Lecto’s story, finally snapped out of it.

 

In truth, the two of them didn’t have the time to be so leisurely. There was a mountain of work to prepare for starting a business in earnest, and above all, Ricard, who had to govern the state, could not be away for long.

 

“Oh dear, it seems I have thoughtlessly taken up your precious time.”

 

Apologizing, Lecto closed the box again, wrapped it in velvet cloth, tied it securely, and handed it back to the boy. He now understood Ricard’s intent perfectly.

 

‘Is this the quick-wittedness typical of someone with a customer service job?’

 

Renee stared at Lecto instinctively. This shop of ‘Traveler J’ was a location not in the original work, and as such, everything was a mystery.

 

“I will bring out the other requested items in order. Shall I load them into the carriage?”

 

When Lecto asked, Ricard nodded instead of Renee. Seeing his signal, the boy hugged the box and opened the shop door. Just then, a silhouette was visible through the gap in the door. It was a man of immense height.

 

Tinkle. The same bell sound as when they entered rang out.

 

The man stepped into the shop. The gazes of Lecto, Ricard, and Renee simultaneously turned toward the door. After a moment of silence, Renee instinctively jumped to her feet. And looking at the man’s face once more, she covered her mouth.

 

“Priest Bernst!”

 

Lecto welcomed the man with delight. Hearing the man’s name, Renee’s heart began to pound wildly.

 

Theon Del Bernst. She had finally come face-to-face with the second male lead of <The Sickly Duchess Plans to Kill Her Husband>! Theon, who had been close to Renee since childhood, was a character who becomes her reliable supporter throughout the story. On the other hand, he was also the protagonist of a terrible ill fate entangled with Ricard’s family.

 

In fact, the moment Theon opened the shop door and appeared, the atmosphere around Ricard began to cool rapidly. The murderous intent was palpable even to Renee, who was standing a couple of steps away from him.

 

‘Wait. But why is Priest Bernst here? And of all times, at this moment…’

 

The reason Renee’s monologue died out like a lantern out of oil was…

 

‘What? Why does he look like that?’

 

It was because of Theon’s beauty, more than anything else.

 

‘No, I mean, why does he look that good…?’

 

Theon del Bernst was a peerless beauty in the literal sense. His spotless black robe made his white skin and brilliant platinum-blonde hair stand out even more.

 

“I did not expect you to come in person, Priest.”

 

“The temple is bustling with preparations for an upcoming event, so I came myself.”

 

Renee began to steal glances at Theon as he talked with Lecto. Of course, she had long since forgotten about Ricard’s presence.

 

“I see. It’s not a short distance. You must have worked hard, especially when you’re always buried in work.”

 

“Passing through Pomfritz Square on a winter morning is more like a rest for me.”

 

Theon, finishing his sentence, curled the corners of his mouth slightly. When he smiled, it felt for a moment as if the scent of roses in the early dawn was wafting through the air.

 

After a brief greeting, Theon turned around slowly. Standing face-to-face with Ricard and Renee, he curled his lips again.

 

“I did not expect to meet you in a place like this, Grand Duke.”

 

Theon, who offered a greeting first in a polite and elegant manner, sent a nod toward Renee standing beside Ricard.

 

“I am also surprised.”

 

Ricard replied in a voice as hard as lead and took a half-step toward Theon. Because of Ricard’s back, which stood tall as if blocking her way, Renee couldn’t see Theon’s face well.

 

“I heard there was an incident on your way to Janox Temple. I heard you were injured; is your body alright?”

 

“As you can see.”

 

Despite Theon’s question laced with concern, Ricard merely showed his injured arm briefly and maintained a dismissive attitude.

 

“Oh dear… If the Grand Duke was injured like this even with Sir Lugentia accompanying you, then that rumor must be somewhat credible.”

 

Renee perked up her ears at Theon’s words.

 

‘Rumor? What rumor?’

 

“Well, I plan to look into that gradually, so you needn’t worry yourself, Priest.”

 

Ricard drew a line with a prickly tone. Renee glared slightly at Ricard’s back.

 

‘Seriously. What a jerk.’

 

Suddenly, Theon’s face came into Renee’s view. This was because Theon had stepped aside by exactly the half-step Ricard had moved to block her.

 

“Is the Grand Duchess uninvolved in the injuries…?”

