Chapter 14
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Elaria barely opened her eyes as the intense morning sunlight pierced through her eyelids. She could not remember when she had fallen asleep the night before. She forced her swollen eyes open and looked beside her.
He was nowhere to be seen, perhaps already up and gone. A hint of disappointment rose, but knowing how busy he was, she quickly pushed the feeling away. Instead, she rang the silver bell, a magical device.
Before long, a servant arrived.
“Nice to meet you. I am Amanda, your personal maid, Madam.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“Would you like to wash first? Or would you prefer a light meal?”
“Hmm…”
From beneath the thin blanket, Elaria checked her body. She had expected to feel sticky, but she felt clean. More than anything, she was very hungry. She had barely eaten anything properly the day before.
“Or shall I bring a full breakfast instead?”
Amanda asked again, noticing her hesitation. Elaria gave a small nod.
“Yes, please.”
“Of course. I’ll help you dress first and then return.”
“Alright.”
Amanda brought a fresh robe and helped her put it on. Elaria glanced once at the bed where she had spent her first night, then left the duke’s room with her cheeks flushed.
After returning to the duchess’s room, she changed into comfortable indoor clothing and sat on the sofa in the private sitting room.
Amanda soon returned with food. The sight of steaming beef stew, bread, and a fresh salad made her hunger surge. She sat at the table by the window and ate. After finishing with a cup of strong black tea, she finally felt fully awake.
“Madam, the bath is ready. Would you like to wash now?”
“Yes, thank you.”
With Amanda’s help, she washed thoroughly from head to toe. She did not need to begin the duties of the duchess immediately, but she decided she should at least dress properly.
Among the dresses Lucian had given her while preparing for the wedding, she chose a light lavender one made of cool fabric. Although the ducal residence maintained a constant temperature year-round, she dressed in something suitable for summer.
“Do you happen to know when His Grace had breakfast?”
At her question, Amanda replied,
“His Grace likely ate around six. He always has his meals at that time.”
“I see.”
Even after knowing him for so long, she had never known his morning schedule. Now that she was his wife, she decided she would learn and remember such things one by one. It was helpful that Amanda knew so much and could be asked.
“The head maid said the head butler will begin explaining your duties starting next week.”
“So that means I can just rest this week?”
“Yes. A wedding is not an easy event. You must have accumulated a lot of fatigue while preparing, so please rest well.”
“Alright, thank you.”
“Would you like another cup of tea?”
“Yes.”
She lifted her teacup, organizing in her mind the things she would ask Lucian after his work was finished. Although the marriage had already been one-sided in many ways, she intended to devote herself to House Asiel as its duchess.
Even though she still hadn’t properly heard his intentions yesterday, she did not want her background to cause him any disadvantage. Still, the lingering uncertainty weighed on her, and instead of sighing, she took another sip of tea.
At that moment, there was a knock.
Amanda responded quickly, and Elaria tried to guess who might be visiting at this hour.
“Master?”
Not expecting him to come so naturally, Elaria sprang up from the sofa at Amanda’s murmur.
“Lucian?”
The one who had come to her room was none other than him. The disappointment she had felt when he was not there in the morning melted away like snow. Neatly dressed, he stepped inside with a quiet smile.
“Elaria.”
“Weren’t you working?”
“I was able to make time today.”
As soon as he approached, he wrapped an arm around her waist. Then he asked gently,
“Were you drinking tea?”
“Mm.”
“Did you have breakfast?”
“Yes. The ducal kitchen’s beef stew is still amazing.”
“That’s good.”
Since childhood, his moods had often shifted. He would leave smiling, only to return suddenly irritated. Because of that, she had naturally come to distinguish between gentle Lucian and cold Lucian. It seemed the gentle Lucian had come to her this morning.
“Amanda.”
After sitting on the sofa with Elaria, he called the maid.
“Yes, Master.”
“Could you prepare some proper refreshments and bring them?”
“Of course.”
After speaking to Amanda, he immediately added to Elaria,
“There’s room left for dessert, isn’t there?”
“Of course.”
Amanda quickly prepared the refreshments. It was clear why she had been chosen as the personal maid to the duchess.
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