Reincarnated.

Usually, don’t you bite a gold spoon when you reincarnate?

As if making fun of me with such expectations, I reincarnated with a dirt spoon.

A family whose name is nothing but dust.

That was the family I was born into. I know this is now the reality I have to face, but it’s still depressing nonetheless.

‘I’m sad just to be reincarnated with a dirt spoon, and I have to marry for debt instead.’

I sighed once again, with the situation being roughly the way it is.

My mother, who was weak from the beginning, has been sick after giving birth to me. So, my father, who passionately loved my mother, took on debts to treated mother’s illness, and fortunately, my mother was cured. However, a considerable debt remains.

It was money borrowed from the Royal Family and the nobility of our family as collateral, so now, our family was in danger of being stripped of our titles if the debt could not be paid off.

…And as the last resort of paying off debts, I was brought up.

“If you can’t pay off the debt, there’s another way.”

“The other way? What way?”

“The Duke of Hessenweitz has a successor. I’m sending your daughter to be the successor’s spouse.”

And so, the messenger sent from the Imperial Family declared that, and my father’s face turned pale.

“If you agree so, I will forgive all the debt you owe to the Royal Family. This is the message from His Majesty the Emperor.”

While sitting on the sofa by my dad’s favorite fireplace, a smile appeared on the messenger’s face. It’s as if doing us a great favor.

I bite my lips hard.

‘No way, the Duke of Hessenweitz… are you referring to that family with terrifying rumors?’

Frost Demon, Blue Blooded Silver Dragon, the Emperor’s most dangerous friend. The countless names entwined to the duke.

Isn’t this insane that I’m being put in a marriage with such a family?

“As it was originally, the Royal Princess was supposed to be his wife, but the princess is weak.”

With that said, I thought of the princess who had little presence. I know she’s the same age as me. Perhaps her name was presumably, Annerose Lipenberg.

She is the only sister of the present Crown Prince, but unfortunately, she was an illegitimate child born from a commoner maid. Hence, it seemed as though I’m being caught in a mess for the princess.

“It is a marriage with a duke’s family. Aren’t you supposed to be happy for the Lady?”

“But, messenger, our Ellie…she’s my one and only blood.”

Dad’s face was now blue without any blood. With an almost crying expression, Dad bows his head like a slave.

‘Dad.’ I swallowed my breath. Why does Dad have to do this much?

“If you don’t like that, why don’t you pay the debt right away?”

“Bu-But!”

“You aren’t going to repay the debt, and you don’t want to let your daughter go?”

The messenger tilted his head and stared at father. His plump lips smiled arrogantly.

“Blanchett, do you really want to incur His Majesty’s wrath?”

“Messenger, I never have that kind of thought! However, if you give me a little more time…”

“Of course, I’d like to give you time, but what if His Majesty’s decision is so firmly determined?”

He shook his head with excitement. The moment I saw that, I squeezed my fist tight. It is already spilled water. Of course, I hate the thought of getting married, but I hate seeing my dad bow his head like this even more.

‘In addition, no matter how much my father begs the messenger… It’s not even possible to refuse marriage, right?’

I licked my dry lips. My dad’s desire to protect his child was a painful sight. So far, my dad has done his best to take responsibility and do everything he could to protect me and mother. Then I, too… I will protect my family.

“I’ll do it.”

I said, taking a step forward. The messenger opened his eyes wide, and my father, who didn’t know what to do, just held my wrist. Trying to stop me, he said earnestly.

“What is this…!”

“I agree to this marriage.”

I slowly lifted my hand and grabbed my father’s cold fingertips. Then, I raised my head upright and spoke.

“So, father, don’t bend your head like that anymore.”

The messenger raised one eyebrow high in the sky. Why, what? From the moment he said I was to be married instead, didn’t I hold the hilt? However, he can’t do anything about it, right? Since you can’t marry the princess to him!

