# 63
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As if the day of departure had attracted the attention of evil spirits.
'Baptiste will arrive right after I leave.'
This reality had been bothering Kenneth even before Theodora's arrival.
Damian was coming on business in the area, and even as Duke Clifford, he had no authority to stop him.
Despite his concern, rescheduling was not an option due to his duties as Duke in the capital.
Kenneth, Ariana and their entourage were at Port Elysia station.
He looked at Ariana, who had come to bid him farewell, thoughtfully.
He liked seeing her wearing the earrings he gave her, but her calm expression with lowered eyes made his mouth sour.
His absence may be longer than expected this time.
Kenneth thought about his parting words for a moment, but eventually closed his mouth.
He felt that words could not express his feelings, and that the time had not yet come.
The idea that Ariana might have felt true love for the man he'd despised all his life still strangled down his throat like a noose.
How long will it take for this feeling of defeat to fade?
He replaced his words with a warning.
“Until I get back, be calm and don't cause any trouble.”
“Don't move without my permission, and if you're thinking about something stupid, you'd better forget it completely.”
"… Don't worry."
Ariana sighed deeply.
If he was going to act like this, why did he ask her to come see him off?
Things have seemed good lately, but his creepy obsession is still there. The problem is that he's often right about it.
As the white vapor began to cover the station, Ariana muttered, lowering her eyes.
“Come back… fine.”
These words felt strange and rough like sand.
With the eyes of others, the farewell ended with a single gesture from Kenneth.
Ariana stood there silently for a while after his train left. Thinking of this as training for the day she would leave forever made her steps heavy.
Even Emily whispered softly.
“Ma’am, aren’t we going back now?”
"… Yes."
She had to come back, didn't she? There are things that need to be done.
'When Mr. Baptiste arrives, I must make sure that the arrangements are going well.'
Also, she had to know what Theodora Byrne was planning.
* * *
In her previous life, Ariana believed that Theodora and Roger were conspiring to drive her to suicide.
‘But Saint Colette said Roger Engels was exploited.’
His property was even used in the death of a nobleman, so it is possible that Roger, a mere assistant, was hanged.
'What a miserable life...'
Of course, nothing compared to her daughter's misery...
In any case, Roger Inglis was the first confidant to assist in the Duke's business, so losing him was a great loss.
Maybe it was part of the empire's plan.
'But could it be that Theodora Byrne was not involved?'
It was hard to believe that she was just someone throwing insults around as a joke.
So, after Kenneth left, Ariana called Roger to the office first.
“Mr. Engels, please take good care of things while the Duke is away.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
Ariana tilted her head at Roger's very polite attitude.
She expected him to be nervous when summoned, but he was strangely obedient.
'Lately, Engels seems to be keeping his distance from that woman.'
It was different from the days he courted the Ivy League.
So much so that she felt like she could trust him on this matter…
“But, Mr. Engels, how much power do I have during the Duke’s absence?”
“Within appropriate budget and authority, anything necessary to preserve the Duchess's dignity—”
"No, not that. I mean, can I put someone on probation, Mr. Ingalls?"
“Monitor… you mean?”
“Yes, Mrs. Byrne.”
"What?"
Roger was surprised by the woman with a delicate face who carelessly delivered explosive words.
Where did that woman go who was ing and crying for her master's time?
But he quickly regained his composure and answered.
“Um, I apologize, but can I ask why?”
“Doesn’t it seem strange? The Duke, whom you love so much, has gone to the capital, so why didn’t you accompany him?”
“Hmm...”
"Ordinarily, she would not have missed such an opportunity. She would have wanted confirmation from the Duke that Ariana Aberdeen was nothing."
“It's even weirder that she does nothing while people's opinions about me change.”
“Ma’am, this is—actually—”
Roger stammered, trying to articulate Kenneth's intentions.
Because his master was thinking of keeping Ariana by his side, Roger had to act accordingly.
Moreover, having once seen Mrs. Byrne's hypocrisy, he has developed a distaste for her. Who wants to follow someone who steals other people's achievements and blames others?
But Ariana waved her hand indifferently.
“No, there's no need to explain. It's not important.”
“Madam...”
“I just don't know what Mrs. Byrne is planning by staying here. Just check it out.”
“Yes, okay.”
“Mr. Baptiste has been said to have arrived, right? I must greet the guest soon.”
* * *
When Damian arrived in Port Elisia, he arranged, as he mentioned to the Duke, to inspect the businesses in the area first.
His close servant sneered at him lightly.
“Ah, my master is working hard because of unrequited love. My loyal heart feels proud.”
“Shut up, you insolent person. Before I cancel your salary.”
Regardless of his personal likes, he discovered a way to increase profits in business thanks to Mrs.
Although he could have taken all the credit to himf, Damian, even as he drank, considered himf somewhat of a gentleman.
Moreover, he still had a lot of curiosity about the lady.
Ariana invited Damian to an open café overlooking the beach to welcome him.
"Hello, Mr. Baptiste. It's been a while. Are you okay?"
“Thanks to you, ma’am. The south seems to suit you better than Lintia.”
Meeting a charming woman was a pleasure for Damien. But having an observer in the same room was different.
'Aren't ladies usually satisfied with one maid when receiving guests?'
This was the first time he had seen a male assistant stand so solidly.
Damian looked at Roger Ingles with an understanding look. Despite his politeness, his eyes, similar to his master's, were uncomfortable.
‘A direct observer planted by the Duke.’
Most likely, when the Duke heard that Damien was coming to the south, he entrusted his most trusted attendants to watch over the lady. Damian sighed silently as he looked around.
'In broad daylight, in an open café?'
He had a crush on the lady, but this was too much and annoying...
The conversation continued over the various business that had taken place since their farewell in the ducal palace, over sweets.
Even with the vigilance of the attendants, the tension began to ease as the conversation was quiet. Then Damian brought up the topic nonchalantly.
“By the way, I recently invested in some promising boutiques.”
Ariana's hand, which was raising the tea cup to her lips, stopped for a moment.
“One of them is Bernoit Fussier. Have you ever heard of her?”
“Ah, I think I've heard about it a few times.”
"truly?"
Damian smiled, but his gray-blue eyes sparkled sharply.
'You heard about it? 'It's impossible'
Because, even he, had first heard of this tailor from Dubris in her last letter in which she suggested investing in them.
“I signed a contract with them when they were still unknown in Florence.”
“Then, Princess Hana loved a dress that Bernoit released early.”
“Ah...”
“Its price almost doubled, but, of course, I concluded a lucrative contract.”
Ariana smiled softly and just listened.