The couple gave their formal farewell to the Lord and immediately left the wedding hall.

Lets go,

Lucerne whispered.

A carriage will be arriving soon. We will board it and leave.

Right now?

Elisha didnt even have time to change her clothes.

Theres no way I can pack my things.

Elisha quickly waived her thoughts. Her luggage would be old pencils, a notebook, and some clothes that were falling apart. It was only a few coins she had saved like treasure. She couldnt go to Jacobs detached outbuilding for maids and gather her things.

Ill buy you everything you need.

Elisha nodded.

Youre in a hurry.

You said you didnt want to spend the first night here.

.

Lets go to a better place. Before tonight ends.

Elisha was stunned.

What a great man.

Jacob and Marco acted like clowns to please the Head. Lucernes demeanor was great, he was ready to leave right after the wedding.

Are we the only ones leaving? Didnt you bring knights?

Im waiting for them. My subordinates said they needed time to prepare.

how much time did you give?

Well, it was just before I entered the wedding hall, so it was two or three hours.

.

He was no tyrant. Even excellent knights needed time to pack and ready themselves for a journey.

Elisha glanced at Lucerne. She wondered if Lucerne was pleased with how she handled herself today. Now that she was Lucernes person, whether she liked it or not, there is nothing to be ashamed about seeking his approval. Lucerne brought it up first.

Dont you think you laid it on too thick?

What?

What do you mean Im going to catch a bigger dragon?

Lucernes eyes twinkled, containing mirth as if he found it funny. Elisha searched her memory, wondering if he was a man with such a smile.

Theres ten years left until his 80th birthday. Will he remember?

That old man, he has an excellent memory.

You can capture it.

Elisha stared at Lucerne with conviction and continued,

But if you dont think you need to, you dont have to.

Lucerne chuckled.

Where did you learn how to flirt with a man? The monastery?

Elisha looked away, her cheeks turning red.

Dont say that.

Then Elisha thought,

Even if I flirt and say pleasing words, I will be thrown out when Im useless.

She knew it from the memory of her past life. When it came to women, Lucerne was an unseducable man. He was a perverted man but possessed enough control over himself. He would not favor Elisha due to sexual desire.

Besides .

She recalled Carolas words attempting to divide them.

I want a wife who can always be abandoned..

It was a matter of course, something she already knew.

But it was a bitter pill to swallow because it confirmed to her that Lucerne was also of the Cartier family and mindset.

Elisha felt desperate, certain if she became a worthless chess piece, she would be thrown out right away.

I have to do well, so we can continue to use each other, like now.

Elisha had a mild headache. Maybe because she was in a place swarming with Cartier family members for a long time.

Whats our little ghost thinking about with that look on her face?

Elisha flinched.

You told me to act like your wife. I was wondering if I went too far.

Thanks to you, I enjoyed a family gathering for the first time.

It seemed to mean that she had done well. Elisha nodded.

is that so? Then I will continue to do so in the future.

Lucerne smiled unexpectedly; he caressed Elisha on the back of her neck. Then his hand fell, and he asked,

Are you upset, by any chance?

Theres nothing to be angry about,

Elisha answered quietly.

Well. I didnt take your side.

Elisha felt as if someone was poking her heart. Its just a matter of moving on and ignoring it. Why did he sound like someone who wanted to hurt her? He was a strange man.

Its enough that you didnt ignore me in public. Besides, I dont care what Carola says.

Really?

Lucernes brow wriggled. Elishas confusion deepened. Did they need a clearer definition of their relationship?

I know my situation. Even if were married, its my job to survive. There will be no useless emotions or childishness that will hold you back. So, rest assured.

***