Chapter 24
“Your Grace, My Lady!”
Early in the morning, a maid knocked gently on the door. Her expression was noticeably tense—understandable, considering the uncertainty that came with entering the bedchamber of newlyweds. Especially after what she had witnessed the previous day.
Moments later, Eclite opened the door, hastily wearing a loosely fastened robe. The maid’s heart nearly jumped out of her chest.
His tousled hair, drowsy and tired eyes, and the quiet, dangerous energy he radiated—all mixed with the faint, heady scent of masculinity—struck her with overwhelming intensity.
In a slightly irritable tone, Eclite spoke to the maid, who had frozen in place.
“Bring breakfast a little later. Things aren’t quite… in order yet.”
Snapping out of her daze, the maid quickly bowed.
“Oh! I’m terribly sorry, Your Grace! If it would help us avoid interrupting you in the mornings, perhaps you could leave a signal at the door? That way, we’ll know when to come later.”
“…I’ll leave a flower.”
“Pardon? Ah, yes—understood!”
The maid scurried off, and Eclite returned to the bedroom.
“She’s gone,” he said casually.
Unlike his composed voice, Amelia was still buried under the covers, too embarrassed to lift her head.
“I-I know we’re supposed to look like a loving couple, but could you at least wear your robe properly?”
“Ah, apologies. I guess I haven’t kicked the habit yet.”
Amelia held her burning face in her hands and exhaled a shaky breath.
What on earth is happening first thing in the morning…?
No—this was something she had to get used to.
At first, she thought they only needed to share a room for one night to make the marriage look legitimate. But she was wrong. The ducal estate’s people were far more observant than she’d expected.
Not out of suspicion—but out of genuine, eager curiosity.
After all, it had been a long time since a young couple had lived together at the duchy. Naturally, hopes and dreams were beginning to swirl.
Some were already whispering about the joyful sound of a baby crying echoing through the halls one day soon.
All right… let’s think of it positively. At least the people of the duchy are starting to accept His Grace as someone normal now. A little too easily, maybe, but still…
Peeking out from under the blanket, Amelia saw that Eclite had already dressed properly. Still, no matter how many times she saw him in the morning, she couldn’t help feeling embarrassed.
And then there was the fact that he kept sleeping slumped over in a chair…
That’s been bothering me, too…
She couldn’t let him continue like that forever.
Lowering the blanket slightly, Amelia looked at him and spoke.
“Your Grace, should I ask Mami to prepare a separate bed for you?”
“What do you mean?”
“I just don’t think it’s good for you to keep sleeping in a chair. You haven’t been getting any rest, and I feel bad. I wouldn’t mind if you were a little more comfortable.”
Eclite gave her a faint, awkward smile.
“No matter what I sleep on, I doubt I’ll rest properly.”
“…Oh.”
“But hearing you say that… it’s not bad. It means you’re comfortable with me.”
He hesitated for a moment, then added softly,
“It means… you’re not afraid of me.”
“Why would I be afraid of you, Your Grace?”
Amelia replied firmly, as if the very idea was absurd.
If anything… I’m afraid I’ll think of you too much.
That part she couldn’t say aloud. But deep down, Amelia feared how easily she might begin to lean on him—especially when he was doing everything to take care of her.
Every morning, he picked fresh violets covered in dew and placed them where she’d see them the moment she opened her eyes. Thanks to that, she began each day smiling at her favorite flowers.
But… why haven’t the violets in the greenhouse wilted yet…?
It reminded her of the violets Nurse Rosa used to give her.
Are violets really that resilient?
“It’s time for breakfast.”
And it wasn’t just the violets. Eclite had also prepared a tea set in advance, which he’d asked Mami to bring the night before. He brewed the milk tea with great care and even served freshly baked scones. Ever since Amelia had once casually mentioned how good his milk tea was, he had been making it for her almost every day.
I should be more careful with what I say from now on… If I say something’s good, he just keeps doing it… Not that I mind—it’s really delicious, actually.
“I’ll get up and eat at the table,” she said, trying to rise.
“That won’t be necessary.”
Eclite insisted on setting her breakfast right in front of her bed, as he always did.
This kind of care… I can’t let myself get used to it. It’ll only make things harder.
He sat down beside her, watching with quiet satisfaction as Amelia smiled at the taste of the food.
“By the way, did Sir Cahillro return safely?”
The moment she mentioned Cahillro, Eclite’s expression changed.
“How do you know about that?”
“I saw him briefly. I had something I wanted to say to him.”
“What was it?”
“Um… well…”
Amelia glanced at Eclite and clamped her lips shut.
“It’s a secret.”
The unexpected answer made Eclite’s expression darken slightly. But strangely, Amelia felt too embarrassed to repeat to him what she’d said to Cahillro.
Telling him that I’m going to protect him… it just feels awkward to say it directly to his face.
As she absently fiddled with her teacup, she smiled to deflect the mood.
“It wasn’t anything dramatic. Sir Cahillro showed me sincerity, so I responded in kind, that’s all.”
