# 35
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Although Damien Baptiste is a businessman, his essence is an arrogant nobleman.
It was an implicit moral and virtue for nobles to return the favor when receiving help, even if it was just simple advice.
‘He seems to have realized that I guessed something and brought up the idea of the store.’
Moreover, since he expressed his thanks in such a secret way… he probably also guessed why Ariana had not informed Kenneth of this idea first.
'I have earned his trust, so I will share more things with him in the future.'
What is promoted in the Empire can be applied to some extent in Dobris. She was also vaguely aware of the fashions she had heard about in Dubris before her death.
In exchange for ling the information, she would also receive a small reward.
'Baby, Mama won't let you suffer.'
Even if it is not a luxurious palace like the Duke's Palace, I will make a warm home for the two of us.
* * *
Theodora vividly remembered the moment she first met Kenneth Clifford.
It was at a social gathering when she was eleven, and he was thirteen.
Kenneth's mother had compassion for Theodora, who had lost her mother, and invited her many times to the duke's palace.
At that time, Theodora was convinced that, since she had the love of the Duchess, she would be her future daughter-in-law.
“Sir, when I grow up, will you make me a duchess?”
"I?"
"Yes! The Duchess said earlier that she had talked about our engagement."
Kenneth looked at her and smiled indifferently.
The boy who would become a handsome man in the future was beautiful even then, but she felt an invisible barrier. Therefore, her greed increased.
“…Really? But I don’t remember agreeing.”
“You will soon agree, sir.”
“It seems like it would be a futile effort, so you'd better give up early.”
"No! I've always gotten what I want, so my place will be by your side!"
“What a pity. I also only keep what I want next to me.”
The boy said so, but there was nothing Theodora did not have already. The Count was preparing everything for his only daughter.
Therefore, she believed that she would get Kenneth Clifford over time. But this logical future was chaotically destroyed by Ariana Aberdeen.
And now, after time had passed, Theodora was clinging to Count Bayern, screaming.
“Dad, please, stop this!”
“Dora...”
"Kenneth is taking that girl down south! Do you know what that means?"
She was supposed to be the one to be honored as Queen Clifford of the South one day. But the idea of Ariana making a mark there made her boil inside.
She never wanted to “inherit” something the Aberdeen girl used.
“Block it now, if you speak, Kenneth might listen even a little-”
"Here, Dora. There's something you should know."
"my dad?"
“In fact... our situation now...”
After the cruise ship party, Count Bayern was secretly summoned by the Emperor and received a severe reprimand.
“Didn’t I ask you to humiliate Clifford, so how did you end up insulting the Empress instead?”
“Your Majesty, I apologize, it was all a coincidence-”
“If you are not ready to declare war now, find Andrew soon!”
Theodora's eyes trembled with shock when she first learned of her father's deal with the Emperor.
“But… can’t we just tell Kenneth everything? That might earn us his trust-”
“Dora, don’t you know how cruel the Duke is? If he knew that the growth of our business was thanks to the money we secretly received from Quentin!”
Theodora, who was screaming and pleading, was biting her lips. She was ignorant of what happened when the Duke's vengeance swept through the capital, with many dying under various charges.
'But that doesn't make sense.'
Among those close to Kenneth, she was considered “the rightful queen whose crown was stolen from Aberdeen.” But it turns out that's not true...
The Count patted his daughter.
"But don't worry, Dora. Just wait quietly. No matter what happens, you will be the duchess of the future."
“But what if the truth were discovered after I married Kenneth? Wouldn’t I be humiliated like the Aberdeen girl?”
Theodora did not want to become like that girl, “a wife less than a lover.” To remain brilliant forever, her competition had to be completely destroyed.
“Dad, let's accept that we can't stop her from going to the South. But we can't let her shine there.”
“...Yes, that's true.”
Count Bayern agreed on this point.
“I will ask our allies to oppose everything that girl is trying to do in the south, to silence her.”
“Please, as quickly as possible...and if that doesn't work.”
whispered Theodora, eyes shining with stubbornness.
“Send me there as your representative.”
* * *
Ariana, surrounded by her entourage, boarded the luxury train departing from Lentia station.
Emily, who had come to the capital crammed into the third-class cabin like a piece of luggage, gasped in astonishment.
"wow …!"
Under the sunlight streaming through the transparent windows, the luxurious furniture, which looked as if it had been transported directly from the reception room, shone with a soft luster.
Even the entourage has been assigned to compartments close to first class to be able to respond quickly.
As she poured tea for Ariana, Emily was crying with emotion.
"Ma'am, this is so wonderful. Much better than that annoying cruise ship!"
"Really? I'm glad you're having fun too, Emily."
Ariana smiled sincerely. This train wasn't hers, but it was nice to hear that it was better than Theodora Byrne's ship.
"But, ma'am...! It seems we're the only ones in the first class cabins? Is this usual?"
“No, this time it’s probably because of the Duke.”
Ariana didn't travel with Kenneth much, but she guessed he had reserved cabins in advance for security reasons.
So, I breathed a sigh of relief.
'This is good. I'm tired of dealing with others.'
Ariana took out the documents Kenneth had given her in the workroom. She had read it so many times that it became torn, but there was no harm in reconsidering.
Port of Ilysia. Crown and Rose Clifford Family Business.
She had heard about it since her childhood, but had never set foot in it.
It is said to be the most exotic place in the Cremisa Empire, with gorgeous beaches that are incomparable to the pitch black beaches of Lentia.
'If I were a real duchess... I would participate a lot in these works.'
No one imagined that the business would be neglected for years after a bloody tragedy.
'But with the opening of the hotel, everything is back on track.'
Ariana returned to the page that talked about the hotel's business.
Place Hotel. The name means happiness.
‘Count Bayern is also a member of its board of directors.’
This was to be expected since he had helped Kenneth escape, but it was a bit annoying.
'decent. I'll look for information I can get here.'
While Ariana was reading the documents, Emily, who was serving refreshments, noticed her face turning pale.
“Ma’am, aren’t you exaggerating a little? Maybe you should rest…”
“No, that's okay. I have nothing else to do.”
“But... even on a cruise ship...”
Ariana understood what Emily was trying to say.
'Emily also heard what Mr. Baptiste said.'
He said that seizures become a habit, so a doctor should be consulted quickly.
She wasn't going to accept strong medication, but it was time to see a doctor.
'Even after my examination, I found nothing suspicious about Kenneth.'
Of course, when he was rushing towards her, there was no time to check…
Ariana gently rubbed her neck, feeling a slight heat. The marks he left every time under her clothes pulsated with a slight heat.
How can a man who prefers clean and cold relationships change like this?
'Anyway, there are limits to what I can discover inside the palace.'
This busy trip might be a good opportunity.
Ariana smiled sweetly at the maid, who looked at her with concern.
“So, Emily, can you call Dr. Bialy?”