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Translator: Xini
Proofreader: Silavin
(POV: Violet)
“Disappear from our sight and never show your face here again.”
At the academy, the last word from the person I loved was one of rejection.
I spared no effort to become a woman worthy of His Highness. In order to stand by his side, I needed to become strong. I didn’t mind even if it cost me my reputation, if it meant I’d be able to carry out my duties as a member of the royal family. Though… it ended with my reputation getting dragged through the mud.
“This is simply absurd. Killing someone like you would only make me a sinner.”
The day after breaking off the engagement. The words uttered by my father were devoid of even rejection. Each punishment doled out to me offhandedly were no more than announcements meant to get rid of me.
Initially it was decided that I’d be sent off to the abbey, but instead they concluded I’d be of more use by being married off to a guy called Heartfield in the country. I wasn’t sure how exactly I was supposed to be of help, but I was told that all that was required of me was to become his wife and they didn’t bother to explain any further details.
Clo Heartfield.
The third son of Baron Heartfield. After dropping out early from Azalea Academy, he’s been managing a region in the countryside.
Violent. High-handed. Blinded by lust, brimming with vanity, haughty and highly envious. The rumors regarding him that I heard from the carriage driver on the way over didn’t hold a single positive adjective. I’m aware rumors aren’t meant to be trusted in entirety, but it still wouldn’t hurt to be careful.
Ah. However, he is probably who I deserve now. The likes of me…
“Truly deserving.”
I wasn’t allowed an attendant. To be more precise, I am under surveillance. As I’ve lost all their trust, there are many reporting my every movement. However, I was told no attendant would be accompanying me.
They sent off the people who had served me since infancy on long missions that take months to complete without any intention of letting them know of my location. I suppose it was a punishment of sorts for my aides for never admonishing me. And, to make sure I didn’t have any allies in this region.
**
Clo’s secretary, Gray, was more sensible than I’d expected. If anything, he could even be lauded as a nice person.
However, I cannot let my guard down. I’m not being swayed by the rumors, but this is my first time meeting Lord Clo. I need to ascertain his character.
The first impression that Lord Clo had on me was that he didn’t act like nobility at all. Tall as the average male and with black hair. He was shorter in stature compared to His Highness, but he appeared a tad bigger maybe by virtue of him being older.
He certainly gave off the impression that he’s well put-together. Rather than being handsome or average in looks, he leaned more toward the plain side. His clothes appeared to be of fine quality, but after all the work done to welcome me, they were no longer tidy.
To think the Lord himself would jump into the field and get his hands dirty to receive a guest…
From what I’ve heard, there’s no one else other than Gray and Lord Clo in this mansion.
The mansion itself was unnecessarily excessive and built by the previous Lord some generations prior. Apparently there are wings even Lord Clo doesn’t use and without funds to hire any help, they seem to be managing things between themselves.
As spacious as this mansion is, I wonder if it’s appropriate for a man and a woman to have been living here, just the two of them. However, we aren’t close enough for me to broach that topic.
Moreover, I’m afraid of being recognized.
The words I thought were just and for the benefit of His Highness, were merely irksome to him. I can’t help but think that the words I said on behalf of His Highness and the royal family were merely excuses to justify my own desires.
“I suppose… I should have introduced myself as Violet Heartfield. Seeing as how I can’t use the ducal family name any longer.”
I am scared. The thought of losing my family name and never getting over my feelings for His Highness scares me. I can accomplish nothing with this kind of mentality. I am Baron Clo Heartfield’s wife. And I need to behave with resolution befitting a Baroness.
“I won’t press you for details at present. When you’ve sorted things out and feel ready, I would like to hear about it.”
“I greatly appreciate your consideration.”
Lord Clo, who had become my husband, didn’t appear as bad as his rumors made him out to be, at least judging from his actions so far.
I don’t know how much Lord Clo knows about my circumstances. That said, I could see him trying to be considerate of me. I have no clue if he’s being earnest… but, I should be careful. I’ve heard that men are all beasts. That they may behave gentlemanly in public but god knows how they are behind closed doors.
“I’ll have Gray draw up the bath. It might be a bit cramped but I hope you find it relaxing.”
… I see. So he wants me to take a bath and wash up.
Though the marriage itself had only been decided a few days prior, today is our first day as man and wife, in other words, our first night. Make yourself presentable to offer your chastity to me. That’s probably what he means.
No, hold on. He’s the kind of man with a nickname like Abnormal Cagliostro. I don’t know what they mean by Abnormal, but the point stands that he’s a pervert. It’s possible that he’d try something while I’m washing up.
“…Ah. Thank you.”
Fine, I shall act as a noble should and be frank and resolute.
Even if he is my husband-to-be, I need him to get it together in the bedroom. Regardless of whether he is a pervert or a weirdo, I want my first night to be done right.
**
Nothing… happened. It was truly a refreshing bath.
Gray had gotten the temperature just right, taking into consideration my tiredness from the long journey and though the bath was a bit smaller compared to the one at the ducal mansion, it was still big enough for me to stretch my legs. There were a variety of soaps to choose from and clean towels on the rack.
I feel really grateful to Gray for taking everything into consideration. But I still can’t seem to figure them out.
“I wonder if they are on their best behavior since we only just met.”
I can’t let my guard down.
It seems Lord Clo is also taking his bath right now. It will be the right hour once he’s done, and he will probably visit my quarters then. I’ve heard that it doesn’t matter how it happens second time onwards, but the first time, you’re supposed to wait for the man to visit you.
Women are supposed to be sought, that we are supposed to yield whenever sought by our husbands, is what I heard from my maid, Amber. I also received education pertaining to matters of the boudoir.
“…Huu”
I breathed in and exhaled slowly. It was to release the heat in my body and also to calm down.
I cannot see His Highness, who I adore, anymore. The thought itself greatly disturbed my heart, but I need to cast away these feelings for the sake of my husband.
I put on the nightgown Amber got me to celebrate my coming of age. I have on the kind of underwear that I was taught appropriate for this occasion. To be honest, the nightgown is made of flimsy fabric and shows the outline of my body, even if only faintly, but it’s still enough to make me feel embarrassed.
But if I let something like this get to me, I won’t be able to handle what will happen after.
Well then, come on. I’m ready. Come at me anytime!
**
“… He’s not coming.”
I didn’t realize it, but I was sitting on my bed hugging my knees.
What is the meaning of this, I don’t get it. Maybe he’s the type to take long baths. Even so, it’s probably pretty late. At this rate, tomorrow will be upon us.
“… Is he waiting for me to come over?”
I see. I can’t ignore that possibility.
Personally I would prefer to be visited, but I remember Kriemhild, my classmate saying,”If the situation calls for it, the woman should take the initiative.” That it’s better to initiate rather than be teased in lovemaking. I thought it immodest back then, but I suppose there’s a chance that Lord Clo is teasing me on purpose.
Ugh, then as embarrassing as I may find it, I shall seek him out. I should expect no less from the Abnormal Cagliostro. His thinking is entirely deviated from the normal.
“Just you wait, Lord Clo.”
No matter how poorly I may be treated, even if I have to offer my chastity to Lord Clo, who I only met today, I shall give up my body and soul to be a good wife to Lord Clo.
And that is what I should do as a former member of the ducal family, abandoned though I may be.
Mock Medieval Setting
- Bathtubs exist (Commoners tend to only take towel baths)
- Hygiene is practiced (relatively modern)
- Soaps are used (For the sake of an obligatory bath scenario card with carefully placed soap bubbles covering the love interest’s body)
- Bath water temperature can be regulated (temperature can be set using magic)