But Eclite found her evasiveness suspicious.
“The northern region isn’t exactly close. He could’ve stayed a little longer, but he left in quite a hurry.”
“Someone else will come from the North in his place.”
“Who?”
“You’ll see soon enough.”
Now I’m really curious… Who could it be?
As they finished breakfast, a new kind of tension began creeping in.
“Mami’s going to be relentless today,” Amelia muttered. “She was practically burning with enthusiasm yesterday.”
At that, Eclite let out a discreet sigh.
“I suppose I’ll have to try my best.”
“Do you know how to dance?” she asked.
His eyes flickered, as though an earthquake had just shaken him.
“Why must we flail about like that…?”
“Pfft. I feel the same way. It’s considered essential etiquette for any refined lady, but I’ve got no rhythm. I memorized the sword forms easily, but dancing? Not a chance.”
She was baffled by how she could excel in combat but struggle so completely with music.
“You’re already elegant and beautiful, even without those things,” Eclite said suddenly, his tone serious.
Caught off guard, Amelia’s cheeks turned red and she quickly averted her gaze.
“Let’s do our best today.”
“I… will do my best,” he replied, already sounding defeated.
His expression sank into a gloomy pout, which only made Amelia stifle another laugh. The more time she spent with him, the more she found herself smiling—and enjoying herself. And that, too…
…is something I shouldn’t get used to.
Since time was short, they began practicing directly in the ballroom. A pianist had been called in, along with a professional dance instructor—and, of course, Mami was present.
Amelia wore an elegant white dress adorned with lace, as she was told proper posture required proper attire. Eclite, too, was dressed appropriately, though his expression remained stiff and uncomfortable.
Clapping her hands, the instructor encouraged them.
“Now, now! My lady, Your Grace—don’t be so tense. Dance is an essential form of etiquette and greeting among nobles, yes, but more than that—it’s an art performed with music. Try to enjoy it.”
Enjoy it, she said… but there was no way to enjoy this.
For nobles, dancing wasn’t just an activity—it was one of the most graceful and effective forms of communication. During dances, they exchanged greetings and even whispered private, important matters. It was a calculated display of closeness, and in some cases, of political intention.
At this Grand Council, there was even a chance Amelia might have to dance with the heads of the five ducal houses.
I absolutely cannot mess this up. If I step on someone’s foot… what an embarrassment that would be!
How can I enjoy something if I’m not having fun?
It was just constant tension. The music, coming at her like a barrage of bullets, gave her no room to breathe.
At last, the piano began to play. Mami and the instructor stepped forward to demonstrate the first movements, and Amelia found herself face-to-face with Eclite.
“Please take care of me,” he said politely.
“Likewise,” she replied.
When Eclite extended his hand, Amelia placed hers in it. In the next instant, his other hand slipped around her waist and pulled her closer.
Hah…
Their chests nearly touched. At such a close distance, the sudden rush of his scent made Amelia flinch.
We’re… closer than I expected.
She hadn’t thought it would feel this intense. Amelia carefully looked up at him—only to see that he wasn’t even looking at her. His gaze was directed elsewhere.
Somehow, that made her feel a little… empty.
Right. It’s just a dance. A formal greeting, nothing more.
“We’ll begin,” Eclite murmured softly as he began to lead.
As they moved into step, their bodies naturally drew even closer.
“Look at each other! Dancing isn’t just about movement—it’s a greeting and a conversation!”
“Look at me, my lady,” he whispered again.
Following his gentle instruction, Amelia carefully turned her gaze to his.
They had never held eye contact like this before—not this closely, not for this long.
Strange… We’ve never done this before, yet it doesn’t feel unfamiliar.
His blue eyes followed her every movement, sharp and focused. She couldn’t look away from that gaze. She could feel his fingers curved firmly at her waist, the quiet parting of his lips with each breath, and the subtle warmth that seemed to flow toward her like a slow current. It was all too vivid… and oddly familiar.
As if it were something she should remember.
And then—suddenly, instead of the piano—she heard a voice in her head.
She’s beautiful… So beautiful…
What is that? A memory? That’s my voice, isn’t it? Wait…
Your Grace, why are your eyes so pretty?
Wait, wait!
A sudden rush of memory startled her so much that she unintentionally stomped down hard on Eclite’s foot.
“S-sorry!”
Flustered, she tried to stop, but Eclite kept moving without so much as a wince. He leaned in and whispered at her ear:
“It’s all right. Keep going.”
“B-but…”
Without hesitation, Eclite tightened his grip on her waist and lifted her slightly into a graceful spin. Amelia clung to his shoulder as they moved seamlessly across the floor. Surprisingly, he was leading her with effortless grace.
“What was that? You said you weren’t good at dancing.”
What had started as awkward, rigid movements were now fluid and elegant.
“I just memorized it,” he said calmly.
“Memorized it? Wait… don’t tell me—”
Amelia glanced over his shoulder. The instructor and Mami had already completed one full demonstration and were now watching from the side.
