The Grand Duke’s Little Lady

I dont know anything, but Im sure that a wifes duty is not just to eat well, sleep well, and receive a lot of gifts.

As someone whos the wife of the young lord of the Grand Duke, Ariel felt she was too lacking for the position.

This idea became stronger when she talked to Allen not too long ago.

Allen was respecting her as a lady.

However, he was reluctant to tell her the secret of the family.

The matter seemed to be left to the judgment of the La Carte men.

I dont really want to know the secret, but if there is a situation where I have to ask Lucian later

At least I dont want to be an unreliable wife who he doesnt want to tell secrets.

Mathius who was staring at Ariel asked.

What etiquette?

Uh, I dont even know table manners

But even before Ariel could finish, Mathius answered back.

You can learn that when you grow bigger.

Also, I dont even know how to make tea

Mathius lowered his eyes to Ariels little hand.

Its too early. Its going to be hard to hold a teapot with such a small hand.

But, I dont know how to use honorifics or manners.

Just be nice to everyone, and youll get it roughly.

.

She was determined, but when she got rejected, she felt sad.

She looked up at Mathius and blinked her eyes as if she were about to cry.

..I cant?

Mathius face hardened when he saw Ariel who looks like about to cry.

You cant. you wont.

Then.

Mathius frowned in perplexity.

He groaned lowly and spoke.

You need to play more.

Pardon?

Ariels eyes widened.

Is that the only reason I cant learn etiquette?

Mathius touched his long black hair and continued solemnly.

You havent even been able to ride a wolf sled yet, and still never been around the garden during the season when strawberry bushes are bearing fruits. Thats what makes a child grow.

UmIve never done that in the past, but I grew up over time.

Ariel spoke out carefully.

I dont want to learn much. But I want to learn as much as I need.

Not until you have more fun.

(t/n: papa Mathius is so determined to make her enjoy her childhood *cries*)

Mathius said firmly.

Ariel dropped her shoulder.

Mom, Im being forced to play here.

But fortunately, it didnt seem that she had been completely rejected.

Then Ill play a little more and learn.

Yes.

She heard an answer more quickly this time.

Ariel laughed inwardly at the permission.

Mathius, who was watching Ariel who looked happy, snapped.

Alright, youre going to play, so Ill play with you.

Yes?

How did he come to that conclusion?

He pushed the papers that had been hanging down on the desk away.

At first glance, the documents seemed important.

Mathius asked bluntly.

What do you usually do? Play with dolls?

..

Ariel was speechless.

Even though youre my guardian, you are not supposed to feel obligated to play with your sons wife

Hah, but I like spending time with Sir Mathius for some reason.

It was purely her greed not to say that she was okay.

I wanted to spend time with Sir Mathius because I only saw his face at dinner every day.

Ariel, who was agonizing over it, mumbled to Mathius.

Then Please take a walk with me.

A walk?

Mathius asked again as if he was unexpected.

Is it okay if its not a doll game? Ive heard that little girls like that.

Ariels face turned red.

I-Im not that young.

Mathius nodded with a face that looks like he was not convinced at all.

If you want.

Ariel hid her shyness and smiled.

A walk with Mathius. I was more excited than anything that happened in the last few days.

It was then.

*Knock** knock*

Grand Duke, its Dalton.

Dont come in.

Yes?

Mathius spoke stiffly.

Dont make me say it twice and get lost. Im going to take a walk.

Uh Does he usually talk to Dalton like this.

She stared nervously at the closed door where Dalton is standing on the other side, in front of Mathius office.

Dalton, who thought he would go out soon, was unexpectedly persistent.

Im in trouble now, Grand Duke. Its really urgent.

Postpone it.

Its from the Imperial family.

Then more reason to postpone it.

Ariel laughed at Mathius words.

I think he has a similar personality to Lucian.

Is it because theyre father and son?

I guess blood cant trick you.

She grabbed Mathius by the hem of her dress and shook it.

Sir Mathius. Sir Mathius.

Yes.

Ill be going now. Lets take a walk after dinner.

Mathius sighed irritably.

.see you later.

Responding obediently, Ariel hastily walked out of the office.

Dalton, who was at the door, looked surprised at her.

Young Lady?

He suddenly heard the cool voice of Mathius from behind.

Come in.

