A Change of Husband - Chapter 54

“Yes, what is it?”

“…I understand that this sudden proposal may be confusing, but I don’t want to waste time.”

Asilie calmly looked at him and continued speaking.

“Father-in-law, my husband and I want to adopt Thomas Grandier Gerard, the direct descendant of the Grandier family, as our son.”

The Duke of Grandier had expected that it wouldn’t be a simple matter, but he never imagined it would be something like this. For a moment, he doubted whether he had heard her correctly.

This was beyond sudden—it was hard to even understand the intention behind it.

The Duke and Duchess of Camediçi were newlyweds.
Wasn’t it too early to judge whether one of them couldn’t have children?

There had to be another reason.

The Duke of Grandier cautiously opened his mouth, thinking it might be related to the throne—a matter that the conservative nobles, including Count Mirk, seemed to use to pressure the Camediçi couple.

“…This is hard to understand.”

“Of course, it must be confusing that a newly married couple wants to adopt already, but we also have our reasons that are hard to talk about.”

“Hah… So you’re saying you can’t share the reason?”

“That’s right.”

For someone refusing to explain, her attitude was very calm.

After a moment, the Duke of Grandier raised the corners of his lips and asked,

“You speak so confidently—so I suppose you have something to offer that would satisfy me.”

“I believe you have no reason to refuse. After all, both of your grandsons could have a chance to lead a great noble family.”

The Duke’s eyes widened.

Usually, people adopted someone into a family with a purpose—to use them in some way.

Just like how Asilie had been adopted into the Grandier family for a political marriage.

But for both of his grandsons to lead great noble families meant that they planned to make Thomas, merely an adopted child, the heir of the Camediçi family.

This was an offer he couldn’t refuse, no matter the cost.

If things went well, the Grandier family could control both of Astel’s great noble houses.

“However, we have a condition as well.”

Seeing the Duke’s changing expression, Asilie quickly added.

“You’re making a condition while giving an offer—hahaha. Go ahead and say it.”

“I’d like you to adopt my younger sister as your daughter.”

Lydia had little desire to live as a noble, so it wasn’t absolutely necessary.

But to reduce the Duke’s suspicion, there needed to be another bait.

And perhaps Asilie wasn’t completely without selfishness in this.

“Of course, you don’t need to cover any costs even if my sister takes on the Grandier name. She’ll stay at the Medici Mansion and live under my care. However…”

“You want to make her a noble?”

“…It wouldn’t hurt. Anyway, if we adopt Thomas as our son, it will also show that the Grandier and Camediçi families have a closer relationship.”

“I’m curious—why did you become interested in Thomas?”

“He seemed smart and well-mannered. The Duke of Camediçi also liked him a lot. Of course, it doesn’t have to be Thomas, but I wanted to return the favor. When you helped us, I promised I wouldn’t forget your kindness.”

At those words, the Duke of Grandier frowned as if displeased.

“You say you’re repaying kindness, yet you attach a condition—how bold.”

“That’s because I know the condition won’t be difficult for you, Father-in-law.”

Asilie answered with a gentle smile.

The Duke stared at his bold adopted daughter for a long time, then finally smiled and nodded.

“Very well. Let’s discuss the details.”

Asilie returned to the Medici Mansion exactly four hours after she had left for the Grandier estate.

When the carriage door opened, Asilie was briefly surprised to see Esperad waiting for her. She took his hand and stepped down.

“Why were you out here?”

“I thought you’d arrive around this time, so I waited. And sure enough, I heard the sound of horses just moments ago.”

“You didn’t wait too long, did you?”

“No, not at all. Did everything go well?”

“Yes, it went just as we expected.”

“It’s an offer too tempting to refuse for now, so he probably accepted quickly—but he’ll soon realize the reason. Maybe he’s already figured it out.”

Asilie nodded in agreement.

Although the Duke of Grandier was a neutral noble, he was skilled enough to hold power equal to the conservative and progressive factions.

It was only a matter of time before he realized that adopting Thomas was related to Esperad’s path to the throne.

“Even so, he won’t be able to want more. The only name that boy will receive is ‘Camediçi.'”

Esperad looked at Asilie quietly.

At first, he was surprised when she said she wanted to arrange things in a way that wouldn’t burden any future child they might have.

Asilie had always seemed like someone without greed.

But soon, Esperad realized—what she truly desired was the happiness of the family they were going to build.

“Not everything in the world will go peacefully just because we want it to.”

Hearing this, Asilie looked up at Esperad.

His amber eyes were as clear as ever.

“But we’ll do our best so that we can find peace, so that we can keep peace within ourselves. Just like how you always do your best.”

“I’m doing my best because of you.”

“So am I, Asilie. If it weren’t for you, I would have stayed in the same place, never even knowing what I had lost.”

“…I love you.”

It was a sudden confession.

Asilie couldn’t help it. She couldn’t hold back her desire to share her feelings in that moment.

“If it weren’t for you, I would’ve been the same. Not knowing what was blocking my sight, not knowing what I had to overcome—I would’ve just stayed in place like a fool.”

“Asilie.”

Esperad looked at her in surprise, then called her name softly, touched by her shy confession.

But Asilie spoke firmly.

“It’s embarrassing, so don’t say anything.”

When Esperad closed his mouth with a disappointed look, Asilie burst into laughter.

Looking back, it was such a fortunate thing.

If she hadn’t met this man, Asilie wouldn’t have gained even a bit of the full happiness she now felt in this moment.

