Chapter 20

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 20

Chapter Title: First Night in the Aratus Mansion

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Agatha settled into the carriage heading to the Aratus mansion in the capital with Enoch, reclining against the sofa.

"Tired, are you?"

"I suspect you're more worn out than I am, my lady."

Enoch knelt on one knee before the exhausted Agatha and slipped off her shoes.

"Enoch?"

"This is how we eased fatigue on the battlefield."

She could feel his large, firm hands even through her thin stockings.

"How's that?"

When his thick fingers pressed into the center of her sole, her muscles relaxed, sending a tingling spark through her like electricity. Every spot his fingers touched sparked the same sensation in sequence.

Agatha clamped her lips shut and surrendered her feet to him silently.

She was afraid that opening her mouth would let out a strange sound.

His hands moved from her feet up to her calves. Unable to bear it any longer, Agatha placed her hand on his shoulder.

"That's enough now."

"Your calves are quite tense too."

"Even so."

Enoch peered into his flushed wife's face before obediently releasing her. As he picked up her shoes, his eyes lingered on her still-swollen feet.

"Enoch?"

"......"

He slipped the shoes back onto her fidgeting little feet and whispered in a low voice.

"Any troubles lately with external affairs?"

"Hm? No. Nothing like that."

Wondering why he'd suddenly bring it up, Agatha recalled Fernando, whom she'd forgotten about.

Her ex-husband, slated to lead the unofficial delegation from Mainucor this time.

For a split second, Agatha's body stiffened subtly. The man, who had glanced up at her briefly, rose to sit and added casually.

"I know that's not what you meant, but your words about leaving foreign affairs entirely to me for the time being felt sincere."

"......"

"If not, that's fine too. Just let me know if you need any help, Agatha."

As he slowly turned his gaze to the window, Agatha hesitated, her lips parting slightly.

"Seems fine for now. Thank you for worrying."

He had incredibly sharp instincts. Should she think he'd grasped her well in such a short time? Or was he simply paying close attention?

'I didn't think I showed it.'

Deflecting answers by citing a husband's authority was a common tactic in high society.

Everyone probably assumed she was just using her husband as an excuse to stall.

'Fernando's involvement must have been that shocking...'

It made sense, considering she'd unusually dwelled on her second marriage.

She wasn't sure how she'd handle seeing him at the negotiations now.

While Agatha was lost in thought, the carriage sped diligently into the capital Aratus mansion.

"Welcome home, my lord, my lady. The Aratus mansion is honored by your presence."

At the main entrance, Head Steward Ben stood waiting with the servants. Agatha, descending the carriage with Enoch's escort, gave a light nod.

"Your warm welcome pleases me. It's just one night, but we look forward to your care, Ben."

"We shall serve with utmost devotion, my lady."

They had come to the capital Aratus mansion today because repairs on the second Noblesse mansion, intended as their newlywed home, weren't finished yet.

The first night of marriage, her first visit to her husband's home.

"This way, my lady."

Agatha took Enoch's hand and stepped into the main mansion, which gleamed elegantly even in the darkness.

Like the inherited estates of other noble houses, the Aratus mansion boasted high ceilings and vast halls.

Recently renovated, the interior felt both antique and fresh. Agatha followed Enoch, discreetly surveying the place.

Tapestries woven with the family crest of an eagle, sword decorations, iron armors, and such.

The corridors, adorned with only the bare essentials, seemed to exude his personality.

Enoch stopped at a room on the central corridor piercing the third floor, before the most beautifully and delicately engraved door.

"You'll stay in my room tonight."

Pardon?

"Please, come in."

Agatha, who had assumed she'd use one of the past marchionesses' rooms, followed him inside with a bewildered expression.

Her bewilderment was brief.

As she entered the inner chamber, Agatha's cheeks warmed subtly.

It was a room just like the man himself. The interior was based on clean whites, with thin tapestries, a solid wood table, leather sofas—only the essentials.

