In truth, this place was a mansion Daymond had designed and built new, with Anne’s tastes in mind a few years ago while contemplating their marriage. Every aspect of the building’s architecture, color, and even each flower in the garden had been attended to by his hand.
It was a place born from his resolve to frequently take vacations like this with Anne in the future. The idea was that, after growing old and passing the family responsibilities to Eroel, they would occasionally come to such distant places to enjoy their leisure.
Aware that human life is short and not eternal, Daymond always thought about maximizing the time spent with Anne. Living a simple and peaceful life with her was what he wanted for his own end.
“I hadn’t even thought of this… Thank you.”
Touched by the gesture, Anne’s eyes quickly moistened. Noticing she might cry, Daymond added nonchalantly.
“Just so you know, I bought it with my personal funds, not the family assets.”
Anne, who was amused by his remark, burst into laughter.
“I didn’t say anything, did I?”
“Anyway, while we’re here, focus only on one thing.”
“What’s that? I thought we came here to relax?”
As Anne tilted her head in confusion, Daymond softly embraced her from behind and lightly kissed her cheek.
“Put aside worries about the north, the house, and focus only on your husband in front of you.”
“Put aside worries about our son?”
“Eroel is the exception.”
Daymond replied while hugging her waist and Anne chuckled lightly.
“So, what’s the first thing we do as a couple?”
Daymond, who had been edging closer, asked with narrowed eyes and a suggestive tone. Then, he swiftly lifted Anne in his arms and strode towards the bed.
The sensation of being lifted made Anne let out a small scream, and she covered her mouth with her hands in embarrassment, prompting a lazy smile from him.
Ultimately, Anne had to end her admiration of the view in Daymond’s arms. The sensations she had felt as salty before, now felt incredibly sweet.
They requested their late dinner to be served on the balcony. A stew made with various vegetables and a variety of spices, along with exotic fruits from the south, caught their eye.
Seeing the table set quickly with seafood dishes, a specialty of the region, Anne blinked repeatedly.
“I asked them to prepare all the unique dishes from the Yantilia region, so give them a try.”
“Are you trying to fatten me up? Just tasting each one seems like it’ll be enough to fill me up.”
“I don’t want to hear any more talk about the Grand Duchess being starved.”
“If I gain any more weight here, they’ll say the Grand Duchess is lazy.”
Anne playfully replied, then turned her attention to the table.
The main dish was a variety of seafood, including fresh fish and large lobsters, mixed with a spicy sauce. It was something she had never seen before. The fragrant smell rising from the plates was quite impressive.
She took a fork, poked a piece, and pushed it into her mouth. The spicy aroma pricked her nose, but the sweetness of the cheese balanced it, not making her tear up from the spiciness. The texture was delightful too.
As Anne, who usually ate a little, continually added seafood to her plate, Daymond pushed the dish closer to her side.
“Do you like it?”
“It’s unique and delicious. But why aren’t you eating? Why are you just watching me?”
Daymond, while meticulously peeling a shrimp for her, had been contentedly watching Anne make delighted sounds as she ate. He didn’t even touch his own food.
“I get full just by watching you eat. Take your time and enjoy.”
After accepting the neatly peeled shrimp and munching on it, Anne grinned, and Daymond smiled back.
Anne’s lips curled up.
Dinner by the sea. The flavors were better than expected, leading her to eat more than usual. Grateful for the vacation, Anne engaged in a cozy conversation with Daymond.
The first night of their honeymoon ended with the faint moonlight and the rhythmic sound of crashing waves.
*
The following day, as expected, a nobleman governing the Yantilia estate visited the mansion. The Marquis, waiting in the reception room after being shown in by a servant, checked his appearance once more and stood stiffly, awaiting the Grand Duke and Duchess.
About five years ago, a letter from the Grand Duchy, in neat handwriting, had requested the sale of the land atop the seaside cliff. At first glance, it seemed like a polite request, but the nobleman easily read the underlying meaning. It would be in his best interest to comply. Although the Grand Duke was a formidable figure, recent rumors suggested he had changed significantly after his marriage.
As the Marquis nervously wet his lips with the refreshing soda brought by a maid, the Grand Duke and Duchess made their appearance. The Marquis, before fully seeing their faces, quickly stood and bowed deeply.
“Apologies for the delay. I am Raymond Phold.”
“Welcome, Marquis Phold.”
Anne greeted him with a gentle smile and a slight nod, a substitute for a formal curtsy.
The Marquis, lifting his head to look at the Grand Duke and Duchess, blinked repeatedly in surprise.
Unlike the smaller stature of the southern people, the northerners were known for their imposing figures. Having expected the typical rough and burly image of a northerner, the Marquis was taken aback by the Grand Duke’s handsome appearance and was rendered speechless for the second time by the Grand Duchess’s goddess-like beauty.
Is this what a proud noble is like? The Marquis was dumbfounded at the dignity and elegance that surpassed any nobility he had encountered in his lifetime.
Want to read more chapters and support us? Please consider becoming a patron to read up to 4 chapters in advance!
