CH 73

Calix sought the direction from which the sound came. Once the sight of Asella entered his field of vision, he was at a loss, his hostile eyes softened as he glanced at her in puzzlement.

It took him a few moments to realize that he had been holding his wife’s hand until that moment.

“Oh.”

Calix withdrew his hand, slightly embarrassed.

It seemed that ever since he held her hand to escort her earlier, he didn’t let go until now. This was so strange that even he was surprised.

He disliked physical contact with anyone so much that he attended imperial banquets without a partner.

And yet…

He felt somewhat upset. The feeling of her hand, which he felt through the glove, remained faintly, tickling the corner of his heart.

It was small, soft, and warm. He wished he could have held onto it a little longer.

“Sister! Your hands are so warm!”

But his cold-hearted wife had already slipped the hand he held to her sister. Mariel grabbed Asella’s hand and swung it back and forth in her grip with great delight. (tl: to think Calix would say this… I read it multiple times before writing it… lmao)

Calix felt a strange sense of defeat to a child who was not even 10 years old.

Fortunately, the feeling did not last long. One of the knights who was guarding the gate rushed to deliver important news in front of Calix.

“Your Excellency! Your Excellency! A messenger has arrived from the Imperial Palace.”

“Right on time.”

Calix said sarcastically in a nonchalant tone. The timing of the messenger who had arrived at the castle once he arrived as well was astonishing. Then he turned to Asella.

“I thought we could have dinner together since it’s your first day here, but it’s going to be difficult.”

“That’s okay.”

Asella’s reply was sincere. She was not confident that she would be able to have dinner with the Grand Duke face to face. Calix, who watched her closely as if observing her, opened his mouth.

“I hope you like your room.”

His words were vaguely phrased as if he was somehow trying to be considerate of her.

Asella was at a loss as to what to say and wasn’t able to open her lips to speak. Calix felt her hesitance and said.

“I’ll see you later.”

The butler, who was waiting for Calix’s okay, approached quickly.

“Your Highness, My Lady, I’ll guide you through the castle. This way please.”

Asella, who had hesitated for a moment, immediately began to follow the butler’s lead.

Somehow, it felt as if someone’s gaze seemed to follow her while she walked away, but she shook her head, hoping it was just an illusion.

* * *

“Wow!”

As soon as the door opened, Mariel’s eyes widened. Thanks to Asella’s grip on Mariel’s hand, she was able to prevent the child from running into the room while screaming.

“It’s just like the princess’s room in the fairy tale!”

Mariel exclaimed excitedly.

The refreshing yellow colored wallpaper and light green curtains gave the room a fresh appearance. The furniture was overall white-toned and glamorous, and the floor was covered with a fuzzy rug that gave a sense of warmth.

The spacious bed was decorated with an extravagant canopy of delicate lace embroidery.

All items appropriate for a child were also in it. A bookshelf in one corner of the wall was filled to the brim with books. Various toys for play and even musical instruments were available in different types.

Among them, what caught Mariel’s gaze at once was a large stuffed bear placed in the center of the room. The child’s eyes lit up like a bright star.

“Can I touch it?”

“Of course.”

Mariel ran as if she had been waiting for it, and jumped into the stuffed bear, which was bigger than her own body. A thin smile appeared on Asella’s face at the sight of her sister, who seemed to be enjoying herself greatly.