How to Win My Husband Over

Chapter 4

“I thought you might still feel a bit nauseous, so I had the servants prepare a light meal.”

“Everything is delicious. I’m just nervous, that’s all. Thank you for your concern.”

Everything was, indeed, to my taste. Thin loaves of bread with cherry jam, onion soup, and fish cooked in a sauce I couldn’t name were all tempting. As always, I was insanely hungry. I didn’t eat when I could, but when I had to eat, I threw up later. Because of that, I preferred larger events like balls. At a ball, no one cared who ate what—or who didn’t eat at all. Myself was the only thing I could control.

I gave her a childish smile, and Elenia studied me for a moment, then waved a hand to have refreshments brought. The servants cleared the table and set out fragrant tea and simple desserts.

“As you must already know, arachne attack Erendille every summer, so my brother might be coming home late. I hope you understand. Our father is taking care of the fiefdom and will return by the end of the month. My apologies that they’re not here to welcome you.”

“Oh, that’s all right. Please don’t worry yourself over it.”

“I’ve been taking care of the manor since my mother passed away, but we can make changes to suit you. If there’s anything you don’t like or find uncomfortable, please tell the head maid.”

She spoke like I really was the lady of the house, which felt so awkward and wrong. I hung my head and pretended to nervously fidget with my teacup.

“Thank you for your consideration, but I believe it would be better to keep things as they are, at least for now. The North’s customs are still quite unfamiliar, and I’m inexperienced in many ways. I fear I might make mistakes if I get in over my head.”

Her face as expressionless as ever, Elenia put down her cup and regarded me once more. “There’s nothing to be worried about. No one will be able to pass judgment or protest.” Both her words and reaction were formal, and yet she was mildly taken aback. She was sounding me out.

I put on an innocent smile and changed the subject. “Besides that, there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

“Of course, please do.”

“Could you call me Ruby, at least for the time being?”

Elenia didn’t give her answer right away.

I carefully studied her flawless poker face and attempted an audible, visible gulp. “As you must know, I came here alone. Honestly, I am a little uneasy and scared. I don’t know how I’ll adjust to everything here. If I have one person to be on friendly terms with, I believe it’ll give me the courage to—”

“Very well.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, thank you!” I beamed at her and leaned forward to cusp her hands in mind, but she flinched and pulled her hands back at my touch. I quickly let go and stammered sheepishly, “I-I’m sorry. How rude of me.”

“No, it’s all right.”

“Then may I… call you Ellen as well?”

“I suppose it would be better to address each other in a friendly manner.” But she was so cold that I couldn’t possibly imagine her being friendly to anyone. Looking down at her lap, she sighed and added, “Don’t be so intimidated. Being overly humble may bring about misunderstandings.”

She wasn’t worried about me. Rather, she was implying my feigned humility wouldn’t work on her, so I should drop it and simply show my true self. I hadn’t expected her to let her guard down so quickly, but if she was feeling me out, at least I’d successfully surprised her. My goal wasn’t for the castle’s inhabitants, including Elenia, to like me. It was to make them think I was harmless. I wanted them to see me not as an evil Borgia but as an innocent fool.

“I’m used to being misunderstood. I’ll do my best not to be a burden to anyone.”

Once again, Elenia regarded me wordlessly.

I suddenly recalled my sister from my old life. The last time I had seen her, she had been lifeless, with dried blood on one of her thin wrists.

“Let me show you your quarters now.”

***

I gazed at the sea through the window. The setting sun cast a red glow over the horizon, its light warming up the white room. As I watched a sailboat calmly glide away, Elenia came to stand beside me.

“I hope you like this room.”

“I love it.”

“I’ll show you around the castle tomorrow morning. If you want a different room—”

“No, I really love this one. And I like the view too. I’ve always wanted a room with a view of the sea.” I took her hands again, but this time she didn’t flinch.

Still, she eyed our clasped hands as if bothered by something. After a moment’s pause, she said, “You must be tired. You should go to bed early. If my brother comes later than expected—”

“It’s not a problem, Ellen. I’m exhausted, and I really want to go to sleep.”

I knew my new husband would not be coming to see me, so I wasn’t offended. If anything, I was relieved. My goal wasn’t to win his love, it was his pity I needed. As I smiled, I could see the tall head maid give me a look of contempt from behind Elenia, but I didn’t care. Being despised was nothing new to me. I could take it.

***

The room was so frigid that I woke up to the sound of my teeth clattering. I had been told it got cold in the early morning in Erendille, even in the summer, but it was much worse than that. Shivering violently, I threw a blanket around my shoulders and got out of bed.

The fire went out, I realized as I gazed at the dark fireplace. Many demonic monsters roamed the North, and the green flames of noble houses scattered about every night weren’t just for heat. It was a holy fire, and it required a priest’s blessing to light. It kept undead and nightmare monsters at bay, which crawled in like shadows after sundown to hunt humans. I was well aware that a green flame had to be snuffed out and never died on its own.

Who did this? The head maid from before?

“Achoo!”

Despite my best efforts, going back to sleep was a futile effort in that freezing room. I climbed out of bed again and approached the fireplace, hoping there was still a live ember.

This is immature, you know… But then I heard an ominous swishing sound. My neck stiffened. At first, I thought it was just the wind. But as I slowly turned, half-frozen with fear and cold, I saw it was no strong gust.

In Romana, people rarely saw demonic monsters. And not just me, most nobles in the South lived and died without ever seeing one. Except for the Screeching Forest and some border areas, the Vatican was free of monsters. And of course, I never went to those areas. The first and last time I had seen a demonic monster was a day in late autumn of the year my first marriage was called off.

Cezar took me to the art museum basement, saying he had something to show me. I don’t remember what I’d done to incite his ire enough to punish me, but I was locked up all night in that basement with a gargoyle that pulled at its chains to free itself and devour me. I must have been crazy with fear, as I thought the howling gargoyle with glinting green eyes wasn’t nearly as hideous as a turtle. Still, I kept yelling at it to stay away from me. At some point, the monster suddenly stopped raging and sat down to stare at me all night.

Looking now at this new demonic silhouette, I thought, This must be a hallucination my scared brain conjured up. Or just a coincidence.

“S-stay away from me…”

It slid in through the closed window like a shadow, then floated in the air and glared at me. That is, if the pair of green flames between its huge black wings were its eyes. I knew it would lunge at me if I turned to run or screamed.

My knees wobbled, but my mouth said, “Don’t come closer.”

The intruder seemed impressed by my composure, and its wings drooped as it continued to gaze at me, which was grotesque enough.

Is it getting ready to attack? It looks like it’s unsure of itself.

“Go away.”

Then a maid opened the door and stepped in, only to start screaming immediately. “My lady, you need to— Aaaargh!”

I covered my ears with my hands to block out her unending, bloodcurdling screams. The monster spread its wings and lunged at her.

“Ruby!”

Elenia’s voice cried. And then…

Slash!

Something like lightning blinded me.