A Change of Husband - Chapter 16

“…Huh?”

 

Asilie didn’t understand his words immediately.
No, she had a vague sense of what he meant, but she just couldn’t believe that he was upset, so she asked again.

 

“What I meant is, the reason Edgar could bring my sister was because I asked him to.”

 

“Ah… I see.”

 

“So why are you only thanking him?”

 

“I’m not only thanking Sir Villian. I just wanted to thank him first because he worked hard to bring Lydia.”

 

“I see. So you think that taking action is more significant than just giving orders while sitting.”

 

“That’s not it at all!”

 

She denied it strongly, but Esperad didn’t seem like he was ready to let go of his irritation.
Although she could tell he wasn’t angry enough to be truly furious, it was the first time she had been faced with such a situation, and Asilie felt restless.

 

There’s a joke that says if you live as a married woman for three years, you’ll become an expert at handling men.
But she hardly knew anything about men.
Wondering how she could calm him down, she eventually started making excuses.

 

“It wasn’t like that. It’s just that it’s natural for me to be grateful to you, but…”

 

“Then why did you thank Edgar first?”

 

“Well, I thought Sir Villian would leave soon. I could still talk to you later, but I felt I wouldn’t have a chance to thank him if I didn’t do it then.”

 

Esperad realized he was being unreasonable, though he didn’t want to admit it.
However, the hurt he felt when Asilie spoke to Edgar immediately upon entering the room lingered, and he couldn’t shake it off.

 

“Anyway, I’m sorry.”

 

But at her apology, Esperad found himself feeling sorry instead.
He hadn’t wanted an apology.
But… but what exactly had he wanted? He didn’t know.

 

“I won’t overlook you again from now on.”

 

Asilie continued apologizing, but Esperad couldn’t figure out what he was feeling.
“…No, I think I was too sensitive. It wasn’t what I meant.”

 

“So, are you feeling better now?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“You were upset, right…? Or not?”

 

She seemed to hit the mark.
Esperad stared at her blankly, unable to hide his confusion.
He was upset?
The thought was ridiculous.
But the reason it felt ridiculous wasn’t because Asilie was saying something unreasonable.
It was because he couldn’t deny that she was right about his feelings.

 

“Esperad?”

 

After a long pause with no answer, Asilie called his name, wondering if she had upset him again.

 

“No, but it seems your sister didn’t come with you after all.”

 

Esperad quickly shook his head and changed the subject, unable to gather the courage to reflect on his own feelings.

 

“Ah, the journey must have been long. We’ll probably meet her at dinner.”

 

“I’m curious about what kind of person she is.”

 

Lydia had also expressed curiosity about Esperad.
It seemed that anyone would wonder about the person they were suddenly related to, even if it was through marriage.
Asilie hesitated for a moment.
She had told Lydia that Esperad was a good person and that she would like him, but she couldn’t Asilie say such things to Esperad.

 

In her mind, her younger sister was the type who would be divisive.

 

“Well, you’ll know when you meet her. She’s not a bad person.”

 

That was the best Asilie could offer.

 

 

The simple breakfast was either eaten together in the bedroom or separately depending on schedules, and lunch was usually eaten alone while working. Dinner, however, was served together in the dining room on the first floor after the day’s work was done.
Although nothing was unsatisfactory, there were times when the dining room felt too large and empty when it was just the two of them.

 

But today was different.
The two-person dining room now had two additional people, making it feel much more filled.

 

“This is my sister, Lydia. And Lydia, this is my husband and the master of the estate, Esperad.”

 

“Esperad Camedici. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

 

“I’m happy to meet you too. I think you’re even more impressive than I imagined.”

 

Lydia’s boldness didn’t seem to care about the situation.
Asilie nervously looked around, but Esperad seemed surprisingly unfazed, and Edgar, who had grown used to the capital, had that familiar expression on his face.

 

“My sister has very low standards. She’s never met a man before.”

 

“Lydia!”

 

Asilie immediately tried to stop her, but it was clear Lydia wasn’t going to take her sister’s hints.

 

“I thought you’d be kindhearted since you agreed to meet me, but I didn’t expect you to be so handsome. Sir Villian wouldn’t say anything when I asked him.”

 

“Ah, Edgar should’ve said something.”

 

“Anyway, I’m really glad my sister married the Duke. I never thought she’d find such a great man.”

