A Change of Husband - Chapter 18

The long-awaited Wednesday had arrived.

 

Asilie had hoped she could finally get some rest, but the two women who had been bothering her weren’t planning to leave her alone today either.

 

Letting her take care of her duties as the lady of the house in the morning was the most kindness they could offer.

 

As soon as Asilie finished her work and lunch, Lydia dragged her to the bedroom like a bounty hunter after a well-paying target.

 

Even though she had already taken a bath in the morning, she was forced by Lydia to soak in rose-scented water again. After that, she had to endure an unwanted massage with oil Sophia had brought.

 

“Just like Sophia said, your skin really does look better.”

 

“This massage oil is so popular it’s called the national oil in another country. It wasn’t easy to get.”

 

“See? Sophia’s always so well-prepared.”

 

“Hohoho, it’s thanks to Lydia’s help in every way.”

 

Unlike Asilie, who was already exhausted, the two women seemed full of energy—like they’d eaten expensive elixirs for breakfast.

 

They didn’t even seem to notice Asilie’s tired expression as they continued chatting while touching her hair.

 

“Hmm, wouldn’t it be nice to leave your hair down? Your long, curly blonde hair is very charming.”

 

“That would look nice, but if she lets it down, it’ll cover her shoulders and back, which are now showing. Both styles would look pretty, but it seems like a waste.”

 

“True. Her head shape is lovely, so even an updo would look beautiful. We can use a fancy hairpin to make up for the simplicity.”

 

Lydia nodded at Sophia’s comment and turned to Asilie.

 

“What do you think, Sis?”

 

Unfortunately, Asilie didn’t even have the energy to answer.

 

After a long week of dealing with them, just hearing their voices made her head throb.

 

“Sis!”

 

“Anything’s fine. Really, both are good.”

 

“Why are you being so careless? Today is a really important day!”

 

Lydia got angry, but Asilie didn’t care.

 

Only Sophia, already used to this reaction, calmly continued fixing Asilie’s hair.

 

“You’re being so cold. Sophia and I put in so much effort for you.”

 

“I’m sorry, but Esperad probably won’t even notice. He’ll think I look the same as usual. Maybe he’ll notice I changed clothes—if that.”

 

“He’s not like that!”

 

“Lydia, you seem to have some romantic illusions, but most men are like that.”

 

“Oh, my lady! That’s just prejudice.”

 

Sophia, who had been quiet until now, waved her hands.

 

“Do you know how sharp men are these days? They even put effort into their appearance. In Pistol, the neighboring country, men even wear makeup!”

 

 

 

Sadly, Asilie had no interest in hearing about trends in other countries anymore.
But Lydia, who loved hearing about things she hadn’t experienced, was already sparkling with curiosity.

 

Asilie closed her eyes, just waiting for this time to end.

 

Though she didn’t enjoy the process, the results were worth it. No—more than that. They were amazing.

 

Even Asilie, who hadn’t expected much, was surprised by her reflection in the mirror.

 

“They say people can change with a little effort…”

 

Lydia murmured like she was sighing, and Sophia nodded absentmindedly in agreement.

 

Asilie couldn’t disagree.

 

Her makeup emphasized her delicate features, making her look dazzling. Her long hair, usually worn down, was carefully braided and lifted, giving her an elegant look.

 

The blue dress with its low-cut back showed off her shoulders and back, but didn’t look vulgar at all.

 

In fact, the tasteful exposure made her seem more refined and stylish.

 

“A necklace would complete the look.”

 

“I think so too.”

 

Even Asilie nodded.

 

She got up and took out the jewelry box that held the bridal gifts sent from the Camédici family to the Grandier family before her wedding.

 

Inside were many beautiful accessories.

 

“So pretty.”

 

Lydia looked at the box in awe.

 

“There are so many pretty things. Why haven’t you worn them before?”

 

“…Just because. You can’t wear flashy jewelry every day. I wore some at royal banquets.”

 

That was the excuse she gave, but the real reason was a bad habit from her past.

 

Even when she married Joseph, she received bridal gifts from the Count Bonaparte family.

 

But whenever she wore them with excitement, her in-laws—Joseph and Geoffrey included—looked at her with mocking eyes, as if asking why someone like her dared to wear such jewels.

 

After Monica married Geoffrey and joined the family, Asilie’s situation got even worse.

 

Even though they were both daughters-in-law, Monica’s gifts were far more expensive and rarer than Asilie’s.

 

And Monica, knowing that, often wore her jewels just to mock Asilie.

