I Was Meant to Be the Evil Wife, But the Cold Marquis Fell for Me - Chapter 29

In Liliana’s room, she tried on the gown she would wear to the ball.

The formal white dress had been prepared without her noticing. It was lavishly adorned with delicate lace, and scattered jewels shimmered elegantly even in the faintest light.

It must have been commissioned right after her marriage was arranged, based on her measurements at that time.

Now, after weeks of proper meals, her body had grown slightly fuller, and the dress felt a little tight in places. Adjustments were made accordingly.

(Can something so grand really suit me…?)

Doubt flickered in her mind. She felt mismatched with the dignity of a marchioness wearing such attire.

Then a voice came from behind.

“You look beautiful, Liliana. White suits you best—like a lily blooming in the morning mist.”

Leivis had come to check, gazing at her with pride.

“Th-thank you.”
“That dress enhances your beauty even more. At the ball, everyone will be captivated.”

He fell silent, frowning in thought.

“…Should I weave a spell to interfere with memory? Tampering with the mind is forbidden, but short-term memory…”

It sounded dangerous.

“Lord Leivis, please don’t do anything reckless.”
“…You’re right. If I’m seen as a threat, it defeats the purpose.”

—What had he been planning?

After adjustments, the gown was stored securely, even warded with protective magic. Liliana felt relieved. If it were ruined like her tea-party dress, it would be disastrous.

(What caused that, anyway… mice? Insects? At least with this much protection, nothing should happen…)

The household atmosphere had grown brighter lately. Servants looked livelier, and treated Liliana with more respect.

Perhaps because she and Leivis now shared a bedroom nightly. Everyone seemed to expect an heir.

But in truth, nothing of the sort happened. He kept his word. He never touched her with such intent.

He held her hand, supported her when she stumbled, but not even a kiss in greeting.

Perhaps he felt no interest in her physically.

It was lonely, but she didn’t mind. Just being included in the future he spoke of was happiness enough.

(…I must make up my mind soon…)

Yet consummating their marriage would mean abandoning the “white marriage” path forever. No turning back.

(And how would I even invite him? Say I’m ready? If he rejected me, I’d die of shame… No, I mustn’t expect anything. Calmly, calmly…)

Another concern gnawed at her.

Elina had been unusually cheerful lately. Smiling, diligent but sometimes with a triumphant look.

As if she knew Liliana and Leivis shared a room but did nothing. Or as if she pitied Liliana, believing theirs was a loveless duty.

(Does Elina still love Lord Leivis…?)

Perhaps their relationship was progressing in secret.

(It isn’t unusual for nobles to have mistresses. I even said he could have as many as he wished…)

Anxiety pressed in. But Liliana resolved firmly:

She would not abandon the future she desired. Not until Leivis himself cast her aside.

And so, the Queen’s birthday arrived.

Liliana stood before the grand hall of the royal castle, dressed in her gown. Leivis escorted her, equally resplendent, but nerves stiffened her body.

It was her first ball since her debut.

Elina attended as her support. Anne had fallen ill at the last moment. Elina stood calmly at her side, while Liliana alone trembled.

Liliana closed her eyes, focusing on Leivis’s magic within her. He had filled her to the limit the night before, and she felt dyed in his color.

Then his voice brushed her ear.

“—Tonight you shine like the moon goddess. Honestly, I wish I could keep you all to myself.”
“Lord Leivis… thank you.”

His words eased her nerves, and she smiled up at him.

“Am I worthy to stand beside you—the sun that you are?”
“Of course.”

His firm answer delighted her. Yet the image of sun and moon troubled her.

“Liliana?”
“No! It’s just, the sun and moon are parted by day and night. They rarely meet. It feels lonely.”

Even if they shared the same sky, they were apart.

“Then I would rather be the sea. To greet you in the morning, let us live our days, and at night, welcome you home…”

Her own boldness struck her, and she flushed.

“S-sorry, that was strange…”
“Liliana, hearing that from you makes me happier than anything.”

From his hand, a faint golden light shimmered. It swayed into a thin chain, linking their wrists together.

“What is this?”
“…You can see it?”
“Yes, faintly.”

So, others could not.

“A charm. To keep us from parting. No matter how we’re separated, we’ll always meet again.”

His whisper made her heart race. Guided by his hand, she stepped into the glittering hall.

“Liliana. My soul is always with you. Never forget.”

His words were the strongest talisman of all.

Smiling, Liliana entered the grand hall.