“Goodness.” Lady Samlet had been expressing admiration incessantly. Just the fact that Rensley had to sit quietly in the chair was torture for him, making his tailbone area itch each time she exclaimed in delight. However, Samlet’s admiration didn’t take Rensley’s situation into consideration.
“It’s so unfortunate that only I get to see this appearance. Originally, the Duchess’s wedding makeup and dressing require a team of at least ten maids.”
“That’s right. I’m sorry for burdening you alone….”
“That’s not what I mean. It would have been great if many people had seen it.”
Samlet lamented, brushing thin strokes above Rensley’s lips with a fine brush, then stepped back and sighed again. Inside the dress, Rensley’s toes twitched.
“Truly beautiful, Rensley. Oh, how… if only you weren’t a man!”
“Sorry for being a man. In many ways…”
“Oh, don’t self-blame like that. We all must love ourselves. It’s not your fault for being born a man. Looking at it this way, you seem to suit our Duke’s bride better than any princess!”
‘What a dreadful thing to say.’ Rensley shivered.
Following Lady’s instructions, the feeling of a brush repeatedly going over his closed eyes continued even after he thought the task was done.
“Open your eyes slightly. Just a bit. That’s it.”
Whenever the brush moved over his open eyes, he couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat. Although Rensley had faced a few threats with knives, at that time, at least, he could move freely. Now, he was instructed not to move or open his eyes while the brush, threatening to pierce his eyes, continued the meticulous work.
“Argh! It hurts!”
“Oh, come on, a grown man shouting like this. Bear with it a bit. We need to paint meticulously to make it beautiful.”
The Lady didn’t care about Rensley’s pain. Her tone became somewhat blunt.
“Since you’ll wear a veil, your face won’t be seen properly anyway. Let’s do it roughly.”
“There’s no such thing as ‘roughly’ in the Duchess’s wedding ceremony.”
“Madam, if you really think of me as the Duchess, shouldn’t you listen to what I say?”
“Oh dear. But Rensley asked to be treated comfortably first.”
There was nothing to say. Rensley closed his mouth, waiting for the preparation to finish quickly. Even afterward, Lady Samlet repeated admiration and applied makeup relentlessly.
After finishing the bath and having a simple breakfast with tasteless food, the makeup session began again after wiping his face and teeth. At this rate, the wedding ceremony would start without a moment to catch his breath.
Finally, Lady Samlet, with a proud expression like a master artist completing a masterpiece, finished the makeup, and Rensley, with her help, put on the wedding dress. After meticulously tying the dress’s knots, the lady carefully combed Rensley’s hair and guided him to a corner of the wall.
“Look, Rensley. Even you must admit it’s truly beautiful.”
Almost done with the wedding preparations, Rensley, reflected in the long glass mirror between the windows, blinked and faced his own reflection in the mirror. His meticulously combed golden hair, eyes that seemed even more violet, thanks to the lighting, the beautiful dress harmonizing deep blue and pure white, adorned with jewels that enhanced the radiance. Although parts like the shoulders and collarbone, which were difficult to hide as a woman, were all covered by clothes.
Certainly, it was a good-looking appearance. Even if a stranger were to evaluate him, they wouldn’t hesitate to call him a beauty worth turning around for. However, no matter how beautifully dressed up, to Rensley’s own eyes, aware of the content that was a man pretending to be a woman, it looked merely ridiculous.
As he contemplated that Gezell Jivendad, the Duke, would see him the same way, a renewed sense of embarrassment burned in his ears. There could be a hundred more reasons, but the biggest reason for holding this wedding ceremony could be summarized in one word: to live.
Compared to Ivet, who had bravely fled, having faced the backstabbing of people from the royal family throughout his life, trying to deceive people while pretending to be a woman, claiming a life for himself. The compliments about being beautiful were nothing more than a joke.
“Are you ready?” Larcof, the head of the Magic Order, entered the room before putting on the veil. The aged man, with his eyes squinting behind glasses, chuckled.
“It’s hard to recognize you. All dressed up like this, you really make a perfect pair with our Duke.”
“Isn’t it really pretty? We should leave a portrait behind as the best beauty in the history of Aldrant Duchesses.”
There was no counterargument to the joking remarks from Lady Samlet and Larcof. With a sigh, Larcof approached Rensley, who was taking a break.
