# 12
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Episode 12
* * *
Ruelia steadily watched the tension between the two.
It seems that what Kyles has in Milan is a bill.
Adding in Ayla's last words, I concluded that he might have given Ayla advice about the price.
Judging by his nature, he probably wanted to help her with a comment.
'No, how can he criticize the price of a dress in front of a woman who runs a fashion salon? He'll just look stingy!'
A man who does not spend on luxury and lives modestly. He may seem like a tough guy, but that only works with common people who have suddenly become wealthy.
For nobles, money is pride and power.
It is not for nothing that there are expenses to maintain the appearance.
There is no need to appear frugal in front of a woman he wants to win over.
'How do I cover this?'
Ruelia quickly rolled her eyes, then added subtly to Ayla.
“My lord the Duke has never given a woman a dress.”
Let us emphasize that, unlike others, he is a pure man who does not live in luxury!
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, this is the first time. So, he examines the bill carefully. He has no idea what the prices of women’s dresses are.”
“Ah, I see.”
Ayla smiled with wide eyes. It seems that the misunderstanding has disappeared.
Ruelia finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"But, I can't accept it. Is there another design that is cheaper? It's okay if it's a ready-made dress that can be customized to my size."
“What? Is the price onerous?”
Ruelia nodded. Spending multiples of her salary on a dress for one party is wasteful.
Worse still, if the one paying is her boss, this will put her under pressure.
“Yes, a little. So...”
At that moment, Caelus stepped between them.
He pushed the bill in his hand to Ayla, and smiled with exaggerated confidence.
“Impossible. The price may be high compared to the level of the salon, but it is not enough of a reward for helping me.”
How stupid.
Flaunting one's wealth in this way is foolish.
* * *
In the carriage going home.
Cales and Ruelia had a strange encounter. They both moved their lips to speak, but they avoided speaking, avoiding looks.
Finally, Kyles started talking.
“Ruelia, what do you think?”
“What are you asking?”
“Of Count Emil’s Daughter.”
“Ah…”
Here he comes. That's certainly a question about her suitability as a future duchess, isn't it?
'Am I saying it's not good?'
After the Duke's actions today, it was clear that his love had ended.
One-sided love forever! All the way to destruction!
Wouldn't it be better to help him let go of her before his feelings get too deep? It's not like he'll give up if you talk negatively.
Ruelia hesitated, overwhelmed by the conflict.
Kyle's eyes twitched slightly.
“I mean, was she someone you would want to serve as a master?”
Caelus, the master of the world, tensed.
He did not lean against the back of the seat, but rather leaned his body towards Ruelia, his eyes unblinking.
This was strange and pathetic.
First love is often painful...
'Well, how do I make him give her up when he likes her like that? He can learn how to express love.'
A woman knows a woman's heart best.
Contrary to his solid appearance, he is a warm and caring man, it would not be difficult for him to become a gentle lover.
Guide the president to the right path to reach a successful end.
This is my duty to help, my way of survival.
"Yes, of course."
Kyles clenched his fist for a moment, then loosened it.
“You seem to like it very much.”
“Yes, she was elegant and wise, and without prejudice she said she respected me, a commoner. If I became a lady, I think she would lead me well.”
That was sincere praise.
Kyles fell silent. Is it her impression that he looks upset?
Only the loud sound of its wheels filled the carriage. The awkward silence dragged on, and Ruelia lowered her eyes.
'Was my praise incomplete?'
Understanding Caelce's heart suddenly became an arduous task. Until a few days ago, they had gotten along perfectly.
I felt frustrated, like a failed helper.
Ruelia fiddled with her fingers like a guilty person.
“Was this the first time you had been treated like this?”
Came Kyle's harsh voice. She raised her head to find Kyles staring at her with flat eyebrows.
His stare was very determined.
The answer was written on his face.
“Yes. But it was my lord Duke who treated me like this first. Didn’t you punish some of the lackeys who mistreated me when I joined the Duke’s Palace? I am always grateful.”
“It's good you remember.”
“How could I forget? It is not in vain that I follow you, Monsieur Duke.”
Cayce's eyebrows relaxed, and calmness returned to his face.
But his eyes returned to seriousness.
“Did you... tell her that?”
His cautious question was undoubtedly inquiring whether she had praised him in front of Ayla.
The Duke seemed to know that his actions today were ridiculous.
Ruelia felt that she was once again an excellent servant who understood her master, so she answered confidently.
“Of course! She said she wanted to work with me because she looked up to me, so I told her she should come to the Duke’s Palace if she wanted to. I am your follower, Sir Duke.”
She deliberately mentioned what was not asked about, to assure the Duke that she was on his side.
That was also an encouragement to him.
Of course, she was paving the way for a future where his love story would succeed, ensuring an additional reward if she made a good impression.
“So, this was your secret talk. Well, well done.”
As I expected.
Cales smiled, satisfied with Ruelia's performance, the corner of his mouth rising slightly.
His tense back relaxed, and he leaned comfortably on the seat.
Ruelia pondered this for a moment.
Then she offered her thanks, which she had forgotten.
“Thank you so much for today. But the dress was very expensive...”
It was difficult for her to accept spending a huge amount on a dress for one day.
“I told you, I can do this to help me.”
“But it is a dress that I will only wear once.”
“Who knows what the future holds?”
“Okay...”
The duke's bleak future will remain as it is, most likely.
However, if you succeed in reconciling them, you may get gifts. Consider it in advance.
“Then, I will accept it with gratitude.”
“No need to thank you any further.”
His indifferent kindness. She was grateful for his kind heart, this was a good time to praise him.
“How kind! Monsieur Duke, you are truly a gentle man! This is very similar to Count Emile’s daughter.”
“Where is the resemblance?”
Caelus responded briefly, embarrassed, propping his chin.
The corner of his mouth, as he looked out the window, was clearly raised this time.
'Okay, don't give up, let's gather the strength of the Duke's Palace.'
Ruelia smiled at him brightly.
* * *
The next morning, Belin was late to show up at the training ground.
The Duke had already completed a hundred laps, and the rest of the knights were completely exhausted.
“Sir, I am back.”
“I'm late.”
“My apologies. I was late due to a visit by one of the watchdog spies to Luitelros.”
Belen bowed deeply. A sharp look stabbed him in the back of his head.
“Report.”
At Cales' harsh voice, Belen took a deep breath.
“The target met Countess Bellona last night.”
“Why?”
“The ostensible reason is an investment request for the fashion salon.”
“Isn't the salon thriving? Why does it suddenly need investment?”
“I heard that there was a problem with the supply of fabrics two days ago. They had to buy replacement fabrics quickly, so they faced a problem with financing.”
Caelus cracked his long fingers irregularly on his broad thigh.
His forehead gradually narrowed.
Strange timing. Is this all a coincidence?
“What next?”
“It was said that the Countess would invest if you brought what she wanted. Until the next ball.”
This is more suspicious. Kyle's forehead grew tighter.
“What does the countess want?”
"someone."
He didn't need to say who he was. Kyles knows.