Chapter 89
Walter? Could it be that Walter Rockford I know?
Maggie’s eyes, now flickering like a dying lantern, snapped toward the stairs.
“Gasp.”
Dear God. It really was the Duke Rockford she’d seen in the newspaper. He actually came to their inn…
Her heart suddenly started pounding wildly. To be precise, it had been racing ever since she locked eyes with the Duke, who matched her ideal type to perfection.
How can someone be that handsome, even more than a famous actor? The portraits weren’t exaggerations? If anything, they didn’t do him justice—he looked hundreds of times more stunning in person!
“There’s been a mistake with the bill. Just pay 200,000 Persos more.”
At the tough woman’s gesture, he stretched out his long legs and walked over. Even the way he walked, just normally, was elegant. The Duke was getting closer and closer.
Maggie tensed up and rubbed her palms on her skirt. It was an unconscious gesture, as if trying to avoid touching his hand when receiving the money.
But contrary to her expectations, the Duke extended his hand toward the lady, not her. Maggie’s lips drooped lower and lower, as if with her mood.
“Here’s the extra payment.”
“…Thank you, ma’am.”
“When is check-out?”
“Just leave before sunset tomorrow. No one else is coming anyway.”
Maggie glanced sideways at Walter while replying half-heartedly. As the two turned around and left the inn, she openly admired their backs.
How can someone’s back look that majestic?
She touched her cheeks, which felt hot. Once the group had completely left, she rushed over to her grandfather, her voice bursting with excitement.
“You just said he was a noble! A Duke isn’t just some noble, he’s an incredibly high-ranking aristocrat! Why would someone like him come all the way here?”
“That guy was that guy…? Well, it’s obvious… All the mines around here belong to him. He must’ve come to check on what he inherited…”
The old man said casually as he placed the money his granddaughter handed him into the cashbox. At the mention of the mines, Maggie’s breath came out even rougher.
“The wife of such a perfect man is nothing but a Count’s illegitimate daughter! I’m better than that!”
“Here we go again…”
The old man clicked his tongue and pushed his magnifying glasses up his nose. His one and only granddaughter still placed great meaning on the fact that she had noble blood.
The fact that her grandfather had been a noble back in the Western Empire was Maggie’s sole source of pride.
Even though they lost their title and wealth while settling in the Kingdom after fleeing, her grandfather and grandmother had been nobles of the Empire, and she was their granddaughter.
Even if her mother was a commoner, she was a legitimate wife, not some mistress. Comparing herself to an illegitimate child was, of course, an insult to her pride.
Maggie glared at the door Hermia had left through.
“If you think about it, I have higher status. If she hadn’t been adopted into a Count’s family, she’d be way below me.”
“Enough nonsense. Go out and buy some pork and cheese… We’ve finally got money again…”
“If I were the Duchess, this measly few hundred thousand wouldn’t even be worth noticing. I’d be feasting every meal and dripping in jewels. Don’t you think, Sir Hudson?”
Already immersed in a newspaper crossword puzzle, her grandfather didn’t seem to hear her at all.
Maggie leaned on the worn-out counter, lost in thought.
A political marriage that lasts only a year couldn’t possibly have deep love involved. Everyone knows that nobles keep mistresses—it’s common knowledge. The Duke wouldn’t be any different.
He’s a young man in his prime, full of energy, and his tastes probably aren’t much different from others’.
That illegitimate girl was pretty, sure, but anyone could see Maggie had the better figure. After all, men prefer curvy women over skinny ones.
Her life was already rock bottom; there was nowhere lower to fall. The thought of taking a risk was creeping up in her mind.
She wasn’t dreaming of becoming the Duchess or anything. If she got lucky, maybe a small townhouse in the capital. Somewhere he could visit from time to time to rest. If a child came along, even better.
If she was unlucky…
Maggie decided not to think that far. Surely he wouldn’t kill a woman just because she liked him—that was her vague assumption.
‘He’s leaving tomorrow, so tonight’s the only chance.’
She was planning to seduce the Duke and escape this wretched, backwater village.
════════════════════════════════════
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹
“The mining village is about an hour’s carriage ride from here. It’s a small town surrounded by mountains.”
“That’s where Joel… I mean, the writer Nesser Buzam is hiding.”
“Probably. He said the head of the clan was his maternal grandmother, so the chances just got higher.”
The most luxurious restaurant in town, near the train station and hotel, had quite a few Bowers inside. It was easy to tell how close it was to the mining village.
Hermia was focused on eating while staying engaged in the conversation.