 

“Wear them more often from now on. Your husband gave them to you—he’d be happy to see you wearing them.”

 

“I’m fine. I might lose them.”

 

“Then he’ll just buy more! He’s rich. What’s a few jewels to him?”

 

“Lydia, nothing in this world is guaranteed.”

 

“Sure, sure. Just wear a necklace.”

 

Asilie shook her head at Lydia, who clearly wasn’t listening and thought she was nagging.

 

Then she looked in the mirror and put on a simple diamond necklace.

 

At that moment, a question suddenly popped into her mind.

 

Will Esperad notice?

 

 

Esperad finished his work and left the office, seeing he had about an hour before they needed to leave for the theater.

 

“Where’s Asilie?”

 

“She’s getting ready. Please prepare in your old room before marriage. The bath is ready and your outfit is prepared.”

 

“Let me know when it’s time to leave.”

 

“Understood.”

 

Madam Marce had everything well-prepared, as usual.

 

Since the death of Butler Benjamin, Esperad had been too busy to hire a replacement.

 

But no one in the mansion had felt Benjamin’s absence yet.

 

Esperad handled the estate’s work himself, and Madam Marce took care of the housework.

 

Still, it wouldn’t last forever.

 

Even Esperad was starting to feel the weight of the added work, and Madam Marce probably felt it even more.

 

He thought he should find a suitable replacement next month as he finished getting ready.

 

 

 

Knock knock

 

.
“Sir, it’s time to leave. The carriage is waiting.”

 

At her voice, Esperad slid on his jacket and stepped out.

 

Edgar was already waiting by the carriage, still looking grumpy, just like that morning.

 

“Cheer up, will you?”

 

“If His Grace tells me to cheer up, I guess I should.”

 

“Don’t be upset. You can spar with Lord Gort anytime.”

 

Esperad had been so busy that he forgot to tell Edgar about today’s outing.

 

So when Edgar was informed this morning and had to rearrange his schedule, he got annoyed.

 

“You must’ve forgotten how proud Lord Gort is. He’ll say breaking promises is unknightly and refuse again.”

 

“Well, wouldn’t a bonus this month be better than a spar?”

 

“What?”

 

When Edgar looked at him in surprise, Esperad made a circle with his thumb and finger.

 

Only then did Edgar’s expression lighten up.

 

Just then, Asilie and Lydia came out.

 

Esperad noticed that Asilie’s dress matched his outfit—it had been designed as a couple look.

 

“Are we late?”

 

Asilie asked. Esperad slowly shook his head.

 

 

 

“No. Please get in.”

 

“Then excuse us.”

 

Esperad helped Lydia into the carriage first, then escorted Asilie.

 

The moment he saw her exposed back, his face stiffened.

 

He usually had no interest in what dresses noblewomen wore or how much they revealed.

 

But strangely, Asilie’s bare skin made him uneasy.

 

He had an urge to take off his jacket and cover her up.

 

“What are you doing? Get in already.”

 

Edgar’s voice snapped him back to reality, and Esperad climbed into the carriage.

 

Nobles usually brought as many carriages as there were people going out.

 

So if four people went out, there’d be four carriages.

 

But they all rode in one carriage today to protect Asilie from possible attacks.

 

“It feels kind of cramped in here. This carriage must be small.”

 

Lydia, unfamiliar with carriage rides, looked around the interior, which was built for one or two people.

 

“We don’t have a four-person carriage yet. But since we have a new family member, I’ll consider getting one next month.”

 

“Oh, Brother-in-law, there’s no need! When would all four of us go out together anyway?”

 

“You’re new to the capital. Going out together sometimes will help you see it safely.”

 

“Thanks for the thought, but I’m fine. I don’t really like going out.”

 

“You don’t like going out? But Lydia, you—”

 

Before Asilie could finish, Lydia stomped on her foot and quickly said,

 

“I just feel a bit nervous in new places, hohoho. From now on, you should go out with just my sister. I think that’ll be more fun. I still don’t know the rules very well.”

 

Lydia shot her clueless sister a strong “shut up” look and smoothly changed the subject.

 

Although it was cramped with four people inside, the quiet chatting was surprisingly enjoyable.
Asilie quietly watched Esperad respond with witty comebacks to Lydia’s bold remarks.

 

He has this side too, huh.

 

It was a humorous side she hadn’t seen when they were alone.
The four of them chatted about many topics and had a surprisingly pleasant time.

 

By the time the carriage stopped in front of the theater, it felt like the ride had passed in the blink of an eye.