 

“What brings a clergyman of the state to visit a place like this?”

 

It was, of course, Ricard who cut off Theon’s words.

 

By this point, Renee was about to get annoyed. She stepped out from behind Ricard’s back with a stomping sound.

 

“I am fine, Priest.”

 

“I’m glad to hear that.”

 

Theon smiled and added.

 

“We haven’t seen each other once since you married, have we?”

 

“Ah. The last time we saw each other was…”

 

‘When was it?’

 

Renee rolled her eyes quickly.

 

“That is a subject of great interest to me as a husband, my lady.”

 

Ricard intervened.

 

“The fact that the two of you have a deep friendship is something most nobles in this Empire’s social circles would know. And so.”

 

He was almost growling.

 

“When was the last time the two of you shared your friendship?”

 

Ricard, looking down at Renee and asking the question, curled his lips and smiled. At this moment, his smile was more like a horror.

 

She didn’t know why the conversation was going this way. She was flustered like a wife caught having an affair with a handsome clergyman while her husband was away at war.

 

To avoid unnecessary suspicion, she felt she had to give some kind of answer for now. Renee started to rack her brain, recalling the contents of the original work.

 

‘What chapter was it when Reneezmia last met Theon before marrying Ricard?’

 

A scene of the two of them sitting across from each other somewhere seemed to vaguely come to mind, but she wasn’t sure.

 

“Perhaps…”

 

Renee started and took a step toward Theon. At the same time, Ricard blocked her path again. Renee frowned and looked up at Ricard’s back. She then twisted her upper body to move forward again. Ricard, as if waiting, blocked her once more.

 

‘No, seriously, what is wrong with him? Does he want me to answer or not?’

 

Her competitive spirit kicked in, and Renee charged forward like an attacker breaking through a defender. Simultaneously, Ricard shifted his body at an angle.

 

As a result, Renee’s forehead hit Ricard’s back hard enough to make a thud, and she let out a cry. Ricard, who whipped around to see her vigorously rubbing her forehead, seemed a bit flustered.

 

“Grand Duke! What on earth are you doing!”

 

Just then, the shop door swung wide open. Lecto, the boy, and Balma—who had been busy moving the whole time the three were continuing their tense yet ridiculous confrontation—were standing side-by-side.

 

“We have loaded all the luggage, Grand Duke.”

 

Balma trailed off, looking back and forth between Theon, Ricard, and Renee. Lecto and the boy did the same. Renee, who had been huffing with a flushed face, hurriedly tidied herself up out of embarrassment. Balma added.

 

“Much more time has passed than planned. Shall we depart?”

 

It was a statement like a savior.

 

“Let’s end the conversation here for today and meet again soon.”

 

Theon added to Balma’s words with a faint smile. Ricard nodded as if he had no choice. Looking at Theon and Ricard as they exchanged formal greetings, Renee felt an inexplicable lingering regret.

 

‘In this harsh novel, he is one of the few characters who will be on my side. Besides, I burned all my creative soul when I created Theon del Bernst!’

 

In fact, at least half of the readers of the original work liked the second male lead, Theon, more than the male lead, Ricard.

 

‘Every time Ricard treated Reneezmia poorly, there were endless comments saying Ricard should just die and that the ending should have Theon and Reneezmia living happily together for a hundred years.’

 

Theon, approaching Renee who was lost in thought, spoke.

 

“Everyone at Janox Temple wishes to see you. Since this meeting didn’t work out, please come visit when spring arrives, my lady.”

 

Seeing Theon smiling from up close, she felt as if her heart was melting. Renee nodded.

 

“Yes. Then I’ll see you next time, Theon.”

 

The moment Renee offered her final farewell, a vein popped on Ricard’s forehead. Theon, who had been slightly flustered for some reason, smiled again and bowed his head.

 

“Please step inside, Priest.”

 

Lecto, who had been waiting, guided Theon and they vanished into the shop. Ricard and Renee followed Balma and boarded the carriage again.

 

As soon as the carriage started, Ricard turned toward Renee as if he had been waiting.

 

“Are you in your right mind?”

 

Renee merely blinked, flustered by the sudden shouting. Ricard added with an expression of utter incomprehension.

 

“A married woman just calling out another man’s name like that?”

 

Renee, who had been sitting blankly, soon realized. The problem was the greeting, ‘I’ll see you next time, Theon’. Renee’s face filled with absurdity.

