Beneath the Surviving Princess's Joyful Facade - Chapter 87

Leaving Duke Salachez to enjoy his cigar, Eirik returned alone to the hall, where he greeted a marquis and marchioness.

Noticing the marquis’s flushed face, Eirik realized that as the evening wore on, some guests were becoming intoxicated. He exchanged pleasantries with the marchioness before the marquis, struggling with his slurred speech, turned to him.

“Will we be seeing the Margravine at the upcoming banquet?”

“Yes, she will be wearing a white dress,” Eirik replied, slightly annoyed by the marquis’s smirking tone. He quickly shifted the conversation to a topic that interested the marchioness, but the marquis interrupted, looking surprised.

“Is that true? I heard that you accepted the Margrave position on the condition that your wife would not participate in public activities.”

“That’s a false rumor. There were no conditions attached to my succession,” Eirik stated calmly.

“So, you’re saying the Margravine will be making a public appearance?”

The insinuation that Miesa needed to be hidden away irked Eirik, but he kept his composure. He said, “I don’t understand why that should be surprising.”

“Because the Margravine has never participated in any public events.”

“She has been unwell. Now that she has recovered somewhat, she will attend the banquet.”

“Really?” The marquis looked at his wife in genuine surprise, and she returned the look, wide-eyed. Their shock felt out of place, prompting Eirik to inquire.

“Why are you so surprised?”

“My apologies. That was very rude of us,” the marchioness quickly jabbed her husband in the side.

After a brief hesitation, the marquis offered an explanation in a quieter voice. “We heard that it’s not just physical illness but that the Margravine’s mind is not entirely clear.”

Eirik listened without responding, prompting the marquis to continue, emboldened by the lack of interruption.

“We heard that you kept her hidden because of this.”

“Are you saying that I have been hiding my wife?” Eirik asked with a hint of incredulity, causing the marchioness to hastily interject.

“We know you wouldn’t do such a thing. But we’ve also heard that you, being such an upright person, couldn’t tolerate having such a wife…”

“And more recently, there’s been talk that the succession faced opposition from your vassals, leading to the condition that the Margravine wouldn’t appear publicly. Someone claimed they heard it directly from one of your vassals,” the marquis added.

Eirik shook his head. “That’s nonsense. While it’s true my wife isn’t in a condition to fulfill all the duties of the lady of the house, we are considering appointing someone from a branch family to take on those responsibilities.”

“So, the rumors have been greatly exaggerated,” the marquis mused.

Even so, the extent of the rumors was astonishing. Eirik glanced around and noticed Emmerich, who had been flirting with a lady nearby. Their eyes met, and Eirik saw his cousin’s subtle hand signal: [Father].

It seemed his uncle had been spreading these rumors. Eirik sighed deeply. While bringing Miesa to the banquet would dispel the baseless rumors, it would also fuel gossip among those who loved to chatter.

Regardless of what people said, as long as Vermel was removed from his position, Miesa could eventually appear before everyone in her true light, and the rumors would naturally die down.

When that day would come was uncertain, but Eirik smiled bitterly at the thought.

When Miesa woke up in the morning, she found Eirik sound asleep beside her. She could faintly smell the scent of alcohol in his breath. Fascinated, she moved her face closer to his and continued to observe his features.

“Are you awake?” her husband asked, without opening his eyes, somehow aware that she had been watching him. He rubbed his face with his hand and glanced out the window, estimating the time before closing his eyes again.

“It’s still early. You’re not going to sleep more?” he murmured.

“Did you come home very late last night?”

“I did,” he replied, his voice heavy and lower than usual, laden with sleep.

Miesa found the uncharacteristic disarray intriguing and wanted to hear more of his altered voice, so she kept talking.

“I heard you attended a gathering.”

“Yes. The Count of Raviate’s second son got engaged.”

“Were there many people?”

“Representatives from twenty-five families were present. The total number of guests was—”

“Were there many women?” she interrupted.

