Chapter 1: Husband’s infidelity(1).

I am Christina Bloom.

Just one year ago, I married Adolf, the head of the Bloom ducal family.

“There’s something I need to tell you first. I have no intention of loving you as my wife.”

Those were the words Adolf, my would-be husband, spoke to me as I waited in our bridal bed on our wedding night.

“What… do you mean?”

With trembling lips, I questioned Adolf.

“This marriage is nothing more than a union arranged by our grandfathers between the ducal Bloom family and the marquess Veilmar family.”

—To hear such a thing now, of all times.

I muttered to myself in my heart.

Indeed, our marriage was decided when we were still children, by our grandfathers, who were close friends. The grandfather of the Bloom ducal family and the grandfather of my natal Veilmar marquess family both looked forward to their grandchildren’s union with great joy.

That said, both passed away before they could witness the wedding. Yet, the marriage itself was carried out as per the agreement.

What should I do? As I pondered, I recalled the words my mother, who rarely paid me much attention, had imparted before my marriage.

“When you marry, obey your husband. A wife’s role is to let her husband do as he pleases and support the household.”

My mother, who indulged in affairs and debauchery, was questionable in her own “support” of the household.

“Be obedient to whatever your husband desires in bed. Well, hehe, if you both agree to live as my husband and I do—keeping lovers and avoiding intimacy—that’s fine too. Every household has its own way of being a couple. A woman’s skill lies in navigating it wisely.”

Those were the outrageous words she sent me off with as a bride. My father stood by, not even raising an eyebrow at her remarks.

—So, does that mean I should simply comply with Adolf’s words?

If we forgo a marital relationship, I can remain pure. If that’s what he desires, then so be it.

Still, my heart, which had held a faint hope for marriage and a family, ached quietly. I tightly gripped the delicate lace nightgown prepared for me to receive Adolf.

It might be shameful as a woman, but I had felt both fear and a faint anticipation for our wedding night—the idea of being loved through physical intimacy and, someday, building a family with him and our children.

But that hope was shattered in a single night. The sadness was overwhelming.

Yet, I steeled myself and spoke.

“…I understand. Then, we shall sleep separately at night, correct?”

At my submissive words, Adolf looked somewhat taken aback.

“Y-Yes, exactly. You may stay in any room or annex in our ducal estate as you please. In return, I’ll entrust the Bloom family’s work as alchemical nobles in the workshop to you.”

“The workshop!”

My voice brightened with excitement.

Surprised, Adolf asked in return.

The Bloom ducal family is an alchemical noble house of the Ibenschutz Kingdom.

Alchemical nobles are aristocratic families whose livelihood involves crafting Heal Potions—remedies that heal injuries when applied and cure illnesses when ingested—delivering them to the royal palace.

Those skilled in creating Heal Potions are called alchemical mages. Both Adolf and I are alchemical mages, which is why our grandfathers chose us as betrothed.

At the time, I didn’t understand, but I vaguely recall my grandfather’s apologetic expression, saying, “I’m sorry for the trouble.”

I loved crafting Heal Potions as an alchemical mage. It reminded me of the joyful memories of making them with my beloved grandfather. Moreover, the Bloom family’s grandfather had earnestly entrusted me, saying, “Please take care of things.”

“So, I should take charge of making Heal Potions in the workshop?”

“Y-Yes. That’s all you need to do. That will be your role as the wife of this house.”