“Now, please drink this potion. It will help you maintain your voice even after the wedding ceremony. Even if the effect wears off, don’t worry, there is still more potion left.”
In his hand was a bottle with slowly mixing green and blue liquids. Rensley couldn’t help but make a doubtful expression and asked for confirmation.
“Will I really return to my original voice?”
“Yes. This falls under very basic magic. Go ahead, drink it all at once.”
It was the first time he had tasted a potion-like magic. When he opened the lid, the rising smell was bitter. Rensley closed his eyes tightly. Wrinkling his forehead, he wet his throat as instructed and drank all of it in one go. It was bitter, sour, and a taste that was hard to describe, tickling the inside of his throat. It soon made the inside of his throat tingling and warm. Tastes he had experienced when he accidentally swallowed some unknown grassroots as a child, swelling and itching his throat for a few days. It felt exactly like that.
“My throat is itching… Ah.”
“Successful. Anyone who hears you won’t suspect that you’re a man.”
Larcof nodded contentedly. The sensation felt strange, unlike the time he saw his appearance after makeup and dressing. After drinking the potion, Lady Samlet and Larcof made more jokes.
Once Rensley had seen himself in the mirror after dressing up, he instinctively touched his neck with his hand. The Adam’s apple, which had protruded, had not disappeared but settled nicely in place.
“There’s not much you need to say during the wedding ceremony. The priest will administer the oath, ask a few questions, and you just have to answer ‘yes.’ After the ceremony, you will greet the guests and residents.”
“Yes.” He responded reflexively, but then Rensley abruptly sealed his lips. The pearl-like, lustrous voice felt unfamiliar. Larcof let out a hearty chuckle.
“Good. You’re doing well. People in Aldrant don’t like to drag out weddings. It’s not much different for royalty or nobility. Once the ceremony is over, the newlyweds don’t have to stay in their seats. They are free to move around until tomorrow morning.”
“Don’t have to stay in their seats? Aren’t the newlyweds the hosts of the wedding reception?” Rensley didn’t say it aloud, but his confusion must have been evident because Larcof answered.
“Newlyweds need to send the bridal chamber.”
“What?!”
“Hehe, what’s so surprising? Do newlyweds not perform the bridal chamber ceremony? Especially in a royal wedding, the bridal chamber ritual is crucial. The attendants will prepare the bedroom in advance, so after the greetings, you can go up anytime.”
‘This guy is talking nonsense.’ Rensley stared at him with shock, but Lady Samlet was nonchalant.
“Don’t be surprised, Rensley. No matter how beautifully dressed up, of course, you need to show people that you are going to perform the bridal chamber ceremony. It means going together to the bedroom, not actually performing the ceremony. In Aldrant, there is no custom of people watching the bridal chamber, so you don’t need to worry. I heard that in some places, such customs exist, though.”
“In the country where I used to work, such customs existed. Noble newlyweds had to prove their consummation in front of witnesses from each family.”
“Ah, that sounds so embarrassing. No matter what, how can you spend the night in front of others?”
‘These people… They seem to be teasing me.’ Instead of responding audibly to their remarks, Rensley frowned and rolled his eyes. Clearly intending to tease, Larcof burst into laughter again.
“Well, let’s finish up now. I need to go out first and greet Duke Gezell.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Lady Samlet brought a long, stretched-out bridal veil and a ceremonial cloak. Unlike the veil that covered almost the entire face like beads, it was semi-transparent and airy. The dark blue cloak had the insignia of the Aldrant royal family, similar to what the Duke wore.
“Please bow your head a little.”
Soon, a soft milky-white color spread like mist over his vision. He could also sense the somewhat hefty ornamental crown on his head.
It was a relief to hide his true self. Taking a deep breath, Rensley felt Lady Samlet shake his hand.
“How is it, Rensley? Can you see the front without any problem?”
“Yes.”
The raised voice sounded awkward, and Lady Samlet nodded while holding his hand.
“Let’s go now. Duke Gezell is waiting.”
Although not completely blocking the view, it was somewhat inconvenient to have something obstructing his sight. Lady Samlet summoned other maids. After several maids approached and lifted the cloak and dress hem, Rensley could finally walk properly.
Descending the spiral staircase one step at a time, they finally arrived at the central hall, which was already crowded with people.
