Chapter 3
“I will live with you like a normal couple.”
Mia quietly repeated Dylan’s words in her mind.
As I spoke the most absurd words, small cracks seemed to appear on my reflection in the mirror.
When I saw the mouth of the woman in front of me moving, I realized I was speaking. But even knowing that, I couldn’t fully understand the meaning behind the words.
No matter how many times I thought about it, the feeling remained the same.
“Spend time.”
Why?
“We will share a bedroom and have countless physical encounters.”
The only emotion between us was a faint sense of familiarity, maybe a little mutual understanding.
Wasn’t everything between us just calculated necessity?
“I don’t plan on just lying around in the bedroom.”
Even though he spoke with grace, Dylan’s intentions were unmistakable.
He wanted to sleep with me, like any other couple would.
Dylan was undeniably handsome and without flaw. There was no reason to reject him. He made me feel no discomfort.
But I still didn’t understand.
“Why are you even with me?”
The idea that he might desire me vanished in an instant. What kind of man would want to touch this scarred body?
More than anything, I, Mia, could not stay in dark places for long. I had to remain in well-lit rooms. If I were to sleep beside Dylan, he would have to look at this pitiful body constantly.
“It has been so long since I arrived here that I forgot how absurd these thoughts can be.”
Mia coughed a little and rubbed her neck. Her face, which had just been filled with thoughts of Dylan, was now expressionless.
She quietly changed into the nightgown she had prepared. It looked much like the one she usually wore, long enough to hide the scars that covered her body.
Mia checked herself in the mirror beside the dressing table, then slowly closed her eyes.
“There’s no point in trying to understand Dylan.”
I already knew nothing would change by doing that.
As always, I had to stay calm and composed.
In this agreement, he was clearly Party B. He simply had to follow whatever Party A decided.
“I need to finish this quickly and return.”
Situations like this should never happen again. This time, the contract would have to be more detailed and clearer than before.
“It’s fine. I will give him whatever he wants, and this time I will make sure everything is certain.”
Mia said this to herself over and over as she stared into the mirror.
Let’s go home. Let’s go back, Mia.
By the time Mia was ready to leave for the banquet, the sun had begun to set. The room was filled with warm golden light from the slanting rays of summer.
Mia sat quietly among the busy, chattering attendants. She held her posture gracefully and smiled softly.
“Madam, aren’t you going to pick out any accessories?”
“Are you feeling alright?”
A quick glance in the mirror revealed her wearing a white dress that came up to her neck, with her hair neatly tied back.
It was a simple piece worn alone, not overly elaborate or eye-catching. Still, it was decorated with lace to highlight its elegance.
“I feel a bit sad. I always wear the same kind of clothes.”
One of the maids muttered this quietly.
Everyone glanced at the servant, and though they said nothing, it was clear they shared the sentiment. Mia was the only noblewoman who dressed so modestly.
She did not enjoy flashy accessories or bring in new dresses every season. From the servants’ perspective, she was an easy mistress to serve, but perhaps not always an inspiring one.
As silence filled the space, the servant beside the one who had spoken gave them a gentle tap. The nervous servant looked at Mia and quickly apologized.
“I am sorry, ma’am.”
“It’s alright. That’s how you feel.”
As always, Mia responded with gentle understanding.
Only then did the staff, now more relaxed, continue with their tasks.
Mia, still facing the mirror, lightly touched her bare neck. The locket necklace she always wore was missing.
“Shall I bring some jewelry?”
The servant who noticed Mia’s hand asked with concern. Mia shook her head and stood up from her chair.
“I think it is best to go out now.”
Normally, a noble would wait for an escort. But for the past three years, Mia had been attending banquets on her own. She no longer felt the need to be accompanied.
“I… Madam, I would like to wait for His Majesty’s escort…”
Mia, who had not heard the servant’s quiet words, stood near the door and gave a small nod.
Without a word, the servant quickly opened the door. Mia lowered her eyes and stepped forward, but just then her foot bumped into the tip of a shoe, much larger than her own.
“Who…”
As I slowly raised my eyes to see who it was, I caught sight of a pure white uniform. When I looked slightly to the side, I noticed golden epaulets and a ribboned belt filled with symbols of victory.