Maybe she would’ve used none of her past-life experience and ended up unhappily married to Joseph again.

In the end, the only reason she could face her past enemies head-on was because of Esperad.

As she looked at him with loving eyes, she suddenly noticed the sun was setting and asked,

“Come to think of it, weren’t Baron and Baroness Werther supposed to arrive at the Medici Mansion this evening?”

“Yes, they should be here soon.”

“Then I should get ready.”

“Madam Marce is taking care of it, so it’s fine.”

“Even so, I should at least change my dress.”

“You’re already beautiful. You’re more than ready to welcome guests.”

“Then I’ll just…”

“How about we just walk like this? Until the guests arrive.”

Asilie widened her eyes and looked at him.

“What?”

“I don’t want this moment to be interrupted.”
Esperad spoke firmly and came to a stop.
Then he turned around and looked down at her.

“I’m so happy walking peacefully with the person I love right now, I want to make this moment last—even if only for a short time.”

When she didn’t say anything, he quickly reached out, took her small hand, and laced their fingers together.
Perhaps because of the warmth from his touch, Asilie’s face turned red.

Even though they were now truly husband and wife—starting the day with a kiss and ending it with one—she still felt shy over even small gestures like this.

“People are watching, Esperad.”
“Isn’t that even better?”
“What?”
“They’ll think our relationship is strong. When the bond between the lord and lady is steady, the servants feel at ease too.”
“So… did you hold my hand on purpose, just for that?”

At her slightly sulky question, Esperad raised one eyebrow.

“Would you be satisfied if I showed you just how impulsive I can be?”

Though his expression was full of playful mischief, Asilie still took a surprised step back.
Lately, she’d been learning each night just how impulsive Esperad could really be.

“No!”
“No, Asilie. I think I need to show you clearly how serious I am about clearing up your misunderstanding.”

As soon as he said that, Esperad didn’t wait for her answer—he pulled her hand strongly toward him.

Unable to keep her balance, Asilie fell into his arms, and as if he’d been waiting for this, Esperad wrapped his arm around her waist and pressed his lips down on hers.

His hot tongue roughly pushed its way into her small mouth.
Though he kissed these lips every day and night, he still seemed so desperate now. His hand gripped her tightly, unable to hold back his urgency.

“Espe…”
She tried to protest, saying people were watching, but Esperad wouldn’t let her.

Before she could even say his full name, he covered her small lips again with his own.

As if he were breathing in the sweetest air in the world, Asilie’s breath tasted incredibly sweet.

To him, she was like magic—
So amazing, so perfect, so indescribable that he was afraid she might vanish at any moment.

That was who Asilie was to him.

Even though he’d kissed her plenty, enough to satisfy anyone, Esperad let her go only reluctantly, still looking unsatisfied.

Breathing heavily, her face red, she stepped back and glared at him with her lips sticking out.

“…You’re really too much.”

He felt a little sorry, but Esperad almost laughed at how cute she looked.

Ever since they had confirmed each other’s feelings, the two had become very open about expressing their emotions.

Barely holding back the urge to pull her into a tight hug, Esperad gave her a not-so-sincere apology.

“I’m sorry.”
“Everyone must have seen.”
“So what if they did?”
“They’ll think we have no class! Let’s not do that outside!”

He apologized again, but Asilie could tell he wasn’t taking her seriously at all.

Just as she was about to complain again, a servant came over to inform them that their guests had arrived.

In the end, she missed her chance to be upset and had no choice but to walk over—still in Esperad’s arms—to greet Baron and Baroness Werther.

Soon, they met the elderly couple.
The old man and woman who stepped out of the carriage looked surprised, as if they hadn’t expected the Duke and Duchess of Medici to come out and greet them in person.

“Welcome to the Medici Mansion. I’m Esperad Medici.”
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Asilie Medici.”

Baron Werther was known even among the royal council elders for his honesty and upright character.
His wife, Baroness Werther, was also known for her elegance and proper manners. Just five years ago, she had taught etiquette to many noble young ladies.

Esperad greeted the two with a calm smile.
He understood why they were so surprised.
Although older nobles received appropriate respect, there was no real need for him and Asilie to personally come out to meet them.
Having Lady Marce greet them, then saying hello during the meal, would have been perfectly proper.

The baron, who had been standing awkwardly in the unexpected situation, gave a hearty laugh.

“Thank you for the warm welcome, ha ha ha. I’ve met Duke Medici a few times before, but this is my first time meeting the duchess. I’m German Werther.”
“I was quite nervous since it’s been a while since I’ve gone out, but your warm greeting truly moved me. I’m Mary Werther.”

“You must be tired from your long journey. This is Lady Marce, the head maid of the Medici Mansion. She’ll show you to the room where you’ll be staying. A banquet has been prepared for you, so we’ll see you again soon in the dining room.”

At Esperad’s words, Baron Werther smiled and nodded.

“Ha ha, very well. We’ll see you shortly, then.”

As Lady Marce led the way, the elderly couple followed behind her.

Asilie watched them walk away until they were completely out of sight. Then she turned to Esperad.

“The meal is ready. Shouldn’t we go to the dining room now?”
“Don’t we still have something to do?”
“Something to do?”
“Something we couldn’t do outside—we should finish inside.”
“What?”

Before Asilie could fully understand what he meant, Esperad picked her up.
Realizing what he was talking about, her face turned red and she hit his back.

“Esperad!”

Of course, Esperad had no intention of putting her down.
At least not until Baron and Baroness Werther had taken enough time to rest after their long journey.

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