The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 92

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“[I wish I could wear one too! My dear, please ask them to wait just a little longer for the family portrait. I’ll do my best to recover quickly so we can all wear these for the painting.]”

I pretended not to hear Father. The thought of walking through the streets wearing this made my head spin. Even without the embarrassing shawl, people recognized Mother and Kin everywhere we went, whispering behind their hands as they greeted us.

“There were rumors he’d taken a mistress, but I guess they were false. Perhaps they’re keeping the Duchess hidden away to protect her?”

“She wasn’t present at the ball, but seeing them shopping together like this, they can’t be on such bad terms.”

“Oh, I heard she’ll be attending the upcoming masquerade ball. Just a rumor, of course.”

They thought they were whispering, but after over a decade of being the subject of gossip, I’d become acutely attuned to every murmur, especially those concerning me. The shopping itself was tiring, but the whispers about Kin’s devotion and our supposedly close mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship were even more unbearable. Rumors spread like wildfire, and I desperately wanted to avoid leaving any further traces of myself in this world. But this…

‘This will only make me stand out more.’

Shaking my head, I turned to Kin for help. But he had already…

Somehow, he’d changed into the monogrammed shirt, his previous attire vanished without a trace.

“[He looks quite dashing in that, even with such an… interesting design. He inherited Minerva’s good looks, after all, ha ha!]”

Despite the shirt, Kin looked undeniably handsome. His broad shoulders and well-proportioned physique carried it off effortlessly. The problematic message on the back didn’t seem out of place on him; in fact, viewed through half-closed eyes, it almost looked like some profound inscription. Ugh, even this he managed to wear with style.

“The fabric is surprisingly good quality.”

On both Mother and Kin, the inscription was less noticeable than I’d feared. It was an optical illusion; at a glance, it looked like a regular design.

‘Still…’

This was just wrong. I tried to slip the shawl off, or at least fold it in a way that hid the message. Kin gently stopped me, adjusting the precariously perched shawl so it sat properly on my shoulders.

“The sun will be setting soon; you’ll catch a chill if you don’t wear it—…Fine. I understand. I won’t force you if you dislike it that much.”

He was surprisingly willing to back down. Perhaps my obvious displeasure, or maybe sheer exhaustion, had finally worn him down. To me, it all felt equally dreadful, but he seemed to interpret my weariness as increased resistance.

Kin held out his hand for the shawl. But as I moved to take it off, his expression faltered, his smile fading. I understood his disappointment, but I couldn’t, just couldn’t give in on this…

‘Fine. Just this once.’

After all, the rumors were already out there; a little more wouldn’t make much difference.

…And the strange sense of belonging wasn’t entirely unpleasant. It was my own conscience I was battling.

“It’s fine. I’ll wear it.”

Kin started to say I didn’t have to, but I’d already put the shawl back on. His face lit up, his expression so genuinely happy that I couldn’t even bring myself to grumble. He offered a conciliatory carrot.

“Alright, then we’re done with clothes shopping. I think we’ve bought enough.”

That was a welcome concession. I glared at him half-heartedly before nodding. Father, who had been watching us anxiously, winked and smiled.

“[Perfect! Ha ha! Absolutely perfect!]”

“Wonderful. You know, dear, I think this shawl suits you best.”

“Indeed. It’s very becoming.”

I ducked my head, muttering to Kin.

“So, we’re really done with clothes shopping now?”

“Yes, we are. Mother, let’s go look at shoes now.”

“That sounds lovely. We bought some shoes here, but it’s always best to visit a proper cobbler.”

“Wait, but… weren’t we finished shopping?”

My voice trailed off, choked with disbelief. I looked pleadingly at both of them, but they simply smiled serenely, offering no further explanation.
In desperation, I turned to Father. He avoided my gaze, looking off into the distance with a cheerful smile.

“[Yes, well, there’s a world of difference between store-bought shoes and handcrafted ones, ho ho!]”

I think I felt a tear escape.

***

And so, we bought shoes, hats, and watches. Now, we were at a perfumery.
Ha ha ha. I had failed to stop the rumors, failed to curb the excessive spending. I had failed at everything.

“He’s the Duke of Blashur, and yet, look at his clothes…”

“Have you ever seen the Duke smile like that? And wearing those clothes, no less.”

“Whoever started the rumor about the new Duchess being mistreated was clearly mistaken. It’s utter nonsense.”

“Perhaps it’s all a show to quell the rumors?”

“Who puts on a show by grinning like a fool in public? Oh dear, I think… I think he made eye contact. Did he… did he hear us?”

Yes, I heard you. Kin heard you. Mother heard you. Father heard you.

“[Now everyone will see how cherished our daughter-in-law is! I was a bit worried, but this is excellent. Let them all see! We adore our daughter-in-law, so they’d best not try anything foolish!]”

Whose side was Father on, anyway? Why weren’t Mother and Kin addressing these whispers? The dignity of House Blashur was rapidly deteriorating.

‘They’re just smiling; no one’s reacting at all.’

It almost felt deliberate, as if they were encouraging these reactions. Numbly sampling another fragrance, I suddenly heard my name called from somewhere nearby.