 

Lydia sincerely thought that way.
She couldn’t believe her usually quiet sister had picked such a man.
It had been a shock when her sister had rejected the idea of marrying Prince Bonaparte of Grandier, and even more surprising that she had ended up with such an impressive husband.
Lydia had seen handsome men before, but none like this.
He was not only good-looking but in great shape too.
He was the young head of an ancient noble family, a man with qualities that could stir the hearts of many women.
Moreover, from their conversation, he seemed to have a good character and a sense of humor.
He was truly perfect.

 

Asilie had been right when she boldly told Duke Grandier she would marry this man.
Lydia, who didn’t know the full story, nodded, thinking that her sister had made a good choice after all.

 

“I appreciate you saying that. Now, let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

 

Esperad liked Lydia’s boldness.
He could have talked with her more, but seeing Asilie so restless, it seemed best to stop the conversation for now.

 

However, despite Esperad’s consideration, Asilie’s discomfort didn’t end there.

 

“By the way…”

 

As they finished their meal and dessert was served, Lydia spoke again.
Asilie grew tense, wondering what Lydia might say now, but Lydia asked Esperad without feeling any guilt.

 

“I’m suddenly curious about something, Duke.”

 

“I’ll answer anything I can.”

 

“You’re so impressive. I’m curious—do you really care about my sister?”

 

“Lydia, what are you…?”

 

Asilie tried to stop her again, but as usual, Lydia ignored her.

 

“Of course.”

 

“For what reason?”

 

“She’s my wife.”

 

Esperad answered, amusingly accepting Lydia’s question.
Asilie, half-giving up, put her hand to her forehead.
She could feel the cold sweat gathering on her palm. This situation felt undeniable.

 

“Please, Lydia…”

 

Lydia, oblivious to her sister’s distress, eagerly asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

 

“So, if another woman became your wife, would you still care about her the same way?”

 

There was a brief silence.
Asilie thought the question was rude, but she was also curious about his answer.

 

“Well…”

 

“Oh, are you hesitating?”

 

“I’ve never thought about it before. But one thing is certain—there’s no one who could replace Asilie.”

 

“Oh my.”

 

“Was that an adequate answer?”

 

“Of course, brother-in-law!”

 

With Lydia’s cheerful response, their dinner came to an end.

 

Yet, even after returning to the bedroom, Asilie couldn’t relax.
She had been so anxious that her head ached.

 

“You’re going to bed early tonight.”

 

“I’m tired.”

 

“That makes sense. I heard from Mrs. Marce that you cried a lot.”

 

“Ah…”

 

Although it was true that Lydia had exhausted her, that wasn’t exactly why Esperad thought she was tired.
But Asilie decided not to correct him.

 

“It’s just that it’s been a while since I saw her. We almost didn’t meet again. So, I’m more grateful to you, Esperad. Come to think of it, I didn’t properly thank you. Thank you, sincerely.”

 

“She’s your sister, but now she’s also my relative. It’s just something I had to do.”

 

Esperad didn’t want Asilie to feel like she owed him for this.

 

Although bringing Lydia to the Medici mansion had been a promise made during their marriage, it had become a matter of course over time, not just fulfilling a promise.

 

“Still.”

 

“It’s getting embarrassing, Asilie. I’ve already reflected on my earlier actions, so there’s no need to thank me anymore.”

 

“Oh, that’s not what I meant. Then I’ll apologize.”

 

“Apologize?”

 

“At dinner, Lydia was rude. I should have addressed it right away, but I didn’t. I’m sorry.”

 

Esperad quickly shook his head.
He enjoyed his conversation with Lydia. While it might have been inappropriate in a public setting, this was the Medici mansion, and they were now family living under one roof.

 

“I liked your sister. The conversation was very enjoyable.”

 

“I was worried that Lydia’s rudeness might have upset you.”

 

“Not at all. Don’t worry about it. But if it keeps bothering you, I’ll find someone to teach her manners.”

 

“I’d appreciate that…”

 

At Asilie’s words, Esperad sighed deeply.
He walked over to the bed and approached her without warning.

 

Asilie, startled by his sudden closeness, froze.

 

“Esperad?”

 

“From now on, I’m banning words like ‘thank you,’ ‘sorry,’ and ‘I appreciate it.’”

 

His breath was so close that Asilie couldn’t speak, her body frozen in place.
They had kissed at the wedding, but this was different. She hadn’t been this close to him since then, and she couldn’t move.

 

Esperad seemed to realize this too and stepped back slightly, saying,
“From now on, those words are forbidden.”

 

“…”

 

“And next Wednesday, we’ll be watching Beauty and the Beast, Asilie. Keep that time free.”

 

“I will. Oh, what if Lydia comes with us?”