They’d go there tomorrow, wave to the villagers for appearance’s sake, then she’d return first while Walter and his men captured the writer. The curse could be broken as soon as tomorrow.
She was glad she hadn’t run away. Marrying him had been the right choice. Why had she agonized over something so simple for so long?
She gave herself a mental salute for her decision.
She’d been in a great mood ever since Walter reached out to her in their small inn room. Even when that Hudson or Harper woman had demanded an absurd extra fee, he paid it without fuss.
She just wanted to finish dinner quickly and get back to continue what they’d started earlier. She didn’t care about the food’s taste. Her head was full of wicked thoughts.
“Take your time eating.”
“No, let’s finish up and get back quickly.”
She was eating more aggressively than ever.
Once the curse is broken, I’ll play hard to get properly. There’s a regular gathering for military officers’ spouses—I’ll go and make new friends there.
Once the curse is broken, I’ll visit the palace. I’ll tease Princess Elisabeth and chat endlessly with Coco.
“When the curse is lifted…”
She were about to ask what he would do, but she quickly realized and trailed off.
Oh, right. Walter’s curse wasn’t that kind.
“…We can finally sleep with the door closed.”
As she continued, her voice came out somewhat gloomy.
The whole trip, he’d kept the hotel terrace open. On the train, where the windows didn’t open, he either left the compartment door open or sat far apart.
Which meant, since the first night, she hadn’t encountered the pervert again. Of course, he hadn’t done anything else, either.
Hermia realized it clearly. What she was feeling now was definitely disappointment.
She wouldn’t get to hear those scandalous words from him again. Words of affection she would never hear if he were in his right mind—she was already starting to miss them.
If the curse were to be lifted tomorrow…
‘Damn it. Tonight’s my only chance.’
No matter what, she had to lock the door tight and sleep tonight.
════════════════════════════════════
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹
When they returned to Night of the Wolf, they were greeted by the innkeeper, Maggie, wearing a bright smile.
“Did you enjoy your meal? It’s quite warm today, isn’t it?”
Her tone had become strangely kind, but Hermia just thought it was the sort of politeness that came after being tipped well.
“It is. Now that the rainy season is over, it’s really starting to…”
“It must be tough for gentlemen like you. Wearing a full suit even in the heat.”
Hmm. Never mind.
Maggie’s eyes were fixed entirely on Walter, smiling with eyes curved like crescents, not even sparing Hermia a glance.
Come to think of it, her clothes were different too. She wore a low-cut dress with a white waist apron tightly laced like a corset. Her braided hair had been pinned up high, exposing her neck completely.
The men’s attention was clearly drawn to the white breasts bulging from her dress.
‘…Well, look at that.’
As Hermia lifted her head to gauge Walter’s reaction, their eyes met.
He was looking at her, not at the innkeeper, waiting for the women’s conversation to end. A perfect response. No, a million-point answer.
“It really is hot. Let’s go up and rest. Come on, Walter.”
Hermia passed by Maggie with a warm smile that came from the heart. Just then, an urgent voice called from behind.
“Did you know our inn has an open-air bath?”
Just before stepping onto the stairs, Hermia turned around. Maggie stood with her hands clasped like in prayer, looking at her. This time, she was speaking to Hermia.
“There are many places near the mines where hot spring water flows. Our inn has one too. It’s great for your skin!”
Looking at the smooth, radiant glow of her face, it seemed like she wasn’t lying.
“But in this weather, a hot spring sounds…”
“Guests staying with us can use it for free.”
Free…?
That word caught her ear. The maids behind her looked visibly excited.
“A hot spring! I’ve never been to one before!”
“Me neither! Emily, it’s your first time too, right?”
“It is. The saunas in the capital are usually men-only.”
Maggie gave a knowing smile, as if she’d expected this.
“Of course, there’s a women’s bath too. Anyone interested, follow me.”
Emily and the two maids turned their eyes to Hermia. Seeking permission. She nodded without hesitation.
“Go ahead, don’t worry about me.”
“Don’t be like that, my lady. Come with us.”
“No, I’d just make you uncomfortable. Go and relax.”
At that, Emily put on a mock-stern face and came closer.
“I think you’re misunderstanding something. There’s no noble more easy to serve than you, my lady. I swear on my son’s name.”
The other maids nodded vigorously. Without hesitation, they rushed over and linked arms with her.
At theDuke’s estate, they’d never shown this much familiarity, but perhaps the excitement from the trip was spilling out.
Hermia felt a bit unfamiliar with it all, and turned to Walter. He gave a slight smile and said cheerfully,
“Please, enjoy yourself.”
“And you?”
“I’ll be waiting in the room.”
