Chapter 7
“Steward, the sculptures ordered from the west have arrived. Where shall we place them?”
“Steward, the blue crystal chandelier is here. Please inspect it before installation.”
“Steward! Here’s the beverage list for the wedding reception. Please review it!”
“One sculpture on either side of the second-floor central staircase.
Place the chandelier on the black cloth, and unbox it carefully. Hans—wait outside.”
Edward, the chief steward, was a veteran of weddings, thanks to the late Duke’s frequent marriages. But even for a seasoned professional, this two-month deadline was brutally tight, enough to grind his bones to dust.
Fortunately, thanks to the behind-the-scenes groundwork laid by the previous Duke for his son’s quick marriage, many major tasks were already in motion.
Though hectic, things were nearing completion.
“Steward! You’re being summoned!”
A servant burst in, gasping for breath as Edward flipped through documents at lightning speed. His eyes widened in alarm.
“Who is it this time?!”
“It’s His Grace—the Duke is calling for you.”
The servant, having run down from the upper floors, panted heavily.
“…Understood.”
Edward immediately set aside the papers and rubbed his dark-ringed eyes.
‘What could this be about?’
He walked swiftly down the corridor, thoughts racing.
Ever since His Grace had entrusted him with full authority over wedding preparations, he’d shown zero interest in the process.
Aside from the evening daily reports, this was the first time he’d summoned Edward directly.
“Your Grace, you called for me?”
Upon entering the office, Edward found Anna, the head maid, already present, standing stiffly before the Duke.
The air was tense and heavy.
“Head Maid. Are you neglecting Lady Acklera’s well-being?”
“N-No, Your Grace.”
Anna, bewildered, was already being interrogated.
“Is she receiving proper meals?”
“Of course. The kitchen staff is taking special care, as befits her status.”
“Then why is she still so thin?”
The image of Eliana earlier that day came to Michalis’s mind, and his anger flared.
At first, he’d assumed it was the aftereffects of the poison.
But even now—a month later—her body remained frail and thin, and her clothing was not just plain, but almost pitiful.
He had intended to stay completely detached from the wedding—but the fact that he was so bothered by this enraged him even more.
“She’s… always eaten very little, even before arriving.
Sudden increases in intake could harm her, so we’re gradually increasing her portions. It will take time for her to gain weight.”
“Make sure she’s getting proper nutrition.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I’ll instruct the kitchen immediately.”
“…Chief Steward.”
The target shifted.
Michalis’s sharp gaze landed on Edward, whose entire body tensed.
“Y-Yes, Your Grace?”
In Michalis’s hand was the report on the wedding preparations, which Edward had submitted the night before.
“Is there a budget issue?”
“No, Your Grace. The budget is sufficient.”
Sweat trickled down Edward’s back.
‘Did we make a mistake rushing the preparations…?’
“Then explain why Lady Acklera is still dressed in northern garb.”
What a curveball! Edward nearly choked.
“Your Grace, it is not our place to interfere with her clothing before the wedding.”
Traditionally, brides-to-be wore clothing provided by their family.
Any additional needs were to be purchased with their own funds.
Edward had no idea why the Duke was so on edge.
“She’s dressed in those stifling clothes, and you say you can’t intervene?”
“Before marriage, it is customary for the bride to wear garments from her family. If needed, she may purchase more using her dowry.”
“Unbelievable. Those shameless swine.”
At Edward’s explanation, Michalis cursed aloud, the image of the Baron and Baroness flashing through his mind.
He understood now.
They hadn’t even given their daughter a single coin for necessities—not even pocket money before the wedding.
“……”
At the unexpected vulgarity, both Edward and Anna flinched.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Michalis drummed his fingers lightly on the desk.
“……”
The long silence left Edward and Anna on the verge of dizziness, uncertain what fury would fall.
“…Chief Steward.”
Michalis finally spoke, after a long pause.
“Y-Yes, Your Grace.”
“How much remains in my personal budget?”
“Approximately… two billion liums, Your Grace.”
Since childhood, Michalis had never indulged in luxury.
With no time to spend it, his allowance had quietly accumulated.
“…Prepare a gift. Outfit Lady Acklera properly.”
We’re saved.
“I will see to it personally.”
Anna, who had been frozen with tension, visibly relaxed.
The fact that the Duke was bothered enough by Lady Acklera’s clothing to act personally… It was a positive sign.
“Choose many, suited to the southern climate.”
Michalis’s mind flashed to the Baron and Baroness’s garish attire.
His disgust deepened.
“Yes, understood.”
“Make sure to purchase enough accessories as well.”
The baron and his wife, who had arrived that morning, were dressed in the latest Southern fashion.
They had prepared their attire according to the latest trends even before coming to the South, yet the bride—the one who should shine the most at the wedding—had nothing ready. The more she thought about it, the more infuriated she became at such shameless people.