I shamelessly faced the messenger. My demeanor was pretty arrogant, causing his face to turn bright red.

I stood firmly, with my usual image, ‘the gentle and elegant self-made lady.’

“Well, I understand that the princess doesn’t want to marry, but… Doesn’t that mean I have to marry him on her behalf?”

No matter how much of a class-based society this is, I wonder if only the princess is precious here and I’m not! I squeezed my seething feelings.

“Hm, hmm. I’ll bear with it this time.”

Finally, the messenger seemed to come to a conclusion that arguing with me was not very wise. Well, that should be because if I refuse to marry here, the Imperial Princess will have to marry the Duke of Hessenweitz.

“Then, sign this paperwork.”

He placed a pen and a sheet of paper in front of me. I picked the pen up and looked at the document carefully.

It was a document related to the marriage to the Duke’s Heir. There are rumors that the Imperial Family cannot let go of the Duke of Hessenweitz, which seems to be true. As you look at the information on the document form of the emperor’s order, it seems that the emperor wants to somehow create a connection with the duke.

However, they couldn’t send the princess to the rumored duke, so they chose our family, who was indebted to them. We were legally guaranteed to pay the money back in five years, though we’re suddenly pressured to pay it right away instead. Do they have a conscience?

‘And the reason why they choose our family, I can clearly see their motive.’

The reason why we have been chosen must be because we are a powerless, self-made family that cannot properly plead. Their thoughts can be seen so thoroughly.

The real intention was to attach someone from the Imperial Family to Duke of Hessenweitz, but it would be a little difficult to marry the princess who inherited some Imperial Family’s blood.

I raised my eyes narrowly. ‘No matter if she was born from a maid, they can’t just send her to an Heir Apparent who has a terrifying rumor.’’

From what I have heard, I also knew about the rumors about the Heir Apparent. People said he would use his monstrous power to command ice and snow. In addition, about how creepy he is and how he resembles a white demon.

‘I am the same age as him. Our family also has a huge amount of debts so they can use that against us. ’

The Royal Family must have been searching for a suitable noble for quite some time, but to know that we are being pushed to it like this?

‘Because signing right away could be stupid…’

With the thought about signature aside, I glanced at the messenger again. The glace does not contain any politeness, he flinched slightly.

“I’m sure you also prepare the documents that His Majesty will forgive all our debts?”

“I got what you’ve asked for.”

Perhaps he hated how I dared to stare straight towards him, he glanced at me and clicked his tongue. Nonetheless, my words weren’t over. I smiled softly with my eyes so it would look like I was as relaxed as possible.

“And that document, it must be a document that received His Majesty’s seal, right?”

The angry messenger digs into the thick fleshy lips. He glared at me with his eyes fluttering, though I just shrugged my shoulders.

What are you going to do with all that glaring? Are you going to cancel the marriage?

“This, boldness…!”

“It seemed that I got married as a substitute instead of the princess, so it’s natural to do this much.”

I bluntly placed the pen down to make a snapping sound. Then, I turned my face and smiled at the messenger, who had a red-green face by this point, looking as if he would collapse if he wouldn’t take the blood pressure pills right away. Although, of course, I wouldn’t know his health status.

Next, I put the papers in my hands onto the table, pushed them away, and folded my arms.

“I’ll sign it after it’s notarized.”

“What?!”

“Oh, deputy. Please stop carelessly talking to me anymore.”

Why does he keep talking down to me?’ I decided to swing the hilt to my heart’s content. Power is the best!

“Now, if I sign this document, I will be in a marriage relationship with ‘Duke Hessenweitz,’ right?”

The messenger couldn’t even answer and glared with his eyes. Seeing so, I lifted the corners of my mouth and concluded.

“To me, who will become the ‘Duchess of Hessenweitz’ in the future, should you really treat me this way?”

To be honest, it is quite bothersome. Although if I were to become the duchess through this vicarious marriage, he would have no choice but to honor me because of a relationship with Hessenweitz.