“So you were watching them earlier instead of looking at me because…”
“I figured I should pick it up quickly.”
He had watched the instructor once and memorized the entire routine.
“You’re not human, are you?”
Eclite gave a short laugh.
“Well, technically, I’m not.”
“Great. So you can be smug, too.”
“That’s why you don’t need to be afraid of making mistakes. Just keep moving—I’ll follow and adjust.”
Eclite had misunderstood—he thought she was tense because she was afraid of getting the steps wrong. Refocusing, Amelia told herself:
Right. I must be mistaken. That voice wasn’t a memory. There’s no way I ever said something that embarrassing.
Still, she couldn’t stop thinking about it. Her steps faltered, her focus wavered. Every time she made a mistake, Eclite would either lift her slightly or continue moving without pause, as if nothing had happened.
Eventually, Amelia pouted in frustration.
“Your Grace, if you keep covering for my mistakes like that, I’ll never improve! I’ll have to dance with other people at the ball too, you know!”
At her words, Eclite’s calm expression shifted slightly. He tugged her hand a little closer.
“Then just keep dancing with me.”
“…What?”
“Just dance with me. Only me.”
His face was slightly flushed as he turned his gaze away. But even so, he didn’t let go of her hand.
Without meaning to, Amelia smiled.
They had been told that dancing should be enjoyed.
And for some reason… this really is fun.
From a distance, Mami watched them with a look of disbelief.
“…Is that really how you’re supposed to learn to dance?”
At Mami’s comment, the dance instructor chuckled softly.
“Well, as long as it’s not obvious… But wouldn’t it be a problem if she can only dance with His Grace?”
“Exactly!” Mami exclaimed.
“Seems I paired the wrong two people together. I shouldn’t have let a pair of newlyweds practice with each other. There’s just too much love between you two.”
Mami watched Amelia and Eclite with narrowed, suspicious eyes.
This is a contract relationship? An act? Really?
Only after several rounds of dancing were Amelia and Eclite finally freed from Mami’s hawk-like gaze. They collapsed onto the canapés in a quiet alcove, catching their breath. They had moved so much without rest that Amelia’s feet felt swollen.
His Grace’s feet must be killing him… I stepped on him so many times…
She glanced at Eclite, who sat calmly beside her, and her guilty expression slowly gave way to a different train of thought. She had tried to ignore it, to act like nothing had happened…
But what was that memory during the dance? Was that real? Did I really say something that embarrassing while drunk?
Should she try to recall it? Or forget it entirely?
Just then, Mami arrived with a silver tray.
“Great job, everyone. But Your Grace, it’s really not helpful if you keep covering for her mistakes! If this keeps up, I might have to arrange separate lessons!”
Eclite looked away awkwardly. Mami had once been intimidated by him, but now she was comfortable enough to scold him outright.
“You worked hard, so here’s a snack. We received some good fruit today and made muffins. I heard the orchard’s been in terrible condition lately, but it must be improving.”
Amelia, drawn in by the sweet aroma, smiled brightly—until something caught her attention.
“The orchard’s in bad condition?”
“Yes, apparently wild animals have been wreaking havoc there. I heard it at the market the other day. But it seems they’ve managed to deal with it now.”
At that, a faint shadow passed over Eclite’s face, though no one seemed to notice.
Once Mami left, Amelia eagerly picked up a muffin.
Even if I wanted to remember more… nothing else is coming to mind. I might’ve said something embarrassing, but—what’s done is done.
Encouraging herself with a deep breath, she took a small bite of the muffin. The moment it touched her tongue, the fruity aroma filled her senses.
“Wow. That smells amazing.”
Eclite was watching her intently. Meeting his gaze, Amelia held out a muffin toward him.
“It’s really fragrant. Sweet, but refreshing too.”
“What kind of fruit is in it?”
“I’m not sure… peach, maybe? Try it.”
Eclite looked at the muffin she offered. Instead of taking it from her hand, he leaned in and took a bite directly. His lips brushed lightly against her fingertips.
Startled, Amelia flinched and instinctively pushed him away.
“I—I didn’t mean for you to eat it like that!”
But in the process, she lost her balance and nearly fell off the canapé. Eclite reacted swiftly, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her back toward him—causing her to fall forward into his chest.
Wide-eyed, Amelia froze in shock, while Eclite held her steady with practiced ease.
“I really do need to get used to this sort of thing,” he said calmly.
“Y-you’re the one acting weird first! I didn’t mean for you to eat it like that! And when did I ever say this happens a lot? They were all accidents!”
“Yes. They were all accidents,” he replied, voice smooth and unreadable.
Just as Amelia tried to sit up—
It was always me. I was the one who made the first move.
The sudden memory pierced through her like a blade. She froze.
Your Grace… do it properly. Kiss me first.
The memory that refused to come before now rose clearly—like a mistake that refuses to disappear. Even the pose was the same as now.
Did I… ask him to kiss me?