“No matter the cost, prepare everything swiftly.”
“Yes, understood.”
“I will devote myself wholeheartedly.”
“You both may go now.”
As soon as Edward and Anna exited the study, Michalis began donning the Southern Navy uniform prepared in the study’s wardrobe.
The navy-blue uniform, reserved solely for the admiral, bore the golden embroidery of House Arcer’s crest on the left chest, with epaulets symbolizing the Southern Navy affixed to both shoulders. Completing the look with the hat denoting him as the commander of the fleet and a white cape, he looked every bit the image of a war hero.
It was the day after the commotion with the baron and his wife.
Knock, knock, knock.
Eliana, who was seated on the sofa having her nails done by the ducal household staff, lifted her head at the sound breaking the stillness.
“Come in.”
It seemed Amy, who had gone to fetch a snack, had returned.
“It’s been a while, my lady.”
Eliana’s eyes widened in surprise. These were unexpected visitors.
“What is this about?”
It was Head Maid Anna, whom she had only exchanged greetings with once, on the first day she arrived at the duchy’s castle when the butler Edward had led her to the guest room.
“There is something I would like to show you. May I escort you for a moment?”
Perhaps because the wedding day was drawing near, the demeanor that had seemed stiff a month ago now felt more courteous.
“This way, please.”
To Eliana’s surprise, they led her not far but to the room right next to the guest room she had been staying in.
“What is this?”
As the door to the adjoining room opened, Eliana instinctively covered her gaping mouth with both hands.
It was as if an entire department store booth had been relocated there. In the center of the room stood dozens of mobile racks, lined up in neat rows, with colorful garments hanging neatly, sorted by purpose.
“By His Grace’s command—”
Edward began to explain to Eliana, who was still frozen at the entrance.
“Let’s not use such stiff words like ‘command.’ These are gifts, my lady-to-be.”
Anna cut him off quickly with a warm smile.
“There’s so much…”
Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of items before her, Eliana felt dizzy.
It wasn’t just clothing.
Tall shelving units lined the walls, even taller than Eliana herself, packed tightly with compartments filled with hats, shoes, accessories, and various trinkets.
She had heard some noise from the adjacent room last night in her sleep, but she had assumed it was another guest arriving at the castle. Never in her dreams did she expect something like this to be prepared.
“Ahem, this is your personal dressing room, my lady-to-be.”
After clearing his throat, Edward continued, picking up where he had left off.
“I apologize that we could only procure ready-to-wear items on such short notice.”
“No, it’s wonderful. I really like it.”
Finally stepping into the dressing room, Eliana took a proper look. With so many clothes, it felt like they had simply swept up everything in sight that seemed likely to fit her.
“I have served His Grace all my life, and now the day has come when he gifts a lady…”
Anna’s eyes glistened as she spoke with a tearful smile.
“My lady, I was so moved I prepared all of this without feeling the slightest fatigue.”
Having entered the household as an assistant maid to the wet nurse, Anna had watched over Michalis since his infancy and was genuinely emotional.
Despite his striking looks, he had distanced himself from society and shown no interest in women, which had always worried her.
“My lady, allow me to attend to you. Which dress would you like to try on first?”
Suppressing her rising emotions, Anna followed Eliana into the dressing room.
“My lady! You look absolutely stunning! Let me help too!”
Somehow, Amy had already returned, placing the snack tray in the guest room before dashing in, clearly excited and fussing.
What’s the meaning behind this?
Despite their heartfelt reactions, Eliana felt slightly confused.
Did they dislike my attire that much? Is this an apology for their earlier behavior? Or… pity?
For over a month, they had shown no interest. Eliana couldn’t make sense of the situation.
“Butler, where is His Grace?”
With questions swirling in her mind, Eliana asked Edward. Regardless of their intentions, she had received a gift, and it was only proper to express her thanks.
“His Grace departed for naval training late yesterday afternoon.”
“Will he return this evening?”
“Naval training is usually conducted on the open sea. He likely won’t return until sometime next week.”
At Edward’s reply, Eliana became even more uncertain about Michalis’s intentions.
Surely not…
She forcibly dismissed the possibility rising in her mind.
No, it can’t be, right?
It didn’t suit him.
Surely someone with such a sensual, captivating appearance wouldn’t—after giving a gift—flee in confusion.
“I’ll try this one on.”
Regardless, Eliana decided to enjoy the moment.
Having endured the sweltering heat in long-sleeved, ankle-length Northern dresses, she had avoided outdoor activities as much as possible.
Southern clothes are the best!
In contrast, Southern garments were far more breathable. More than anything, the short sleeves and calf-length hems were not much different from modern clothing, which she truly loved.
I must thank him properly.
Choosing to stay here rather than break off the engagement was proving to be a very good decision indeed.