That said, not only will His Majesty prevent the princess from marrying the notorious duke, he will also be able to find a lady who will marry him on behalf of her.

“Then, I’ll wait until you bring the ‘notarized documents’ stamped directly by His Majesty.”

“What is this…!”

“Well then, goodbye, deputy.”

I, who gave the congratulatory order, gently smirked while observing the changing expression of the messenger.

Why, you never expected me to be like this? Like an amateur, the messenger’s face was distorted.

“My God, you rude bastard!” He stood up and stormed away.

Bang! The door closed and shattered, but even that sound sounded like sweet music. Oh, this felt so good. It’s like ten-year-old congestion seems to settle down!

“Ien, why the hell did you do that!”

After the messenger left, father looked at me with a white face. I shrugged my shoulder and grinned.

“It can’t be helped.”

“But!”

“Father. Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

He looked at me with moist eyes and sighed for a long time.

It is delightful to get a shot at the deputy, but now, the main issue is I really have to go to Duke’s house. No matter how old my mental age is… I didn’t expect to be seeing my husband at the age of thirteen.

Damn, it’s another mountain over the mountain.

1 — I wasn’t expecting a meeting like this.

In the northern part of the Lippenberg Empire is the vast Hessenweitz Duchy. Hessenweitz, the only duke of the Empire who once had a royal title, the monarch of the north.

The ancestors of the Duke were the silver dragons of winter and the royal family, who looked down at the duchy, calling them the lineage of the Frost Devil. They wanted to marry such a family.

‘I’m really married to the Duke of Hessenweitz.’

I was in a strange mood, a little anticipation, curiosity, and fear are intertwining. My heart is pounding.

I opened the curtains and looked out through the window. After riding for a week in the carriage, the only thing I saw in the snow was the blue winter day and white snow. After passing through an endlessly unfolding estate, a splendid city appeared.

The city seems busy with countless people living in it.

I was first surprised to see the enormous size duchy, and secondly, I was surprised to see the duke castle, which could not even be compared to the Imperial Palace.

‘It seems true that this is the only territory in the Empire that can be independent from the Empire.’

The carriage stopped smoothly in front of the Duke’s castle. As I stepped out, I shook my shoulder lightly.

A much cooler air than the southern islands of Lippenberg fills my lungs.

“Welcome, Lady Blanchett.”

The maids waiting politely bowed and greeted me. At that moment, I felt something strange.

‘Hey, why is she still calling me Lady Blanchett?’

She was the wife of the Heir Apparent, who was already authorized by the Imperial Family. So, Iellie deserved the right to use the surname ‘Hessenweitz,’ still, the employees referred to her as ‘Lady Blanchett.’

The maid said. “I will guide you to your room.”

“…Thank you.”

However, Iellie doesn’t point that out first. She instinctively felt that the people of this castle do not welcome her. Even though the family’s only heir has welcomed his companion, the Duke’s Castle was silent, and neither the Duke nor the Heir Apparent came out.

Besides, the room assigned to her was a guest room.

‘Is it possible that the courtesy of the duke is only to the emperor?’

Sitting alone in the room, which was ornately decorated, of the Duke’s Castle, Iellie lulled in her heart. She didn’t even want the room reserved for the mistress, but isn’t it too negligent for her to receive a guest room?

As she frowned her brows intensely, there was a knock. She replied, swallowing her sigh.

“Come in.”

“Greetings, Lady Blanchett. This is Mary, who will be serving the Lady temporarily.”

A maid came in and bowed her head deeply. Iellie shook her head, trying to point out the title problem.

“Yes, nice to meet you. Though, where are the Duke and the Heir Apparent?”

“Ah…well. The Duke is inspecting the territory, and the Heir Apparent is currently defeating the beasts.”

“…Wait a minute. Did you say ‘defeating beasts’?”

Iellie immediately questioned her ears, ‘she said he’s subjugating the beast?’ But Mary just replied softly.

