TNBTW | Episode 43

The Viscountess’s acquaintance likely had concerns regarding their child as well. Perhaps that was why the two had bonded so easily.

In the past, Edith would have been delighted by such an introduction. However, she could no longer feel unreserved joy at the prospect. She was no longer a teacher working at the center, nor a tutor in need of more work.

“Oh dear, I’ve put you in a difficult position, haven’t I, Duchess? Please forget about this. I’ve already informed them that it would be difficult.”

“No, it’s quite alright. If you could arrange a meeting, I’d like to meet them.”

Sensing Edith’s hesitation, the Viscountess had been about to withdraw her request, but Edith smiled, signaling that she didn’t mind. Ignoring a child in need didn’t sit well with her conscience, no matter how she looked at it.

“And who might they be?”

“The Countess of Hartmann.”

“Hartmann…?”

Edith knew the name well. Though the Hartmanns were not nobles of the capital, they were a renowned family.

The Hartmann estate, located in the northeast, was known as the holy land of medicinal herbs. Their vast territory spanned numerous mountains, with expansive plains stretching beneath them.

The region’s distinct four seasons allowed for the cultivation of various medicinal herbs throughout the year. While the herbs grown in dedicated fields were of exceptional quality, those that flourished naturally in the mountains were considered to be of even greater value.

“One of the trading companies I manage deals in medicinal herbs, and that’s all thanks to our long-standing ties with the Hartmann family. Our connection goes back several generations, truly a long history.”

Now that she thought about it, Edith recalled hearing that the Standen Viscounty was also in the northeast. Neighboring estates often had either a close relationship or a deep-seated rivalry, so frequent interactions between them were hardly surprising.

“I see. However, if I must travel to the county, I’ll need time to discuss it with my husband.”

“Oh, there’s no need for that. The Countess of Hartmann recently arrived in the capital. You likely haven’t met her yet, as she hasn’t attended any balls.”

“That’s a relief!”

Edith sighed in relief. Of course, Skyle wouldn’t object, but as the Duchess, she had responsibilities to uphold. The idea of leaving the estate for an extended period for personal matters unsettled her.

As she watched Edith’s expression, the Viscountess suddenly spoke with a knowing smile.

“You must have a very good relationship with your husband, Duchess.”

Her voice carried a distinct hint of amusement.

Edith blinked instinctively, momentarily caught off guard, before realizing the implication of the remark. The Viscountess must have assumed that Edith hesitated because she was reluctant to be away from her husband, given that they were still newlyweds.

“I didn’t mean to tease you. It’s a lovely time in your life, after all.”

It was a misunderstanding, but one she couldn’t easily correct. In the eyes of society, she and Skyle were a romantic couple who had married for love, whether people believed it or not.

“Haha…”

Edith let out an awkward laugh, but then, a memory from the previous night surfaced in her mind.

‘He looked so exhausted…’

She recalled how Skyle had turned away abruptly at the end of their conversation, his expression stiff with fatigue.

Come to think of it, perhaps she had kept him too long when he was already exhausted. He had just returned, so of course, he would want to rest.

It had been so long since she had lived with someone who came home to her that she had let her excitement get the better of her.

‘I should be more mindful from now on.’

Edith resolved to restrain herself. The last thing she wanted was to add to the fatigue of an already overburdened duke.

Suppressing a sigh, she glanced at the Viscountess, suddenly struck by an idea. The woman before her was the owner of a trading company that distributed medicinal herbs both within and beyond the empire.

“Viscountess, would your company happen to carry any nourishing tonics?”

Edith decided to ask on impulse. She had received much kindness from the Viscountess but had yet to properly repay her, which weighed on her mind. A tonic for Skyle would make for a thoughtful gift.

“Are you feeling unwell? If so, I can introduce you to a skilled physician.”

“Oh no, it’s not for me. I want to get something for my husband.”

“Ah, I see. In that case, I can certainly find an appropriate remedy for him.”

The Viscountess’s expression briefly filled with concern, prompting Edith to quickly wave her hands in reassurance. As the worry faded from her features, the Viscountess nodded in understanding before curling one side of her lips in an amused smirk.

“But tell me, in what way is he feeling fatigued?”

“Well, he has a lot of work, so he seems quite tired during the day….”