Walter? Could it be that Walter Rockford I know?
Maggie’s eyes, now flickering like a dying lantern, snapped toward the stairs.
“Gasp.”
Dear God. It really was the Duke Rockford she’d seen in the newspaper. He actually came to their inn…
Her heart suddenly started pounding wildly. To be precise, it had been racing ever since she locked eyes with the Duke, who matched her ideal type to perfection.
How can someone be that handsome, even more than a famous actor? The portraits weren’t exaggerations? If anything, they didn’t do him justice—he looked hundreds of times more stunning in person!
“There’s been a mistake with the bill. Just pay 200,000 Persos more.”
At the tough woman’s gesture, he stretched out his long legs and walked over. Even the way he walked, just normally, was elegant. The Duke was getting closer and closer.
Maggie tensed up and rubbed her palms on her skirt. It was an unconscious gesture, as if trying to avoid touching his hand when receiving the money.
But contrary to her expectations, the Duke extended his hand toward the lady, not her. Maggie’s lips drooped lower and lower, as if with her mood.
“Here’s the extra payment.”
“…Thank you, ma’am.”
“When is check-out?”
“Just leave before sunset tomorrow. No one else is coming anyway.”
Maggie glanced sideways at Walter while replying half-heartedly. As the two turned around and left the inn, she openly admired their backs.
How can someone’s back look that majestic?
She touched her cheeks, which felt hot. Once the group had completely left, she rushed over to her grandfather, her voice bursting with excitement.
“You just said he was a noble! A Duke isn’t just some noble, he’s an incredibly high-ranking aristocrat! Why would someone like him come all the way here?”
“That guy was that guy…? Well, it’s obvious… All the mines around here belong to him. He must’ve come to check on what he inherited…”
The old man said casually as he placed the money his granddaughter handed him into the cashbox. At the mention of the mines, Maggie’s breath came out even rougher.
“The wife of such a perfect man is nothing but a Count’s illegitimate daughter! I’m better than that!”
“Here we go again…”
The old man clicked his tongue and pushed his magnifying glasses up his nose. His one and only granddaughter still placed great meaning on the fact that she had noble blood.
The fact that her grandfather had been a noble back in the Western Empire was Maggie’s sole source of pride.
Even though they lost their title and wealth while settling in the Kingdom after fleeing, her grandfather and grandmother had been nobles of the Empire, and she was their granddaughter.
Even if her mother was a commoner, she was a legitimate wife, not some mistress. Comparing herself to an illegitimate child was, of course, an insult to her pride.
Maggie glared at the door Hermia had left through.
“If you think about it, I have higher status. If she hadn’t been adopted into a Count’s family, she’d be way below me.”
“Enough nonsense. Go out and buy some pork and cheese… We’ve finally got money again…”
“If I were the Duchess, this measly few hundred thousand wouldn’t even be worth noticing. I’d be feasting every meal and dripping in jewels. Don’t you think, Sir Hudson?”
Already immersed in a newspaper crossword puzzle, her grandfather didn’t seem to hear her at all.
Maggie leaned on the worn-out counter, lost in thought.
A political marriage that lasts only a year couldn’t possibly have deep love involved. Everyone knows that nobles keep mistresses—it’s common knowledge. The Duke wouldn’t be any different.
He’s a young man in his prime, full of energy, and his tastes probably aren’t much different from others’.
That illegitimate girl was pretty, sure, but anyone could see Maggie had the better figure. After all, men prefer curvy women over skinny ones.
Her life was already rock bottom; there was nowhere lower to fall. The thought of taking a risk was creeping up in her mind.
She wasn’t dreaming of becoming the Duchess or anything. If she got lucky, maybe a small townhouse in the capital. Somewhere he could visit from time to time to rest. If a child came along, even better.
If she was unlucky…
Maggie decided not to think that far. Surely he wouldn’t kill a woman just because she liked him—that was her vague assumption.
‘He’s leaving tomorrow, so tonight’s the only chance.’
She was planning to seduce the Duke and escape this wretched, backwater village.
════════════════════════════════════
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹
“The mining village is about an hour’s carriage ride from here. It’s a small town surrounded by mountains.”
“That’s where Joel… I mean, the writer Nesser Buzam is hiding.”
“Probably. He said the head of the clan was his maternal grandmother, so the chances just got higher.”
The most luxurious restaurant in town, near the train station and hotel, had quite a few Bowers inside. It was easy to tell how close it was to the mining village.
Hermia was focused on eating while staying engaged in the conversation.
