# Chapter 32
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Episode 32
***
married.
After performing this unique ritual, Anita began to sleep alone every night.
This is not surprising.
It wouldn't be something to be sad about.
Since there was no love or heir in Anita and Lancelot's contractual marriage, it was correct to see it as a natural separation.
Of course, when thinking about the unique relationship that is a couple, I couldn't necessarily see this as the right thing to do.
However, Lancelot tried to respect and consider Anita even if it meant breaking the rules.
'respect?
Is it really respectful and considerate for a couple to sleep separately?
Whenever Anita thinks about this issue, she finds herself struggling endlessly.
'Wouldn't Lancelot be better off if he didn't share the same bed?
'It's a terrible thing to sleep with someone you don't love.'
It was a self-torture that I had never thought about until I married him.
'You can avoid the unfortunate event of having a son, so you won't have to worry about successor issues after taking a real wife.'
In this case, it can be said to be lucky for a child who will never be born.
There will be no need to be criticized for having a humble mother.
... there is.
"There's nothing good about getting stuck in these worries."
Anita already knew the answer to this never-ending question.
The answer is 'It is true that Lancelot was considerate of me.'
Her love for Lancelot is nothing more than doubt, fear and disappointment.
Knowing this fact made me feel like an even more ragged idiot.
The more mature you become, the more hopeless you feel.
The fact that the feeling that external love provides is more pain than happiness.
At first, the emptiness presented by the empty bed next to me seemed especially significant.
The time Lancelot spent together in the couple's bedroom was like a knife.
After 9 pm, he would leave the room to read a book or check his financial situation (he usually asked clients to do this, but he didn't trust strangers).
It was time for breakfast the next day when Lancelot returned from his departure.
'As for sleeping...
'We could sleep together.'
I was worried about the rumors spreading among the mansion's staff.
The next morning, she asked Lancelot if he would mind sharing the same room.
"It's different from the first time."
"huh?"
"Wasn't it you who said we should respect each other's night more?
"Have you changed your mind?"
Lancelot asked calmly as he read a page from the mountain of letters.
It was strange to see him slowly drinking hot coffee and concentrating on the content of the letter.
The morning scene with him somehow didn't seem real.
It has been two years since I stayed in the same mansion as Lancelot.
Just recognizing this fact made my heart tremble and I ended up stuttering.
"Well, it hasn't changed or anything.
However, I want to be true to my role...
."
"The maids and servants in charge of this floor are people I have seen for a long time.
"They are my people, so you don't need to worry about them."
"Oh yes.
"If that's the case, it's a relief."
I carefully put down the coffee, which was especially bitter today.
"If it's okay with you, I'm planning on hiring a teacher starting tomorrow.
What do you think about that?"
"What if you're a teacher?"
"I'm leaving for Hicksen in two weeks.
Before then, it would be best to learn some minor rules of etiquette, including royal etiquette."
Opportunities to learn real etiquette are rare.
Furthermore, since it would serve as a defensive shield for her to maintain her ultimate dignity as a duchess, there was no reason to refuse.
"of course.
"You can start today."
Lancelot replied, refilling the empty glass.
"Today is difficult because I have to send out invitations."
"Who is the teacher?"
"Mrs.
Adelaide Whisker.
Former first-class maid to Her Majesty the Queen and head of the Earl Whisker family.
He left the royal castle a long time ago and is enjoying the rest of his life in the country not far away, so if you ask him to do this, he will accept immediately.
"He's demanding but meticulous."
A first-class lady-in-waiting to the former queen and an earl.
I know I'll have to get used to it, but...
Isn't it a cumbersome status just to listen to?
"Don't be afraid.
Be aware of your position.
I swallowed dry saliva and looked at Lancelot.
He was making eye contact with Anita for the first time since breakfast began.
"You are the Duchess of Edenbahir, and my respect is your respect, my honor is your honor, and my authority is your authority."
Anita focused all her attention on the voice that continued calmly.
When I thought about starting my life as a noble again, Lancelot's advice seemed more important than anyone else's.
"The only people who can put my head in Montebbio are the king, queen and Prince Maximus.
