# 36 -
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“…Huh?”
At Yuan's words that he owned the palace deed, Viscount Enohater blinked slowly.
As if he didn't realize it right away, Viscount Enohater tilted his head.
Yuan briefly explained how the instrument came into his possession.
As he listened to Yuan's story, Viscount Enohater's face began to grow darker little by little.
“Jeremy, that bastard.”
Viscount Enohater's face reddened, the face of a man who thought he had shown something shameful before his master.
He thought his son would study quietly at university but it turns out he caused a huge problem.
He thought his son was not the type to care about money, yet he used his title and house as collateral without permission to seize a textile factory.
Viscount Enohater was completely stunned by Jeremy's unexpected behavior and was left speechless.
Yuan saw the embarrassed Viscount and spoke again.
“It is right that I return the instrument immediately, but if you don't mind, I would like to keep it a little longer.”
Even at these words, Viscount Enohater could not look into Yuan's eyes.
After letting out a deep sigh, the Viscount opened his mouth.
"It's not mine anymore. Whatever you do to it has nothing to do with me."
Without asking for a reason, Viscount Enohater accepted Yuan's words.
Yuan thought that this act was quite like a viscount and spoke again.
“This house belongs to your father. Please consider it as if I am preserving it for Seret.”
In fact, it wasn't for Seret's sake but for himself but Yuan couldn't bring himself to say it honestly.
Yuan learned from one of the servants what Seret had spoken to the lawyer Delibain.
According to the servant, Seret was planning to divorce after one year of marriage in order to receive alimony and property division to settle the debt caused by Jeremy.
When he heard that, the first thing that came to his mind was that she was going through all this trouble for just 170,000 when he could easily have given her that amount.
In fact, Yuan was not upset by Seret's decision to marry for money.
Rather, he felt relieved.
He liked that she could think that far.
He was worried that she was too gentle and naive, but it made him feel reassured.
What he didn't like was “one year.”
Only one year.
What is he supposed to do with this foolish woman who dreams of divorce after only one year?
He didn't have to think long.
He could simply use the instrument he secured for the marriage to prevent her from getting a divorce.
“How much money did Jeremy borrow?”
Viscount Enohater asked as he looked at Yuan.
“You don't have to worry about that.”
“Please tell me—unless you mean to look down on me.”
At the Viscount's firm tone, Yuan had no choice but to answer.
“170 thousand.”
The Viscount let out a soft sigh and leaned back against the back of the sofa.
Considering the financial condition of the Enohater family, this amount was clearly too much to handle.
“I feel ashamed.”
The Viscount rubbed his face with his hand and sighed.
“It's okay. ...Seret will worry if she finds out, so please don't tell her.”
“I understand. Thank you.”
The Viscount answered with a pale face.
Yuan felt sorry for the old man but he also needed at least one weapon—
A weapon that makes Seret Enwhatir all his own.
***
Five days later, Seret returned to the ducal palace in the capital.
While she was staying at Muccili's house, her father seemed weak in some way, and it bothered her.
“Miss, Mrs. Oxenbury has arrived.”
Hana said as she entered Seret's room.
"truly?"
Seret, who had been sitting before the dressing-table thinking of her father, rose.
Mrs. Oxenbury was Yuan's aunt.
Even in her previous life, she helped with Seret and Yuan's wedding.
She lived in the Brik region near the duchy, so whenever Seret stayed in the Zouk region, she would often see her.
Because of her gentle nature, Mrs. Oxenbury treated both Syrett and Lydia fairly and kindly.
She was the one who told Yuan that a husband should treat his wife well because if he didn't, the servants would not respect their mistress.
Of course, Yuan didn't listen at all.
As one of the elders of the Fricktwister family, Mrs. Oxenbury was always the one keeping the balance.
Thanks to that, whenever she visited the palace the servants never openly disrespected Seret.
Syrett had no ill feelings toward Mrs. Oxenbury, so this encounter did not make her feel uncomfortable.
She quickly left her room and went down the stairs.
In the hall, Mrs. Oxenbury was receiving greetings from the butler and Mrs. Linzi, the head maid.
"my paternal aunt."
Seret walked towards her with a gentle smile.
Without realizing it, she used the nickname she used in her previous life and then rolled her eyes and smiled awkwardly.
“Oh, Seret.”
In fact, they had met several times during the hunting competition, so Mrs. Oxenbury did not seem bothered by the familiar way in which she was addressed.
“I like it when you call me that.”
“I suppose I got ahead of myself because the wedding is coming soon.”
"It's okay. It makes me feel good."
“You must be tired from the trip.”
"Tired? Not at all. It feels like I've come home after a long time."
Lady Oxenbury looked around the ducal palace with a face full of longing.
Long ago, this was once her home.
“You should rest well today.”
"Yes, I will. I'll be very busy starting tomorrow."
With a slight laugh, Mrs. Oxenbury followed the butler up the stairs.
After meeting Mrs. Oxenbury, Syrett suddenly felt that the marriage was real.
To remarry—the man who once killed her—is crazy.
Seret shook her head and walked up the stairs.
On her way up, she met the butler who had finished escorting Mrs. Oxenbury to her room.
“Doctor Ken will arrive soon.”
The butler spoke to Seret.