Y-yes Grand Duke!

Dalton scurried away into the office, hugging the papers.

In the mansion that day, there was a lot of talk about Mathius going out for an evening walk with the Young Lady, prompting the servants to wonder.

After working for more than 10 years, it was the first time they saw their master do that.

Susan smiled and began to prepare Ariels outwear when she said she was going out for a walk with Mathius.

It was still winter outside, unlike inside the house, which was always warm with magic.

It snowed a lot not long ago, so the snow was still piled up.

Susan brought a small dress made of red velvet.

Its made up of warm fabric with exquisite gold embroidery near the sleeves and necks and soft lining.

On top of it was a cape decorated with white ivy.

Susan put some heated stone from the fireplace in a small pouch and put it in Ariels cape pocket so that Ariels hand wouldnt freeze.

The shoes that she prepared for her were black boots with fluffy fur.

Susan, who was helping Ariel dress, spoke in admiration.

Oh my goodness, youre so cute! Youre really pretty.

Ariel took a turned in place.

She felt good about the velvet that wound around her.

Is it pretty?

Of course.

Susan, who answered, caressed Ariels face.

How nice it would have been if you had been the daughter of this family right from the start.

Susans voice, saying so, had a little bit of pity on it.

If you had, I would have taken care of you since you were young

Ariel hugged Susan tightly around her waist.

Then if I get married and go to another house, I have to break up with Susan.

Oh my, thats right. Im glad you got married.

Susan smiled and hugged Ariel.

The walk with Mathius was quiet.

Originally taciturn and blunt, Mathius didnt say much during the walk.

Ariel smiled inwardly, thinking she didnt know how such a person tried to play dolls with her.

Still, chatting is still better than playing dolls.

The sound of a girl and a tall man walking echoed softly in the garden of winter.

At the end of February, the end of the cold winter, the night garden was chilly, but the view was very beautiful as the bright moon came up.

Ariels breath formed a white cloud as she looked at the full moon, which was full of roundness and glowed.

Haaah.

As she raised her eyes to Mathius, who was walking in step from the side, I saw dark black hair and dark blue eyes.

Naturally, Lucian with the same black hair and blue eyes came to her mind.

When I first met Lucian, it was a full moon as well.

The first day I met him before coming back.

Ariel could not see Lucians face properly because of the bright full moon on his back before.

If I had seen him then, I wouldnt have been able to yell out that I will marry him.

The man with black hair whom Ariel met in the past was very special.

His first offer of help to her still lingered in Ariels heart.

So why did Lucianoffer to help me then?

Base on Lucians reputation did not seem to be the type of person wholl extend a helping hand to anyone.

He was almost recognized by others as a villain.

Was I considered a little special to him even though we only met for the first time?

No, thats too conceited.

Ariel shook her head.

It was important to her, of course, it meant nothing to Lucian.

Then suddenly heard Mathius voice.

What are you thinking about?

Ariel lifted her head and their eyes met.

Ah., I was thinking about Lucian.

..

Mathius, who heard Lucians name, turned his head and looked into the distance and remained silent.

Yes, he is

Ariel thought as she watched Mathius muttering with a hint of a smile.

I heard they are on bad terms.

But Mathius doesnt seem to hate Lucian at all. Rather, the beautiful man with long black hair in front of her had young eyes of melancholy and remorse.

Ariel held Mathius big hand with her small hand.

Are you all right? You look sad for some reason.

Mathius looked down at her in surprise.

Mathius burst into laughter and spoke after a long pause.

ha, youre really. I see.

He spoke in a whisper.

You really are Crimson Hart.

Ariel did not heard what the man whispered.

But I could only see that Mathius wasnt angry with her.

Mathius slowly lowered his other hand in Ariels head.

Unlike before, Ariel stayed still and didnt avoid the touch.

Mathius big hands that covered her head was very warm.

Mathius, who pat Ariel on the head spoke.

Lets go in since its cold,

He held Ariel in one arm.

Ariel was surprised and put her arm around Matthias neck.

Then Mathius let out a low laugh.

Ariel leaned her head on Mathius shoulders under the pretext of being scared to hear high.

Mathius affection was good, unlike the adult men from her past, who always beat and exploited her.

Entering the mansion, she thought unknowingly.

I wish Sir Mathius were my father.