Despite the sudden visit, Tyrannia had no choice but to accept. Few families in the world could refuse the Duke of Petros. The count, who had hurried over, spoke awkwardly.

“Good morning, Your Grace. Visiting Tyrannia so early, is there something urgent?”

Which translated to, ‘What’s all the commotion about this early? If it’s nothing important, please leave.’ Dante’s cold gaze met the count’s as he spoke in a commanding tone.

“I’m here to see my fiancée.”

The authoritative tone made the count swallow hard as he felt sweat forming in his mind. The determined look on Dante’s face, showing no intention of leaving, made the count even more uneasy.

“I’ll call for Chloe.”

Dante’s lips twisted beneath his calm mask.

“I’d also like to see your wife. There are matters to discuss about the wedding.”

“… Yes, Your Grace. I’ll call for my wife and daughter.”

Dante nodded.

<b>* * *</b>

What in the world is happening?

Because of Dante’s sudden visit, I was dragged to the parlor. I didn’t even have time to dress properly, so I threw one of Illyae’s expensive gowns over my pajamas and wore her soft slippers. In the parlor, Dante and my mother were waiting. My mother gave me a sharp look.

“Dante?”

Ignoring her, I called out to Dante. He looked at me with a soft expression.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yes.”

I nodded and smiled gently. In this house, where there was no peace, Dante was like a blessing to me. My mother spoke in a weary voice.

“Now that Chloe is here, I’ll take my leave….”

“No, madam. I need you to verify some matters as well.”

For some reason, Dante stopped my mother.

“Is the issue we discussed yesterday resolved?”

“What….”

My mother laughed awkwardly.

“I mean the gifts sent to Lady Chloe from Petros.”

“Oh, that… not yet…”

They must still be piled up in Illyae’s room. My room didn’t have any space to store them, and there was no separate dressing room.

I was about to say something, but Dante spoke faster.

“At this rate, the wedding dress will be stolen, too.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Unable to hold back, my mother retorted sharply, glaring at Dante.

“Exactly what I said.”

But Dante didn’t back down.

“So, I’ve decided to take Lady Chloe with me in advance.”

“What….”

My mother’s eyes widened in shock.

“You’re taking her before the wedding?”

“I don’t want Lady Chloe to stay in a place where even gifts for the bride are not properly managed.”

“Duke! No matter how powerful you are, you should show some courtesy…!”

“Did you show me courtesy? Why did the gifts sent in Petros’ name not reach their rightful recipient?”

Something had clearly upset Dante greatly. But what was it? I watched the exchange, and then my mother turned her wrath on me.

“Tell me, Chloe! Do you really need to go to the Duke’s house right now? Will that make you feel better?”

Why was she directing this at me? If she wanted to shout, she should shout at Dante. It showed how she saw me as the weaker party. Moreover, if she asked me directly like that, what could I say?

“I think it would be fine to go.”

It seemed better than staying here, where I couldn’t even have a proper meal.

My mother trembled.

“Going there before you’re even married will be inconvenient.”

Would it be comfortable anywhere?

“It’s where I’ll end up anyway. And there’s a lot to learn from Mrs. Lestro.”

My mother opened and closed her mouth, flustered.

“Your family is here!”

“Soon, Petros will be my family.”

My blunt response made my mother’s face turn red. She alternated her glares between Dante and me before standing up abruptly.

“Do as you please, Chloe! Just remember, if you regret it, there’s no turning back!”

“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”

If she kept this up, I might have been able to endure it. My mother stomped her foot, angry that things weren’t going her way. Then she turned back to Dante.

“I’ll pack Chloe’s things soon!”

“No, that’s not necessary. I’ll send my steward to retrieve the gifts sent from Petros. We don’t need anything else.”

Dante’s voice was biting. My mother’s face paled.

“Wait, Your Grace. I want to take Marien with me.”

“You heard that, madam. She wants to take a maid named Marien with her. For a daughter getting married, you can do at least that much.”

“Of course, of course! Chloe, take her with you! Go now!”

My mother finally exclaimed in exasperation.

“Then, since it seems there’s nothing more for me here, I’ll take my leave.”

Without waiting for a response, my mother stormed out of the parlor. Her angry footsteps echoed away, and Dante slowly ran a hand through his hair. His sigh seemed unusually heavy.

“Please, have a seat, Lady.”

“Oh.”

I had been too engrossed in watching the argument to sit down. I sat down awkwardly. Dante hesitated before speaking.

“This morning, various media outlets reported on yesterday’s events.”

Why is that? It’s expected. They thrive on issues.

“But there was not a single mention of you, Lady.”

I blinked. Was that what upset Dante?

“What’s strange about that? I’m… someone people avoid mentioning. I’ve even heard I’m destined to drain the saintess’ holy power. So, it’s okay.”

“It’s not okay.”

Dante’s initial shout softened at the end. His broad chest heaved with deep breaths.

“Why do you keep saying it’s okay? Why does everything have to be okay? Why do you keep….”

Dante covered his eyes with his hand, his breathing still heavy and agitated. Why was he angry? He’d been acting strangely since yesterday.

“Stop saying it’s okay. If something isn’t okay, don’t say it is. I’ll get angry if you do.”

“You’re angry right now….”

Dante lowered his hand. Our eyes met naturally. He frowned slightly.

“Do you really think I’m angry?”

“Well….”

“If I truly get angry, no one will be able to meet you until you stop saying it’s okay.”

Dante’s voice was harsh.

“Why you?”

Why are you angry when I’m not? What does my unfair treatment have to do with you? Dante’s anger confused me.

“Because I’m going to be your husband. I want you to have everything you deserve and enjoy what you should.”

“… Do you find me frustrating?”

“I can’t say you aren’t.”

“What’s the point in speaking if no one listens? It’s just a waste of breath.”

I spoke self-deprecatingly. It felt like the protective barrier around me had momentarily vanished.

“I’m listening. Always. No matter what you say, I’ll listen. So, speak.”

My family never did that for me, but you will?

“…It’s enough for me to just go to Petros.”

And not be called a villainess anymore. To have a normal married life, earn enough money to live on, and leave. That’s all I wanted.

Dante ruffled his hair, his voice strained.

“Have you had breakfast?”

“Not yet.”

“Then let’s eat first.”

“Okay.”

The conversation ended without a proper conclusion, but one thing was clear. Dante was much more righteous and warm-hearted than I had thought. Perhaps he would stand by me when I faced injustice.

“………Please make sure the maid Marien gets new clothes. In that cursed box from Petros, there should be a dress that fits you.”

“Okay.”

I agreed lightly. Finally, I would have a dress that fits my body. I was ready to be moved by any dress.

Really.