 

 

This month, Edgar Villian seemed to be having a particularly rough time.

 

Getting hit with a broom while picking up the duchess’s younger sister with good intentions was only the beginning.

 

After returning to the Medici mansion with Lydia, Edgar was asked by Esperad to protect Asilie, and he agreed.

 

Later, news spread that the Camédici couple was going on a theater date, but since Esperad didn’t mention anything, Edgar thought he didn’t need to go.

 

However, on the day of the date, Esperad casually informed him that he’d forgotten to tell him earlier and that he had to come to the theater too.

 

Because of this, Edgar had to cancel a hard-scheduled sparring match with Lord Gort and tag along to watch a play he had no interest in.

 

 

 

But what really upset him was what happened next.

 

“Come over here already!”

 

Lydia lowered her voice and scolded him.

 

Edgar looked down at the hand she had grabbed, his face turning bright red.

 

She was an unmarried woman boldly holding his hand, and though he was pulled along helplessly, he felt completely flustered.

 

He’d heard she had been learning proper manners, but was that all a lie?

 

“What on earth are you doing…?”

 

“Sir, please! One person with no social awareness at the Medici mansion is more than enough—my sister got that covered.”

 

Lydia snapped, clearly frustrated.

 

Edgar was genuinely speechless at her attitude.

 

What had he done wrong?

 

If he had any fault, it was agreeing to Esperad’s request and not leaving Asilie’s side for even a moment.

 

But Lydia insisted she wanted to watch the play from a better seat and dragged him off while holding his hand.

 

It was the first time he had ever held a woman’s hand, and he was so frozen that he couldn’t even resist.

 

Edgar couldn’t understand why Esperad didn’t stop her from dragging him away.

 

“I’m sorry, but I’m supposed to guard the duchess.”

 

“There’s no need right now.”

 

“What do you mean? How can you be sure this place is completely safe?”

 

“Do you really think that on a nice evening like this, in a theater packed with people, armed thugs are going to burst in and attack my sister with swords?!”

 

Only then did Edgar realize that Lydia had no idea about the real situation.

 

No wonder she was talking about carriages instead of protection…

 

The duke and duchess hadn’t told her anything.
The reason was obvious—they didn’t want the young girl to worry.

 

Since he couldn’t explain something they had chosen to hide, Edgar sighed and reluctantly sat down next to Lydia.

 

“Took you long enough.”

 

Lydia finally let go of his hand and smiled brightly.

 

“And even if something did happen, my sister has her husband right next to her, so she’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

 

“Danger can come at any time, anywhere.”

 

“I know. But we don’t need to ruin a couple’s sweet moment just because something might happen.”

 

“A sweet moment?”

 

“They sleep next to each other every night—of course love is going to grow. It’s not going to wither away, is it?”

 

“A woman who isn’t even married shouldn’t say such things…”

 

Edgar leaned back in shock at her shameless comment, face flushed.

 

But all that was behind him was the seat’s backrest, so he hit his head hard and had to hold it in pain.

 

Lydia looked at him and grinned mischievously.

 

“Unmarried girls these days know everything. They even date secretly. It’s a different world now—why are you thinking so old-fashioned?”

 

Lydia spoke like it was nothing, but Edgar felt like dying from embarrassment.

 

“So, you’ve dated before?”

 

“Do I look like I haven’t?”

 

When Edgar stared at her, stunned, Lydia scoffed.

 

“I’ve tried to do everything other people do, so I’m not a total beginner. But Sir Edgar…”

 

Her face suddenly came very close to his.

 

Startled, Edgar tried to lean away, but all he got was a loud thud and sharp pain in the back of his head.

 

Bumping his head into the seat again, his patience wore thin.

 

Whether she knew this or not, Lydia said coldly,

 

“What’s with calling me ‘that girl’? I told you all the way to the capital—my name is Lydia.”

 

“W-What do you mean?”

 

“Yes, I’m a commoner, but I’m also the duchess’s sister and have noble blood. You can’t just call me ‘miss’ or ‘lady,’ but that doesn’t mean you can ignore my name either.”

 

 

 

When Edgar tried to argue, Lydia glared and leaned in even closer.

 

Remembering the pain in his head, Edgar stayed still.

 

Because of that, their faces ended up incredibly close—almost touching.

 

“Are you going to call me by my name or not?”

 

Faced with her stubborn attitude, Edgar had no choice but to surrender.

 

“…I’ll call you. Miss Lydia.”