Chapter 40
Closeness
After returning from the annex, Elaria began to learn the differences between the two men one by one.
First, they could be distinguished by breakfast and dinner. The one who had dinner with her called her to his room, and the one who shared breakfast with her came to her room.
The two also had different tastes in food. The one who usually ate dinner with her preferred meat and dairy over vegetables. The one who shared breakfast with her ate meat and vegetables in similar proportions and especially liked soft types of bread.
Even when drinking black tea, one drank it very strongly, while the other drank it at a strength similar to hers. And neither of them particularly liked desserts.
The more she learned, the more their preferences and habits were so clearly different that she couldn’t understand how she had failed to notice until now.
The differences also showed in their conversations, which had grown deeper than when they were dating. The one who shared breakfast with her could lead conversations smoothly and richly, but he seemed to know less about outside affairs than expected.
He tried to act as though he knew about noble trends or rumors, but something about it was awkward. As though he had never left the manor, he even got confused about the geography of the capital.
While maintaining her usual routine, she observed them carefully. However, they too noticed that Elaria’s behavior had changed.
“By now, the golden wheat fields should be stretching endlessly across the Asiel territory.”
At the head butler’s lively remark, Elaria asked with curiosity.
“You worked in the Asiel territory before, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I worked at the estate there before being transferred here. It must have been… about fifteen years since I came to the capital.”
“I see.”
“The Asiel territory has many mines, but more than that, it’s famous as the largest grain-producing region in the Karserion Empire. The endless wheat fields are also a source of pride for the people of Asiel.”
Hearing the pride in the butler’s voice made her a little curious. What kind of place was Asiel?
“…Would it be alright if I visited later, perhaps to greet the former Duke and Duchess?”
“Of course. His Grace would also be pleased if you’d take an interest, Madam.”
“Would he…?”
“Certainly. No husband would dislike a wife who takes interest in his hometown.”
As Elaria imagined someday seeing the golden wheat fields with the two of them, her recent worries came back to mind.
She was fine when she was busy working, but whenever she had a moment to rest, she kept thinking about why they were hiding such an enormous secret from her.
It was clear that they wanted her to realize it on her own. Even after their marriage, there had been many chances for them to tell her, yet they had kept the secret the entire time. And whenever she asked them something, instead of giving a clear answer, they always asked for her thoughts first.
Then should she be the one to bring it up first? If she did, would they give her a proper answer this time?
Still, it didn’t feel good. It felt as if they had deceived her all along.
Inside the food storage warehouse that had been filled with supplies for winter, Elaria watched as the head butler and servants conducted their inspection. Because the place maintained the same temperature year-round with magical devices, a cold draft seemed to seep in from somewhere.
Although it was autumn, the chill felt sharp. For a moment, goosebumps rose along her skin.
It was a cold sensation similar to the one she had felt three weeks ago, when she realized the truth about her husband in the annex, and once again she found herself thinking of them.
She was so curious.
Why did they have to live as one?
What if the secret was something too great for her to bear?
…Even so, her feelings for ‘Lucian’ had not changed. That was what made it more difficult. Even if they had deliberately deceived her, she might feel disappointed, but she wouldn’t come to hate them.
Instead of the head butler, Elaria personally inserted the key into the warehouse lock. Click, the sound of the mechanism fitting into place rang clearly. The weight of the keys jingling in her hand felt heavier than she had expected.
As her sense of responsibility as Duchess had grown, she wanted to properly take responsibility for them as their wife as well.
After placing the keys into the inner pocket of her dress, she lifted her head. She stared absently in the direction of the office, then began walking with resolve.
The truth she had been avoiding for the past few weeks.
Tonight, she would hear it without fail.
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