TOOCM 41

Chapter 41

Chapter 4: The Oath.

Reina’s birthday banquet was held a day early, as she wished. It was her formal introduction to all the northern nobles. If the previous tea party was an informal gathering with noblewomen, this banquet was official.

Perhaps that’s why.

Since early morning, Reina was tense, exhausting herself with preparations. Lily, who’d taken charge of her adornments, smiled brightly.

“You’re so beautiful. Your fair skin makes everything stand out. Right, sis?”

Rose nodded lightly in response to Lily’s question.

Reina glanced at Rose. Since the Lady Mary incident, Rose seemed to fear her, which was oddly satisfying.

After being betrayed by trying to be courteous, Reina had changed her approach. Keeping servants close yet distant was best. Getting too friendly could lead to overstepping, as she’d learned.

Then, a knock sounded, and Kaiden entered the dressing room.

But he stood awkwardly at the door. His expression was sour, as if he’d faced something unpleasant.

Noticing his mood, Reina tilted her head.

“Kaiden.”

She beckoned him closer, but his face crumpled further. He seemed to mutter something, too quiet for her to hear.

After a deep sigh, Kaiden approached slowly, like a horse led to slaughter.

He looked dazed, so Reina asked worriedly.

“Busy with work yesterday?”

“No?”

“You seem upset.”

“No way.”

Kaiden flinched, as if caught.

He glared at her dress, clenching his jaw.

He’d always found men fussing over their wives’ attire pathetic. Now, he understood them completely.

It was hard to stay calm when it was personal.

Reina was beautiful.

Stunningly so, turning his insides upside down.

‘Who recommended that flimsy fabric? It’s half-made!’

He grumbled, but the dress was flawless. It suited Reina perfectly, as if made for her.

Poor Lily, who suggested it, nearly caught his ire.

Kaiden glared at her dress with burning eyes.

He didn’t want anyone else to see her like this.

‘I want her all to myself. What kind of crazy thought is that?’

His possessiveness shocked him, leaving him at a loss.

His expression grew fiercer than usual.

In the tense atmosphere, he helped her up and said.

“It’s cold. Why wear something so thin?”

“They said the hall is warm, so I tried it.”

“No. You’ll catch a cold. Wear a shawl.”

As he looked around, Lily piped up.

“Oh, the hall’s warm. You always say it’s hot… oof.”

Rose elbowed her discreetly and fetched a shawl.

“Give it here.”

Kaiden took it from Rose and draped it over Reina’s shoulders.

He ignored Lily’s muttered, “No, that covers the best part…”

Reina, now bundled up, stared at him, baffled.

The dress’s highlight was the shoulder line, but the shawl made it look ordinary.

Feeling her stare, he cleared his throat and excused himself.

“Northern colds are harsh.”

“…”

“Really. You can’t get sick.”

“Fine.”

Reina adjusted the shawl, not wanting to upset his already sour mood.

Rose watched the bickering couple leave with a bittersweet look.

She knew why Kaiden was moody. His reaction was so obvious it’d be strange not to notice.

Even now, he was like a guard dog, glaring at innocent knights.

The knights, receiving his unwarranted glares, stared straight ahead, frozen.

Thankfully, Reina seemed oblivious to his reasons.

Rose sighed, shaking her head.

‘What’s he doing? Just tell her she’s pretty, and she’d love it. Clueless about women.’

Reina looked stunning, even to Rose. Dressed up, she was like a fairy-tale princess.

But with her partner acting so obtuse, how could she know?

‘They’ve got a long way to go.’

Rose kept quiet. She’d given up interfering but wasn’t cheering them on.

Their marriage was their business.

Seeing Kaiden stare at Reina like a fool at the door stirred mixed feelings.

The usually composed man flustered over a woman was something else.

To think she’d tried to come between them.

Rose realized how arrogant she’d been.

And she was deeply impressed by Reina’s poised handling.

Days ago, Rose told Reina she could no longer serve her.

Some servants viewed her poorly after the incident, and staying was taxing.

But Reina refused.

Rose recalled that moment.

“You’re keeping me? My suspicion isn’t fully cleared…”

“You said it wasn’t you.”

“Even so… it doesn’t look good, and it’s hard for me.”

“So, you’re running away?”

“It’s not running—”

“If it’s not, stay. It’s your only chance to prove your innocence.”

“What?”

“Quitting now is like admitting guilt. Stay and prove you’re innocent.”

It hit her hard. Rose, who’d underestimated Reina, had to admit her folly.

She wasn’t just kind—she was calculating.

Every action was deliberate.

A woman with deep insight.

Rose couldn’t deny she was Kaiden’s match.

The harsh North needed someone who could plan broadly.

With the Emperor’s scrutiny, no one was better positioned to mediate.

Though Rose didn’t know Reina disliked the Emperor.

She glanced at Kaiden.

He was still fussing over Reina’s shawl, grumbling.

The usually noble lord turned into a nag around her.

Clinging to her feelings for him was foolish.

As Reina said, this was a chance to clear her name.

Reina told her to stay, not that she trusted her.

The message was clear: prove your innocence as a reliable maid.

Rose knew she was on trial.

‘She’s scarier than I thought.’

Sighing softly, Rose glanced at Reina, calmly talking with Kaiden.

As they reached the hall, the doorman announced loudly.

“His Grace, Duke Kaiden Crensia, and Her Grace, Duchess Reina Crensia, enter!”

The grand doors swung open, and all eyes turned toward them.

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