~Chapter 80~
Laughter escaped without resistance.
“Yes, not Egbert, but Marquis Graham. That guy came looking for me.”
Only then did Baldwin smile, satisfied. Seeing that cute side of Baldwin made my own heart relax.
Even a moment ago, I had been anxious—but now I felt calm.
“…Actually, I came with a request, Baldwin. Well, something I need permission for.”
Baldwin looked at me, as if to say I could say anything.
I relayed what Egbert had said to me, word for word.
“Honestly, he’s not capable enough, so this might just be my worry. But even without ability, he has execution. He acts.”
Baldwin listened seriously.
“Because of that, I think we should assign someone to watch Marquis Graham. It’s precautionary—you never know what he might do. Better to prepare than to suffer.”
Baldwin nodded, as if he understood exactly what I meant.
[But why do you need my permission?]
“I want to borrow the power of the ducal house. I need people I can trust, and I can’t find them right now. But Constantine has them. I came to ask if, as Grand Duchess, I may use Constantine’s personnel.”
My words kept getting longer.
Would Baldwin refuse?
His expression was unreadable, which made me even more nervous.
[Anna.]
“Yes.”
I answered sharply, somehow disciplined. Perhaps it was because we had slept close before—but why did this feel so tense?
[You do not need my permission.]
“Pardon?”
*[Do as you wish. You are the Grand Duchess of Constantine. All rights that belong to a Grand Duchess are under your feet.] *
Baldwin smiled at me, looking me directly in the eyes. Relief washed over me like a tide.
I must have been quite scared coming here. I couldn’t predict how he would answer.
Our marriage had never been normal. It was a union of convenience, a relationship to meet mutual needs.
So yes, I thought he might refuse.
But the way he looked at me, and our relationship, made it impossible to conclude that.
He treated me… like someone special.
And from that, hope bloomed. Maybe I could enjoy more than appearances. Maybe I could claim substance as well.
I was materialistic.
Even though Baldwin had already given me so much, I wanted more.
And he did not betray that expectation. He simply looked like he wanted to give me everything.
[Enjoy everything you can. You deserve it.]
Hearing that,
“Baldwin…”
I felt soft and warm again.
I felt secure once more. Slowly, but surely, he was coloring my world.
My heart fluttered like a summer breeze.
The Horace family’s wedding invitations arrived at every house. It was forced by Marquis Horace, against Gwennolyn’s will.
Only then was Gwennolyn allowed to go out. Keeping her locked up might have caused gossip. Of course, she couldn’t go alone.
A maid and a guard followed her. It was different from the freedom she usually enjoyed.
Gwennolyn stared gloomily out the window. This was unlike when she begged to go out or meet her friends. This wasn’t the face of someone with goals accomplished.
She knew exactly where her idle friends would be at this hour.
The carriage was headed to the riding club. The carriage slowed with the bumping of the road—evidence they had arrived.
She left the maid and guard outside and went in.
Her friends welcomed her after a long absence.
“Long time no see, Gwen! What have you been up to? And suddenly a wedding invitation?”
“We didn’t talk about it. Neither you nor Baldwin. I don’t know what’s going on either.”
Gentlemen and ladies gathered around.
“Exactly. I didn’t expect this either.”
Gwennolyn answered weakly.
“Why does the bride-to-be look so down? Something wrong?”
“…I guess I’m just worried. How’s everyone?”
“Of course! Where’s the wedding? Will you go live somewhere after?”
“Ah, quiet down. What kind of man is your husband? I heard he runs a big company.”
“Well, it’s a medium-sized nation… hmm. Money is the most important anyway. And the Estus Empire keeps moving through.”
Gwennolyn answered her friends’ questions carefully, then brought up her reason for coming today.
“…Has Baldwin ever visited since the wedding?”
“No. Not once. He’s always doing whatever he wants.”
“Does the Grand Duchess dislike it?”
Gwennolyn casually tossed the question.
“Maybe. Some husbands just don’t go out after marriage.”
Her friends laughed lightly.
Gwennolyn’s eyes gleamed. Since they were so simple-minded, using them was easy.
“Still, I’m curious how Baldwin lives. Who knows when I’ll come by after I leave?”
“Better see him once before leaving. Friends for years, after all.”
“Exactly. Anyone willing to be brave?”
Gwennolyn smiled.
The ladies and gentlemen looked at her with excited eyes.
“Aren’t you curious how newlyweds live?”
It wasn’t a strange suggestion—they often sneaked into the House of Constantine.
Moreover, Baldwin had been unusually absent lately.
“Alright.”
“I agree.”
“When is good?”
“I’ll follow whatever time you choose.”
Gwennolyn stepped back.
“Strike while the iron is hot. How about today?”
“True. If we’re going without warning, today’s better. Everyone’s here anyway! Gwen can’t know when she’ll be free, right? Busy with wedding prep?”
Gwennolyn nodded.
“Yes. Busy.”
If not today, when could she come out again? Marquis Horace disliked her mingling with friends.
Thinking of the maid and guard stationed outside like gatekeepers made her frown.
“But this is a bit tricky.”
“Why?”
“Father worries I might get caught in gossip. So he assigned a maid and guard.”
“The Marquis loved his only daughter dearly. Then… how?”
“He wants me to get home early for bridal lessons. I might have to go back.”
“What are you talking about, Gwen? We’ll help you.”
“Right, after marriage, we won’t be able to do this.”
Her friends giggled.
Childhood or now, they hadn’t changed.
Gwennolyn smiled. Moving their hearts had never been easier.
When returning home with Baldwin, I imagined the house as usual.
But it was completely different. Carriages lined up, and the somber-faced butler Rosiewood met us at the entrance.
The mansion itself had a busy, lively atmosphere.
“What’s going on?”
“You’re here. Guests have arrived.”
The butler’s gaze fell on Baldwin. His expression stiffened. He seemed to know what was happening.
“Your friends… have arrived, Your Grace.”
Baldwin ran his hand through his hair, a hint of silent anger showing.
“What shall we do?”
If they were Baldwin’s friends, they were likely gentlemen of the social circle, connected by family ties from childhood.
“We’ll need plenty of dinner prepared.”
Until then, I had no reason to be wary.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Baldwin and I should change clothes. In the meantime, please attend the guests, Mr. Rosiewood.”
The butler looked slightly troubled.
“Yes, Your Grace. But… the ladies have arrived too.”
At that moment, I felt a faint chill.
“Miss Gwennolyn has arrived.”
“…Ah.”
I somehow sensed the true reason for this sudden gathering.
Baldwin took my hand.
“Perfect timing.”
I held his hand tightly.
“I wanted to give Miss Gwennolyn her wedding gift anyway.”
“Grand Duchess…”
The butler called me.
“Baldwin, may I fetch a gift from the safe?”
Baldwin looked at me stiffly.
“If possible… something with the Constantine crest would be best.”
I didn’t know why Gwennolyn had come, but she wouldn’t leave empty-handed.
I tilted my lips slightly.
She had an exceptional talent for raising my fighting spirit.
