Chapter 10

One month had passed since the wedding, and it was now June.

In the garden of the mansion, the tree poppies had started to bloom with large white flowers.

This house had many trees that bloomed with delicate flowers. Recently, Abby, who had been feeling somewhat down, had been going out to the garden more often to look at the tree poppies, which she could barely wrap her hands around.

Manners classes were held three times a week.

In class, they didn't just learn manners but also the family relationships among the nobility, the specialties of the territories of the upper nobility, and the power dynamics of the factions.

There was a mountain of things to learn.

Abby, who had never received this kind of education, was struggling to remember everything, but compared to her reclusive life, it was enjoyable.

One evening during dinner, Gilbert announced the next day's schedule.

"Tomorrow, I've been invited to dinner at an acquaintance's earl's house."

"Am I going too?"

"Yes."

"Understood. Is there anything I need to be careful about?"

"I hope you won't do something like last time."

"Last time... Yes, I understand."

Last time apparently referred to when Abby had stated in front of the king that she had "repeatedly been asked to marry."

There was no other conversation. Despite the luxurious food on the table, she had no appetite. She missed the simple but joyful dinners at her parents' house.

(No, I can't complain after just one month.)

She scolded herself, but her appetite didn't return, and she could only eat about half of her dinner. After Gilbert left the dining room, Abby also headed to her room, with Cathy following behind.

"Madam?"

"What is it, Cathy?"

"You didn't seem to have much of an appetite. How are you feeling?"

"I'm not feeling unwell. It's just that we used to have fun conversations during meals at my parents' house. I shouldn't keep comparing everything to my parents' house. I need to get used to the customs of this house."

"Madam..."

"I'm fine. I'm tougher than I look."

She forced a cheerful laugh.

"I'm going to take a bath and go to bed. You can leave now. See you tomorrow."

"Yes, good night, Madam."

The couple's bedrooms were connected by a door, but the door was always locked.

Both Abby's room and Gilbert's room had small bathrooms, and there was a large bathroom on the first floor. Abby always used the bathroom in her room. She felt safe because both the room and the bathroom had locks.

She locked the door to her room and the bathroom, then undressed.

The familiar burn mark looked even uglier in the large, luxurious mirror of this house.

Abby averted her eyes from the burn mark and got into the bathtub. She immersed herself up to her waist, closed her eyes, and said aloud, "Ah, this feels good," as she washed her body with soap in the water.

Suddenly, there was a loud knock on her room's door, which startled her.

The knocking wasn't from a servant. Abby hurriedly stood up, wrapped a robe around her wet, soapy body, and left the bathroom.

The door was knocked on again.

"Coming! I'll be right there!"

She answered loudly and rushed out of the bathroom barefoot.

As she crossed the room, the soap slid down her legs, and she slipped.

"Ah!"

She put her hands out to protect her face.

A sharp pain shot through her right wrist, but she quickly got up and rushed to the door. She unlocked it and opened it to find Gilbert standing there with a frown, causing her to pull the collar of her robe together. Abby looked up at the tall Gilbert and apologized.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."

"You were in the bath?"

"Yes."

"Can I come in for a moment?"

"In this state? Could you wait a moment?"

"It won't take more than a minute or two."

"Then please come in."

Gilbert entered the room and sat on the sofa.

"You don't seem to have much of an appetite."

"Well, yes, that's true."

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, it's not that."

"Is the food not to your liking?"

"No, it's not that. I'm just not used to eating in silence. I'll get used to it eventually."

"Hey!"

"Wh-What?"

Gilbert reached for Abby's right arm, and she instinctively pulled back.

"Your wrist is swollen. When did this happen?"

"Just now. I slipped when I was in a hurry."

"I'll call a doctor. Get dressed and wait."

"No, it's late, and there's no need to trouble the doctor. I'm fine."

"Whether you're fine or not is for the doctor to decide."

"Oh, I see. I'm sorry."

Gilbert sighed.

"What's wrong?"

"You look completely deflated. You're not the same person who jumped in front of a sword or argued with me."

"Is that so? If I've been a nuisance, I'll be more careful. I'm sorry..."

"That's the attitude. You look like a cat with its claws pulled out."

Abby couldn't help but laugh a little at Gilbert's comparison of her to a cat.

"Do you at least think of me as a cat you're keeping?"

"Even in a fake marriage, I worry about injuries and illnesses. It's only natural."

"I'm glad."

"What are you glad about?"

"I thought I was just a cushion in the carriage. At least a cat is a living thing."

"Hey..."

Gilbert sighed again.

After that, Abby repeatedly said, "Please don't," when Gilbert said he would call Cathy, and she moved to the bathroom to dress with one hand. By the time the doctor arrived, her right wrist was swollen.

"There's a hairline fracture. Even though it's called a hairline fracture, it's still a fracture. You'll have to be careful with your right wrist, or it might take longer to heal or leave you with a permanent injury."

"What should I be careful about?"

"I'll put a splint and bandage on it. For one week, you absolutely must not move it. The splint and bandage can be removed in about a month. And what about the bandage on your forehead?"

"It's a cut."

"Hmm. A cut and a fracture?"

The doctor glanced at Gilbert. Realizing the implication, Abby panicked.

"No! It's not your fault, sir. Both were due to my own clumsiness."

"I see. Then you'll need to take care of yourself for a while. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Get everything done for you."

The doctor smiled and left.

After Gilbert sent away Cathy, who had rushed in upon hearing the commotion, he asked Abby when they were alone.

"What do I need to do for now?"

"Huh? No, it's fine. I'll call Cathy if I need anything."

"This fracture is my fault. The cut isn't entirely my fault, but..."

"I know that!"

"Then what do I need to do for now?"

(If we keep arguing, this will go on forever.) Abby decided to give in.

"Actually, I've been changing the bandage on my forehead every day after bathing. The wound is almost closed, but I want to keep the bandage on until the redness goes away. It's difficult to do with one hand, so could you help me?"