 

‘What? Is he from the Joseon era?’

 

Then again, come to think of it, he might be from an even older time than that.

 

“I apologize, Grand Duke. It became a habit calling him that before the marriage.”

 

“You’ve never even called your husband’s name properly, have you? It’s always Grand Duke, Grand Duke.”

 

Renee suddenly found this situation funny and let out a chuckle. To enter a novel she wrote herself, play the part of a noble lady she never expected, and then be interrogated just for calling a man’s name. Even the situation of being on the verge of starting a business because she was caught trying to run away. Anyone she told this story to would easily treat her like a lunatic.

 

Looking at Renee chuckling to herself, Ricard’s mouth hung open.

 

“I knew it, but.”

 

“Hehehe.”

 

“You’re not just a little crazy.”

 

“Hehehehe.”

 

He looked as though he had lost his will to fight. Renee couldn’t stop the laughter that kept leaking out. Ricard, shaking his head, whipped around to look out the carriage window. The tips of his ears seemed to have turned a bit red. He seemed thoroughly annoyed.

 

After receiving various items from ‘Traveler J’s’ shop, the two looked around Pomfritz Square. It was to purchase other items needed for the business. However, she didn’t know what to buy. It was because she hadn’t even decided exactly what she was going to sell.

 

In the end, Ricard decided to wrap up the schedule there and return to Sainer Castle. The plan to visit Janox Temple and then stop by Pomfritz Square had already gone far astray. Even though she had rested at the hospital, his wife had a weak body and a chronic illness, so it wouldn’t be strange if she fell ill at any moment. He had to send her back to the castle to rest, and he would also have a pile of work to handle.

 

It was early evening when they arrived at Sainer Castle. Melda, who had come out to the castle stables, checked on Renee first rather than Ricard’s injured arm.

 

“Child. Are you hurt anywhere?”

 

Melda touched various parts of Renee’s body with both hands, checking for injuries. It was a warm gaze, dripping with concern. Renee opened both arms and hugged Melda deeply. Ricard, who was directing servants to carry the luggage from the carriage, glanced at the two women embracing and quickly looked away.

 

“I heard there was an accident; why did you go somewhere else instead of coming back immediately? I was so flustered to hear you were stopping by the square!”

 

Renee gave a wry smile at the subtle scolding. To tell that long story, she would have to stay up all night.

 

Renee released Melda from her embrace and linked arms with her. Just then, two maids came running from the edge of the garden, one ahead of the other. It was Tatisha and Bonnie. The two maids, who had run as if competing, leaned on their knees and panted for breath.

 

“Ha, my lady. Are you, ha, hurt anywhere?”

 

“My lady! I’ve been up all night for days worrying about you—! Ugh!”

 

A tearful Bonnie clung to Renee. Tatisha looked at Bonnie with an unappreciative expression and gave a polite greeting to Ricard.

 

“You have returned, Grand Duke. Marquis Wedson is waiting for you in the clinic to check your injuries.”

 

Tatisha, who delivered the news that the personal physician Vigo Wedson was waiting for Ricard, came to stand by Renee. Somehow, the four women—Melda, Renee, Bonnie, and Tatisha—were clinging together as if they were one body. Ricard, looking down at them, shook his head and turned away.

 

“I shall head in, Mother. Please look after the Grand Duchess.”

 

Melda nodded. Renee stared blankly at Ricard’s back as he walked quickly across the garden.

 

Melda and Renee began to walk. Tatisha and Bonnie followed, bickering.

 

“By the way, what are all these items? Was the business at the square really buying things?”

 

At Melda’s question, Renee gave a troubled smile.

 

“Yes. I’ll explain everything, Mother.”

 

At Renee’s vague answer, Melda looked worried. Soon brushing aside the concern, she brushed Renee’s hair back with a warm touch.

 

“Right. For now, let’s have dinner together, child.”

 

Renee’s eyes widened at the sight of the dinner table. A banquet that looked as if all the delicacies of the world had been gathered was laid out on the golden table.

 

“The Lord said he would have dinner separately again today.”

 

“……Ah. I see.”

 

“Something about being busy handling a backlog of work?”

 

Melda, who made the playful remark, gave her a warm look as if telling her to eat. Renee somehow couldn’t hide her disappointment. Having gone through that hardship together, she might have had a desire to share even a single dinner together.