“Yes, it’s a normal thing. Last time, he participated directly in the defeat of the northern barbarians.”

“Well, I mean. The Heir Apparent, following the defeat of the barbarians, went straight out to the beasts’ subjugation?”

“That’s right. He went to the barbarian troops by himself and even cut the supply of the captain.”

‘Oh, this is a little…? Cutting their supply?’ When it comes to the Heir Apparent, Mary was definitely referring to the only son of the Duke and the person who will be her husband, right? However, as far as she knows, his age is…

“…Am I wrong about something? Isn’t the Heir Apparent not an adult yet?”

Iellie carefully expressed her doubts, concealing her astonishment. As she knew, the Heir Apparent is fifteen this year.

He’s not even mature yet.

Such a kid directly participates in a dangerous battle? This is juvenile abuse, exploitation of minors. There’s a limit to strong teaching. What if he gets hurt or dies?

“Yes, that’s right. Still, isn’t it great to participate in the battle and build merit?”

“Uh… Is that so?”

Standing in front of Mary, who innocently smiled, Iellie lost her words. ‘Is this something to pass on as a great compliment?’

Putting a fifteen-year-old boy on the perilous battlefield, and more importantly, he’s also the duke’s successor? One problem was, it seemed natural to the people here.

‘But still…Being the Heir Apparent doesn’t mean that you can live comfortably, but this is bad, isn’t it?’

This was not good luck for her future husband. A fifteen-year-old boy fighting with barbarians and beasts for life and death. …Will she become widowed? Iellie swallowed dry saliva.

“Then, when will the Heir Apparent come back?”

“It will probably take about a week. And…”

Mary, who was hesitant, opened her lips. As she knew, what she was going to say was rude, so she felt sorry.

“The Duke said that it would be better to see together when the Heir Apparent comes.”

“…I see.”

Iellie nodded her head. This made it clear.

The duke did not welcome her, nor did he spare his only son, the Heir Apparent. If he loved the Heir Apparent, he couldn’t let him go into such a dangerous battle.

“I’ll send the meal to your room now. Would that be all right?”

“Okay, thank you. You can go.”

Iellie nodded again calmly. It would be uncomfortable to eat in the dining room anyway.

Mary left with a bow. Somehow, the future felt dark, and she swallowed her sigh. ‘I guess the rumors that the Duke doesn’t spare the Heir Apparent is true.’

The Duke of Hessenweitz was the only Duchy family of the Empire, and a family with a strong power that was comparable to the Imperial Family.

No matter how disgusting the rumors about the Heir Apparent were, there must be people who covet wealth and power.

‘Even so, the reason why there is no family who wants to marry the Heir Apparent is probably because the duke neglects the Heir Apparent.’

He did not try to build any relationship with the Heir Apparent, as though he was a grape that could not be eaten. Moreover, in a normal family, one would not send their beloved daughter to a rumored man who was a monster.

‘It’s a complicated problem in many ways… It seems that the Heir Apparent is a little pitiful.’

At that time, the outside of the window became noisy. Iellie, who got up from her seat, glanced out of the window slightly.

A carriage was moving into the Duke’s Castle.

The employees went out and greeted. The owner of the luxury carriage with the crest of a family, in which flowers and silver dragons are elaborately intertwined is probably…

‘That must be the Duke of Hessenweitz.’

After a frustrating day, she opened her eyes wide, staring at the man who came out of the carriage.

The duke was a handsome man with dark blue hair and blue eyes, filled with a cold impression. His shape is slender, giving the overall feeling of elegance. He went into the building after being greeted by the employees.

‘…He didn’t look as bad as I thought.’

The rumors were so terrible, so she was worried that he would look like a monster. That’s very compliant.

‘If so, can I expect my husband’s appearance as well?’

Still, she doesn’t have any clue about him. Iellie tilted her head and laughed lightly. Her gaze gradually sharpened.