The hall, lit more brightly than usual, buzzed with people. Among the crowd, a man in a black cloak didn’t need any searching; he stood out effortlessly.
In Aldrant, it seemed that the rulers wore black for wedding ceremonies. Although there were fancy decorations on the clothes and around the shoulders, the black cloak and the silver embroidery in the middle were consistent with the usual attire. The hair, which covered his forehead, seemed to have been neatly combed back with some kind of perfumed oil, appearing more aristocratic than usual. Despite the upcoming excitement of the wedding, he exchanged conversations with the people around him, displaying an indifferent expression.
Even though there was no announcement of the arrival of the bride, as soon as Rensley entered alone, the attention of the crowd focused on him. The Duke’s gaze naturally turned towards Rensley. From behind the veil, Rensley watched him walk through the crowd.
He extended his hand. Gazing down at the hand reaching towards him, Rensley thought of the finger painting he would no longer do. The Duke was reasonably kind to Princess Ivet when they first arrived at the castle.
There was no noticeable change in him, who was usually quiet, but the subtle warmth he had shown when facing his betrothed was no longer visible. It wasn’t particularly distressing, but for some reason, he felt a bit lonely, perhaps due to the situation of coming from a distant land.
“Hand, Princess Ivet.”
In response to these words, Rensley quickly came to his senses and promptly placed his hand on top of the Duke’s. Despite the cold expression, the Duke’s hand was warm.
“This way.”
The Duke assisted Rensley’s steps and moved their feet. The slow movements of the soon-to-be couple attracted the attention of the onlookers. The choir, standing against one wall, began singing a slow melody. The people closely watched the movements of the two soon-to-be-weds as they approached the central area of the hall, where a priest in ceremonial attire was ready with an altar.
Gezell Jivendad and Rensley Maelrosen advanced side by side, hands intertwined. The priest lifted a metal rod and gently tapped a metal cup placed on the altar, producing a resonant sound. Ding—. An echoing vibration spread through the entire hall.
The Duke, grasping Rensley’s hand a bit firmer, lowered his body while pulling Rensley down. Rensley followed suit and sat in front of the altar.
The wedding ceremony had begun.
Before the resonating sound could fully subside, the priest struck the cup a few more times. Strangely, the bell-like echo gradually calmed Rensley’s restless heart.
As if reading Rensley’s inner thoughts, the priest finally spoke.
“Gezell Jivendad, guardian of Aldrant. The one who governs the Black Forest and the Silver River, submitting to the duty of sacred rule. Do you agree to the union of souls that will take place today?”
“I do.”
The Duke answered silently, bowing his head. Engrossed in the unfamiliar ritual of a foreign land, Rensley, stealing glances at the priest dressed differently from the Cornean priests, quickly lowered his eyes.
“Ivet Elbanes, companion of the Frosty Mountains and the Solid Earth, walking alongside the guardian on the path of protection. Do you agree to the union of souls that will take place today?”
“I do.” Rensley found his own voice uttering the sentence and blinked in amazement. As his eyes flickered, he felt a gaze on him.
‘Indeed, my voice sounds amusing, doesn’t it?’ Rensley chuckled playfully behind the veil. The Duke’s gaze briefly lingered on him before turning away.
Following Larcof’s instructions, a few more ceremonial questions were asked. Questions about swearing to speak only the truth, pledging dedication to Aldrant until both body and soul and other mundane inquiries.
It was amusing, starting from the question about speaking only the truth; he had to lie. However, Rensley answered with a simple “Yes.”
Then, the priestesses approached in procession, chanting prayers in an unknown language, like reciting spells. It was a moment that should have been tense, but the boredom of having to listen to prayers he couldn’t understand almost made him doze off.
“Ivet Elbanes, rise from your seat.”
“Yes!” Rensley jolted up, feeling as if he were scolded for absentmindedly drifting away, similar to how he would be reprimanded during class. An unusual silence fell over the audience.
Ivet Elbanes, expected to remain confined to his bedroom due to his inherent frailty, made such a mistake. Rensley quickly composed himself, lowering his head. The priest continued as if not sensing anything unusual.
“If you are truly innocent and have spoken only the truth until now, you should be able to endure the trial.”
Trial? What was he talking about? Baffled, Rensley looked at the four priestesses, who came forward carrying a large jar with legs. Although he was supposed to be tense in this situation, the boredom of having to listen to prayers he couldn’t understand made him blink and almost doze off.
