A month passed in the blink of an eye.
During that time, by diligently attending lessons tailored for a noble every single day, I could truly feel how much my mannerisms had changed.
Starting from basic table etiquette, up to the proper posture one must have while conversing — all facets of conduct.
“Mind your steps. With strides like those, you might twist your ankle.”
Of course, it’s still a bit of a stretch… Nevertheless, now I can walk in heels of this height, marking genuine progress.
After inspecting my posture a few times, Alan finally smiled in satisfaction.
“You’ve improved greatly. It’s hard to imagine the way you were during our first meeting.”
“Ahaha. Thank you.”
Speaking of our first meeting, I guess he’s referring to the moment I first proposed a contractual marriage to Abel. Back then, I really had no grasp of noble etiquette — not to mention composure — so it makes sense for him to feel this way.
“I’d say…this is more than enough…”
“Unexpected, isn’t it? I never thought you’d receive Alan’s approval.”
Abel, who spoke as he emerged from his study, seemed genuinely surprised that I had won Alan’s approval in such a short month.
Indeed, I may not be good at many things, but I learn quickly.
“Hmph.”
As he slightly crossed his arms and adjusted his tone, Abel smirked.
“It’s good to be a little proud, but we should start preparing, shouldn’t we?”
“Ah, you’re right.”
I had forgotten amid my excitement. Today was the day of the Hunting Festival. Even though the snow-covered mountains are close to the Hardenberg family estate, we might be late if we don’t begin preparations now.
“Adelle!”
Lily approached me, shouting from afar. With a brisk pace, possibly to avoid another scolding from Lora for running.
“It’s time to get ready!”
“Got it, Lily.”
As I went to follow Lily, I felt a gaze and turned my head back.
Abel was looking at me with a meaningful smile while making a subtle beckoning gesture with his hand. Something about that grin, tinged with mischief, set off alarm bells.
Somehow, it always seemed like a bad omen before something disastrous happened.
I frowned slightly, but his smile never wavered as he continued to watch me with a cryptic look.
“…Why am I feeling uneasy?”
Though perhaps I’m just anxious because I suspect he might cause trouble. It’s probably wise to prepare for the worst. It would be fortunate if it turns out to be a mere overreaction, but as the saying goes, better safe than sorry.
With that thought in mind, I followed Lily again.
§
“Phew…”
Truly, the name ‘Perpetual Snowpeak’ fits perfectly. Even layered in thick outerwear, my teeth chatter involuntarily.
Even inside the carriage, I can see my breath forming a white mist, offering a tangible reminder of just how cold it is.
Abel, seated in front of me, glanced sideways at me and snapped his fingers.
“It seems rather cold, doesn’t it?”
“Indeed… Wait… How are you so comfortable, Abel?”
His clothing isn’t much different from his usual uniform—a proper and dignified outfit, but absolutely unsuitable for a snowy mountain.
Frankly, it worries me that even someone like me, who rarely concerns myself with Abel’s well-being, starts to wonder if he might catch a cold.
“It’s magic.”
Ah, right.
A born magician certainly has it easy.
After hearing that, I realized I had worried unnecessarily.
While I struggle with minor magic spells like tracking or shielding, quickly tiring myself after only a couple of uses, it’s enough to make me envious.
“Still feeling cold?”
“Of course… Wait, what?”
Strangely, I no longer feel the cold. In fact, it almost feels warm.
Puzzled, I looked up to meet Abel’s mask-like smile.
So, he used magic for me. Though I didn’t explicitly ask, it feels strange to receive such casual kindness.
Of course, from Abel’s perspective, it might be inconvenient if his fiancée catches a cold.
Nevertheless, it is still a thoughtful gesture…
“…Thank you.”
“Hmm? I didn’t hear you clearly.”
This guy, pretending not to hear again. His teasing expression said it all.
Of course, I’m not one to grudge thanks, so I repeated myself in a louder voice.
“Thank you, Abel.”
“Don’t mention it.”
He replied, then immediately returned to his documents, as if my gratitude no longer interested him.
That annoyed me somewhat, but I sighed and turned away.
He’s certainly a nerve-wracking man in so many ways.