‘Although the Royal Palace does not want to admit it… Hessenweitz is powerful.’ The flowers of the Duchy are drawn proudly on the coat of arms hung on the carriage. The high-esteemed Royal Family was openly checked against the Duke, but nevertheless, they couldn’t prevent him from using the flowers used as the royal crest.

The use of symbols from the Royal Family proves the power of the Duke.

Iellie tilted her head and sighed.

What would the duke, who doesn’t even care about his son, think about the daughter-in-law who was forced to marry by the Imperial Family? Perhaps life in the Duchy is not that easy.

***

For about a week, she had a glimpse into how the people here thought and treated her.

It’s not as though they don’t serve her. What she got is acceptable at best. However, all of that was not a respect for the Duke’s companion, but thorough hospitality to the guests.

“It’s rather comfortable to be treated like this, but… I can’t do this forever.”

Iellie, who slumped on the bed, grumbled a little. Regardless, she was legally the wife of the Duke’s Heir Apparent, but it was rather weird that she was only treated as a guest.

But then, a little fuss broke out outside the room.

“What?”

As she tilted her head, she rose up.

After a while, Mary entered the room with a short knock. She seemed a little excited. Iellie looked puzzled.

“What’s going on? It’s a little noisy around here…”

“Oh, that’s.”

Mary looked a little embarrassed and faced her. She then tried to smile.

“The Heir Apparent is back.”

‘No, my legal husband is back?’ She opened her eyes wide and asked Mary back.

“Now?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Then, if I go out now, will I be able to see the Heir Apparent?”

Iellie hurriedly picked up her cup and took a sip to hydrate her dry mouth. However, Mary hurriedly dissuaded her as she tried to get out of the room. She shook her head and opened her lips.

“Not today, how about meeting him tomorrow?”

“What are you talking about? You said he’s back now. I deserve to meet him…”

“The time, it’s too late.”

She once again tried to stop Iellie. At that moment, she felt somewhat suspicious and faced Mary.

‘Something’s a little weird.’

It’s been a week since she came to the Duchy, yet she had never met her legal husband. And today, her husband, who had been fighting a dangerous beast, returned. In common sense, there was no reason for Mary to tell her to meet him tomorrow because of the mere reason that the time was late.

She shook her head firmly.

“No, I must see my husband today.”

When she gave strength to the word ‘husband,’ Mary couldn’t even stop her anymore.

She ran down the long stairs. The moment she saw the Duke and the knights standing, she swallowed a gulp. ‘What the hell is this situation?’

The first person to come into view was a boy, mixed among with the sturdy knights. The boy standing alone among the savage knights was as beautiful as a heavenly being.

Although. He had a desolate face.

‘I guess he’s my legal husband… Is he seriously hurt?’

While the knights were relatively fine, the boy was full of wounds, as if he was fighting alone. Red blood dried up on his silver hair, shining like a pure white snowfield, and the skinny body was also covered with blood.

Iellie bit her lips. It seemed that the blood must have been the boy’s blood.

‘Isn’t he hurt? No, if he doesn’t rest and get treatment right now…’

But even though he was hurt so badly, the boy doesn’t lift an eyebrow. The Duke also did not intend to take care of his son’s wounds. He looked down at his son in an arrogant look, and the Heir Apparent also silently accepted the gaze. The Duke spoke with a cold expression as if it was made of ice.

“You’re late. I ordered the beast subjugation to be finished within three days.”

“I’m sorry.”

“If you are established as the heir of the Duke, you should at least carry out your orders well, you monster.”

At that moment, Iellie had goosebumps on her back. No matter how much he hated him, he was still his own child. How can he say such a harsh word?

However, even while listening to the harsh words, the Heir Apparent just had an expressionless face.

“Pathetic.”

Tsk. Clicking his tongue, the Duke turned his gaze.

She stood on the stairs and captured the current situation with a confused face. As though he killed all his emotions a long time ago, the boy looked down with an emotionless face.