 

Come to think of it, since being possessed, she had never shared a meal, let alone a bed, with Ricard. After all, she had been locked in the attic the whole time.

 

‘Then again, even in the original work, the two used separate rooms.’

 

As <The Sickly Duchess Plans to Kill Her Husband> was a R-rated, depressing work, Ricard frequently took Reneezmia’s body, but that was all. Once the deed was done, he heartlessly threw Reneezmia back into her small room.

 

Even though it wasn’t something she had actually experienced, a sense of loneliness washed over her. Renee busily moved her fork and knife. Melda pushed dishes toward her with an affectionate expression, as if looking at her own daughter.

 

It was when Melda and Renee were about to have tea time after finishing their meal. The door burst open, and Ricard, having changed into comfortable clothes, stormed in.

 

“Lord Sainer.”

 

A surprised Melda jumped to her feet. Ricard lightly restrained Melda from giving up the head seat and plopped down on the edge of the table.

 

“Please sit comfortably. I seem to have unintentionally interrupted the women’s tea time.”

 

“Don’t say that. I…”

 

Melda stopped talking as if choked up. This was the son who hadn’t even sat down for dinner after returning from a war of over a year. For such a son to show up of his own accord during tea time was something that seemed like it would never happen, even in a next life.

 

“I have always longed for such… such a time with the Lord.”

 

“A time like this?”

 

“I mean… private time.”

 

Melda finished in a moved tone. Renee was equally surprised by Ricard’s visit. Ricard, who glanced at her, shifted his gaze back to Melda. The two women were making expressions as if they were twins who were about to faint from shock.

 

To have such a reaction just because he appeared at the tea table. Perhaps he had been a terribly indifferent son and husband.

 

Just then, the door opened cautiously. The maid who was entering with a large tray was startled as if she had seen a ghost upon seeing Ricard. At this point, it was enough to make one chuckle. When Ricard gestured toward the table as if telling her to put down whatever she was holding quickly, the maid bowed her head and began to move busily.

 

In the porcelain teacup was warm tea for Melda, and in the slender glass bottle was a special drink for Renee. Finally, the maid placed a plate of steaming scones and stepped aside. She was waiting for an order to bring an additional drink for Ricard.

 

“Would the Lord also like a cup of warm tea?”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

Ricard simply refused Melda’s offer. When the maid hesitated, Melda nodded deeply, meaning she could leave.

 

Once the maid closed the door, Melda picked up her teacup. Renee also lifted her glass and moistened her throat.

 

“My wife is starting a business.”

 

“Pfft!”

 

Renee, who sprayed out what she was drinking, bent her upper body and started coughing as if she were going to vomit. Meanwhile, Melda was frozen with a mouthful of tea.

 

“……Lord Sainer. What did you just say?”

 

“It is my wife’s wish. I have decided to go along with it.”

 

“……A business? I mean, what exactly is she selling? You mean the Grand Duchess herself is doing business? No, where and what on earth? It’s not like the kingdom is in a financial crisis, and even if it were, for the wife of a Grand Duke to do business…!”

 

Melda, whose ears had turned red, rambled like a drunk person. While her voice grew louder, Renee couldn’t seem to calm down and kept coughing. Melda eventually began to pat Renee’s back. Renee, wiping her wet mouth, looked up abruptly.

 

“Grand Duke!”

 

And simultaneously, she shut her mouth tight. It was because of Ricard’s appearance.

 

“……I am sorry, Grand Duke. I was so surprised when you mentioned starting a business without any explanation…”

 

She had sprayed all the drink she had in her mouth onto Ricard’s face.

 

Liquid was dripping from his chin as if he had just washed his face like a beast. His bangs, which he always swept back neatly, were soaked and looked almost pure.

 

Renee stood up, not knowing what to do. Melda also finally noticed her son’s condition and picked up a napkin from a corner of the table. Renee, taking the napkin from Melda, approached Ricard. Ricard stared up at Renee, who was hovering, not quite daring to touch his face.

 

Renee’s neck flushed a deep crimson. Droplets of liquid rolled off the tips of Ricard’s thick eyelashes.

 

A fragrant aroma of coffee wafted from him, as the drink in Renee’s glass had been a specially prepared coffee.

