Chapter 52

Despite Ryzen’s wishes, Calix did not take any particular action.

Instead, with a calm expression, his gaze traveled from Philip, the Marquise’s servants, to the mansion and then to Ryzen.

“Your Highness, this way, please.”

Asella was nervous about the somewhat cold atmosphere, but she tensed up when Ryzen spoke politely to her, but she quickly calmed down and turned to her sister.

“Mariel.”

When Asella took her hand while applying some pressure, Mariel simply nodded.

As soon as they had walked a few steps with Ryzen leading the way, the line of knights split into both sides, and the carriage came into view.

There were no special decorations on the carriage, except for the Grand Duke’s emblem engraved in gold on a purple background. However, it was a vast carriage pulled by four horses. The polished, pristine surface of the carriage indicated the hardness of the wood that had been used to build the carriage.

“I’m fine. Can you please help Mariel instead?”

When Asella declined to be escorted with a gentle tone, Ryzen smiled and replied.

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Taking Ryzen’s hand, Mariel stood on the large steps and started climbing it slowly. Soon, a small exclamation came out of the carriage.

As soon as Asella, who was following her sister up the stairs, caught a glimpse of the interior through the open door, she stopped at the edge of the door.

‘Oh my god!’

She thought she would not be surprised since she had heard of the Grand Duke’s wealth before. But she was arrogant; the carriage in front of her was the ultimate definition of luxury as if to mock Asella’s expectations. It was so glamorous that it made her eyes go dizzy.

The long sofas on either side of the door were spacious enough for her to lay down and sleep. To ensure that it would not get dark at night, a chandelier made from magic stones was in the center of the carriage ceiling.

The interior, including the walls and doors, were covered with a solid woven fabric of dark green silk with gold threads, making the wood parts of the carriage not even slightly noticeable.

The floor was covered with a large woolen carpet made from the fur of a giant, long-haired beast, and for some moments, Asella wondered if she could step on it with her shoes on.

It was only then that she realized the kind of caliber the Benvito family was.

“Sister, come! It’s so soft and fluffy here!”

Sitting on one side of the sofa, Mariel waved at her with a smile. The child pressed down on the colorful sofa with her palm and burst into a happy smile.

Only then did Asella step into the carriage as if she were slowly being led.

With a low sigh, she slowly ran her hand on the sofa that was covered in red fabric. the texture was fluffy as if she was feeling a baby’s skin, and it snuggled tightly around her palm.

As soon as they sat down, Mariel exclaimed with a glowing face.

“I think it’s even better than our bed. Isn’t that right, sister?”

“… Yeah.”

“It is just like what Viscountess Etmant told me! His Highness, the Grand Duke, is very rich.”

“…I see.”

“She said that Sister is lucky to be married to such a man and that all the noble ladies of the Empire who are not married would envy you.”

Asella couldn’t answer when her sister was looking at her with such a happy face.

‘It’s like complaining when you’re given a seat that everyone fights to get it. It wouldn’t be enough even if you got on your knees and thanked him.’

That was what Philip said.

‘You’re fortunate to be able to marry the Grand Duke. You should be grateful for it.’

‘Is that so?’ She now wondered if he was right.

‘No, not at all. That man isn’t anything to be envious of… He came to get me… Mariel… us…’

Asella’s mind went blank. It was as if her entire soul was being sucked into a muddy pit that she couldn’t even grasp the depth of. Her mind sank into the darkness with a sense of loneliness that words could not describe.

“But I think His Highness is much more fortunate.”

Mariel’s cheerful voice drifted into her ear, lifting her from her depths to the surface.

When Asella finally came to her senses, she looked at her sister, and Mariel smiled brightly at her.

“Because he welcomed someone as splendid as Sister as his wife!”

“…”

“I have never seen anyone kinder, prettier, or wiser than you, Sister. I’m sure His Highness feels the same way.”

Mariel burst out laughing.

But Asella couldn’t laugh… She knew better than anyone that the Grand Duke would never feel the same way about her.

For if he had cared for her in the slightest, he would not marry her in this way as if he was making some kind of purchase.

‘Mariel, he is trying to kill us. Perhaps… your sister will not live long.’

She must protect her sister. This was the only reason Asella wanted this marriage for. He was the only one Asella wanted in this marriage.

“Thank you..” Asella said while having a sad smile on her face.

Asella was lucky that she was still wearing the veil because her quick-witted sister would probably read all her expressions.