‘Do you really feel sorry? Why?’

Iellie bit her lips. She was confused. Rather, shouldn’t it be the Duke who had to apologize for his mistake?

He lingered on his own safe territory, driving his only young son into battle with the beasts.

Seriously even the behavior that he casually called his son ‘monster.’ Then, the Duke asked coldly.

“What is that look in your eyes now?”

“…”

“You’re arrogant. You can’t deceive the appearance of a monster.

The Duke frowned his eyebrows to the extent that visibly showed that he was disgusted and raised his hand.

Slap! A sharp crackling sound shattered the air.

Badump! The boy’s body rolled over the floor like a rag doll. She opened her eyes wide.

“Well, what is this…!”

Iellie muttered without knowing, but the boy didn’t even groan.

Instead, he twisted on the floor, wriggled, and raised himself. He struck him so hard, a new stream of blood spilled from the boy’s mouth.

As he looked at his son’s blue eyes, which resembled his, the Duke said coldly.

“You dare show such an arrogant attitude when you couldn’t even defeat the demons properly.”

“I am sorry.”

In front of the sharp words towards him, the boy bowed his head at an angle and followed with words of apology.

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Iellie felt suffocated. ‘Heir Apparent, why are you apologizing?’ He was the one who went to the battle, to the point that his whole body was covered in scars.

Wouldn’t this be a situation when he was supposed to cry and get angry? Besides, why do the knights who returned with their limbs intact, tolerate such violence against the Heir Apparent, who was their comrade?

“Umm, Yo-your Excellency!”

Iellie opened her mouth, engulfed in her instinctive impulse.

She shouldn’t behave this way. Although she thought so, her lips moved freely. What was the reason she was doing this? Was it because of that poor boy?

“It’s great to meet the Great Northern Sovereign, Duke of Hessenweitz. I am Iellie Blanchett.”

Knowing that the duke did not exactly welcome her, Iellie chose her words meticulously.

When the surname, Blanchett, was heard, Duke Hessenweitz widened his eyes lightly and pushed the tip of his lips up.

“Ah. The wife of the little monster from the Royal family.”

“…”

At the end of his graceful smile followed insulting remarks. Iellie’s face color turned red, but the duke did not even attempt to hide his sarcastic remarks. A slow gaze tenaciously tore up Iellie.

“Though, why are you here? I thought our first meeting was tomorrow.”

“I heard that the Heir Apparent is returning home today. So, as the wife of the Heir Apparent, I have to come and welcome him home.”

“The Lord’s wife is… interesting.”

‘What does he mean, interesting? The mind of a person who sent a fifteen years old boy into the battle with beasts is much more interesting!’ While barely suppressing the desire to shoot back, Iellie tried to form a smile on her lips.

“No matter if you are the girl from the Royal Family, you also claimed to be the wife of that monster.”

“It is true that His Majesty sent me, but I really do respect the Heir Apparent as my husband.”

Fortunately, the words came out smoothly.

She glanced back at the duke, who seemed like a big wall. However, far from being wobbly, she stood upright while biting her lips till it bled. She was in jeopardy like a blade on the verge of breaking.

She continued. “And if I dare to say something, the Heir Apparent seems to be very uncomfortable right now.”

‘So?’ As if asking so, the duke tilted his head at an angle. Iellie clenched her fist tightly.

“So, if you don’t take the Heir Apparent inside and treat him…”

“That monster doesn’t need any treatment.”

At that moment, the duke’s eyes sank coldly. She watched him steadfastly shaking his head, then she took a breath.

The duke’s attitude continued to provoke her nerves strangely. He saw his condition yet still called his son a monster. ‘Then, what are you using that son for?’

“That’s not true.”

Iellie replied, staring straight into the eyes of the duke. His blue gaze narrows while gazing back towards her.

“The Heir Apparent is not a monster.”

“That guy is not a monster…? Ahaha!”