“Ivet Elbanes, dip your hands into the pure flame and prove your truth.”
“What? What am I supposed to dip into?” Rensley smiled awkwardly behind the veil. Duke Jivendad, seemingly unaffected, continued to listen to what the priest was saying.
“Ivet Elbanes, approach the sacred flame.”
“Yes!” Rensley responded promptly and walked toward the large jar.
The priest recited a spell, drew symbols in the air, and suddenly, a yellow flame burst forth from the previously empty brazier. Even though he wore a veil, Rensley closed his eyes as the momentarily blinding light emitted from the blazing flame.
There was no smoke, but it was undoubtedly fire. Opening his eyes, he listened to the priest’s words, gaze shifting between the roaring flames and the priest.
“Ivet Elbanes, immerse your hands in the sacred fire, and let it bear witness to your truth.”
‘…What am I supposed to dip into?’ Rensley, alternating between the blazing fire and the priest, wondered. The perfect stranger, Duke Jivendad, still sat calmly in front of the altar, seemingly unfazed, with a face as if he were looking at someone else.
His mouth felt dry. Could everything have been a trap? From the proposal to proceed with the marriage to the care he received from Lady Samlet and Lord Larcof this morning. In reality, were they planning to execute a sinner, and the people gathered here were eager to witness him burning in the flames?
There was no spectacle as popular as a public execution in a public place. In Cornia, on days with public executions, especially those involving flames, people would finish their daily business in the morning to make it in time for the spectacle.
Particularly, the cruel Crown Prince enjoyed manipulating the condemned, giving them hope as if he would spare them, only to pronounce their death sentence in the end. The chilling laughter of that man, echoing with delight at the moment of death, as prisoners fell into despair and betrayal, seemed to resurface in Rensley’s ears.
“Ivet Elbanes, quickly undergo the proof of the pure flame.”
Even if, by some chance, there was a mysterious fire that could prove the truth, Rensley, who had spewed lies continuously, could not provide such “proof.” Soon, the fire would transfer to his clothes and body, turning this place into a joyous feast of execution.
As Rensley stood stiffly, the crowd began to murmur heavily. Eventually, the Duke rose from his seat. He approached Rensley from behind, lowered his head, and whispered.
“Put your hands into the fire.”
“But it’s burning, isn’t it?”
Rensley whispered back, slightly rebuking him. At this point, even the Duke couldn’t be trusted blindly. His last words carried a faint sense of doubt.
“Weren’t you told the ceremony procedures in advance? Larcof asked you to inform me.”
It should have been done. Just a few simple questions where a “yes” would suffice. Instead of wasting time on unnecessary bedtime stories, they could have given a heads-up about such an important matter as the terrifying ritual of burning hands.
Letting out a light sigh, the Duke grabbed Rensley’s wrists. The priest seemed slightly taken aback but chose not to intervene, observing their actions. Since there was no request to let go, Rensley desperately called out.
“Your Grace.”
“You promised to do your best.”
Rensley’s ears turned slightly red. Even though he was in nightclothes and this moment reminded him of the embarrassing occasion when he imitated a knight a few days ago, he regretted making such a futile attempt.
His earlobes, warm and close enough for his dry lips to almost touch, approached. Rensley, the only one who could hear, felt the barely audible whisper penetrate deeply inside.
“Sir Maelrosen, I do not betray those who trust me.”
Rensley glanced behind the veil at the silent, pumpkin-colored eyes. ‘What am I doing?’ The brief horror that had tempted Rensley disappeared like dust. Grand Duke Jivendad was the person who advised him to hide within the castle if he had to flee, telling him to secretly rendezvous within the safety of the castle if he had a lover.
While the term “betrayal” might be an exaggeration, if there was someone who had deceived him and the Duke, it was undoubtedly on his side. The person who disguised himself as a princess, slept in the bedroom prepared for the fiancée, sneaked out secretly, and avoided exposure by lying about being a courtier during a crisis was none other than him.
Perhaps the term “betrayal” was excessive, but at least concerning the promise made to the Duke, the truth had to be spoken.
Rensley nodded. It meant he was ready, but the Duke did not release his grip. Unchangingly, he stood behind Rensley, slowly taking his hands down.
The hands of both, wrapped in the blazing fire, simultaneously embraced the flames. Suppressing the urge to groan, Rensley bit his lip.
