episode_0058

The corridor of the sprawling mansion, with its sky-blue eyes stretching out in front of her, was shrouded in suffocating darkness that hung thickly over it. Sparse marble lamps scattered about only dimly illuminated the surroundings, but that was all.

Passing through the small, mysterious blue light seeping through the glass of the lamps, Eleanor walked alone down the corridor she had been waiting for.

The sight before her was a somewhat strange landscape that she had never seen in the modern world where she lived.

However, Eleanor was quite accustomed to the elegant corridors of the European-style grand mansion and the blue marble lamps.

It wasn’t just that.

Eleanor also knew exactly where the long corridor led. She knew what lay beyond the massive wooden door she had just passed by.

Thanks to the lessons she had taken with her mother, Etienne, Eleanor was quite familiar with this grand mansion.

Now, she could navigate the mansion without the help of Sophia or the other maids.

“Dmitri is staying in the guest room on the third floor of the east wing.”

Eleanor’s muttering echoed through the quiet corridor. The sound was louder than she had anticipated, causing her to involuntarily twitch her slender shoulders.

The main building of the mansion was divided into east and west wings from the grand central staircase and entrance.

The eastern wing, known as the “Donggwan,” was reserved for Baron Ga’s people. The western wing, on the other hand, accommodated guests visiting the mansion or those working there.

“By the way, why is it so quiet today?”

Although she was familiar with it, the atmosphere seemed somewhat chilly. Eleanor glanced around the dark, silent corridor uneasily.

In truth, Eleanor was not aware of the details. She did not know who had made Baron Ga’s morning more hectic than usual. As a result, the mansion’s staff had finished their day a bit earlier than usual.

“Ugh… If I had known it would be like this, I would have woken you up to come with me…”

Rubbing the neatly folded white handkerchief in her hand, Eleanor muttered. Between her fingers, adorned with rings, the slightly crooked characters on the white handkerchief were faintly visible.

#.

Fortunate or unfortunate.

Until just a moment ago, Oejeni, who had tied her tail neatly, had returned to her original self after Eleanor wiped her face with a warm towel.

“Oh, really! Just go in and rest, seriously!”

No, she had transformed into a more enthusiastic maid.

Oejeni, who had just gotten off the carriage, washed off the dirt from her body and immediately headed to Eleanor’s bedroom without resting.

“Miss, I’m fine. I rested enough even in the carriage.”

The platinum blonde hair, still slightly damp, gently swayed from side to side as Oejeni smiled broadly.

“Excuse me, Oejeni. I’m not okay.”

Even as the young lady shook her head, Oejeni pulled her hand close to her chest, clenched her fist, and gazed steadfastly at Eleanor.

“I am. I promised. I won’t lose you anywhere now.”

“Well… Oejeni. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. But no matter what, this is our mansion, right?”

“Yes! Even in the mansion! Right, Miss. I’ve been a little careless until now, I guess.”

Your death was also in your mansion.

Swallowing the rest of her words, Oejeni sent a loving smile towards her dear old friend.

Eleanor let out a deep sigh.

Living as a lady, Eleanor had long forsaken her privacy. Whether changing clothes or bathing, there was always someone by Eleanor’s side who knew her body better than she did.

But invading personal time like this was unexpected.

She lifted her head to gaze at the smiling foreigner, Eugenie.

Honestly, Eleanor found Eugenie a bit uncomfortable.

It wasn’t because they weren’t close. Eugenie was the only one in the mansion whom Eleanor could truly confide in.

However, Eugenie was a woman, similar in age to Eleanor’s past self. That fact alone made it uncomfortable.

The way she approached with her pretty face and occasional touches, intentional or not. Even though Eleanor didn’t know if it was deliberate, all of Eugenie’s actions felt burdensome to her.

She had been startled when Eugenie suggested bathing together earlier…

“Sigh… Fine… Do as you wish.”

Her lips, now tinged red, almost reached her ears with the desired response.

Well, she was just becoming an adult. How far could that resolve go?

“Then, milady, shall I give you a massage? You spoke for quite a while yesterday. Are you not uncomfortable moving?”

Moreover, there was something Eugenie wanted to ask about the noble lady.