Upon hearing her words, the duke burst into laughter as though he had heard a joke. The loud laughter spread throughout the quiet corridor. Mixed with the crushing silence, the laughter sounded strangely peculiar.

“…That’s interesting, right, Zachary?”

His stern gaze dropped onto the bloody boy. There was a mixture of laughter, but his voice was cold.

“What do you think of your wife’s words?”

“…”

“Will you ever ignore my words, your lord and father?”

The end of his voice contained sharp edges that would pierce into any listener’s heart. The Heir Apparent stared at his father and finally opened his lips.

“If father thinks so, then I must be a monster.”

In a helpless tone, it was difficult to believe that he was a fifteen years old boy, as he replied so. His gaze, which was shining like a sharp blade, quickly lost its light. His blue eyes resembled the moon in the winter sky.

Iellie glanced sadly at those eyes, hiding their appearance halfway under the shade of the lashes.

“Yes. If you are a monster, you should at least realize that you are one.”

The duke burst into laughter. Seeing so, she narrowed her eyebrows. The boy raised his chin and declared arrogantly.

“All of the knights, good work. Let everyone go back and take a break.”

Needless to say, there were no words of congratulations to his own son. The duke turned from the scene swiftly. As he climbed the long marble staircase, he returned to the office. The blue eyes, which had avoided the duke until the end, gazed at Iellie, who seemed to be stuck onto the stairs. She felt her lips dried out from the tension.

“…Get in.”

She bowed her head as The duke’s strange gaze passed by her side.

As the heels of his shoe disappeared up the stairs, she moved right away and headed towards the Heir Apparent.

“Hey, hey…!”

“…Don’t get near me.”

While the knights who received the orders from the duke rushed out, the boy with a pale face collapsed on the ground alone. However, seeing Iellie, the Heir Apparent immediately waved his hand and rejected her.

“What are you?”

His bright blue eyes stared straight at Iellie. Like an injured animal being wary of the surrounding area, she felt a feeling of anxiety stirring her chest. Iellie replied, swallowing a sigh.

“Me? Your wife.”

“What? My wife?”

At her answer, the boy seemed dumbfounded. For the first time, there was another expression on that expressionless face, even when he was beaten in the check and rolled over the floor, collapsed.

Iellie narrowed her eyes. Observing that expression, it seemed that it was new for him with the fact that he had a wife.

She took another step.

“When did I get a wife?”

“It happened while you were defeating the beasts.”

Shrugging her shoulders, she approached the Heir Apparent, Zachary. Iellie looked straight into his eyes.

“And couples are equal. So, why am I the only one being respectful while you are talking down to me?”

‘Cranky guy, do you know how old my mental age is?’ Iellie glanced at him. Zachary, listening to her strange mixture of honorifics and informal phrases, frowned his delicate eyebrows.

“That’s…”

“In that case, let’s talk casually from now on, okay?”

“…Do whatever you want.”

As he swallowed a sigh, Zachary felt dizzy immediately. She quickly supported the staggering boy.

“Let me go.”

“Well, can I really let go of my hand?”

Nonetheless, the girl in front of him seemed to have a pretty sassy personality. She replied in a relaxed manner.

“My legal husband seems to be on the verge of losing his mind.”

“…”

Since what she said was true, so Zachary, who lost his words to reply, glared at Iellie. Regardless, she held him firmly. Glancing down slightly, she asked him a question.

“Hey, where is your room?”

“…”

Zachary glistened his eyes warily, but he didn’t answer.

Seeing so, she narrowed her eyebrows. ‘Let’s see. What was his name?’ Earlier, the duke called the boy ‘Zachary.’ That name was also on the marriage vows.

“Zachary? Isn’t that your name, Zachary?”

Without an answer, she urged him once again.

But perhaps because of his confused mind, Zachary couldn’t understand her very well. However, he slowly blinked after smelling a light scent of flowers…

‘…Asha?’