 

It was likely around her second week since being possessed by the world of <The Sickly Duchess Plans to Kill Her Husband.> Back in the real world, she was the type who couldn’t survive without a transfusion of at least two iced lattes a day, and she had begun to suffer from a severe lack of caffeine in her bloodstream.

 

Of course, coffee existed in this world, but the taste was worlds apart from what she had drank in reality. It was only natural; this was a place devoid of professional roasting techniques or a culture of mixing espresso with ice water, milk, or chocolate to suit one’s palate.

 

One morning, after waking up from a dream where she downed a whole glass of iced latte filled with cubed ice, Renee had headed to the kitchen of Sainer Castle as if possessed. What she requested from the chefs—who had all rushed out to greet her—was goat’s milk.

 

“Grand Duke. Shall I wipe it for you, or will you…?”

 

“What on earth is this drink, with such a foul color like muddy water, my lady?”

 

Ricard slowly opened his eyes, wiping the coffee from his lashes with the back of his hand.

 

The ‘foul, muddy-colored drink’ he referred to was coffee brewed hot, cooled as much as possible, and then mixed with goat’s milk. In other words, it was the ‘desperate improvisation of an iced latte addict trapped in a novel.’

 

Therefore, it was impossible to explain the true nature of the drink to Ricard. Besides, that wasn’t even the important part of the current situation. It didn’t matter if she had mixed coffee with goat’s milk or dirt. The first issue was the fact that she had spat what she was drinking onto his face. The second was the fact that she had delivered the shocking news to Melda that she intended to start a business.

 

Ricard snatched the napkin from the fumbling Renee. He then began to wipe his face with elegant movements.

 

Suddenly, his hand stopped. Renee, who was about to sit back down, froze and looked at him. Ricard tilted his head slowly, then brought the napkin close to his nose.

 

“What is this scent?”

 

This time, it was Renee who tilted her head. Ricard opened his lips.

 

“Why is it so fragrant?”

 

 

***

 

 

Morning sunlight poured into the room. Having woken up early, Renee had already finished bathing alone before breakfast.

 

A knock sounded.

 

“My lady. Are you awake? It’s Tatisha.”

 

“Yes. Come in.”

 

Tatisha, entering with a tray, was surprised to see Renee lingering by the bedside. As she set the breakfast table, she glanced at Renee’s damp hair and her body, which radiated a sweet fragrance.

 

“You’ve already finished your bath?”

 

“Tatisha. I think I’ll skip breakfast this morning.”

 

Tatisha let out a short sigh as she set down the final fork and knife.

 

“My lady. Are you nervous?”

 

Renee nodded with a deeply troubled expression.

 

Today was the day of the state council meeting, held under the guise of a luncheon. Not only Ricard but all the major officials would be in attendance. The agenda for the meeting was: ‘Is it permissible for Reneezmia, a noblewoman of the Dainis family and wife of the Grand Duke of Sainer, to start a business?’

 

To be more precise, it would likely be: ‘Has the Grand Duke’s wife—whose sole duty is to support her husband in state affairs and raise children—gone mad to think she can wander around outside doing business?’

 

Exactly two nights ago, Ricard, who had buried his nose in the napkin, had swept back his wet hair with an incredibly graceful hand and ordered more of ‘this fragrant drink despite looking like muddy water.’

 

After the tasting, everything progressed with lightning speed. Even Melda, who had never tasted Renee’s concoction because she preferred tea over coffee, widened her eyes and marveled at the mysterious flavor.

 

Unbeknownst to Renee herself, cold coffee mixed with goat’s milk was a revolutionary invention to the people of Sainer Castle. The maids, who had initially tilted their heads thinking their lady had a very peculiar palate, had one by one opened their eyes to this new world of flavor after tasting it by chance.

 

For Ricard and Renee, who hadn’t been able to decide on a business item, it was a situation where the answer had practically fallen from the sky.

 

Granted, she had simply made a coffee that suited her taste and accidentally spat it in Ricard’s face, but still.

 

“Even so, you must eat at least a little. How can you skip a meal before such a difficult meeting?”

 

“It will be a difficult meeting, won’t it? You’re right. It definitely will be.”

 

A dark cloud loomed over Renee’s face as she talked to herself. She knew the faces of the officials attending today’s meeting better than anyone else. After all, she was the one who had created them.