MHYFMAMD Ch 8

“What?”

 

“I mean exactly what I said. I want you to marry me.”

 

Tenesia smiled sweetly.

 

In truth, the letter Dietrich held wasn’t actually written by Grace. Or rather, it wasn’t written when she was Grace.

 

‘I did well to hastily prepare it yesterday.’

 

Because Grace had become Tenesia, technically speaking, what she said wasn’t a lie. The words she wrote were indeed Grace’s words.

 

Of course, it wasn’t a pleasant experience trying to mimic Grace’s handwriting with Tenesia’s body.

 

She hadn’t planned to help him this way from the start.

 

Just as he had secretly helped Akelart, she had intended to help him quietly as well.

 

But if she were to become someone else’s wife, the situation would change. Every action becomes restricted, and the label of being married follows her.

 

Moreover, it wasn’t just anyone; it was Count Weigelin. As a nobleman, he absolutely despised Dietrich, whom the Emperor favored. There was no way he would easily allow any support for Haberfeld.

 

It was uncertain whether Haberfeld, once realizing the assistance, would readily accept it.

 

…And she was also worried about Dietrich’s physical condition.

 

She had to prevent her revival becoming meaningless.

 

“I know Your Excellency is aware that there have been some unpleasant rumors circulating due to the vacant position.”

 

“Is this a threat?”

 

“Of course not.”

 

She lightly shook her head.

 

“I only wish to express how this contract marriage would be beneficial for both of us.”

 

Tenesia quickly added so Dietrich wouldn’t misunderstand.

 

“Of course, if Your Excellency wishes to place someone else in the wife’s position, I’ll gracefully step aside without any hesitation.”

 

Dietrich furrowed his brow as he alternated between glancing at the letter and Tenesia.

 

Though he had no trust in her, the letter in his hands was ‘real.’

 

‘Why has this surfaced only now after all my searching?’

 

He carefully stroked the letter. The ink he felt on his fingertips was strangely pleasant.

 

[Dear Tenesia, 

 

I owe you an indescribable debt of gratitude. Thank you. Should you ever find yourself in a situation like mine, I promise to help you in my name.

 

With gratitude, Grace.]

 

Grace. My wife.

 

Her handwriting, which he had read hundreds, thousands of times, filled his vision.

 

For five years, he had searched the continent madly searching for any trace of his wife. Wondering if there was something he had missed. Wondering if there was something he hadn’t seen that led to her death. He searched through the vast land.

 

“…”

 

He lifted his gaze to look at Tenesia.

 

‘Tenesia Blanchette.’

 

The daughter of Baron Blanchette, who had been brought back to life on the brink of death and had stirred the public for a while. Her story was so famous that even he, who had abandoned all to search for his wife and was oblivious to political news, knew of it.

 

He scanned the woman with indifferent eyes. Her wheat-colored hair and porcelain-like fair skin made her appear like an intricate doll.

 

As he traced her slender joints, he realized he was unconsciously searching for traces of Grace in her. Even though the color of the young eyes beneath her lifted lashes was completely different.

 

But why.

 

“Is there something more you’re curious about?”

 

When Dietrich locked eyes with Tenesia, he unwittingly turned his head away.

 

“…There must be a reason why you suddenly showed me this letter after having kept it for over five years.”

 

“I appreciate the favor from Margravine, but I didn’t want to burden her with my personal affairs. Nor did I want to tarnish her goodwill.”

 

“That makes me even more curious. Why now?”

 

“…Because if I don’t, I’ll be in danger.”

 

Tenesia briefly explained about her marriage.

 

Whom she was to marry. The treatment she would receive. Excluding her physical condition, she laid out as much as she could about Tenesia observed over three months.

 

She didn’t forget to mention Grace as well.

 

“…Just when I thought it was all over, Margravine Haberfeld comforted me with warm words. Even though it was only through letters, those kind words gave me hope in life.”

 

She had already written it in the letter, but there was no harm in mentioning it again. It was important to engrave in him both the debt and the repayment she owed to Grace.

 

“You may think it’s presumptuous of me, but I hope you’ll cooperate for both our mutual well-being and peace.”

 

“…Our mutual well-being and peace.”

 

A colder voice cut through their conversation than before. He carefully placed the letter on the table.

 

” And why should I care about that?”