After some time passed, the priest cleared his throat and once again struck the empty metal cup like a bell.
“Ivet Elbanes, your truthfulness has been proven.”
Rensley, who had been gazing at the fake flames that burned neither with heat nor cold, felt his entire body go limp. He resisted the urge to curse at his frightened self.
It was a perfect illusion, a magical deception with no evidence or credibility. Father, I’ve been lying all along.
“Now, your imperfect souls will become one, bound to each other.”
The priest recited a new incantation. The flames in the furnace gradually diminished, turning into a single thin and long golden rod.
Like a dandelion seed, it floated lightly through the air, approaching Rensley and the Duke, intertwining their wrists like a connected bracelet. In an instant, it vanished as if seeping into their skin.
“This is also just a magical illusion.”
Rensley coldly examined his wrist.
As the magic concluded, the wedding ceremony neared its end. Larcof’s words about Aldrant not having long wedding ceremonies were indeed true.
The priest unfolded the marriage vow document. Now it was time for the groom and bride to each leave their mark, proving the effectiveness of this marriage. Holding a feathered pen dipped in black ink, Duke Jivendad elegantly signed his name.
<Gezell Jivendad>
It was Rensley’s turn. He received the pen and imitated Ivet’s handwriting from memory.
<Ivet Monte Elbanes>
Even the fake marriage vow, with the addition of fancy paper and a seal, looked convincing. The priest closed the thick book containing the marriage vows of the royal family and sternly announced.
“Open the doors!”
The gatekeepers opened the doors of the main castle, and the choir began to sing. As the doors opened, the crowd could see the guards and people crowded outside.
With music that was now slightly brighter than before, the Duke and Duchess walked towards the castle gate. Unlike the noble guests who had calmly observed the ceremony from the hall, the residents beyond the castle’s walls were ecstatic.
Cheers, applause, and clanging sounds accompanied the orchestra’s cheap performance, welcoming the Duke and Duchess who had just married. The voices of the people mostly merged into a single roar, but a few words reached Rensley’s ears.
“Oh, the Duchess is truly a beauty!”
“Even with the veil, you can sense how beautiful she is. Finally, Aldrant has a Duchess…”
“Dazzling. She’s like the legendary goddess Adriel.”
Selecting women and pampering them from the morning, washing, combing their hair, applying makeup, dressing them up in expensive dresses, adorning them with jewelry, and veiling them—Rensley was confident that they would appear much more beautiful than him.
“Shall we go up?”
Lost in observing the people, Rensley didn’t catch the Duke’s words immediately and kept staring straight ahead. The questioning came after a brief pause.
“Hmm?”
“There’s no need to stay in the celebration. Let’s go up.”
“Oh…”
Although he couldn’t join the dance down there, Rensley still wanted to watch a bit more. However, he was not in a position to indulge in personal desires, and the Duke’s expression clearly showed a lack of interest in the ongoing festivities.
Rensley reluctantly straightened his dress while looking back, catching the busy glances of those who were dealing with their drinks and enjoying the music.
At that moment, the Duke approached, suddenly embracing Rensley’s back. Before he could ask what was happening, the Duke gracefully lowered himself and swiftly lifted Rensley’s entire body. The crowd erupted into a mix of laughter and applause.
Rensley stiffened. The sparkling lights of the party decorations pierced his eyes, and the spinning ceiling made him dizzy. Sweating cold drops on his forehead and back, he realized he had never been in such a position where someone lifted him.
“This is part of the wedding ceremony.”
“Ah, yes. I see…”
After all, in most wedding ceremonies, the finale involved the groom lifting the bride and carrying her to their chamber. It was a common occurrence, nothing out of the ordinary.
Rensley tried to push away the anxious questions invading his mind, but it wasn’t easy.
‘Surely, surely, surely he doesn’t intend to… perform the ritual tonight, does he? Even though I’m wearing a dress and speaking with a woman’s voice now, if I just remove one layer, he’ll see that I’m a man with the same parts as him, right?’
There were no rumors about Duke Gezell enjoying such peculiarities. Still, having dispelled any credible rumors about him so far, it was terrifying not knowing what might emerge next. Terrified that a harsh response might come from the usually impassive Duke, Rensley couldn’t bring himself to speak.
