If You Wish For A Married Couple’s Duties - Chapter 90

As though in commemoration of the last day of the carnival, there was a long line of people in the square of Esbaden castle. Each of them threw the tributes they brought into the brazier in the middle of the square, and prayed for a good harvest. The order to offer their tributes continued from the lowborns to the highborns. When the citizens of the territory finished offering their tributes, the noblewomen of the Esbaden family’s vassals stepped up gracefully and threw their tributes into the fire.

All of which were crafts made out of expensive and rare materials. But the gazes of the people remained on a single person. It was the Duchess of Esbaden.

“Is she that Duchess?”

“Oh gosh, I thought the rumour was an exaggeration, but she’s much more beautiful than the rumours make her out to be.”

“Did you hear about it? I heard that the Duchess is kind towards the servants in the castle.”

“Is that all? I heard that this time, she’d saved the lives of the knights in Tochern Castle!”

“Ey, that can’t be. How could a duchess go to such a dangerous place…”

“I heard this personally! My son, who joined the Knights this time, told me about this himself!”

Only the people involved were unaware, but rumours about Dooha had already spread widely within the territory.

Of course, under the duke’s thorough control, there were only positive rumours.

‘Am I weird?’

Meanwhile, the residents of the territory kept their gazes trained on Dooha, causing her to be at a loss.

The wedding was also held within the ducal castle, and she hadn’t appeared in public before. It was her first time officially appearing in front of the residents.

The duchess kept shrinking in front of their simple and sparkling eyes.

She had never backed down even when she had to face numerous enemies.

“A—am I weird?”

In the end, Dooha asked the duke, who was standing next to her, an unnecessary question.

Leonhart frowned at her sudden and unexpected question.

Instead of armour, he was wearing white robes, and despite leaving a deep impression on the people, he seemed like a messenger of God.

“Why do you say that?”

“Everyone seems to be looking at me.”

“It’s their first time seeing the Duchess in person.”

“Isn’t it because I’m not from the Empire?”

“Well, I can’t deny that either.”

Leonhart noted that his wife seemed to be constantly conscious of the people’s gazes, and lowered her head slightly.

He whispered in a low voice so that only Dooha could hear him.

“But do you know what’s the largest reason?”

“What is it?”

“They were just surprised. They didn’t expect the Duchess to be so beautiful.”

“…You’re probably the only one that thinks so.”

Dooha frowned at her husband’s flattering remarks.

“Anyways, whether it’s you, Sylvia, or Layla, I don’t understand why all of you are saying things that you don’t mean. I know that I’m ugly, so you don’t have to cater to my moods…”

“I’m not joking.”

“Oh, yes, I suppose so.”

Leonhart couldn’t help but laugh when she turned her head away like she was hurt by his sarcasm. This woman didn’t seem to know how beautiful she was.

“I’m telling you the truth.”

Dressed in a dress made of translucent blue silk, Dooha looked particularly striking today. Her silver hair was tied into long braids akin to a spring fairy, and it stood out due to the densely inserted winter flowers. Of course, even if she wasn’t specially dressed up, she was a remarkable woman.

Leonhart could guarantee that she’d still stand out, even if she was wearing worn-out rags.

“Madam.”

Just then, it was the duchess’s turn. This time, the gazes of the residents were focused on the silk embroidery that she was holding, and not on her.

“Goodness, I’ve never seen such beautiful embroidery.”

“Isn’t it such a waste to just burn it all up?”

“It must have been made by the maids anyway, so what’s there to feel pity about?”

“It seems like new chambermaids were brought in this time, right? They have excellent skills.”

As the noblewomen looked at the embroidery brought by Dooha, they expressed their opinions.

However, when the duchess’ tribute was also burned to ashes, even those that doubted her sincerity let out a lamenting sigh.

“What a shame.”

Dooha opened her mouth as she watched the embroidery being eaten by flames and disappearing.

“Although I knew it would be burned anyways, it’s a shame to see it like this.”

“Why?”

“…It’s just.”

She spoke in a low voice that could only be heard by the duke, who stood next to her.

“I made it with you.”

“If that’s the reason you find it a waste, don’t worry. We’ll make it again next year anyway.”

“That’s true, but…”

“I can help you with whatever you’re going to do next year.”

Leonhart brought his hand close and whispered in her ear.

“After all, my skills are better than yours.”

“…If you’re so confident, you should quit being the Duke and get a job in the bedroom.”

“I know, right? I would have done so if I weren’t the Duke, but it’s unfortunate.”

Dooha burst out laughing at the duke’s silly joke.

“Then, shall we head home?”

Leonhart held his palm out to Dooha, like he was signalling her to take his hand quickly.

Now that the ceremony was over, they ought to head back to the castle.

Just as Dooha took the Duke’s hand and began moving.

