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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: Akid's Portrait Gallery
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Ah, how brilliant.
I gazed at the various versions of Akid's portraits, my face enraptured. Just as the Grand Duke had said, there were several portraits of Akid that differed from the one in the corridor.
His expression looked quite stern, as if he had only recently arrived at the Grand Duke's estate and was still on guard.
I couldn't tell if the cloudy hue in his pale gray eyes was the artist's liberty or a reflection of Akid's state of mind at the time, but for some reason, it made my heart twinge.
As I looked at the portraits with affectionate eyes, the Grand Duke spoke up.
"I never imagined this would actually work. I was planning to toss them out anyway."
"Pardon? Toss them out?!"
These treasures—stuffed away in storage wasn't enough; he was going to throw them away?!
I stared at him with wide eyes, as if he'd said something utterly absurd, and he shrugged.
"Well, if you want them, take them all. Hang them on the walls, display them on the floor—do whatever you like."
"Thank you, Father."
I bowed deeply at the waist, as if I'd never shot him a dirty look. Worried he might change his mind, I had Asil move the portraits to my room right away.
Then I stealthily checked the Grand Duke's reaction. He hadn't been shocked even after seeing my diary.
Even though, to people here, it might come off a bit stalkerish.
Instead, he seemed fixated on something rather odd.
"Your scheduling was impressively organized. So clear and easy to follow at a glance."
"I've liked organizing things since I was little."
Of course, it was all for my fanning. To lead a proper double life, you had to balance your day job and your hobbies perfectly.
Having been a workaholic in my past life, I was a pro at it. It was a skill I'd naturally picked up while cataloging everything about my favorite.
And now, I was even married to him. A dream job like this didn't exist anywhere else.
Fan life and real life united!
No matter how much I fanned, to others, I'd look like the devoted Grand Duchess Consort reformed and faithfully serving her husband!
Heh heh heh. A grin bubbled up unbidden, and the Grand Duke spoke.
"It was a tad overly detailed in places, but I could tell how much attention you pay to Akid."
"You're too kind, Father."
"I think I've underestimated you all this time."
"Well, I haven't exactly done anything praiseworthy before."
"True enough."
The Grand Duke furrowed his brow, as if recalling the old Loena. I averted my gaze and played innocent.
"Anyway, now that you know my true feelings for Akid, you're my accomplice, Father."
"Accomplice?"
As he tilted his head in confusion, I beckoned him closer, gesturing for him to lean in. He caught on and bent down to my eye level.
"There's more stuff related to Akid, so you have to tell me first."
"......"
"Got it? You have to trust me completely when it comes to Akid."
"Does it have to be whispered like some big secret, little bird?"
The Grand Duke gave me a bemused side-eye. I flashed an innocent smile.
"We're secret-sharers now, Father."
"I doubt it's much of a secret. Akid would probably be pleased if he knew."
"It's not like I want him to know."
True fanning fills your belly just from admiring your fave from afar.
Even if he doesn't know me, I know him from head to toe—that's the world of fanning.
The Grand Duke's face turned serious at my resolute mutter.
It almost looked moved, which puzzled me a bit, but then he patted my shoulder encouragingly.
"You've grown up."
"I still have a ways to grow."
Stopping here would be too short!
I flinched back a step, and he straightened up.
"In any case, I see how seriously you take your duties as Grand Duchess Consort. It's time for you to pull your weight as a member of the family."
"My weight?"
"Yes. I'll look into what you might be able to handle soon."
"Pardon?"
"Of course, the rewards will be substantial. Not just incentives from the Grand Duke's house, but Akid-related info too."
"I'll do my best, Father. I really will!"
The moment I heard his last words, I pledged my loyalty without a second thought.
I clenched my fists with determination, and he chuckled, ruffling my hair.
Seeing him more relaxed than usual, I ventured the thing I'd been wanting to say.
"So, Father, I have a favor to ask."
"Go ahead."
He opened his mouth as if he'd grant anything. I grinned.
"I'd love my own personal study."
Didn't I need a secret space for all this fanning?
My eyes sparkled, and he replied.
"That's hardly a big deal."
In my past life, I'd always dreamed of a vast room where I could fan to my heart's content.
A personal exhibition hall of sorts—one where I could take in everything for Akid, by Akid, and about Akid at a glance.
My bedroom was too small for the scale of my inner fan power.
Asil led me to a spacious room. When I learned what it really was, I was a little surprised.
"This is..."
"His Grace the Grand Duke said it's empty, so use it however you like. If you'd like to change the layout, just say the word. I'll call the architect."
"Yes, please do. But he really said I could have this room?"
I asked in a daze, surveying the interior. This was the room where the Grand Duke's favorite—the lady from Lork I'd given a piece of my mind to—had stayed.
Of course, after she left, all the furniture had been cleared out, leaving it a blank slate. Filling it would take quite some time.
'I figured he'd use it if a new lover came along.'
Since parting with Lady Lork, the Grand Duke hadn't brought any lovers to the castle.
He even made excuses to avoid meeting former ones who came calling.
Rumors initially said he couldn't forget her, but that died when she was chased out of the Delus territory overnight.
Still, I hadn't expected him to hand it over to me outright, so I hesitated. Asil smiled warmly.
"Yes. He said it won't be used anymore."
"I see."
In that case, no reason to refuse.
Honestly, I loved the room. It was huge, and with just one door separating the sections, it was perfect for a secret zone.
The inner room for displaying my collection, the outer as a public-facing study.
I didn't know what whim had struck the Grand Duke, but once it was in my hands, it was mine.
Already buzzing with ideas for decorating, I said.
"Then call the architect, please."
"Right away, Young Madam."
Once Coby returned, the foundation for my perfect fan life would be set.
Brimming with excitement, I chatted with Asil all the way back to my room, where Vivian greeted me.
"Miss, a letter from Allang."
"Allang?"
Allang was where Coby Shtain had gone on vacation.
Was he asking to extend his leave? That could be tricky.
A bit tense, I took the letter and tilted my head. There were two.
One from Coby Shtain, and the other from an unexpected sender.
[To my beloved Loena ― From the three men who desperately miss you]
"Huh?!"
Why was the April family popping up out of nowhere?
And "three men" probably meant the April Marquis and the twins.
Why were their letters bundled with Coby's? Both postmarked from Allang, no less.
April territory was quite a distance from Allang, which baffled me. As I gawked, Vivian grinned and urged me on.
"Don't just stare—read them."
"Okay."
I steeled myself against the bad vibes and started with Coby's letter.
Skimming down, I froze at one passage.
[Upon arriving in Allang, I received an overwhelming welcome. At first, I thought you'd arranged it, Madam.
There was a bouquet in my room, and an orchestra struck up as if they'd been waiting.
The atmosphere felt like a proposal scene. I even wondered if I'd walked into the wrong room.
Just as I was about to leave, they appeared.]
No way.
Dread rising, I glanced at the enclosed letter. Forcing calm, I tried to finish reading slowly. But...
[Yes, as you might guess from the attached letters, it was Marquis April, the young marquis, and the young master, all with fanfare.
They must've thought you were here on vacation.
When they spotted me, their faces soured so badly I thought, 'Ah, today's the day I die.'
I'm just grateful I didn't wet myself.]
"They're insane!"
The shocking follow-up left me unable to read further, screaming instead.