"Half my blood is royal, so as long as you are by my side, everyone should admire you."
"huh."
“I called Countess Milena for you, but you don’t need to force yourself to follow her advice.
Don't sacrifice yourself or be patient for me.
"The Countess wouldn't push so hard."
"...I know what you're worried about.
"Thank you for your concern, I won't give up."
The presence that approached her more reliably than ever gave Anita courage.
It was a little embarrassing, but now I can understand why mothers who don't have them risk their lives to find good husbands for their daughters.
[You shouldn't fall for those with flashy words, Anita.
These guys only see girls like you as toys.
Find someone who is serious and talks less, and who only tells the truth even if it is not friendly.]
'My dad used to say that too.'
Although they were just a temporary couple, wouldn't her fake husband be a man who fully met her father's standards?
I lifted my head feeling a tingling sensation on my cheek.
Lancelot was looking at her.
"why?
"Do you have anything else to say?"
"You'll have to call it different out there."
"ah... huh.
I won't be able to call you "you" as comfortably as I do when it's just the two of us.
"I'm fully aware of that."
So what should I call you?
"After all, it would be easier to call you or him, right?"
"It doesn't matter what title you use, as long as it can be seen as a romantic relationship."
I thought it looked a little funny.
They are a couple in name, but they use a title that makes them sound like they are in a romantic relationship.
"I'll think about it."
However, I will never call you by a nickname closer to you or him.
Because I didn't have the confidence to face Lancelot's expression of disgust.
***
It has been two weeks since the wedding was completed.
It was a period that can only be described as truly arduous for Anita.
Countess Adelaide was much more demanding than expected.
[madam.
Haven't I emphasized this several times?
You just need to behave calmly in front of His Majesty the King and Queen.
Lowering your head only applies when learning real etiquette.
When you look at me, you have to lift your chin.
You need to lower your eyes a little.
No matter who sees it, your wife must be the superior.]
I had to hear the same words 20 times a day, so I said it all.
Anita, exhausted from her busy schedule, had to fall asleep as soon as she lay down on the bed.
And when I opened my eyes it was already early in the morning.
Just like today.
"Good morning ma'am."
"Breakfast was served.
I tried to make tea instead of coffee.
"It's a fragrant jasmine tea."
As Anita learned the etiquette of a noble woman, time passed quickly and before she knew it, there was only one day left before she left for Hicksen.
Preparations for departure had already been completed the day before.
For someone planning to spend about a month in Hicksen, it was pretty simple and it was just clothes.
Since there was an Edenbahir mansion in Hixen, all you had to do was move the body, so it wasn't strange.
Anita rubbed her sore shoulders and asked a nearby maid.
"What about Lancelot?"
"Lancelus is busy.
I'm still talking to the gentlemen who called on me last night.
"I think he'll be out by the time he goes down in history."
In the end, I lost the day.
Since we had been away from Shabalon for a long time, it seemed like there were a lot of visitors the day before.
'I am tired...
.'
Anita, who was tearing up the bread without eating, ended up falling back onto the bed.
"Ma'am.
Are you finished eating?
"Can I clean this up?"
"huh...
"Class starts a little late today, so I'm going to sleep a little longer."
"Yes, get some rest."
The dark curtain that had been removed was placed again.
Thanks to this, Anita was able to sleep comfortably in the dark.
Really, so comfortable.
also.
"... oh my God."
What time is it?
How long did I sleep?
I took off the blanket, got up and checked the clock.
"9:30 in the morning.
It's not that late.
"No rush."
A hoarse but gentle voice announced the time before Anita's head rotated speed.
It was Lancelot.
As the maid said, he was dressed like yesterday.
It really meant I spent the last morning with my eyes open.
Although the person in question did not show any signs of this type.
Once again I was amazed.
'You have a much more demanding schedule than me, so you won't have time to rest.
'You're very good at hiding your tiredness.'
I was exhausted from classes that only lasted a few days, so I overslept.
I was embarrassed for no reason.
"Sorry.
Because I'm lazy...
."
"What's the matter?
I like your sleeping face.
"Because it looks like you're in my room."