“Mostly older ladies,” he answered, chuckling softly. His deep, resonant laughter fascinated her, and she tentatively reached out to touch his throat, where she could see his Adam’s apple move as he laughed. Just as her fingers were about to make contact, he opened his eyes.

Afraid he might not like being touched, she quickly withdrew her hand. But he caught her hand and placed it on his throat.

“Let me know when you’re done touching it. Since I’m awake now, we should have breakfast,” he said.

“Are we having breakfast together today?” she asked.

“Gella didn’t tell you, did she? Not just breakfast, but we’ll be spending the whole day together,” he said with a smile.

After a leisurely breakfast, Eirik watched as Gella helped Miesa bathe and change into fresh clothes.

“Stop watching,” Miesa said, glancing at Eirik’s reflection in the mirror.

“Why?”

“It’s just, a bit embarrassing,” she replied, feeling self-conscious under his gaze. Gella also felt awkward as she struggled with Miesa’s hair, which wasn’t cooperating today.

“You have several new outfits,” Eirik remarked.

“Yes, even some everyday clothes. Madam, would you like to wear one today?” Gella encouraged.

Miesa nodded, and while Eirik went to change his clothes, Miesa quickly gestured towards the bed. “Do my makeup too.”

“Of course,” Gella agreed.

Having practiced a few times, Gella was now quite proficient. When she finished, Miesa looked stunning.

“Wow, it was worth the effort. You’ll be even more beautiful at the banquet the day after tomorrow,” Gella said, beaming.

Eirik returned after changing his clothes, his eyes widening briefly before narrowing appreciatively. Knowing this was his way of giving a compliment, Miesa felt delighted, smiling bashfully.

“Where did you learn to smile like that?” Eirik asked, retrieving something from his pocket. “When we go outside, try not to smile too much, especially in front of Cullen. Though he’s probably too exhausted to notice after yesterday’s ordeal.”

He handed her a pair of earplugs and said, “I’ll go check the surroundings first. Enjoy your tea, then meet me in the garden.”

Miesa only understood what he meant about Cullen’s ordeal once they stepped outside the mansion. Guards with bows were stationed everywhere, maintaining a vigilant watch.

The early autumn sunlight was blinding, and as they headed towards the garden, a sharp smell hit Miesa’s nose. The uneven stones pressed uncomfortably against the soles of her thin leather shoes. As she stumbled, Eirik swiftly lifted her into his arms.

He set her down in the shade of a tree. Away from the harsh sunlight, Miesa’s furrowed brow relaxed, and she felt the cool grass beneath her feet instead of the rough stone. She realized the sharp smell was merely a mix of grass and flowers.

As she gazed at the blooming autumn flowers, a gentle breeze tousled her hair. For a moment, Miesa felt like she was in another world. Eirik gently took her arm, smiling.

He pointed to a spot under the tree and lay down first, then extended his arm inviting her to join. Resting her head on his arm, she looked up at the canopy of leaves, through which sunlight filtered in various shades, creating a beautiful mosaic of colors.

Eirik was like a magician who could create anything, a knight from a fairy tale. No, he’s more than that; he’s her wonderful husband.

Miesa was overjoyed. The happiness he provided was so complete that she felt like her heart might burst.

“……?”

He said something, but she couldn’t hear it through her earplugs. Not understanding, she just smiled, and his eyes crinkled in that way she found so charming.

His wide smile softened into a gentle curve as he murmured something again.

As Miesa reached to remove her earplugs, Eirik gently stopped her and used hand signals.

[Today], [Last], [Outdoors]

Miesa nodded, realizing she’d been caught using the signals she had learned. But it made her smile.

Eirik seemed to know everything about her. Even though she hadn’t explicitly said she wanted to lie in the garden with her head on his arm, it was as if he had known all along.

The world her husband showed her was comforting, fascinating, and warm. Miesa prayed this moment would last forever. She hoped that the cool, marble-like features of his face would always form the beautiful lines she loved to see by her side.