Edith trailed off mid-sentence. Something about the atmosphere felt off.

“By work, do you mean he’s preoccupied with official duties? Or perhaps… at night—”

“Viscountess!”

The flustered note in Edith’s voice only made the Viscountess’s smile grow wider. Realizing it was just a playful jest, Edith couldn’t help but laugh along in the end.

Under the golden sunlight streaming into the café, the laughter of the two women rang out endlessly.

 

***

 

Viscountess Standen had a natural talent for guiding conversations as smoothly as a flowing stream. Thanks to her, Edith had spent a delightful afternoon, only returning to the ducal estate as the sun began to set.

“Lady Edith, welcome home. The master has returned early today as well.”

“Skyle?”

“Yes. He is on the third-floor balcony.”

The news caught Edith off guard as she stepped into the mansion. Almost reflexively, she turned to the window, only to see that the sky, though tinged red, had not yet fully surrendered to nightfall.

‘Could he be unwell?’

His return was far earlier than his usual hour, and worry immediately set in. When Bill offered to inform Skyle of her arrival, Edith shook her head, declining the offer, and instead ascended the stairs herself.

As she neared the third floor, she glimpsed a figure through the billowing white lace curtains, caught in the soft twilight breeze. It was undoubtedly Skyle.

“Sk…”

She had meant to call his name, but the syllable remained unfinished. The moment the wind lifted the curtain, revealing him fully, her voice faltered.

There he stood at the edge of the railing, gazing silently at the sky as if entirely detached from the world.

Beneath the silver-white hair that seemed to drink in every hue of the dimming heavens, his face appeared eerily unreal; devoid of emotion, stripped of all vitality. There was no trace of the liveliness expected in a living, breathing person.

‘What kind of life must one have lived to wear such an expression?’

Just as the question, one she had once pondered long ago, began to resurface in her mind—

“You’re back.”

Skyle’s voice broke the stillness.

At some point, he had turned to face her, his gaze resting upon her with quiet acknowledgment.

Shaken from her thoughts, Edith stepped onto the balcony.

“You’re home early!”

She deliberately infused her voice with brightness as she carefully studied him. Now that she was closer, the unsettling hollowness she had perceived earlier had somewhat faded, but in its place was a stiffness in his demeanor.

“Are you still feeling unwell?”

“Do I appear so?”

“You looked terribly exhausted yesterday.”

At her words, Skyle silently observed her. His gaze, as though searching for something, left her momentarily unsettled. Fortunately, the silence did not linger.

“I was not in the best condition yesterday,” he admitted. “I experienced a few unusual symptoms. I consulted a physician and was advised to rest for a day. There’s no risk of contagion, so you needn’t worry.”

Contagion? His words puzzled her, but she nodded nonetheless. If it was merely exhaustion, that was a relief.

“The Viscountess of Standen has promised to send some health supplements. I’ll give them to you once they arrive.”

“You are acquainted with Viscountess Standen?”

“Well, we weren’t before! I only met her recently—at the court ball, actually.”

Edith smiled bashfully. She never could have imagined that her first meeting with Evelyn and the Viscountess would lead to this. Yet, in the end, she had found a way to help a struggling child and even gained a dear friend.

That alone made her happy, but the thought that she could now offer Skyle a meaningful gift pleased her even more.

“I heard the Grand Duchess of Valesia visited yesterday.”

“Oh, that’s right. She came by to discuss Becky. I meant to tell you that I hope it’s alright, but Becky will be staying a little longer.”

“As she should.”

Just as he had before, Skyle gave his consent without hesitation. Touched by his easy approval, Edith beamed at him. The moment she did, his gaze flickered downward yet again.

By now, she had grown accustomed to this habit of his, and she barely contained a chuckle—until her eyes caught sight of his pristine white gloves.

Skyle always wore gloves.

She had never thought to ask why, but she could guess. It must be his aversion to uncleanliness.

And yet, such a man had allowed a dog to live in his household. It must not have been an easy decision. The realization made Edith feel both grateful and guilty all over again.

“I…”

“I’m sorry.”

“…Pardon?”

Feeling a pang of guilt, Edith had meant to thank him once more, but she was startled and asked again in surprise. She was the one who should be apologizing, so she couldn’t understand wh Skyle was the one saing sorry.