The light streaming through the large annex window reflected off the blond hair of the man standing there. The brightness of the sunset made the scene almost blinding.
His hair was slicked back neatly, probably for the banquet. He looked so handsome and composed that it was hard to believe he was a soldier. I found myself distracted by that thought for a while.
When my eyes finally met the blue ones beneath that blond hair, my thoughts quieted. I felt strangely at peace. After a moment, Mia came back to her senses and called out.
“Dylan?”
“Were you planning to go alone?”
“Oh… we were supposed to go together today. I forgot.”
His reply came with a warm smile.
“Are you uncomfortable?”
Mia paused for a moment at his question.
I had assumed Dylan would never notice. Mia rarely showed emotions. But somehow, he seemed to sense more than I expected.
“No, not at all.”
“Alright then.”
Dylan, who had no intention of continuing the conversation, simply took Mia’s hand and placed it gently on his arm. Then he began walking and quietly spoke.
“Have you gathered your thoughts?”
Although the topic was vague, it was clear what he meant.
“Well, I haven’t decided yet.”
“Is that so?”
“It won’t take long.”
After Mia spoke, Dylan said nothing more.
They continued walking steadily. Before long, they had passed through the annex and the main building and stepped outside.
The sound of waves crashing against the shore reached Mia’s ears. The residence was near the sea, and the breeze carried the scent of salt with every step she took. The sharp smell brushed against her nose, but it was softened by the clean scent of Dylan walking beside her.
Just as they were growing thoughtful under the calming sea breeze, a dim light surrounded them.
At that moment, Dylan turned his head slightly and said in a calm voice, his eyes narrowed against the brightness.
“I look forward to your wise decision.”
The banquet hosted by the royal family of Hippolyte to celebrate the return of the Hippolyte navy was magnificent in scale.
But no one considered it excessive.
The war, which had dragged on for twelve long years, was not yet officially over.
And the two people who had brought it to a near end deserved to bask in the light of recognition.
“Admiral Duke Dylan Richard and Duchess Seydimia Richard are entering.”
The banquet hall, once filled with noise, fell silent. All eyes turned toward the entrance. As always, Mia looked elegant, and Dylan carried himself with calm maturity. They had both changed since three years ago.
With disciplined grace, Dylan escorted Mia into the room and gently kissed the back of her hand. The nobles, too far away to hear what they whispered, could still imagine what kind of conversation a reunited couple might have after such a long separation.
They expected awkwardness. They expected hesitant smiles.
Their thoughts about the young couple, beautiful and skilled, faded as the two gracefully parted and joined different groups.
“It has been a while, everyone.”
“Please welcome Duchess Richard.”
“How have you been?”
Mia greeted everyone warmly and naturally took the lead in the conversation.
After a few pleasant exchanges, the ladies around her began chatting with relaxed smiles. Thanks to them, the mood of the gathering grew cheerful.
Then, someone carefully asked her a question.
“Madam, is there any news about the matter of Richard’s succession?”
Everyone nearby turned their attention toward the woman who had spoken, waiting silently for Mia’s reply.
“It’s hereditary.”
Four years ago, Murad had proposed a political marriage between the two nations. He had requested a noblewoman from Hippoly to marry Prince Murad I. It was an impossible demand for Hippolyte.
If a child were born from such a union, it would give Murad the excuse to interfere with Hippolyte’s internal affairs.
But they could not reject the proposal outright.
That was when Dylan had stepped forward.
He declared that he would give up the title and the name Richard, which he had been awarded for his contributions in war.
King Hippolyte approved, and Dylan and Mia were married.
Given how much had changed since then, it was only natural that people would now wonder about the matter of Richard’s title.
As Mia remained silent, someone quickly stepped in to change the subject.
“It might be a little early to bring this up. After all, the war has only been over for a few days.”
Everyone responded with awkward smiles and allowed the topic to shift.
“Besides, with so many military husbands returning home, the number of wives visiting female doctors will likely increase soon.”
A soldier husband, a couple reunited after a long separation, and the quiet search for a woman doctor.
A faint smile slowly spread among those who understood the deeper meaning behind those words.
