Bridal Lessons - Chapter 75
After about the time it would take to enjoy a well-prepared course meal, including dessert, twice, the carriage finally reached its destination and came to a stop. Iscarion gently knocked on the carriage door from outside and offered his hand to Rosen. After a moment’s hesitation, she took his hand.
During their passionate encounter in the carriage, she had been engulfed by waves of pleasure but had not reciprocated his declarations of love. Afterward, satisfied and drowsy, she turned away from him, showing that she sought only the physical connection.
“Now, get out.”
“I’ll just clean up and then leave.”
Despite her cold demeanor, Iscarion remained unruffled. He meticulously wiped away the sticky remnants with a cool cloth dampened with fresh water. He carefully cleaned her sweat-soaked forehead, underarms, and even the inside of her thighs.
“Do you want some water?”
She nodded slightly, and cool water touched her lips. Parched from their activities, she found his attentive care comforting. As she felt the strength drain from her relaxed body, she drifted into a pleasant nap.
When Rosen awoke to the slowing pace of the carriage, Iscarion had already stepped outside. Instead, his cloak, still carrying his scent, was wrapped around her.
“Rosie, would you step outside for a moment?”
“Where are we?”
Iscarion lightly pulled her close as she attempted to pull her hand away upon disembarking. Remembering their recent intimacy, Rosen felt a twinge of awkwardness and walked alongside him uneasily.
The place Iscarion had asked to visit before leaving for Dhanas was a secluded, expansive garden. Even before they passed through the archway entrance, she noticed the surrounding area filled with a variety of beautiful flowers. The setting felt oddly familiar to her…
The melodious chirping of birds, the fragrant breeze, and the vaguely familiar scenery. As they walked along the well-maintained path, Rosen felt a growing sense of nostalgia. Finally, they arrived at the end of the garden, where a picturesque mansion stood, its exterior as white as a fairytale castle.
Ah…
Rosen stopped in her tracks, recognizing the place.
“Brother! This place, could it be…?”
“Yes, this is the former Dana residence. Although it goes by a different name now. I purchased this mansion several years ago and have been maintaining it. Along with the estate and title. It’s a precious place filled with your childhood memories.”
“But… Isn’t buying and selling titles strictly prohibited by law?”
“It is, between citizens of the same country. However, it’s not impossible if you involve a foreign national as an intermediary and go through a few hoops. It’s only allowed under special circumstances, such as being unable to pay off severe debts. During the process, the name had to be temporarily changed, but it will soon be known as the Dana estate again.”
The relative who had taken over the Dana Countdom’s title and wealth had already faced severe consequences, unbeknownst to Rosen. After reaching adulthood, she had learned only that the relative had fled abroad and died in an accident following a business failure. However, there had been more to the story.
Iscarion, who had orchestrated everything behind the scenes, provided Rosen with a simplified explanation, omitting the harsh details of how he had dealt with them. There was no need to share the brutal methods he had used.
“Until now, I had a proxy managing the estate, but the law allowing women to inherit titles is expected to be revised next year. As the sole heir of the Dana Countdom, it’s only right for you to reclaim what was lost.”
Suddenly, a thought struck Rosen, making her startle. With wide eyes, she asked,
“Brother! Then, the rumor about you buying a villa… could it be this place?”
“Yes, Rosie.”
The rumor had been that he purchased a beautiful mansion in the countryside as a gift for his beloved. She hadn’t imagined it was meant for her.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier. I had to keep it a secret until all the paperwork was finalized.”
“Ah…”
“I intended to tell you when I gave you the ring, but as you know, things didn’t go as planned.”
As they walked through the garden, now blossoming with flowers, Iscarion whispered,
“Rosie, this is the garden your mother lovingly tended. Although I didn’t meet her often, I remember her as a kind person who cherished even the smallest flowers. You may not remember since you were very young, but I thought it would be nice for you to have a place to reminisce about your parents.”
A gentle breeze carrying the scent of flowers blew from somewhere. As she walked alongside him through a place she had thought she’d never see again, Rosen felt like she was dreaming.
