Grand duke Kallakis residence was tidy. No, there werent many things present so it felt hollow.

No servants nor any maids. Instead, Aedis subordinates, who all appeared to be knights, were clustering the area.

Weelll, its kind of pitiful but its not like I dont understand. Gilbert presumably breaks a lot of stuff and hits the servants, so they mightve been driven out by him.

But why was there the aroma of food lingering around at this hour?

Huh?

As I passed by the hall, I paused.

Whats that?

The dining room, which for some odd reason was connected to the first floor, exposed a majestic feast.

Whoever cooked that meal seemed to forget that it was midnight.

Did they think Id be moved by a delicious meal?

Puzzled, I passed by the roasted turkey without sparing it a glance.

Sob, but I worked so hard on it.

A young green-haired boy suddenly burst into tears. It was Prokeon.

Vega whispered to him.

Look, I told you she wasnt gonna eat it.

Guys, I can hear you.

I narrowed my eyes.

I didnt know much about Prokeon or Vega, since they were mere supporting characters in the novel.

All I knew was that they were knights who served Aedis, so for the very first time, I learned that Prokeon has a gift for cooking and Vega doesnt know how to speak with his inside voice.

Even in the novel, Prokeon was nicknamed the kid knight. He even seemed younger than Rehan, who was only eight at the moment.

It seemed like he hadnt lived in the north for very long. He had tanned skin and freckles scattered across his face. Those round and droopy eyes of his reminded me of a puppy, so my first impression of him was cute.

But this wasnt it. Youre a bit too passionate, sweetie.

How am I even supposed to digest turkey at midnight?

I had a somewhat sullen tone.

What about my room?

Her excellencys bedroom is located on the third floor, not too high yet not too low. Its the best area when it comes to sunshine and moonlight so that every morning you can wake up to.

Youre just writing a poem.

I saw Sarah pinch herself in order not to laugh, but I just pretended not to see.

Stop.

Pardon?, Prokeon asked, puzzled.

Vega was quickly able to read the atmosphere and pushed him back.

The lord Im incapable of showing you to his excellencys bedroom, no, should I?

The two knights in front of me looked to be trying their best.

The reason for the absence of servants in the mansion was because of Gilberts tyranny. Since the servant issue was related to me, I felt the need to be generous. Of course, Im not saying Gilbert isnt a son of a bitch.

Please do so.

When I smiled at them, they both rushed me over to Aedis bedroom. It was located on the fifth floor, all the way at the end of the hallway.

Ummm, its quite far from my temporary bedroom.

Sensing my gaze, Prokeons face flushed and he tried his best to explain.

That I dont believe hes used to it yet. Our lords impression is kinda, uh, yeah.

Theres also the fact that Im not used to being served turkey at midnight

Not knowing what was happening, I sighed and knocked on the door.

Mr. Aedis? Its me, your wife.

Come in.

He gave me his approval in an elegant tone. He said it loudly, though it seemed like he adjusted his tone so that it doesnt sound like a command

Prokeon hit his chest before opening the door.

Cough cough, w-what are you doing right now.

The two knights who were guiding me suddenly coughed, as if something was stuck in their throats.

C-captain, I think the time for me to die has come.

I, too, have just heard something absurd.

Even though they whispered silently in disbelief, there wasnt much distance between us.

Do all the knights from the north act like this?

It disturbed me a bit, but for now, Ill just open the door.

A desk, a bed, and a small tea table. The bedroom that came into my line of sight was really minimalistic.

A man who resembled a sculpture sat at his desk.

When I put my luggage on the floor, Aedis expression changed into a strange one.

Naturally, I thought that youd want a separate room.

Huh? Why?

I cocked my head to the side.

I only asked for one, but for some reason, we have separate rooms.

He drew his mouth into a line, as if not wanting to seem too enthusiastic to sleep with me.

Is it because of the successor thing? I remember you said itd be difficult to have children. Are you sure theres no need to discuss it again?

I questioned him as I opened my bag.

I didnt have much besides personal belongings. At the moment, I just had plain pyjamas to wear at night, a jewelry box with a lock and a few ornaments.

