Chapter 7

Carinne wasn’t expecting any special treatment when she came here.

She only wanted her child to be able to go outside whenever he wanted, without going hungry or getting hurt.

“Really? Then this should go smoothly. This main residence is for my use. I can imagine how uncomfortable it would be for you to encounter me regularly,” Vaster said.

He was well informed about the rumors that were circulating about him in social circles. He assumed she was pulling away from him because of the unsettling rumors about him and his intimidating gaze.

But the truth was a little different. Carinne had a fear of people and was especially wary of men who had the potential to be violent. And so, she found herself unintentionally shrinking her body while engaging in conversation.

“There is a villa behind the main mansion. It’s not as big as this place, but it’s probably quite big enough for two people.”

“Yes.”

“There is nothing much I want from you as long as you don’t become greedy for what you can’t have. Live as you wish in the mansion I have given you, but try to stay out of my sight.”

Vaster saw Carinne nod her head in response. He couldn’t tell whether the one talking in front of him was a person or a tree. The only replies he had received up to that point were “Yes,” “That’s fine,” or a nod of her head.

I’m glad I decided to keep a separate residence, Vaster thought.

Assessing the situation, it was apparent that she was being forced to sell herself. He thought there was the potential of her being miserable, and thus decided to give her a separate villa.

Thankfully, she didn’t lose her composure. But it was clear she was afraid.

“As long as you comply with my conditions, your child will receive an education to become the next in line and inherit the title of the archduchy.”

Carinne’s eyes widened in surprise at those words. “My child will become your successor?”

“I married you due to the mounting pressure put upon me to produce an heir. I have no intention of taking another wife or sharing a bed with you. But I do need a successor, so your child will be just fine.”

“Is that so?”

The situation left Carinne dumbfounded. She found this situation so odd that she questioned if it was fate: to marry the man she had a one-night stand with and for him to designate their child as his heir.

At the same time, she was grateful. Because Nittens could have his biological father as his father.

Even if the man didn’t know.

Did it even matter at this point? Broken and emotionless, she could no longer muster the excitement she had for the man once.

She nodded her head. “I understand.”

Squinting, Vaster took in her lackluster answer.

“I’m curious. What happened to the child’s father? It would be a problem if he were to show up later and claim ownership of the child.”

“He’s dead,” Carinne answered calmly.

She had no plans to tell him the truth right now, and she didn’t want him to know who she was when she looked so pitiful.

Her memory of that night was one of the fondest memories in her life, and she didn’t want to mention that encounter to him, as it would clearly come across as an effort to cling to him and elicit sympathy.

Vaster nodded, acknowledging her answer.

“I will assign separate maids and servants for your villa. If you need anything, let me know. You will also receive a stipend as well. You can use it however you want. When you go out, let the accompanying knight know.”

“I don’t need servants or maids. Just let me and my child be alone in the villa.”

“What?”

“I understand what you require of me and will comply. So please allow me this one request.”

When Carinne bluntly made her request, Vaster crossed his arms. The request was simple enough to fulfill, but he couldn’t shake off his curiosity about her motives. Did she want him to feel sorry for her?

Vaster waved his hand in annoyance. “How will you stay clean and fed?”

“Is the annex very spacious?” Carinne asked, furrowing her brow.

“It’s much smaller than the main manor, but it would be hard for one person to manage alone.”

“I’ll take care of the meals somehow. I’d appreciate it if you could arrange for someone to quietly clean the annex early in the morning periodically.”

Carinne’s statement caused Vaster to grimace. However, he soon waved his hand again, as was his habit, as though he was irritated.

“If that’s what you want. We’ll discuss more about the child later.”

“Yes.” Carinne raised her head and looked at Vaster. “Your Highness, is there nothing you need me to do in this estate?”

“Nothing.”

“Alright. Then, I will respect your wishes and remain out of your sight.”

As soon as he nodded, Carinne bent her back to bid goodbye before swiftly turning around.

With a look of confusion and disbelief, Vaster unfolded his crossed arms.

“Let’s go, Nittens.”