They’d go there tomorrow, wave to the villagers for appearance’s sake, then she’d return first while Walter and his men captured the writer. The curse could be broken as soon as tomorrow.
She was glad she hadn’t run away. Marrying him had been the right choice. Why had she agonized over something so simple for so long?
She gave herself a mental salute for her decision.
She’d been in a great mood ever since Walter reached out to her in their small inn room. Even when that Hudson or Harper woman had demanded an absurd extra fee, he paid it without fuss.
She just wanted to finish dinner quickly and get back to continue what they’d started earlier. She didn’t care about the food’s taste. Her head was full of wicked thoughts.
“Take your time eating.”
“No, let’s finish up and get back quickly.”
She was eating more aggressively than ever.
Once the curse is broken, I’ll play hard to get properly. There’s a regular gathering for military officers’ spouses—I’ll go and make new friends there.
Once the curse is broken, I’ll visit the palace. I’ll tease Princess Elisabeth and chat endlessly with Coco.
“When the curse is lifted…”
She were about to ask what he would do, but she quickly realized and trailed off.
Oh, right. Walter’s curse wasn’t that kind.
“…We can finally sleep with the door closed.”
As she continued, her voice came out somewhat gloomy.
The whole trip, he’d kept the hotel terrace open. On the train, where the windows didn’t open, he either left the compartment door open or sat far apart.
Which meant, since the first night, she hadn’t encountered the pervert again. Of course, he hadn’t done anything else, either.
Hermia realized it clearly. What she was feeling now was definitely disappointment.
She wouldn’t get to hear those scandalous words from him again. Words of affection she would never hear if he were in his right mind—she was already starting to miss them.
If the curse were to be lifted tomorrow…
‘Damn it. Tonight’s my only chance.’
No matter what, she had to lock the door tight and sleep tonight.
════════════════════════════════════
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹
When they returned to Night of the Wolf, they were greeted by the innkeeper, Maggie, wearing a bright smile.
“Did you enjoy your meal? It’s quite warm today, isn’t it?”
Her tone had become strangely kind, but Hermia just thought it was the sort of politeness that came after being tipped well.
“It is. Now that the rainy season is over, it’s really starting to…”
“It must be tough for gentlemen like you. Wearing a full suit even in the heat.”
Hmm. Never mind.
Maggie’s eyes were fixed entirely on Walter, smiling with eyes curved like crescents, not even sparing Hermia a glance.
Come to think of it, her clothes were different too. She wore a low-cut dress with a white waist apron tightly laced like a corset. Her braided hair had been pinned up high, exposing her neck completely.
The men’s attention was clearly drawn to the white breasts bulging from her dress.
‘…Well, look at that.’
As Hermia lifted her head to gauge Walter’s reaction, their eyes met.
He was looking at her, not at the innkeeper, waiting for the women’s conversation to end. A perfect response. No, a million-point answer.
“It really is hot. Let’s go up and rest. Come on, Walter.”
Hermia passed by Maggie with a warm smile that came from the heart. Just then, an urgent voice called from behind.
“Did you know our inn has an open-air bath?”
Just before stepping onto the stairs, Hermia turned around. Maggie stood with her hands clasped like in prayer, looking at her. This time, she was speaking to Hermia.
“There are many places near the mines where hot spring water flows. Our inn has one too. It’s great for your skin!”
Looking at the smooth, radiant glow of her face, it seemed like she wasn’t lying.
“But in this weather, a hot spring sounds…”
“Guests staying with us can use it for free.”
Free…?
That word caught her ear. The maids behind her looked visibly excited.
“A hot spring! I’ve never been to one before!”
“Me neither! Emily, it’s your first time too, right?”
“It is. The saunas in the capital are usually men-only.”
Maggie gave a knowing smile, as if she’d expected this.
“Of course, there’s a women’s bath too. Anyone interested, follow me.”
Emily and the two maids turned their eyes to Hermia. Seeking permission. She nodded without hesitation.
“Go ahead, don’t worry about me.”
“Don’t be like that, my lady. Come with us.”
“No, I’d just make you uncomfortable. Go and relax.”
At that, Emily put on a mock-stern face and came closer.
“I think you’re misunderstanding something. There’s no noble more easy to serve than you, my lady. I swear on my son’s name.”
The other maids nodded vigorously. Without hesitation, they rushed over and linked arms with her.
At theDuke’s estate, they’d never shown this much familiarity, but perhaps the excitement from the trip was spilling out.
Hermia felt a bit unfamiliar with it all, and turned to Walter. He gave a slight smile and said cheerfully,
“Please, enjoy yourself.”
“And you?”
“I’ll be waiting in the room.”