 

Asilie felt a little foolish for not thinking of it sooner.
Esperad had enjoyed talking with Lydia, so it would be much more fun for him to go to the play with her than to watch it alone with Asilie, who had been too worried about what to say.
It could also help them grow closer.

 

“Well…”

 

Esperad, who seemed like he would agree immediately, gave an ambiguous response, and Asilie grew uneasy.

 

“Maybe it’s not a good idea?”

 

“…No, it’s fine. It should be a pleasant time.”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

She asked again, nervous after his earlier hesitation, but Esperad nodded as if nothing was wrong.

 

“Of course.”

 

“You were just slow to answer.”

 

“I was worried about getting tickets.”

 

After hearing that, Asilie didn’t doubt him anymore and laid down in bed.
And even though she didn’t know what he was thinking, she knew one thing for sure: today had been the best day, and she fell asleep without any worries.

 

When she opened her eyes, Esperad was not beside her.
Asilie, who reached out to feel his empty spot with her hand, remembered that today was Monday, the day of meetings at the royal palace.
On days when there were meetings, Esperad would always wake up early and quietly get ready so as not to wake her.
Right after they got married, she was sensitive and would often wake up even when he was being careful, but these days she slept so deeply that she barely noticed.
Asilie thought that at some point, she had gotten very used to life with him.

 

“Did you cough, my lady? Shall I prepare breakfast?”
“Breakfast? Hmm, I’ll eat after I’m ready, together with Lydia. Could you let her know too?”
“Of course. I also heated the bathwater just in case. I’ll have towels and clothes ready for you once you go in.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

 

Asilie’s stiff body seemed to loosen up a little as she soaked in the hot water.
She was enjoying a luxury she never could have imagined in the past.
Even when she lived with her deeply indebted father, or when she was living at Count Bonaparte’s house as the future mistress, she had never even dreamed of taking such a bath.
Back when she lived with her father, they couldn’t even afford firewood, so hot water was out of the question, and at the Bonaparte estate, she couldn’t even ask a maid for such a favor.
But now, this kind of bath had become a normal part of her life. Unbelievable as it was.
Not only that, but Lydia could now enjoy the same luxuries.
It still didn’t feel real, but this was reality.

 

After her bath, Asilie put on the clothes Mrs. Marce had prepared and sat down.
A little later, Lydia came into the room, clearly still half-asleep despite being all dressed up.

 

“It’s a perfect morning, sister.”
“Same here. Breakfast will be here soon. Are you very hungry?”
“Not really. Actually, I don’t have much of an appetite.”
“Should I tell them not to prepare it?”
“No, who knows when I’ll get to eat three full meals again? I want to eat a lot while I can.”
“You won’t need to worry about that anymore, but suit yourself.”

 

Asilie understood how Lydia felt.
But her sister would never have to go back to the hardship of their past.
Even if something went wrong and Asilie were to die, Esperad wasn’t someone who would abandon Lydia.
Their relationship had grown past a simple partnership—she now trusted him as one person to another.

 

Lydia seemed to be thinking about Esperad as well and suddenly spoke.
“He seems like a good person—your husband, I mean. I liked him.”
“He said you were delightful too. I’m glad you two got along.”
“I figured he’d like me. I didn’t sense any twisted side to him. He didn’t seem like someone who would see things in a mean way.”

 

Asilie agreed with her.
“That’s right. Oh, and speaking of which, I have a few updates to share with you.”
“Good news or bad?”
“All good news. First, we’re going to a play next Wednesday.”
“Me?”
“Yes. You, me, and Esperad—the three of us.”

 

Lydia thought the combination was a little—no, very—strange.
‘No way…’
She wanted to believe it wasn’t what she was thinking, but the innocent look on Asilie’s face made her even more suspicious.
Lydia couldn’t hide her uncomfortable expression as she cautiously asked,

 

“…Just asking, but was the play originally meant for the two of you?”
“Yes.”
“Did His Grace suggest that I come along too?”
“Hmm, no. I asked if it would be okay for you to come with us. He happily agreed.”

 

Asilie was smiling brightly, as if asking to be praised for doing something great. Lydia was speechless.

 

“That’s the good news?”
“Huh? Of course. Isn’t it? You’ve never seen a play before, right? I’m really excited that we can go together.”

 

Lydia let out a deep sigh.
“I wasn’t going to say anything, but…”

 

Even as she tried to calm herself, her sister looked up at her with big, clueless eyes.
In the end, Lydia couldn’t help but raise her voice.

 

“Sis, are you really that clueless?!”