The residents that were around began sprinkling petals over the ducal couple’s heads.

Dooha stared blankly at the petals that were swirling about like snow.

“Prosperity to Halton—! Glory to Esbaden—!”

They were showered in petals, as well as belated marriage blessings and greetings to welcome the new duchess. At the unexpectedly enthusiastic hospitality, astonishment filled Dooha’s face.

“Who doesn’t like you?”

Leonhart looked at her surprised eyes and grinned.

Dooha moved without saying anything.

Petals covered each step she took, and was filled with cheers.

Only then did Dooha reveal a bright smile.

The Duke and Duchess of Esbaden got onto the carriage as they were baptised with petals scattered by the residents of the territory.

Thanks to this, the eyes of those gathered in the square didn’t notice the momentary tension or solemnity that flashed past the Duchess’s face.

* * *

“Fireworks?”

“Yes, Margaret said that she wanted to watch it together with everyone.”

Dooha cautiously added, as she watched the duke’s countenance, which turned chilly in an instant.

“You and Daniel, both of you together.”

Instead of responding, Leonhart folded his arms and tapped his fingers slowly.

At first glance, it was apparent that he was quite unhappy.

“I’m well aware that you’ll refuse. But please give it some consideration for Margaret’s sake…”

“Fine.”

Dooha’s eyes widened.

It was because the duke accepted her proposal with more ease than she’d anticipated.

“What’s wrong?”

“I didn’t expect you to accept it so easily.”

“I can’t pretend to be unaware of your feelings as you made this request while fully aware that I’ll refuse.”

Dooha felt rather happy at his response.

“You’re really going to watch it together, right?”

“Yes.”

Leonhart turned his head out of the window.

Even though he’d accepted Dooha’s proposal, he couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.

It was unbearable to exist in the same time and space as a man that was no different from his parents’ enemy.

‘That fool.’

Leonhart thought about the events that transpired in the Tochern fiefdom.

He recalled Daniel, who rushed about in order to inform him about his father’s plans.

Although it was Dooha’s request, he was originally someone that wasn’t interested in the affairs of others.

In particular, Daniel has never been involved in the Duke’s affairs, ever since the day Leonhart had cut ties with him unilaterally.

Whether it’s something good or bad.

‘What are you planning to do now?’

Leonhart’s brows furrowed.

Why did Daniel fight that desperately in Tochern Castle?

Even if he did so, it wouldn’t erase his past mistakes or gain forgiveness.

There’s no way that the guilt that hasn’t appeared for ten over years would suddenly make an appearance.

‘Was it for Madam’s sake?’

Leonhart’s gaze turned towards Dooha, who was seated across from him.

She seemed rather excited by the fact that she could grant Margaret’s wish, and was currently looking out of the window and waving eagerly,

The princess that hailed from another country was already in love with the people of Esbaden.

The way she tried to respond to the goodwill she was given with corresponding amounts of pure goodwill was as brilliant as usual.

Leonhart looked at her side profile quietly.

Dooha did have something that attracted people.

Wasn’t she the one that managed to capture the Duke, who’d thought that he’d never change.

As such, he didn’t have the slightest bit of desire to share her with anyone.

Much less if the opponent was the culprit that caused his parents to die.

‘This is much better.’

Leonhart’s blue eyes sank calmly.

No matter what, he should take this opportunity to show who’s woman Dooha was.

* * *

“He refused?”

“Yes, Madam.”

Dooha frowned at the letter brought by the head maid.

On a smooth letter paper that emitted the scent of flowers, a short sentence of “I’m sorry” was written in elegant handwriting.

“Why? Did he say that he’d a prior engagement?”

“No, I don’t think that’s the case.”

Was her request too hurried? But he didn’t even have a prior engagement, so why wasn’t he attending?

Dooha looked back at the group that was gathered in the annex’s front courtyard.

Margaret was seated in the seats prepared by the maids with shining eyes, and Leonhart was standing beside her.

The two were talking in a friendly manner like they were friends, and not grandmother and grandchild.

The duke’s gaze seemed to turn in this direction for a moment, but he seemed more curious about when she would head over to his side than whether Daniel would attend or not.

“Then, is there another reason?”

“I’m not too sure, but according to the maids that’s serving Lord Daniel, he hasn’t even left the bedroom recently.”

That was a lie. How could a person that hasn’t left his bedroom meet Margaret? Margaret couldn’t lie, so what the maids have said probably wasn’t true.

And if it was Daniel, he was fully capable of leaving while fooling the gazes of others.

“…There’s no helping it. I can’t force a person that’s not coming.”

Dooha returned the letter to the head maid and returned back to the duke’s side.

“You don’t look too good.”

Leonhart spoke without looking at her face.

“Did Daniel say that he couldn’t come?”

* * *