Doctor Qin was the Freaktwister family doctor, who visited regularly to check on Yuan's health.
“I see so. When he arrives, send him straight to my room.”
Now that she is back from Mocheli, Seret is no longer a guest.
She spoke in the tone of the lady of the house.
“Yes, ma'am.”
The butler no longer called her “Miss.”
Now, Seret is his mistress.
“Miss, why is the doctor coming suddenly? Are you sick?”
Hannah asked as she followed her.
“It's not me, it's you.”
“Me? But you’re not sick.” Hannah looked confused.
“Just to be sure.”
In her previous life, Hannah died shortly after the marriage due to an illness.
Syrett never knew what this disease was. It was sudden, and at that time there were no skilled doctors in Mushili who could determine the cause.
Now, the wedding date has been brought forward by a few months so there is still some time before Hannah dies.
Before that, it would be better to check it and be prepared for any emergency.
“I'm really healthy. No need to get tested.”
Hannah shook her head.
"Hannah, if you care about me, you should do this. That's an order."
“Miss...”
At Seret's firm tone, Hana frowned disapprovingly.
“If you don’t listen to me, do you think the servants will listen to me?”
“…Okay, miss.”
Hannah answered quickly.
“I will protect miss's dignity.”
She nodded and clenched her fists with determination.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
"Yes!"
Hannah ran to open it,
The butler entered with Doctor Kane.
“Welcome, Doctor Ken.”
Siret greeted him with a smile.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
Doctor Ken asked politely.
Seret shook her head and pointed at Hana.
“No, this one. Please take a look at my maid.”
"…Yes."
'It seems that the new Duchess is a bit unusual,'
Dr. Kane thought.
It is rare for nobles to care so much about the health of their servants.
He got over his surprise and took his stethoscope out of his medical bag.
When he put the stethoscope on Hannah's back,
She held her breath and stiffened.
"respiratory."
At his words, Hana exhaled forcefully, “Fff.”
Siret saw this and laughed lightly.
Doctor Ken took her temperature, checked her blood pressure and lung capacity.
Each time, Hannah's eyes rolled nervously.
“There are no particular problems,”
Doctor Ken said as he looked at Seret.
"truly?"
Seret looked at him with suspicious eyes.
Is she really okay? If she was going to die soon, shouldn't there be at least some signs by now?
“Yes, her health is good.”
“I heard that there is a way to test using blood tests. Does that require going to a hospital?”
“If you want, I can draw some blood now and take him to the hospital.”
“W-what?”
Hannah shuddered and shook her head violently.
But Doctor Ken calmly took a syringe from his bag.
Seeing this, Hana grabbed Seret's arm in fear.
“Miss, I'm healthy! The doctor said I'm healthy!”
“Hannah, we can't be sure. Roll up your sleeve.”
“Miss...”
With teary eyes, Hannah looked at her.
Draw blood? I never imagined it.
The thought of blood coming out of her body scared her.
“Now, Hannah.”
“Ah…”
At Seret's stern face, Hana reluctantly rolled up her sleeve.
Doctor Kane quickly drew her blood.
Hannah gasped and pressed where the needle had entered.
“I will inform you as soon as the test results are back.”
“Thank you for your effort.”
Seret patted Hana on the shoulder and said goodbye to Doctor Ken.
After he left, she held Hana's weak hand tightly.
“Hana, no matter what happens, I will not let you die.”
“Miss, how can I die when I’m so healthy?”
Hannah whimpered softly.
Seret only smiled softly.
She was determined to change this cruel fate—
So Hannah can keep complaining like this forever.
***
The busy days continued.
Although she has overcome everything that can be overcome, there is still a lot to prepare for the wedding.
They had to try on Siret's dress and Yuan's formal attire, choose flowers for the cathedral, and choose drinks and food for the wedding party.
There were too many things to decide and choose.
She couldn't understand how she had done all this in her previous life.
However, at that time, although preparing for the wedding was difficult,
However, it was more exhilarating than exhausting.
Every day was filled with excitement and anticipation, and every preparation made her happy.
But now, she has repeated the phrase “I'm tired of this” countless times.
In fact, she didn't even want a wedding, but she couldn't avoid it so she continued preparing anyway.
“Seret will be the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. I can’t wait for you to see her in her wedding dress, Yuan.”
Mrs. Oxenbury smiled contentedly as she sipped her tea.
After choosing the final wedding cake design, the three enjoyed tea in the tea room.
“I'm just waiting for that day.”
Yuan replied with a gentle smile.
"Tomorrow, we're going to order your wedding rings. They told us to come early in the morning so make some time," Mrs. Oxenbury said.
“Okay, aunty,” Yuan replied with a nod.
"I have to go. I forgot to write to Emma."
“Please send my regards to her, aunty.”
“I will.”
“Rest well.”
Siret stood up and greeted her.
“You too, my dear.”
With a kind smile, Mrs. Oxenbury left the tea-room.
When the door closed, only Yuan and Seret were left.
A light silence filled the air.
Yuan's look, on Seret's blue eyes,
She slowly moved down to her slender fingers.
“For wedding rings,” Yuan said,
“Let's choose sapphires.”
“To fit my eyes?”
Seret let out a light laugh.
All of Yuan's words were very familiar.