“Actually, milady…”

“Yes, Eugenie?”

“Well…”

Noticing Eleanor’s unusual hesitation, Eugenie gently tilted her ivory-colored hair to the side.

“I… I want to express my gratitude to His Grace, the Duke. But I’m not familiar with formalities. Is there a good way?”

Eugenie’s violet eyes sparkled suddenly. She moved closer to Eleanor.

“To His Grace?”

“Yeah… I caused some trouble. And also…”

“Milady, have you finally made a decision?”

Finally, Eugenie’s soft hand enveloped Eleanor’s small hands. Looking into those resolute amethyst eyes, Eleanor stumbled over her words in confusion.

“A d-decision? What decision?”

“Oh, come on. Stop pretending. Where is there anything to hide between us?”

“Ugh! It’s not like that with His Grace!”

Despite Eleanor’s rebuttal, Eugenie continued, teasingly licking her lips.

“Well, His Grace is quite charming. And that figure… Right. Milady, when you were embraced by His Grace-”

“Stop it, stop it, stop it! Seriously! It’s not like that!”

Suddenly, a high-pitched voice echoed in the room. The platinum blonde hair, slightly damp, swayed from side to side in the air. Eleanor, shaking her head slightly in place, seemed so distressed that she might retch.

“Oh, my! Our lady is too adorable.”

“I told you, it’s not like that…”

“Yes, yes. I know it’s not like that.”

After a few dry heaves, Eleanor looked at Eugenie with reddened, worried eyes but a smile on her lips.

“So… what would be good? Oh. How about a handkerchief with embroidery? You’ve always been good at embroidery since you were young.”

“Embroidery? Embroidery…”

Intrigued by Eugenie’s suggestion, Eleanor widened her red eyes.

“I don’t remember, Eugenie. Won’t it be difficult?”

“If you just embroider a few letters lightly, it shouldn’t be too hard. It won’t take much time either. If you can’t manage, I’ll help. Should I bring it then?”

In the days when he was still a novice. Scenes in fantasy novels he had read often depicted women giving handkerchiefs embroidered with gratitude as gifts.

Eleanor nodded gently at Foreigner.

Of course, both the novice and Eleanor. They didn’t quite understand what it meant in the world of romance novels.

#.

Was it due to various reasons? Or perhaps the whiskey Albrice handed him was stronger than he thought.

Guided by a servant back to his room, Dmitri, with a slightly flushed face, collapsed onto the sofa next to the bed.

“Damn it. This sofa is no less grand than a royal bed.”

Under the rising influence of alcohol, Dmitri spat out rougher words than usual and propped his feet up on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

“Your Highness, isn’t it not such a bad condition? Our Ellie is the same. Our Beaurne family too.”

He felt a mess.

Albrice, who spoke calmly without changing her expression even though she was his younger sister, left Dmitri speechless.

Because what she said was true.

The Beaurne Viscount was needed in the north immediately. If they didn’t secure the Majungseok Mine, they would have to beg like beggars in the capital next spring.

“Moreover, Your Highness also have some goodwill, don’t you?”

But that alone did not unsettle Dmitri. To protect the north, to save its people. His pride as a royal had long been cast aside.

Goodwill…

Dmitri lightly tapped the empty wine glass on the table with the tip of his shoe.

Honestly, if it weren’t for Yeong-ae’s beauty, that would be a lie.

Her beautiful platinum hair swaying before his eyes. The soft body of Yeong-ae in his arms and the fragrant smell of rose-scented skin.

Of course, last night, the situation was tense, so he couldn’t think about such things.

Now that the incident was over, and with a bit of alcohol in his system.

Every stimulation Eleanor had given him was coming back to him from every cell that had touched her.

Her playful and cute appearance at their first meeting.

The enjoyable conversation they had during dessert time on the terrace after dinner.

And her beautiful figure reflected in the moonlight at the recent farewell ball.

Knock, knock, knock.

Interrupted by the knocking sound, Dmitri, disturbed by memories of her, reacted somewhat nervously.

“Who is it at this hour?”

The voice flowing in through the tightly closed door instantly dispelled the lingering drunkenness.

“I apologize, Your Highness. It’s Eleanor Beaurne.”