TNBTW | Episode 27

“I have been rejected by at least five families for marriage proposals. And that was after I received my title directly from His Imperial Majesty and became the Minister of Ministry of Magic.”

Skyle, who had been silently listening to her, spoke quietly. The abruptness of his remark caught Edith off guard. Though she already knew this—he had told her himself before their marriage—it was still unexpected.

Why is he bringing this up now?

“It means my reputation can hardly fall any lower than it already has.”

His low yet resolute voice widened Edith’s eyes.

“So, I find no fault in you.”

Having finished his statement, he calmly lifted his teacup. His movements, as always, were composed, and his gaze, no longer directed at her, carried its usual indifference.

Yet, Edith’s heart was anything but calm as she looked at the tranquil man before her.

The meaning behind his words was unmistakable: You’ve done nothing wrong, so there’s no need to apologize to me.

Being understood by someone is rare—especially in situations where one might feel at fault. But Skyle offered that understanding without hesitation, and that moved her deeply.

“You’re surprisingly good at offering comfort.”

Edith spoke with sincerity, and in that moment, she realized just how little she truly knew about Skyle. Perhaps he was far more multifaceted than she had ever imagined.

“I merely speak what is rational.”

“Somehow, that makes it even more comforting.”

A faint smile tugged at her lips as she felt like she had glimpsed a new side of him. However, Skyle, upon noticing her soft smile, quickly averted his gaze. His unsettled eyes wandered aimlessly, settling on the calm surface of his teacup, which they continued to circle as if lost.

 

***

 

“Greetings to the Duchess of Devion!”

“Oh, Daisy, please don’t do that.”

“What do you mean? How else should I address the Duchess?”

Edith made a face, causing Daisy to burst into laughter. The teasing tone of her friend’s laughter was so infectious that Edith eventually joined in.

“How’s Lude?”

“Oh, our Lude is growing up so fast. Jace is looking after him today since it’s his day off.”

In the drawing room of the Devion estate, the two old friends chatted away amidst the warm aroma of herbs, their conversation lively and bright.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t invite you to the wedding.”

“Edith, how many times are you going to apologize? I said it’s fine. Besides, even His Imperial Majesty attended, didn’t he? I wouldn’t have wanted to be at such a grand event anyway.”

Not that I don’t celebrate your marriage, Daisy added playfully.

“So, how’s married life? Are you happy? I bet every morning feels like a dream for you.”

Daisy’s mischievous grin, through her whisper, hinted at her teasing.

Every morning? Edith’s awkward smile betrayed her delayed realization of Daisy’s implication. It wasn’t unreasonable for others to think of her and Skyle as newlyweds, brimming with romance.

‘That’s not true, Daisy! We don’t even share the same room…!’

The truth was, they were far from a typical couple. They rarely saw each other in the mornings, let alone shared a bed. But Edith couldn’t admit that aloud—not after the romanticized tales of their love had spread so far.

 

“I am here to fulfill my duties as a husband.”

 

As she tried to maintain her composure, an image suddenly flashed through Edith’s mind—a memory of that particular evening when Skyle seemed slightly less guarded.

She hadn’t realized until that day just how devastatingly handsome a man could look in a white shirt. If “breathtaking” was a fitting word for anyone, it was certainly for him.

The thought left Edith feeling slightly indignant. Showing up dressed like that and saying those things—wasn’t it only natural for someone to misunderstand?

“Oh my, look at her blushing!”

“It’s not what you think, Daisy!”

“Not what I think? What kind of innocent daydreams were you having in broad daylight to turn that red, Edith? Your duke must be truly mesmerizing in many ways.”

Edith’s cheeks burned red-hot at the memory of her past blunder, and Daisy wasn’t about to let her off the hook. Left with no choice, Edith decided to endure her friend’s teasing gracefully.

By the time a freshly warmed pot of tea was set on the table, the room had quieted, and a more subdued air replaced the earlier laughter.

“But Edith, are you really all right? I heard something… about how no one showed up to your tea party.”

Daisy’s words were cautious, and Edith fell silent for a moment.

Daisy, who wasn’t currently working, must have heard the news from Jace. If Jace knew, then it was safe to assume that most noble families had already caught wind of it.

It wasn’t surprising, really. The social circles were smaller than one might think, and no one was better at spreading news than household staff.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring it up to upset you.”

“It’s all right, Daisy. Truly. Thank you for worrying about me.”

Edith waved her hand dismissively, her tone sincere. She didn’t for a moment believe Daisy had brought it up to hurt her. That simply wasn’t in her nature.

“Edith, do you remember when you asked me to look into something for you? About finding work?”

Daisy’s expression darkened as if she had something difficult to say.

“Well, Lady Letitia found out that you applied to be a governess. I think the countess must have seen your application while reviewing other candidates.”

“Oh, I see…”

Edith sighed softly. She already understood what Daisy was worried about.

In noble society, work was frowned upon. Whether it required physical labor or was merely a paid position, it was all considered improper for someone of their rank.

Professions like teaching or medicine were slightly more acceptable, but the idea of a noblewoman choosing to work still carried a stigma.

Of course, positions like Skyle’s were different. As a wizard serving under the emperor, his work was seen as honorable and respectable.

But being a governess was another matter entirely. The role was often associated with young women from fallen noble families who couldn’t afford to marry and took on such jobs out of necessity.

If word spread that the Duchess of Devion had once applied to be a governess, it could lead to serious repercussions.

“I thought I should let you know, Edith, just in case…”

“Thank you, Daisy. That’s very helpful.”

Edith smiled softly, her friend’s concern warming her heart.

That evening, an invitation arrived for the Duchess of Devion. The sender was none other than Grand Duchess Valencia.

 

***

 

Edith leaned back in the comfort of the carriage, her gaze fixed on the invitation resting in her hands. It had arrived approximately two weeks ago, sent by none other than the Grand Duchess of Valesia.

 

「…We eagerly anticipate your esteemed presence to grace the occasion.」

 

The invitation, bearing the insignia of the Grand Duchy of Valecia, was nothing short of extravagant. To employ the Grand Duchy’s seal for a mere tea party! It was a stark testament to the prominence of the Grand Duchess within the duchy’s hierarchy.

Of course, the situation spoke for itself—despite the presence of the Grand Duchess Consort, her young daughter, the Grand Duchess-in-waiting, was orchestrating social gatherings. That alone was enough explanation.

 

 

Summoning her status window in her mind, Edith watched as it materialized in midair.

Beside the name of the young lady, Vivianne Valesia, remained a gray heart. It signified that the young duchess had yet to find emotional stability.

 

 

Pressing on the name to access the detailed view, Edith sighed at the unchanged affection level.

She had hoped, however faintly, for some shift in sentiment, but there was none. This likely meant that the invitation she had received had not been extended with good intentions.

 

‘Daisy, is Lady Letitia acquainted with the Lady of Valesia?’

‘Huh? Oh, yes, she is. How did you know?’

 

Not long after the Countess of Vicenne’s daughter had uncovered her past, Lady Valesia had sent an invitation. If this was mere coincidence, it was an almost comically absurd one—but Edith knew better. Coincidences of this kind were rarely just that!

‘Even so, I must go.’

Despite knowing this, Edith was on her way to the Grand Duchy of Valesia. After all, avoiding this event would not put an end to the matter.

No matter how selectively she attended, there would be countless parties where she would have to appear as the Duchess of Devion. Each one was sure to bring challenges of a similar nature. Knowing this, she resolved it was better to confront them head-on and gain experience sooner rather than later.