Yes, but

Then whats the problem?

I asked as I picked up my pyjamas this time.

My dear Mr. Aedis, do you enjoy sadistic play?

Thats

Aha. So thats what you like.

I gave him a big smile.

But not as much as I do.

Ill be right back after I change. Or should I do it here?

That way.

He immediately pointed over to the powder room.

This man, the more I got to know and learn about him, the more he seemed different from the indifferent and listless adoptive father Rehan had in the novel.

Maybe he wasnt able to express his feelings well because he was a supporting character?

Or

Sarah was waiting nearby, but since I didnt wear an overly-complicated dress that required help to take off, there was no need to call her. After I took it off, I brushed my hair with my hand. When I came out, Aedis said as if he were waiting,

Marquis Morgana didnt seem surprised when he saw me.

I told them in advance that my husband wasnt some dying old man like everyone else thinks.

I answered without much thought and brushed my hair.

Ouch, it got tangled.

Are you not going to ask me about where I heard about it?

It was a question that he had asked me at the imperial ball.

Back then, I avoided answering, but now were married. Since were partners now, I was willing to answer somewhat truthfully.

He smiled with his eyes closed.

Its fine since Im having fun now.

Im glad you find this fun.

I stood absentmindedly before pulling out a chair and sat next to him.

He laughed when he saw me.

For the wedding, is there anything you want in particular?

Huuh? I raised a brow.

Something I want?

Something you want.

Youll walk with me in the ceremony hall even though you find it bothersome to save face? Are you really this considerate?

Aedis.

You seem to dislike it when I dont call you by your name.

Considerate Mr. Aedis, do you like being called by your name this much?

Its not bad.

Were in no rush for a wedding. Lets just do it when the timing is right.

The timing is right.

Do you think I dont dream of a romantic wedding?

I dont want to force myself into the arms of a groom whos about to die from boredom.

Though I kept that to myself and said something else,

Also, where did all the servants go?

He responded to my inquiry,

They cried for me to fire them, so I let them go.

So, only Mr. Aedis men are left?

I guess so. Im searching for new employees, but rumours have spread so much that no one will apply no matter how high the salary is

Thats unfortunate.

Two people were killed and thirty were assaulted. When I came here, the first thing I had to do was clean up the bodies.

Truly, a man who lived up to my expectations.

I thought youd ask me about Gilberts room first.

I wouldnt bolt on the first night just because I was left alone, even if it seemed quite fun. Anyways, tonights our first night as a married couple. I know my priorities.

Is that so? What do you wish to do? Since today is special after all.

Even though he smiled softly, I felt his deep blue eyes stare at me unwaveringly.

Eve.

Yes?

You have a sinister look on your face.

I forced a smile.

How about now?

Im afraid Ill see you in my nightmares.

Huu.

I sighed and sank into my chair.

To be frank, Im quite angry. Not enough to crack his pathetic little head open but Ill end up doing something unwise in the long run.

No matter how young I was, Id still be a stepmother with two sons as soon as I got married. An image embedded into the publics mind.

Let alone the fact that my stepson was a cruel and pathetic villain both in a novel and now real life.

I dont want to be seen as a perpetrator, especially since Ive lived much kinder than that guy.

Ive already rejected Gilberts proposal with one stroke and rumours were circulating about how I poured wine on him at the imperial ball.

Was it necessary to add to those rumours here too?

And so, I came straight to Aedis. Please stop me.

That misfortunate fucker.

Aedis asked me with a smile.

Eve, are you really a noble?

Of course.

Cant nobles curse too? Every once in a while Id search for my ancestors and tell them that.

Ah really, I have a lot to say to them.

I attempted to untangle my hair with a grumpy look on my face when Aedis suddenly reached out to me. He looked to be trying to feed me something, so I opened my mouth on impulse.

Huh?

Candy?, I asked as I chewed something tiny and round. Aedis shook his container of candy. As he did that, red round candies coated in sugar moved around.

I-I thought you gave it to me so that I can calm down, but this flavour..

Since its red, shouldnt it taste like cherry or strawberry? It tastes like a boiled tomato.

Like it came out of some subtle business market.