Apparently, I’m a Poisonous Woman Who Sells One-Night Dreams, but I Ended Up Awakening a Hero’s Devoted Love - Chapter 2.5

Ten days had passed since her fever broke. Having just finished her preliminary sketch, Mariadoll stretched her arms with a satisfied “Hnnngh.”

“The fever reducers Lord Jerf prepared for me are truly remarkable.”

Until then, she had been delirious with high fever, but after starting the medication, though the fever persisted, she could drink water by herself if the pitcher was brought to her lips.

Being able to hydrate properly allowed her to sit up by the next morning and eat soup by noon. By evening, she could manage light foods like bread, salad, and egg dishes.

Worried about Mariadoll’s still-unsteady footing, Jerf arranged these on a tray and cheerfully fed her himself, spoonful by spoonful with encouraging “Aaah” sounds. He seemed genuinely delighted.

Mariadoll felt she could at least hold a spoon herself and protested that this was overprotective, but he responded with an unyielding smile that left her unable to argue further, meekly opening her mouth instead.

Had any knight witnessed Jerf happily spoon-feeding her like a baby bird, they would either have fainted on the spot or spread rumors that Mariadoll was indeed a venomous seductress—no, a witch.

After one precautionary night at the inn, Jerf carried Mariadoll horizontally into the carriage the next morning as if it were the most natural thing. Legacy and the others greeted them with knowing, indulgent smiles.

“Perhaps a walk would do you good for a change of pace, and we can pick up ingredients for dinner while we’re out.”

Glancing at the clock, she saw it was two in the afternoon.

As she reached for the parasol leaning in the corner, wondering if it was necessary against the early summer sun, Legacy’s voice drifted up from downstairs.

Voices from the gallery traveled clearly up the staircase, especially since she had left her door open to enjoy the pleasant breeze.

“Lord Jerf?”

Hearing that word, Mariadoll hurried to the mirror. Perhaps from using charcoal for her sketch, a black smudge remained on her cheek. She frantically wiped it off with a handkerchief and hastily combed her hair just as Jerf appeared.

And he was carrying an armful of roses so large he could barely hold them.

“…What is this, Lord Jerf? Are these roses for me? But it’s not my birthday.”

“I know. There’s a place I’d like you to accompany me to shortly. These are both an apology and a peace offering. Ah, and I bought sweets too. I’ve already given those to Tarina.”

As Mariadoll frowned in confusion, hurried footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Tarina appeared.

“Lord Jerf, I’ll prepare Lady Mariadoll immediately, so please wait downstairs. Ah, which dress should she wear?”

When Tarina threw open the doors of the wardrobe Jerf had bought for Mariadoll and asked, Jerf selected one with a design slightly too luxurious for daytime wear.

“Let’s go with this. It’s not an evening gown, but it is opulent.”

“The abundant frills and scattered gemstones are exquisite. Leave it to me.”

Though Jerf knew nothing about dresses, Tarina swiftly took his chosen gown.

Satisfied, Jerf said, “I leave the rest to you,” closed the door, and left.

The creaking sound of his footsteps descending the stairs faded away.

“Tarina, what exactly is happening?”

“I hear Prince Frederick has summoned you.”

“The Prince!? Why me? And this is far too sudden.”

She supposed the roses and sweets were meant for this, but she couldn’t quite accept it. Or rather, her mind couldn’t catch up.

Jerf was close with Frederick, but to Mariadoll, the prince was someone far above the clouds, practically haloed in light.

(But I’m going to become the Duchess of Stanley, so I must get used to these things.)

Having never imagined she would become one of the nation’s three great duchesses, Mariadoll needed both time and courage to accept this reality, even if she understood it intellectually. She thought she had come to terms with it over the past year, but facing royalty so abruptly was dizzying.

Tarina hurriedly dressed her, and in the meantime, Mariadoll applied powder to her skin and a touch of rouge. There was no time to put up her hair properly, so she settled for a half-up style, using a large jeweled hair accessory to disguise the rushed preparation.

As she attempted to descend the stairs looking somewhat presentable, Jerf called up from below, “Stay there! I’m coming to get you.”

“If you try to go down those stairs in that dress without an escort, you’ll either twist your ankle or miss a step entirely.”

“You’re right. I truly can’t see the steps at all. Would you lend me your hand?”

Thanks to the etiquette tutor Jerf had provided, Mariadoll had managed to adopt the demeanor of a high-ranking noble, but in sudden situations like this, her inadequacies showed. She resolved to be more careful.

Then, still bewildered, she boarded the carriage and arrived to find a white table and four chairs set up in the castle courtyard.

(A tea party? And there’s one more chair than I expected.)

Blinking her light blue eyes in confusion, she saw an attendant discreetly withdraw, and soon Frederick appeared with a woman.

The woman had blond hair like Frederick’s and emerald-like eyes. Her skin was translucent white, her neck and wrists so slender they seemed fragile. This lovely, seemingly delicate woman made Mariadoll’s heart race.

(I’ve only seen her from a distance at soirées, but that’s Princess Melfi! Her eyes resemble Prince Frederick’s—it must be her.)

Glancing up at Jerf beside her, she saw his expression was stiff. A bad premonition made cold sweat break out despite the warm sunshine.

(The reason Jerf and I became engaged was because marriage talks arose between Princess Melfi and Lord Jerf. Now that I think of it, I never heard that those talks were completely abandoned, nor that Princess Melfi had found a new suitor.)

Didn’t Jerf say that enormous bouquet of roses was also meant as an apology?

(Has the marriage discussion between Lord Jerf and Princess Melfi resurfaced? Could it be… is this tea party meant to persuade me to break off my engagement with Lord Jerf?)

Unpleasant thoughts raced through her mind, tightening her chest.

(Princess Melfi is far more suitable for Lord Jerf, hailed as a hero, than I am. But even so, I don’t want to let go of his hand now.)

Unconsciously, her fingers tightened on Jerf’s arm. She didn’t want to cry, but her vision blurred. Biting her lip to hold back tears only heightened her anxiety.

Unaware of Mariadoll’s distress, Frederick took his seat and urged the others to sit as well.

Exchanging formal greetings, Mariadoll timidly sat down, clasping her hands tightly in her lap.

An attendant poured tea, and Princess Melfi dismissed her.

A heavy silence fell, broken first by Frederick.

“Sorry for summoning you so suddenly.”

“Indeed. I’d prefer you refrain from such surprises.”

“Don’t be so cross. Ah, Miss Mariadoll, you look pale. Are you alright? Ah, are you nervous in our presence? We won’t bite, so relax.”

“Y-yes.”

Taking a small breath, she lifted her face and met Princess Melfi’s gaze.

The princess gave a cute, smiling nod, and Mariadoll hesitantly curved her lips in response. It was the best she could manage.

“Ahem, I’m feeling some silent pressure from Jerf to hurry up, so I’ll get straight to the point.”

Frederick paused for a breath, then looked directly at Mariadoll and said:

“The reason I called you here today concerns my sister Melfi’s marriage.”