The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 59

Frederick trailed off at the end of his sentence. His thoughts were jumbled, and he couldn’t organize what to say.

 

“And that bird… they called it a divine beast. A divine beast, right?”

 

“Yes. That’s what they called it.”

 

“The mysterious power you have… is it related to that?”

 

“I’m not sure, but judging from their conversation, it seems like it is. And there’s something else. Something strange.”

 

As she spoke, Grace realized something else.

 

“They looked almost the same as the people who came to kill the fox. And just like how those men were obsessed with the bird, the others were obsessed with the fox.”

 

“You passed out back then, didn’t you? Do you know what caused it?”

 

Frederick had been worried and confused when Grace had fallen ill.

 

She hadn’t been directly attacked, and yet she’d suffered from a high fever and unconsciousness for several days. It was hard to believe it was just shock from witnessing the fox’s death.

 

“I don’t know exactly. It suddenly felt like my whole body, inside and out, was on fire. Then I lost consciousness. Ah, I think it started after the fox’s blood poured all over me.”

 

“The fox’s… blood?”

 

Grace nodded.

 

“We definitely need to look into this more.”

 

Frederick sighed.

 

“It’s clear something unusual is happening to you. Even the part about seeing the future in your dream.”

 

“I… I’m sorry for worrying you, Frederick.”

 

Grace apologized again, glancing at him nervously.

 

“As long as you’re safe, that’s what matters. I think I raised my voice earlier because I was so startled. But from now on, don’t ever go anywhere alone again, especially outside—like the forest. If you really need to go somewhere, just tell me and I’ll go with you.”

 

“I promise I will. I won’t worry you like that again.”

 

Grace made a firm vow. Now that she knew how much he cared, she couldn’t bear to cause him any more distress.

 

“And… thank you. For coming to find me.”

 

She looked at him with sincerity.

 

“It’s only natural. I’m your husband.”

 

Frederick spoke as if it was obvious.

 

How could I have ever doubted this man’s feelings, even for a second?

 

Grace felt a wave of embarrassment. Just like the Marchioness had said, Frederick truly did care about her.

 

“As your wife, I’ll do better from now on.”

 

“There’s no need to try harder. You’re already more than enough.”

 

As soon as Frederick finished speaking, a silence fell between them.

 

They looked into each other’s eyes. Black and red eyes met in the space between them and lingered.

 

Frederick’s face slowly drew closer.

 

“Frederick…”

 

At Grace’s soft whisper, their lips met.

 

His lips parted and gently enveloped hers. He traced her lips with his tongue, then slipped into her mouth.

 

He pulled her tongue into his own, tangling them together. Grace wrapped her arms around his neck and held on. Only after a long, deep kiss did Frederick pull away.

 

He gently laid Grace down on the bed and climbed on top of her. Grace smiled up at him.

 

“…Are you sure you’re okay?”

 

She could guess what he meant. Grace nodded.

 

“I didn’t expect our first night to happen at my uncle’s estate.”

 

“I’m okay.”

 

She whispered to Frederick. She had never experienced this before, but with him, she felt it would be alright.

 

“If anything becomes painful or overwhelming, tell me right away.”

 

“…Okay.”

 

Grace nodded shyly. Frederick kissed her again. The night was long.

 

 

The next day, the two of them left the Marquess of Sertil’s estate.

 

“Be sure to come again.”

 

“You can stay longer next time—just come here to relax.”

 

“You’re always welcome.”

 

“Yes, thank you. We’ll come again.”

 

The former Duke of Winstaine and the Marquess couple warmly saw Frederick and Grace off. Grace left in good spirits.

 

“Frederick, I had such a wonderful time.”

 

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

 

Grace smiled at him and, for the first time, took his hand on her own.

 

Hand in hand, the two returned to their estate.

 

 

“Did you say there’s a letter from Frederick?”

 

Rubens asked in disbelief when he heard the report.

 

“Yes, it’s true. Look at the sender.”

 

“Wow, Frederick! Frederick?”

 

“You were hoping to hear from him, weren’t you?”

 

“Of course I was. But I didn’t expect to actually get a reply first. He’s always been so cold.”

 

Rubens drooped his eyes dramatically like a heartbroken woman. Vincent was certain that if the Duke of Winstaine ever found out Rubens called him “our guy,” he’d never write again.

 

“What could it say…? I’m so excited.”

 

Grinning ear to ear, Rubens opened the letter. But as he read it line by line, his expression gradually turned serious.

 

“What the…”

 

“What’s wrong? Did he say something strange?”

 

“He’s asking something really difficult. He wants to know how much I know about a divine beast? Why would he bring that up out of nowhere…”

 

It was something Rubens had vaguely heard of as a mythical creature, but he didn’t know much more than that.

 

After thinking it over, Rubens handed the letter to Vincent.

 

“Vincent, take this and investigate everything you can about divine beasts—just as Frederick asked.”

 

“By when?”

 

So fast?! Vincent looked at Rubens with startled eyes. But Rubens just shrugged as if it were no big deal.

 

“Frederick asked me, didn’t he?”

 

It sounded as if he were taking orders directly from the Duke himself.

 

But Vincent thought he understood what his lord was really thinking.

 

“…Understood.”

 

 

After returning to the estate, Grace enjoyed peaceful and quiet days.

 

Isaac and Hailey were managing the printmaking business well, and there wasn’t much that required Grace’s involvement anymore.

 

She spent her time reading, painting, and riding horses.

 

“Autumn is coming, my lady.”

 

Annie approached Grace as she looked out the window.

 

“Yes, the air is getting cooler.”

 

“Harvest season will be here soon. I’m excited.”

 

“The harvest… yes, you’re right.”

 

A report about the harvest had recently come in from Frederick’s secretary, Anthony.

 

“He said the yield should be pretty good this year.”

 

“That’s right. Everyone’s really excited about how full and healthy the fields are this year. Oh, and after the harvest, there will be a festival. Did you know?”

 

“A festival? No, I didn’t.”

 

It was her first time hearing about it.

 

“Yes, it’s a day for everyone in the estate to celebrate the harvest. The entire estate stops working for the day to eat, play, and dance.”

 

So that’s a thing here. Grace slowly nodded.

 

“Since this is your first Harvest Festival, you’ll be appearing in front of the estate residents. The former lady of the house used to show her face during the festival as well.”

 

“I’ll be appearing before the residents?”

 

Grace widened her eyes.

 

“Yes. You’ll ride in a carriage and greet the people. It’s a Winstaine tradition.”

 

“That’s fascinating…”

 

The idea of standing before so many people was a little embarrassing. Grace’s cheeks turned red.

 

Still, as the lady of the estate, it was her duty. She didn’t plan on avoiding it.

 

“Is there anything else I need to do? Or do I just show up?”

 

“The main goal is to give the residents a sense of closeness with the lord and lady of the estate, so there’s nothing special to prepare.”

 

“Hm… okay, got it.”

 

Grace nodded. She added that Annie should let her know if there was anything else she could do.

 

 

The Winstaine estate had an especially bountiful harvest this year.

 

Grains and fruits had grown in abundance, and thanks to ideal sunlight and rainfall, they matured without any issues.

 

With no droughts or floods, the residents were enjoying an unprecedented year of prosperity.

 

“Please get in, my lady.”