“Oh, right...”
I suddenly remembered something I had completely forgotten.
I liked that the blackout curtains were made of boletta leather.
Or that the rumors about thermal cups and thermoses being harmful were false.
All of this was spread through articles published in magazines or newspapers.
It never occurred to me to trace the sources of these articles.
Is it because he is indigenous? They're really different, aren't they?
I remembered again that I was a stranger in this place, and looked at him with curious eyes.
"Who is this?"
In response to my question, the Grand Duke took out a small picture from his coat and handed it to me.
The palm-sized paper showed a woman with a stern expression.
Sharp eyes, prominent cheekbones – she looked very angry… a woman in her fifties?
While I was studying the picture closely, the Grand Duke spoke.
“Laura Elegance.”
“Hmm…?”
I've never heard this name before.
I tilted my head, trying to remember what happened, but what happened next was something I did not expect at all.
“She is the official spokesperson for the Empress.”
"What?"
It was just a metaphor, but I understood it immediately.
Ultimately, the term “spokesperson” refers to someone used to communicate another person’s intentions – essentially a colloquial term.
And the official spokeswoman for the Empress? It was clear that this woman was handling at least half of the social conversations.
“But...”
However, I found it difficult to believe it.
I don't think the Empress planned this.
This is because the current Empress was a devoted reader of the book “Safety Rules for the Duke’s Haunted Palace.”
It is true that I had not met her much, and she was someone capable of planning behind the scenes, having helped put her son on the throne.
But there was no reason for her now to sabotage the Grand Duke's business – especially the mug business she had supported herself.
She even helped expose illegal mug dealings because she didn't want a scandal to be associated with her favorite comic series.
As the situation weighed on me, my voice trembled a little.
"I don't understand. So, lady of elegance…?"
“Young lady.”
"Sorry?"
“She is young. She has never been married.”
Ah, well...
In this high society, it was rare for an unmarried woman in her fifties, so I assumed she was married. I think it was ahead of its time.
Anyway, it's a huge mistake to address an unmarried woman in the wrong way, so I quickly corrected myself.
“Well, is it possible that Lady Elegance wrote the article on her own?”
“It is possible.”
"Then we'll need to look into this further. Things don't make sense."
Under no circumstances could the Empress's spokesman suddenly start a quarrel with the Grand Duchy out of nowhere.
“But still, nothing is certain yet.”
People get jealous even when a relative buys land – how many people would envy the Grand Duke's already successful family now that they were more prosperous?
Looks like we should really investigate Laura Elegance.
After I put my thoughts in order, I smiled sweetly at the Grand Duke, who had been watching me the whole time.
Thanks for the new information anyway.
"princess."
As I was about to turn and leave, his voice stopped me.
"Yes?"
It was difficult to read his facial expressions, and he slowly opened his lips.
“I know this incident affected you deeply.”
"…Yes."
"I'm sorry. This all happened right after I finally recovered."
Now that he mentioned it, he was right.
Ever since I was kidnapped in the Grand Duchy, I had been pushing myself to the limit, until I finally collapsed from exhaustion.
Then, as soon as I took a break to rest, all this chaos broke out.
Anyone will say I was born under a busy star.
Maybe I am destined to live like a worker ant...
I let out a self-deprecating sigh and shrugged.
“Well, I guess that's my lot in life.”
"no."
huh?
Saying it so firmly makes me feel a bit embarrassed...
But the Grand Duke continued without heeding my thoughts.
“Don't overdo it this time.”
"Excuse me? However, I…"
“You've seen with your own eyes how worried everyone around you is. Right?”
“Ah…”
His words reminded me of the time I recently collapsed from motion sickness.
Bonita, Ian...and even several employees whose names I didn't know were worried about me.
While all those moments flashed through my mind, I fell silent, like an oyster closing in on itself.
And this man… he cared a lot too.
Even this miserly man, who looked like Scrooge, went so far as to waive the cost of my room and board—that was proof enough.
An extremely rich man, yet he extracts every penny from a destitute guest!
It was like something out of a romance novel – where the cold CEO turns into a soft-hearted man towards the poor heroine…
Sideways glance.
I glanced at him, once again struck by his stunning handsomeness, and reminded myself to come back to reality.
Someone like the Grand Duke – a romantic hero of the highest order – must be romantically involved. As for me, the tenant in debt, I shouldn't have any strange thoughts.
I will be more careful.
After a quick nod, I quickly added to avoid any awkward silence.
“Anyway, I need to maintain my health so I can keep paying my rent, right? Haha… right?”
The Grand Duke did not answer, but I turned around before he could answer.
Somehow, I felt that if I looked back now, I would fall in love with his appearance all over again.
* * *
“Ugh…”
Dawn was breaking.
After Baroness Bavron had finally finished her work, she lay down and turned her head toward the rising sun.
How long did she stay locked in the classroom?
The deadline was tight, and since she could focus better at dawn, she ended up staying up all night again.
The Baroness only realized this now, and an embarrassed expression appeared on her face.
“The sun has already risen...”
“Hmm… is it over now?”
“Oh my God, did I wake you up?”
When Baron Bavron heard the rustle of his wife getting up from her seat, he opened his eyes, and fiddled with his disheveled hair as he sat down.
Since his wife had only recently recovered from her health problems, he was worried about her and stayed with her, sleeping uncomfortably in the study room just to be close to her.
"I'm sorry. I'm finally done with everything."
When Baron Bavron heard the apologetic tone in her voice, he shook his head gently.
"Don't say that, honey. I can't be of much help, so I'm glad I can at least support you in this way."
“Thank you for saying that.”
"You've been up all night – does your mouth feel dry or anything? Is there something you'd like to eat?"
“Hmm… I crave hot soup.”
It was the kind of pleasant conversation one might expect from a loving couple.
Baron Bavron gently adjusted the shawl around the Baroness's shoulders.
“Potato soup would be perfect, don't you think?”
“Oh, potato soup. It's just right for this kind of weather.”
“How about some rye bread to go with it, like we used to do?”
"I like it! Since we've been here, we've only eaten soft white bread."
Since everything was first class in Marquis Ambrose's house, it was harder to find crusty rye bread than white bread.
Perhaps this is why the rye bread they had grown tired of in the days of poverty now became a nostalgic memory for this young couple.
"Then I'll go tell the kitchen myself, my dear. The servants probably aren't ready yet, anyway."
“Oh, will you do that?”
“Sure. Oh, and since I'm going to do that, I'll send this too.”
“Thank you, my dear.”
Baron Bavron received the sealed envelope containing the next part of the safety rules chart for the Duke's Haunted Palace, which his wife had been working on.
While Baroness Bavron was handing him the letter, she gave him a solemn reminder.
“You remember, right? It should be sent to Bonita, not Lady April. You should also change my name.”
“Of course I remember. Don’t worry.”
Thanks to the various security measures they have taken to prevent news leaks, there have been no major problems so far.
The upcoming plot summary was not clearly written, but rather encoded so that only those familiar with the rules could understand it.
“Then, I'm counting on you.”
Leaving behind his wife's bright smile, Baron Bavron set off at a brisk pace.
It was the start of another calm and normal day.