“Okay!”

The child had a faint smile on his face.

Crimson eyes?

The child’s eyes were red. And he had Carinne’s hair.

A puzzled look flashed on Vaster’s face. Crimson eyes were uncommon, so it was peculiar that the child had crimson eyes just like his.

Maybe God is on my side.

It would make it easy for him to later argue that the child belonged to him.

While Vaster took a moment to ponder, Carinne was walking towards the villa with the guard leading the way.

She walked without any hesitation, her child’s hand securely in hers.

With a peculiar look on his face, Vaster glanced at the woman who compliantly acknowledged her predicament and left without any protest.

She’s so stiff. Like a piece of wood, Vaster thought.

“Come to think of it, so was she...”

Narrowing his eyes, Vaster softly chuckled.

Was it his destiny to only attract women who were as stiff as wood?

Three years ago, the woman who spent a night with him and then disappeared like a dream had also been very tense.

No matter how hard he searched for her after that night, he could not find her anywhere. Regrettably, their relationship only lasted for one night. He had no choice but to give up and forget about her.

It’s been a long time since she crossed my mind.

The memory of the woman who stole kisses from him so enchantingly one night lingered as he turned around.

Upon reflection, he concluded that she was of a similar body size as Carinne. Although he remembered her being less skinny than his new wife.

“Let’s go back in.”

“Are you sure she’ll be alright? Perhaps we should get her a maid or a servant...”

“She’ll ask for one when she gets tired. I don’t know what she’s thinking, but if we cave in too easily, she might start asking for more.”

Vaster was sure that she would soon ask for servants. It wouldn’t hurt to wait until that time.

“You’re not engaged in a post-war negotiation, Your Highness.”

“It’s similar, isn’t it? The desire to establish dominance is universal.”

Walking behind his young master, Vincent chuckled.

On occasion, he had seen people regret conducting themselves in that manner. Should his master indeed develop feelings for her later on, he would indeed regret the decision.

Well, a part of me would like to see you in such a state before I die, Your Highness.

Quietly, Vincent made his way toward the office behind his master, hiding his inner smile behind a stoic facade.

***

“This is the villa. You won’t be inconvenienced, since it’s not far from the main residence.”

“Yes. I’m fine now, so you’re free to leave.”

“Are you sure you don’t need any servants and maids?”

Despite the distance between them, it seemed like the guard had been tuned into the conversation.

She gazed at him, surprised. It was evident that all the guards at the archduchy were highly capable.

“Yes. Thank you for your concern,” Carinne answered dryly.

The guard hesitated briefly before bending to bow.

The child was already dashing around, taking in the carefully curated garden within the villa.

“Also, please check in with me when you go out.”

“Oh?”

However, the archduke clearly instructed her to speak to the “knight.” Considering that he was the gatekeeper, he was probably a soldier, not a knight.

The guard must have noticed Carinne’s puzzled expression. He immediately explained.

“Oh, I’m sorry for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Therian. I’m one of the vice-captains of the Knights of the Kayen Archduchy.”

“A vice-captain?”

Then why was he standing guard at the main gate of the mansion?

“Yes, I was waiting by the gate to greet you, my lady, per His Highness’ order.”

“The archduke asked you to be there?”

“Yes.”

“Oh. I see why you were so effective in stopping my escort,” Carinne responded dryly and then quickly turned her head.

It was clear to Therian that Carinne thought he was only at the gate to stop her escort from entering. He smiled wryly.

“May I walk you inside?”

“Yes.”

“All your luggage has been brought in. Also, the knights will take turns keeping watch in front of the villa. When you feel like going out, you can inform any of us and we’ll make the necessary arrangements for you.”

“Alright.”

Therian’s courteous words were met only with a nod and a neutral expression from Carinne.

Noticing that she had even fewer facial expressions than his master, he swiftly bent his back to bow to her again.

“I’ll take my leave now, then. Oh, and please feel free to ask me for anything.”

“...”

Rather than replying, she just nodded her head.

Upon seeing him walk away, Carinne finally entered the villa.