The Duke seemed to sense Rensley’s unease, but perhaps indifferent to it, he walked away with large strides, leaving behind the outpouring of blessings and compliments. The Duke’s reply to the flood of blessings was missing, and with a grandiose pace, he exited the banquet hall. Several attendants followed them.
The Duke’s bedroom was on the top floor of the main castle. Ascending winding stairs, they finally reached the Duke’s bedroom, where attendants, a few steps ahead, opened the massive door.
The interior was similar to the Duchess’s bedroom but everything seemed larger, from the room’s dimensions to the windows, bed, fireplace, and furniture like armchairs. A large banner with the royal insignia adorned the wall.
Even though it appeared comfortable, it exuded a dignified presence. Rensley, feeling anxious, wished the Duke would let him go. However, the Duke continued to hold him and issued orders to the attendants without acknowledging Rensley’s unease.
“Everyone, leave now. No one should utter a word until I call for you.”
“Yes, understood.”
The door closed with muted sounds, and the presence of others vanished completely. Walking assertively, the Duke reached the bed and gently lowered Rensley. The sensation of sinking into the air without his control was strange. Rensley made a sound akin to a gulp as he sank onto the soft mattress.
Without hesitation, the Duke’s hand reached for Rensley’s head. The golden crown that had encircled it throughout the wedding ceremony was removed, and the veil, which had partially concealed the face, was also lifted.
In Rensley’s clearer vision, the distinct features of the man who had now become his husband became apparent. Rensley found himself involuntarily uttering a sound upon being stared at by the man he had just married.
“Your Grace…”
Ah, his voice was back.
Rensley touched his own throat. He had regained his voice as soon as they left the banquet hall. Was Larcof so calculated as to consider even the time for them to leave the banquet hall?
The Duke, who had bowed to remove Rensley’s veil, now raised his upper body.
“I am going back to the laboratory.”
“The laboratory? Are you talking about the basement?”
Even now, he was planning to go to the laboratory instead of the banquet hall?
Taken aback by the unexpected statement, Rensley looked at him in confusion. However, the Duke replied in the same tone as always.
“I have ongoing research. I want to make up for the time delayed by the wedding ceremony. Since tonight is designated for our first night together, Maelrosen, you rest here.”
“What about Your Grace?”
“I will go to the laboratory. There’s a bed there too. If you prefer to sleep alone, it might be more comfortable for you. Anything you need, be it attire, food, or whatever else, can be delivered through the Sambit Shrine. Others won’t have access; rest without worry.”
Saying this, the Duke began to undo the ornaments on his shoulders and coat, laying them carelessly on the table. He casually swept back the well-arranged hair with his fingers, leaving it disheveled.
“From tomorrow, you can move to the Duchess’s room and stay there until the next arrangements are decided. It would be better for you not to venture out as much as possible.”
With a tone and demeanor no different from usual, he answered in a way that bewildered Rensley. Unfazed by the well-prepared room and attendants, the Duke continued speaking.
“Goodnight.”
Stepping onto a stone slab with a magic circle drawn on it, he gestured, and a blue light shot up. In the next moment, the figure of Duke Gezell was nowhere to be seen in the bedroom.
While staring blankly at the empty spot where he disappeared, Rensley couldn’t help but feel confused and bewildered.
Rensley, sitting on the bed, focused on the surroundings, staring into the emptiness. Perhaps because it was the highest floor of the main tower, not a single sound from outside penetrated the silence. The vast room felt truly empty, with no one but himself.
The lively voices and the excitement from the banquet, which he had briefly witnessed, already seemed like a dream. Suddenly feeling eerie, he clutched the quilt on the seat. “Am I supposed to stay cooped up in this room from now on?” he wondered.
Rensley, who had been sulking for the past few days, thinking about the next move until it was determined, lifted his head abruptly. What a shameless thought. It had only been a few days since he struggled and protested. Until the next move, that’s what he said. Just until then…
Rensley absentmindedly stared at his toes for a moment, then stood up. Similar to other places, there was a robe hanging beside the bed in the Duke’s bedroom.
“Rensley!”
As he pulled the cord, Lady Samlet entered the bedroom shortly after. She approached Rensley with a bright smile.
“You looked absolutely stunning today. A perfect Duchess you were. Watching from afar, I felt so proud. Are you hungry? Shall I prepare a meal for you?”
“Yes, I’m quite hungry. I think I was too nervous.”