The first light pink flower that announces spring. Come to think of it, the girl in front of him looked very similar to Asha Flower. Light pink hair and light green eyes that were clear like buds. Iellie grumbled at the boy.

“Oh, God. Can’t you just give me an answer? Have you realized how heavy you are?”

In fact, it was becoming somewhat difficult to support his body with her frail figure fully. Trying to alleviate her burden even by a little, Zachary pushed her away lightly by using the very last bit of his strengths. He whispers.

“You, why… do you stay by my side…?”

“What?”

Iellie had a stunned expression. He clenched his lips. The front of his eyes were blurry.

“Other people… all avoided me.”

“That’s a silly question. Why do I have to behave the same as everyone else?”

She replied with a pointed voice, placing her hands on both waists. What a strange day, he thought and decided to ask another question carefully.

“You don’t like me… don’t you?”

“You’re really funny. We met for the first time today. Is there anything you did to make me hate you?”

“…”

Even though he only heard her words, oddly, he felt at ease. Zachary smiled without knowing. Fortunately or not, he had just enough energy to walk to his room, supported by Iellie. She, of course, hesitated to sit down as they entered the room.

She panicked and shook Zachary.

“Are you okay?”

While making sure he was all right, she thought she would ask a stupid question. Obviously, he didn’t look fine in the slightest.

“…Okay, ah. Do-don’t shake…”

‘My head is ringing…’ Zachary, who mumbled that, rolled his body around. His thin shoulders, huddling, seemingly too slim. Iellie bit her lips.

He tilted his head while breathing heavily. His complexion was awfully pale. A breath that seemed as though it would go out anytime soon, along with his quivering eyelashes.

“Hey, don’t sleep! You need to get a treatment!”

Iellie, who was startled, grabbed Zachary. ‘Hey, is he asleep right now? I think it’s more like he’s fainting, though? His face looked somewhat blue.’

At first glance, anyone could tell that he lost a large amount of blood. The pale green eyes froze to the point that it was a miracle that she could return to the room while being in the right mind.

‘He… He might really die like this.’

She jumped up from her seat, hurriedly grabbed the doorknob. Iellie opened the door and raised her voice.

“Hey, is anyone there? Help…!”

“Don’t call.”

Then, a fingertip held Iellie’s hem. In a rare determined tone, Zachary whispered in a firm voice.

“Are you crazy? You have to get treated right now!”

Iellie, who was getting upset, shot at him.

Still, Zachary was stubborn. He shook his head over and over again, and he held her hem tightly. His deep blue eyes were looking at her with a desperate light.

“Don…call.”

“Zachary!”

“Nobody wants to see…me.”

“Why the hell? You’re running out of breath right now but you’re still holding onto your pride?” She wanted to ask him so. However, Iellie just bit her lips. The boy, who seemed to be confused at the moment, caught her eyes. Afraid, the expression she made was as if the world would collapse any second.

She blankly faced Zachary.

“…I…” Feelings were revealed nakedly above the emotionless dark blue eyes.

She knew it then. He didn’t kill his feelings. It was just because Zachary didn’t know how to express his emotions, so he suppressed it instead.

“Because I’m a monster…”

His lips were thin. A very small voice that could be barely heard unless you listened carefully, escaped from his lips. The boy’s gaze trembled. Frightened, he didn’t know what to do and avoided her eyes. Zachary was afraid to see the gaze that Iellie might consider him a monster as well. And at that moment, she was irresistibly angry.

“Hey.”

She reached out her hands and grabbed his cheeks, which were as cold as ice.

“You are not a monster.”

“…”

As soon as he heard her words, Zachary opened his eyes wide. He never expected to hear such an answer. Today was truly a strange day.

His eyes, blue like the winter ice sea, shook briefly. She bit her lips.

“So, can you stop self-deprecating? It’s annoying when I hear that.”

“But…”

“Take care of yourself if you have time to talk nonsense. All right?”