Chapter 57

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: Engaged to the Blind Duke
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“What brings you here, really?”

“I told you. This used to be my training ground.”

“So you came out here to train?”

“No, for a walk.”

Marin tilted her head.

Was it just her imagination, or was there something slightly off about this conversation?

“You came to the training ground for a walk? Why?”

“Do I have to explain every little thing to you, Temporary?”

Whoa, long time no see, prickly Duke.

“No, of course not. Enjoy your walk, then. I’ll be going.”

As she turned to leave, the Duke’s cool voice pierced her from behind.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“To my room.”

She could tell something had soured his mood. Best to make a quick escape in times like these.

“Why run away the moment I show up?”

“It’s not running away, but with Master away...”

Marin hemmed and hawed, trying not to poke the bear after hitting the nail on the head.

“I’ll check your form. Get into stance.”

But how’s he supposed to check my form when he can’t see?

Marin wanted to ask the fundamental question, but she didn’t want to upset the Duke when he already seemed in a foul mood. So she picked up her sword and assumed her position.

His cane gently lifted the back of her hand. She gripped tighter.

The cane pressed firmly against her heel, nudging her foot slightly inward. Tension locked into her thighs.

“Go on.”

“Yes.”

Swinging the sword from that stance, her legs felt more solidly planted.

The downward strike felt stronger, too.

Marin looked at the Duke with eyes full of admiration.

“How do you do that?”

She swallowed the rest: *when you can’t even see?*

Her excited voice softened the faint tension at the corners of his mouth.

“Swing the sword for a lifetime.”

“Wow, then from now on, I’ll swing it for—”

“Of course, you’ll need talent to back it up.”

Tch, figures. No life for the untalented.

“When the butler can’t teach you, I will.”

“Huh?”

“Better to learn from the Western Commander-in-Chief than some knight, no?”

*That’s even more intimidating,* she thought, but swallowed it down.

Something told her refusing would only make his already prickly mood even sharper today.

“Yes. It’s an honor.”

Evidently the right answer— a satisfied smile curved his lips.

* * *

***

“Miss, time to get up.”

Yuria gently shook Marin’s sleeping shoulder.

Marin forced her sleepy eyes open and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling.

Where am I? Oh, right—the main house for the party.

“Miss.”

“Mm, I’m up. Just a sec.”

“A sec isn’t enough.”

In her early-morning daze, Marin was forcibly sat up in bed by Yuria.

Her little brother had a knack for swordsmanship, but Yuria was no slouch in strength either.

“Yuria, weren’t you always more the—”

“Hm?”

“Nothing, nothing. I’m up.”

“I’ve warmed the bath with rose petals.”

“Rose petals?”

“Would you prefer different flowers?”

“No, no. Roses are fine.”

A rose-petal bath at dawn. What luxury.

It really drove home that today was party day.

“I’ll check the water temperature, so hurry and get out of bed.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Marin waited until she heard Yuria leave the room, then flopped right back down.

“Engaged...”

A fake one, sure, but the start of a once-in-a-lifetime big event in her life.

“Miss!”

Yuria dragged her straight out of bed again the moment she returned.

Yuria and the other maids washed her every which way and slathered on scented oils.

The air filled with floral fragrance from her skin.

The moment she returned to her room, Idre and Juri burst in like they’d been waiting.

“Good morning, Miss Marin. Let’s begin.”

Idre, wearing a single white glove like a surgeon, gleamed with enthusiasm.

Juri, standing behind her, carefully unpacked an ivory silk dress.

Delicate lace wrapped from the neckline to just below the bust. The softly rippling skirt gleamed subtly, perfectly complementing her slender frame with elegant sophistication.

“Miss, it’s so beautiful!”

Yuria clasped her hands, marveling at Marin in the dress.

Marin nodded as she checked herself in the full-wall mirror.

Clothes make the woman, indeed—it suited her perfectly.

“Time for makeup.”

As Idre pulled cosmetics from her bag, Juri draped a white silk cloth over Marin to protect the dress.

Afraid to wrinkle it by sitting, Marin simply closed her eyes and stood there.

She just waited for it all to end.

Her hair was tugged this way and that, her face layered with who-knows-what.

“There, all done.”

At Idre’s satisfied voice, Marin slowly opened her eyes. She’d nearly dozed off standing.

She started to rub her eyes out of habit, but Idre caught her wrist.

“Customer, please don’t.”

“Oh, sorry.”

She’d forgotten what she was doing for a second.

Marin quickly lowered her hand and offered an apologetic smile.

“Now, take a look in the mirror.”

“Yes.”

***

After Idre stepped aside, Marin stared at her reflection in shock.

Porcelain skin like fresh cream. Subtle makeup giving her eyes an innocent allure. Her light green irises looked deeper, clearer. Plump pink lips.

Her platinum hair, richly braided and cascading naturally over one shoulder, sparkled as if dusted with silver powder.

“Who...?”

The gaunt, shabby girl was gone. In her place stood a woman radiant with light.

“Pfft-hahaha. Just kidding.”

Idre burst into amused laughter and opened a jewelry box.

A teardrop-shaped aquamarine necklace, shimmering brilliantly, clasped around Marin’s neck. Matching earrings with silver threads dangling from the gems completed the look.

“Miss, you’re absolutely stunning.”

Yuria clutched her hands, on the verge of tears.

“Thank you.”

Marin turned to Idre, who stood admiring her work.

“Designer, thank you so much for the dress and the makeup.”

“I’ll be the Duchess’s personal designer someday, right?”

Idre slyly voiced her ambition.

Marin smiled softly.

Idre *would* be the real Duchess’s personal designer—and close friend, too.

Marin nodded in agreement, and Idre seized her hand with a thrilled expression.

“Really?”

“Yes. That’s how it’ll be.”

“Miss Marin, looking forward to working with you.”

Marin could only smile in response, unable to voice a reply.

“Miss, shall we head down now?”

At Yuria’s gentle urging from behind, Marin nodded.

“Yeah. Thank you, Designer. See you at the party.”

“Yes.”

Holding Yuria’s hand, Marin stepped out of the room and walked a short way before asking worriedly,

“How’s Mother’s cold?”

“She won’t make it to the party, I’m afraid. She’s quite disappointed.”

“She must’ve overdone it helping with the preparations.”

Marin regretted asking Roanna to help with the party. She’d been busy herself, but Roanna had thrown herself into it with passion.

Her health had improved since arriving at the Duke’s castle, but her mother had always been frail. She’d pushed too hard and spiked a fever the night before, bedridden now.

“The Viscountess was so thrilled to help with your party.”

Yuria was young, but wise beyond her years.

“Thank you, Yuria.”

“Please, no need for thanks. I haven’t done anything.”

Yuria waved it off shyly, and Marin gently stroked her hair.

What a good kid.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”