Chapter 02
“Natalie, you slept in a little today.”
“Really, did you have a bad dream? Tonight your father can sing you a lullaby.”
“You… with your terrible singing, a lullaby?”
“S-sorry… don’t look at me with such disappointment… p-please stop…”
Her beloved mother and father were alive and well, smiling warmly as they greeted her with “Good morning.” After Mina helped her get ready in her room, Natalie arrived at the dining hall a little past breakfast time—only to be welcomed with this cheerful exchange.
“…”
“Oh? Natalie, aren’t you hungry?”
“Or did your father’s joke upset you? Are you alright, Natalie?”
The scene she had longed for with all her heart was right there before her eyes. She thought she would never see them again.
“…No, it’s nothing. Good morning, Father, Mother.”
Her parents had the same silver wavy hair and light violet eyes as amethyst, the distinguishing traits of the Pettigrew family—and colors she had always loved. But the two of them, so gentle and kind, had died in the war a year before she married.
(If I truly have been brought back to the past… then I’ll save Father and Mother this time.)
Her dreamy, dazed mind cleared quickly. The familiar floors of the estate under her feet were not an illusion—they were reality.
(Whether it’s the miracle of God or something else, I’ll give thanks!)
Since her return, Natalie burned the sight of her parents’ living faces deep into her memory while she began eating the familiar Pettigrew family breakfast.
◆◇◆
Natalie’s nightmare had begun with a war, her country invaded by the enemy. Perhaps the cause lay in international relations, but for those caught up in it, that hardly mattered.
The Pettigrew estate lay close to enemy territory, leaving them no time to prepare. The attack came suddenly, and while reinforcements eventually arrived, her father perished holding the enemy back.
What made matters worse was that her mother had already been stricken by an epidemic, which only worsened under the chaos of fire and invasion. While her father distracted the enemy, her mother’s illness consumed her. In the end, both parents lost their lives.
At the time, Natalie had devoted all her strength to caring for her sick mother. But her efforts had been in vain, and the tragedy could not be stopped. The war worsened, until finally, an allied nation intervened.
By bringing the battle into a two-against-one fight, the military tide turned. Yet when aid reached the Pettigrew lands, her parents had already fallen. The one who led that allied force—the order of knights—was Julius.
Known as the Black Knight, he was hailed as a symbol of victory. It was said that he defended the royal castle to the end while also sending aid to outlying regions.
But when the war ended, the royal family’s decision brought Natalie her misfortune.
(The King ordered that a noble be “offered” to the Black Knight…)
The royal family, and the nobles as well, acted cowardly. To repay the allied nation, they chose Natalie of the Pettigrew family—an only daughter with wide lands but no surviving parents.
She could not resist the royal command. Thus, as a “reward” for war, Natalie was handed over as the wife of the Black Knight, Duke Julius Fangray.
And that was the beginning… of a terrible misfortune.
◆◇◆
“It is an honor to meet you. My name is Natalie Pettigrew.”
“…”
“From this day, as your wife, I vow my loyalty and love to the Fangray ducal house. Please take care of me.”
“…I am busy. From now on, speak through the butler.”
“…Eh? Y-Yuli—”
“You do not have permission to call my name. How very insolent your country’s manners must be.”
“My apologies… Your Grace.”
That was the greeting Natalie received when she was delivered to the Fangray estate. She was not welcomed—instead she was met with scornful eyes.
Until the wedding, she was not granted another meeting with Julius. The butler offered no explanations, and she was shoved into a tiny, barn-like room. Cleaning, laundry, cooking—all of it, she was told, she must do herself.
(Surely… this is a joke, isn’t it?)
Yet when she, still smiling weakly, entered the ducal dining room to eat—she encountered his mother.
“Oh my? So you’re the useless girl who only knows how to win men over?”
“…I-it is a pleasure to…”
“I don’t recall permitting you to speak. Know your place.”
“M-my apologies.”
“There is nothing to spare for the useless. Go back to your room at once. Your very presence is unpleasant.”
Natalie had no allies. In her room, only scraps of stale bread awaited her. From that day, the servants mocked her as well. Her wedding ceremony was a meager affair with only herself, Julius, and a priest.
On the very night of their marriage, Julius coldly told her, “Your duty is to bear a child.” She had no chance to reply—only to stare, numb with shock.
This must be what it means to have one’s heart ripped to shreds. The “duty” continued, night after night. Sometimes, Julius—exhausted beyond measure—would fall asleep beside her.
“…Ugh.”
(…Is he alright?)
Though still tormented daily by his mother-in-law and the harassment of the servants, Natalie still held a small affection for Julius then. Perhaps she clung to his handsome face or the chivalry he once displayed as a knight.
That was why, in her weakness, she cast healing magic on him.
(If I am useless and unrecognized here, then at least… if I can ease his wounds and his fatigue…)
The Pettigrew family bloodline held the power of healing magic. Unfortunately, it had no effect on their own kin.
“…”
“…Haa.”
After her spells, Julius’s expression sometimes softened slightly. That was enough to give Natalie hope—that with heartfelt effort, things might work out.
But reality was far crueler than she imagined.
