Chapter 17

Dejected, one sigh after another continued to escape from me. Black clouds appeared over my head.

Of course, those clouds would stick around.

Regardless of my miserable disposition, the other two were distracted with preparations for Winterwald.

Luca’s face finally lit up after my decision.

I got goosebumps after hearing him say ‘mom’ to me but then dropped it soon after that decision.

Of course, since he stopped, Rüdiger didn’t quite let down his suspicions either…

Luca merrily packed his belongings. Since we didn’t own much, it didn’t take all that long.

We loaded our scarce belongings onto the carriage.

In front of our house, that resplendent black carriage looked awfully familiar.

It was the same carriage that almost hit me early yesterday morning.

I should’ve known better that this was all ill-fated ever since I saw it.

For no special reason, I gave the carriage a nasty glare.

Just like that, I took off with Luca to Winterwald at lightning speed.

Even before the villagers tried to react to the unexpected arrival of the aristocrat, hearing that we were leaving with him was even more startling.

I don’t know how the rumor spread, but villagers heard that I won over Rüdiger and then became his wife and a part of the aristocrat’s family.

The rumor also had it that the aristocrat had such a big heart, he was willing to take Luca to raise him.

But the truth of the matter was that I was taken because of Luca…

I didn’t even have the luxury to even explain myself.

When Lea heard of the rumor, she was hellbent to find me.

Her lips and fists were clenched tightly, shaking in fury.

“Judith, you… You said so many times that you wanted to snatch a wealthy aristocrat, so I guess you finally succeeded…”

No, that’s not it.

We’re not like that at all.

If you keep talking like that, what would Rüdiger, who’s right next to me, think of me?

I quickly glanced towards Rüdiger.

At that instance, he was busy conversing with the horseman.

I prayed that he didn’t overhear our conversation.

As I desperately pleaded, I fanned my crimson face.

He looked in my direction after finishing his conversation with the horseman.

“It appears that preparations are finished. We need to leave now, so please get on the carriage, Lady Maybaum.”

He held out his hand towards me.

Instilled with genteelness, the modest well-mannered gesture exuded natural elegance and ease.

Lea stared as this situation unfolded with boiling jealousy.

And she shouted as if she was challenging me.

“Fine. From now on, I’ll have bigger ambitions.

I’ll find a spouse who’s going to be better than your husband, so just join that aristocratic society and wait!”

“Wait, Lea! Lea!”

I called for Lea, but without even turning around once, she stormed away.

She made her point in a peculiar way…

I didn’t have any ill feelings for Lea, so I hoped that her misunderstanding would clear up.

“Was there an issue with your friend?”

Rüdiger leaned towards me and whispered.

Because of the difference in height, his breath tickled my ear.

His cologne-infused voice hitched my breath without my knowing.

Uh, Mr. Rüdiger. Can I please have some space…

The distance between us grew smaller; unable to mask my fluster, I unintentionally let out a yelp.

“A-Ah, no. There was no problem at all. We can leave now. Let us hurry.”

I quickly got on the carriage as if I was running away from Rüidger.

When I boarded the carriage, I was finally able to let out my breath.

Whew, geez.

Outside the carriage, Rüdiger vacantly gazed at his palm.

He opened and closed his hand several times before letting out a small sigh.

I finally realized then that I completely disregarded his gesture of kindness.

Oh, no… It wasn’t on purpose.

I awkwardly scratched the back of my head.

What if Rüdiger misunderstood it as that I didn’t like him?

I wanted to stay on good terms with Rüdiger, so I was trying to explain what happened.

But before I opened my mouth, Luca, who was already in the carriage, suddenly interrupted.

“Hey mister, what are you still doing out there and not coming in.”