Chapter 4
IT’D been a month since the debacle at House Diascia. The fuss hadn’t been discussed by the newspapers, nobles, or merchants. Indeed, it hadn’t made a single ripple within society, and outwardly, our visit had ended smoothly.
One afternoon, Lucas invited me to the reading room, a space prepared for me beside his office. He had used the room to take breaks at work, and when I didn’t have anything in particular to do, I spent my days reading books or writing letters there.
When I set foot inside the room, Lucas wasn’t there. The gentle sunshine filtered in through the windows, keeping my toes warm. From the bay window, one could get a splendid view of the fabulous garden, and there was a table and a set of seats for four to enjoy the indirect light. A floral rug was in front of the bookshelves. Lucas was still a budding businessman, and we ensured that regal furniture was placed within the manor to add to his dignity. However, once we were officially married, we gradually created a few spaces that looked lovely and relaxing in our residence.
Once Lucas finished his work, he entered the room.
“We cleared up the incident with House Diascia, so I wanted to share it with you,” he said as soon as he entered. He grabbed a deck of cards decorated with foil from the table and started to build a house of cards. He wasn’t using glue today. “I gathered proof that I, a pawn of the third prince, and you, a descendant of the famed House Karelia, were attacked,” he explained. “I made sure to keep the first prince’s faction in check.”
“Does my family name still come in handy?” I asked.
“Of course. The first prince’s faction isn’t keen on touching you, a woman who still carries the blood of the Traditional Twelve. In any case, we should be safe for now.”
“I’m glad to hear that. But things shall get busy.”
There was a knock on the door, and Cano entered the room with a box in his hands. “My lord, I’ve brought the shoes.”
He appeared without a sound, living up to his former status as a dog.
“Can you show them to Iris?” Lucas ordered.
Cano removed the contents of the box and quietly placed them on a tray. He went on one knee in front of me and showed me the item. The unique shape drew me in as I leaned forward eagerly.
“Oh my,” I gasped. “Are these shoes without a heel?”
They were smooth and thin, like layered handkerchiefs.
“I’ll help you wear them,” Lucas said.
“Oh?” I asked.
“Come on.”
He gave me a squinty-eyed smile as he knelt before me and slid the shoes gently onto my feet. During times like these, he was always serious and gentle. I couldn’t help but hold my breath, enchanted by him. When he gazed at my feet with the shoes on, he looked more than satisfied.
“A perfect fit,” he said.
Cano averted his gaze and mumbled awkwardly, “Stop flirting in front of me.”
“The fact that you averted your gaze from her legs is laudable.”
The shoes were soft and comfortable, like the type I wore during dance lessons.
“We referenced ballet shoes,” Cano explained after he saw that I was wearing them. “They’re for daily wear. They’re made of soft leather and can be safely stored away as well. You can even have your servants carry these around while you’re out and about.”
As I walked around in them, it felt like I was walking around in socks. The leather was soft to the touch. I could also move around nimbly should the need arrive.
“How wonderful,” I said. “They’re round and cute. They’re easier to run around in, too. It’s difficult enough to move around in dresses; these shoes will be a huge help during any distressing situations.”
Lucas studied me closely. “But because of the lack of heels, the hems of skirts would need to be adjusted for daily wear for nobles. These might be better for working women or students since their skirts are already much shorter to begin with.”
“Then what about the nuns?” I suggested. “They’re working hard within the convents every day, and I’m sure they’d appreciate shoes that are easier to move around in.”
“Good point. Maybe I should make the shoes a touch thicker, and I think they’d be happy if I donated these as an act of charity. I think I can also receive candid feedback on how the shoes feel.”
I could see his new prospect glimmering in his eyes, and I couldn’t hide my elation. I wanted to help him somehow.
“I can contact a few interested ladies I know from the salon,” I offered. “Their opinions will be invaluable if we wish to market to the nobility as well.”
“Huh. Madam, you really do look a lot livelier when you’re with my lord,” Cano said as he listened to our conversation.
“My, do you think so?”
“I do. You used to—”
Lucas cleared his throat loudly, interrupting the boy. My husband glared at Cano. “Come on, write this stuff down, Cano. You have to sell my relationship with my wife to him.”
Cano paled before his face became a shade of red. “L-Lady Iris, did you also know of my secret?!”
I nodded awkwardly. “Well, yes… You were sent by…the third prince, no?”
He turned redder still, looking visibly embarrassed. I pitied him, but I thought he was absolutely adorable. Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Cano sheepishly cleared his throat.
“I-In any case, it’s my job to protect you, madam,” he said. “Should anything happen, I shall be sure to provide my assistance.”
“I understand. Thank you,” I replied with a nod.
Was I imagining things? Ever since that night at House Diascia’s manor, Cano’s attitude had shifted. It looked like he was freed from his chains, in a way; he must’ve had some sort of change of heart.
A hand touched my chin and gently pulled my face in a different direction. Lucas’s frowning face was so close to me that I jolted in shock.
“Stop gazing at him for so long, Iris,” he pouted. “I’ll get jealous.”
“I-I’m sorry,” I replied. “He’s just so cute. He reminds me of a squirrel.”
“A squirrel?!” Cano cried, his voice rising an octave.
Lucas and I giggled.
Our days went by peacefully, filled with joy. We were preparing to leave for our trip abroad. The day we’d set off for Lapisasther had finally been decided. Our journey would be good for business and socializing, but most of all, we’d have a chance to find traces of Lucas’s father.
My husband’s face was filled with determination as he tirelessly prepared for the trip.