The only unusual feature was the liquor cabinet on one side.

"Would you like to wash up first?"

Agatha nodded reflexively. As he unfastened his shirt collar and chain, he commanded.

"Escort the lady to the nearer bath."

"Understood."

Agatha followed Head Steward Ben, who had been waiting, to the bathroom.

The grand mansion, illuminated by lanterns and the reflective glow of jewels, exuded antique serenity even without much decoration, thanks to its craftsmanship alone.

"The mansion is lovely."

"It's all thanks to your prior consideration, my lady."

"Mine?"

"Before the marriage, you knew of the lord's hardships and sent gold ahead."

Ah.

Agatha now understood why the Aratus head steward had been so polite and deferential from their first meeting.

Her haste to prepare his life-debt payment to aid Enoch had unexpectedly touched the steward's heart.

"Even so, there's a difference between a lady of the house and mere steward oversight. This is your mansion now too, my lady, so please visit often and tend to it. We shall support you wholeheartedly."

Arriving at the bathroom door, Steward Ben bowed deeply and opened it.

"I will. Looking forward to your service, Ben."

Responding warmly, Agatha entered the bathroom under the maid's guidance.

The family head's private bath had wooden flooring in parts, adding a touch of rustic charm.

A steaming tub full of hot water sat right beneath the window.

One side held oils and various amenities, along with a resting area. As the maid helped her undress amid the rising steam that quickly dampened her clothes, she asked.

"Shall I open the window, my lady?"

"Yes, please."

A warm breeze flowed in from the nearly set sun outside.

She sank deeply into the tub scented with petals and sachets when a new maid offered a tray.

"The lord ordered this sent up."

While receiving a massage, Agatha inspected the tray. It held chilled white grape wine, thinly sliced roasted beef, cheese, bite-sized fruits, and more.

Agatha savored the light, unburdening bites while gazing out the window.

Small, soft foods. Her body immersed in warm water, cool white wine.

The only lacking element was the view. Though there was a garden directly below the bath, only green foliage was visible.

Nothing else.

This must be the shortfall the steward mentioned. The Aratus mansion had been neglected for ten years, and a steward could only do so much.

"The garden could have made it even lovelier."

"We're sorry, my lady. We've tried..."

"I'm not blaming you. That's the lady's role. Still, it feels good."

Agatha enjoyed the bath thoroughly before emerging. By the time she'd eaten and relaxed simply, her fatigue had melted away.

Noblesse's close maids had naturally joined in attending her.

"Which one suits you, my lady?"

"Hm, that one."

After some deliberation, she chose a thin slip with delicate lace. Draping a long robe over it, she followed the leading maid, tension building naturally.

It was their wedding night. And they were heading to his bedroom, uncharted territory.

Passing the inner chamber guarded by knights, they reached the bedroom door. The maid knocked.

"My lord, the lady has arrived."

"Bring her in."

A deep, heavy baritone flowed from beyond the door.

"We'll take our leave now, my lady."

"Alright."

The door closed behind her.

Stepping inside, Agatha quietly surveyed the bedroom. Blacks and grays mixed aptly with blues and whites.

An antique yet serene room, imbued with quiet elegance.

There sat Enoch, already bathed, wearing a similar robe and leaning against the table.

Spotting her, he silently extended his hand.

"Did I keep you waiting long?"

"Not really."

Her thin slippers brushed the soft carpet.

Taking his hand and standing before him, his muscular forearm wrapped around her waist.

She ended up seated on his thigh, reflexively clutching his robe.

"I didn't wait long."

He pressed his lips to her cheek, lifting her thigh.

"Did the refreshments suit your taste?"

"......They were delicious."

"Good."

The man chuckled softly and headed straight for the bed. Gauzy curtains swayed under the bright moonlight.

She hadn't imagined him taking the lead so boldly.

Agatha buried her flushed face in his shoulder, exhaling a trembling breath.

Soon, the curtains parted.