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Chapter 4: The Demon's Wife

The maids he designated led me to a beautiful lounging room and they helped me changed dress that I could use when I greet some of the nobles’ there. I just couldn’t imagine how easy it was to get married. I allowed the maids to do what they wanted and from time to time, they asked of my preferences for certain ornaments that I was not really accustomed to wearing since my Uncle told me that those women who wear such luxurious things were easily fooled to thinking that these accessories would make them prettier when in fact, it was a shallow mindset.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and blinked my eyes. I am married yet why do I feel empty inside? Was it because I had to kill Zaren after earning his trust? I have to use him for my own gains however I have no knowledge why he wanted to marry me in the first place. I have no recollection of his memories with Amari. Was this because I was from another world, so her memories weren’t in my mind? That could be the cause.

“Your Grace, you look exceptionally beautiful! His Grace was completely smitten over you. Kyaaak!” The maids’ heart seemed to be more fragile than mine as they squealed in shyness, covering their mouths while they recalled what occurred earlier.

Well, the owner of this body was gorgeous, there was no doubt even women would fall for her. Even I, from another world, felt like her beauty was just extraordinary. Eyes that resembled of a fox, lips so small making men wanted to take a bite, and a superb beauty that no one could compare. Amari was such a heart taker.

I smiled at them through the mirror, gently responding, “Your praises warms my heart. Do you think His Grace loved my appearance earlier?”

The maids aggressively nodded their heads.

“Your Grace, you don’t know how His Grace’s eyes never left you! Ah, His Grace has fallen in love, Rei, could you imagine that? My heart, ack!”

I giggled at their words. Maids are skilled in making the lady they serve get shy. Anyways, I also sensed Zaren’s gaze fixed on me, since he opened the carriage and until I left to go here as per his commands. According to his affectionate eyes, his heart must had been reserved for the real Amari, yet I was the one he married into. I looked down on my hand as the ring adorned it and heaved a breath. This ring will be the witness of how this marriage would turn out; for better or for worse.

Knock, knock. I heard two knocks on the door, familiar tone. It was my Uncle. At first, I didn’t want the maid to open it for him but I’d hate it if rumors about my family would circulate. That would tarnish Valkyrine’s name since I became one of them.

The maid, Rei, bowed at me and inquired, “Should I open it, Your Grace?”

I gulped, “Please do so and give us a moment afterwards.”

The maids unwillingly exchanged glances and left after opening the door for my expected guest- Uncle. He formally bowed at the maids who went out as he closed the door gently and sat on the chair, distant from me. At least, he finally knew our boundary. Some time when he was mad, he’d just slap me or whip me, and since it rarely happened, there were only faint scars on my back and arms. It would be hard to notice.

I gazed over his appearance and looked down.

“Did you plant the man earlier?”

He smirked, “You’re still smart.”

I pursed my lips. “Why? It was my wedding day, you only had to restrain for one day. Was it that hard?”

My Uncle shrugged his shoulders, “Why are you so emotional about it? You’re going to kill him, so this marriage would be just as ruined as it was on your wedding day.”

“Uncle.”

“Amari, don’t forget… If you can’t do it, I’d have another bride kill him for sure.”

His eyes were glazed with coldness, and I flinched. My eyes shook and I shifted my eyes from him, “Leave. Should you ruin this day any further, you shall face His Grace’s wrath.”

“I hate that arrogance of yours. Then again, you’re the Duchess of Valkyrine. Harming you would harm me, too.”

I gripped my skirt, pursing my lips. Did he really want to slap me at this moment? No, I can’t cry.

Before I could say anything to him, he stood up and said, “By your word, Your Grace, thank you for your allotted time.” He wore a hostile smile, warning me about the mission I have.

The moment he left, the maids hurried inside, asking if I was hurt which I responded that I had a little chat with him due to earlier occurrence. After making sure I was presentable, we headed out from the lounge, and I greeted the nobles’ as I should do as a Duchess of Valkyrine.

Everyone warmly congratulated me of my wedding, while the ladies told me I got the biggest and pricey fish amongst fishes there were in the society. I simply giggled at their words, leaving me astonished as they were sharp in their words. Ladies in this world were fascinating, at most.

“Duchess Valkyrine, you are still dazzling as ever. I am Flora Xien. May I have this honor to have a glass of wine with you?”

Glass of win on a wedding day means you are celebrating your friendship with someone. However, still, I had no memories of Amari with this lady, Flora Xien. What could be their relationship with each other? Were they enemies or genuine friends?

I smiled, “You flatter me, Lady Xien. It had been a while.”

“Indeed. The passage of time proved that you had forgotten about me.”

I shook my head, “Look at my shortcomings, Lady Xien. Pardon my sickly body as it limited me from going outside.”

She smiled, “I am aware of it, Duchess Valkyrine.”

I faintly frowned. This lady was not easy to read, but I was certain she was mocking the real Amari. This Flora lady… is so gross.

I placed the glass of wine before we could even clink it together. I spoke, “Your words are cognizant. How has been things with your boyfriend?”

“Your Grace-!”

Lady Xien had affair with her boyfriend, and though it might seem natural since they were lovers, as unmarried couple, it was simply obnoxious thing to do. Everyone here, especially, women look after their innocence and in any case it was taken by a man, boyfriend or not, it was a great threat to women because it was a threat for their marriage.

Flora huffed and calmed herself, “Your Grace… I’d like to have a talk with you concerning that some other time. However, for now, I shall take my leave.”

I didn’t stop her as I don’t have any reason so. I don’t know what kind of person the real Amari was, but I think she was gentle and timid. It was normal since she had two affinities she couldn’t control and aside from that was a sickly body. It was thanks to me that she recovered when apparently, the physicians told my parents Amari was in no shape to recover.

This taking her body was beneficial for both of the parties. I’d like to think that way. I stepped forward, aiming to greet another lady but Rei, my maid, bowed before me.

“Your Grace, it’s time for your bathe.”

“… Let’s go, then.”

I went inside with a heavy heart as it thumped hard. Really, wedding night is such a jump scare, isn’t it? I think I am regretting this wedding now. I looked around as the bathtub was filled with roses, and milk. Just by smelling it made me believe that nobles’ wedding was just spectacular.

I had to take a long one-hour bath again before I was dressed with bathrobe, drying my hair and combing it with utter gentleness. The breeze tonight was a bit chilly, I guess the season was near changing into Winter now. The maids made sure I was clear to every nook and cranny, sprayed perfumes all over my body, but let my hair cascaded my back. Afterwards, I was left inside the big bedroom which were occupied with a desk, two chairs, a vase with a rose in it; they were neatly arranged.

I never had this luxury while living as Yula and though this was such a new experience, I feel I am cheating behind my husband’s back with a new wedding. I turned my head towards the window, looking down on the rose. Flowers will bloom and wither, there was only a brief moment it was alive before it meets its end. Everything has an end.

I was reminded of Zhiven and our adorable child.

“What about you… where are you?”

“Missing me that much?”

I abruptly turned around when I heard Zaren’s face.

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