Through the carriage window, I could see a snow-covered mountain range stretching endlessly. Even as someone who had loved mountain climbing before this reincarnation, the scale of this snowy peak was awe-inspiring.
It might even be taller than Seoraksan.
‘To climb this high in a carriage…’
Truly, medieval magical engineering is a remarkable technology.
Even with the existence of magic, the fact that a carriage can ascend to such a great height is astonishing.
I began to muse: Is the profession of a driver one of the most challenging ones?
“Clunk, clunk.”
Despite the incredible technology, the ride remains bumpy, and I’ve yet to fully adapt. It’s odd to see someone like Abel calmly reading documents amidst such discomfort.
Would he claim this steadiness is also due to magic if I asked?
While I was lost in thought, the horse snorted and the carriage stopped rocking.
“We’ve arrived.”
Abel put down the document he was reading and rose to his feet. After stepping out first, he extended his hand to help me alight from the carriage.
As I stepped outside, a vast snowy plain greeted my eyes.
In the center of this field, like a magical boundary, there was a snow-free patch of barren ground.
I could see elegantly dressed young noblewomen and gentlemen, aristocrats, and even members of the royal family. Among them were some faces I found particularly familiar and even irritating.
“The Crown Prince, the High Mage, the Commander of the Imperial Knights, and even the Duke…”
Names that would make anyone’s jaw drop.
It seems all the archetypal male leads from light novels are gathered here.
Despite the Hunting Festival being one of the most important events in the empire, it’s rare that so many distinguished figures would gather in one place.
It must surely be because of her, the protagonist.
Turning my head, I saw Estelle not far away. Her silver hair shimmered under the sunlight, and her golden eyes exuded an air of mystery. She was a beauty among beauties—her appearance leaving such an impression on anyone who looked.
Estelle von Lewis.
The main character of the original story, the enchanting lead who wraps countless male characters around her fingers.
Even in a romance-heavy world, the sheer number of men drawn to her seems almost unrealistic.
No matter how grounded the reality, witnessing such a phenomenon makes one feel that this world is ultimately a world from a light novel.
“Ah, our eyes met.”
Looking slightly surprised, she widened her eyes and then smiled gently, waving at me. Taken aback, I awkwardly reciprocated her gesture, forcing myself to remain calm.
Her pure response made me unnecessarily nervous.
“Truly, she’s an exceptional person…”
I had heard stories about how the previous Adelle had caused all sorts of trouble.
Yet, despite this, she innocently offered her congratulations, expressed her desire to have more conversations with me, and even handed me an invitation when she left after the engagement ceremony.
Slowly, I began recalling the rumors about the misdeeds of the past Adelle.
Pretending to stumble and spilling wine on someone’s dress, subtly dismissing the noble history of the Louis Marquis family, and even orchestrating subtle ostracization at parties she hosted.
“Was Adelle really halfway delirious?”
The more I thought about it, the less I understood how Estelle could still extend kindness to someone who had done such things.
If she invited me even after enduring such actions, one would almost think she is a living, breathing Buddha.
Even after facing behaviors that not only violated noble etiquette but outright insulted others, she still chose to offer me an invitation.
It seemed far more logical to suspect hidden motives behind her actions.
“You seem to have a lot on your mind.”
At that moment, I noticed Abel still extending his hand, waiting patiently. I must have been so lost in thought that I didn’t notice him trying to help me out of the carriage.
“Sorry about that.”
“There’s no need to apologize. Worrying about problems that can’t be solved immediately can be exhausting.”
His tone, even gentler than usual. Perhaps because others were around.
Even though he was offering a subtle hint, his words rang true. No matter how much I pondered, there was no sharp solution to uncover Estelle’s intentions.
Instead, perhaps it would be better to focus on the present tasks.
Taking a few deep breaths, I cleared my tangled thoughts. This helped somewhat calm my mind.
“Thank you for the advice.”
“Not at all.”
Abel replied with a polite smile.
Although his unusually artificial smile gave me slight chills, I made a concerted effort to hide my discomfort.
Strangely, I preferred his usual smirk sprinkled with mischief to this overly formal expression.