“Nevertheless, it’s better to change your clothes first. Let’s remove your makeup, take a bath to wash away fatigue, and then, is there anything else you need?”
Rensley nodded, smiling at her as if to say, ‘I’ve been waiting.’
“Alcohol?”
“Alcohol? You want to drink?”
“Yes, please. Bring plenty of it. Beer is fine, wine is fine, rum is fine. I’ve been watching others drink, and I can’t help but wonder how the alcohol in Aldrant tastes.”
Lady Samlet nodded immediately, smiling warmly. As she untied Rensley’s dress, she shared some information.
“Of course! The taste of Aldrant’s beer is truly excellent. The weather is challenging for farming, but due to the hot springs, there are high-altitude areas with high geothermal heat. There, the ground doesn’t freeze, so we can cultivate crops. Even though we have to import a lot of food from other countries, brewing technology is crucial, as important as the raw materials. Here, people love alcohol, so they never miss beer with their meals. In winter, alcohol is the best pleasure.”
“Lady, if you’re not too busy, would you like to join me for a drink?”
“Right now? Hmm, it seems I need to check on things at the ongoing banquet. If you eat, I’ll be back soon. Or should I send Larcof up? He’s probably still enjoying himself at the banquet hall.”
Rensley quickly shook his head.
“It’s okay. Come to think of it, everyone must be busy. I said something unnecessary. Today, I should go to sleep early. It’s enough. From here on, I’ll undress myself.”
“Alright. I’ll get the bath ready and prepare the meal. I’ll be back soon, so please wait a bit.”
Rensley thought that if he were a real Duchess, the maids would dress and undress him, but even the most experienced ladies-in-waiting couldn’t attend to a man’s nakedness. However, it was challenging for a male servant to be alone in a room known to be occupied by the Duchess. Yet, being a genuine Duchess’ companion was also out of the question.
In this awkward state, neither a man nor a woman, with nothing to do and no clear existence, how much longer did he have to endure? The chilling memory of the cold wind when he first set foot on Northern land, extracting tears involuntarily, flashed through his mind. The current sense of despair was equally overwhelming compared to that time.
How much longer until the next move, he whispered to himself, trying to reassure. However, the once-instilled anxiety didn’t easily dissipate. Lady Samlet brought a table filled with alcohol and food. She briefly engaged in conversation and left, mentioning that she had something urgent downstairs.
Rensley opened the large windows in the room, undressed completely, and immersed himself in the bathtub. It was refreshing as expected. The cold breeze through the window was negligible, but the warmth of the hot water near the fireplace made him oblivious to the cold. Rensley drank beer inside the bathtub.
Perhaps because it was a country abundant in ice, unlike Cornia, Aldrant’s beer was so cold that his lips felt numb. The beer, which Lady Samlet boasted about, was indeed incomparable in taste and aroma to any alcohol Rensley had ever tasted.
After just a few sips, one could get drunk. Rensley, soaked in the hot water, sweat dripping down, enjoyed the cold beer. It was both hot and cold, cold and hot. He could experience the sensations at both extremes. Being in a country with a moderate climate throughout the year, he had never felt such exhilaration.
‘Oh, I’m hungry.’
Rensley reached for the silver platter and grabbed a piece of cheese, swallowing it. As a precaution, he tasted the meat dish, but it was tasteless. Cheese and bread were the only edible things. Despite the great taste of the alcohol, Rensley felt a bit melancholic due to the lack of good food.
He washed his hands in the bathtub and walked out, closing the window. He casually put on a soft robe, unsure if it belonged to the Duke or himself, and then lay down on the large, plush bed.
The bed had cooled significantly due to leaving the window open, making the carefully warmed body feel cold. Quickly pulling up the blanket and fur to cover himself up to the chin, Rensley felt the lingering chill.
[“Since you’ll wear a veil, your face won’t be seen properly anyway. Let’s do it roughly.”]
It seems to be Rensley speaking here, so shouldn’t it be “I’ll wear a veil” and “my face”?
[“… Larcof asked you to inform me.”]
Should this perhaps be “I asked Larcof to inform you”?
How could they neglect to tell him something of this importance!? Sloppy! They almost caused an incident at the wedding!
And LOL the Duke really carried him all the way up those stairs! 😅
Thank you for the translation!
Oh Poor Rensley feeling all lonely!