# 53
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While the master was under the pressure of work, the servant carelessly presented him with a silver plate bearing a message.
“Sir, I apologize, but please read the message and issue orders.”
“Who sent…?”
“It's a greeting message from the Duchess.”
“What? Damn, you should have given me this in the first place!”
Damian quickly grabbed the letter.
It wasn't a secret message, it was just a normal greeting message to a guest who had visited the palace previously.
But the content was not limited to greetings.
It contained detailed suggestions on what would be useful to the supermarket.
Since women were the main customers, she suggested things that could be made available in the tea room, places where monthly catalogs were issued, and concessions for special customers.
Finally, she recommended notable people to invest in the first year, and then she came to the point:
[...So, I would like to know if personal investment is possible]
Damian quietly placed the letter on the table after reading it. As he stared into the distance with a sunken face, the servant looked at him with a look of pity.
“Sir, aren’t you sure you’re not in love with a married woman? Should we arrange a confession?”
“That's not the problem now.”
"What?"
Ariana Clifford has shown clear interest in his business, expressing her desire to invest.
She also offered good ideas for business details as a tempting carrot, while hinting at her desire to keep it all secret.
‘How did you come up with this idea? The Clifford family does not handle the distribution.'
...Of course, he felt a little disappointed because she didn't have any personal intentions. So, he probably needs to arrange confession anyway.
But her foresight was good, and he wouldn't risk losing a business opportunity by showing unnecessary emotions.
‘But why would the lady do this without the Duke’s help…?’
Well, it's clear that the Duke is still pressuring her mercilessly.
Damian lost himf in thought as he looked at the letter.
'I have nothing to lose by following her words.'
But important topics should be discussed face to face.
In the end, he might have to go south a little early.
* * *
On a day of purple and white wildflowers along the coastal hills, a charity event sponsored by the Viscount Maurice, an ancient family from the area, was held at St Colette's Cathedral.
Mrs. Morris, of friendly appearance, almost collapsed with excitement at the visit of the Duke and his wife.
“Thank you very much for coming, Sir Duke and Madam!”
Although their marriage was controversial, the meeting with the capital's highest class would be a source of pride for the family for years.
Thanks to that, Ariana was able to respond to the greeting with a comforting smile.
“Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Morris. It is a pleasure to attend this important occasion.”
“What are you saying! Come in. There are others already there.”
Since the charity event was to raise funds for sick children in the area, there were many attendees with children or infants.
'A bit of an embarrassing event to attend with Kenneth.'
Ariana looked at Kenneth who was walking beside her.
His smart dark blue suit looked like he would never have anything to do with raising children.
[I may entrust you with the care of my heir]
The feeling of contradiction was great being in a place full of children with someone who said such things so carelessly.
Sensing her fixed gaze, Kenneth frowned and asked, “What’s wrong?”
"… nothing."
Ariana deliberately turned her head, shortening her words.
‘Theodora Byrne is there too.’
Theodora had already begun to greet the other women, as if in a friendly mood.
Ariana was expecting Theodora to attack her over the sleeping with Kenneth issue, but she seems to have some common sense not to do so publicly.
'no. Assume it won't, and we watch.'
Even if the snake appears calm, its fangs do not disappear miraculously...
However, even though there were so many people, everyone seemed like angels compared to the people of the capital.
Mrs. Morris introduced everyone politely.
“…And finally, this is Miss Rebecca of the Sanders family. It is exciting that she will become a new bride in a few days.”
“Congratulations, Miss Sanders.”
“It is an honour, Madam Duchess!”
The golden blonde haired woman seemed genuinely happy to be congratulated by the Duchess. Fortunately, Ariana's reputation as a bad luck bride seems to have been forgotten thanks to her title.
'...And I feel a little jealous.'
A face shining with excitement for her upcoming wedding.
As the introductions drew to a close, Mrs. Morris broached the subject with unspoken anticipation.
“By the way, you'll be opening the Place Hotel soon, right?”
“Yes, that's right, ma'am. I hope you'll join us that day—”
But before she could finish her sentence, a loud crying sound rang out that tore everyone's ears. A young woman sitting across from Ariana blushed.
“Sorry, ma'am.”
The woman was trying to calm the baby in her arms.
The child had strong lungs and cried with a voice that suggested a talent for playing brass instruments.
“Oh my God, he doesn't usually do this, I don't know why he-”
“It's okay, it's okay...”
Ariana slowly waved her hand, but she couldn't bear the pain in her chest and opened her mouth again.
“Can I hold him for a moment?”
"What?"
“I would like to hold the baby, if you don't mind...”
Kenneth raised an eyebrow, and a look of worry appeared in the eyes of those around.
But contrary to their fears, Ariana skillfully caught the baby.
“Calm down”
Ariana whispered gently. The child stopped crying, grabbed a lock of her long, flowing hair and laughed.
The mother was confused by the child's impudence.
“Sorry, ma'am, if he's pulling your hair-”
“It's okay, really.”
Ariana laughed as she let the baby hold her finger.
“How beautiful...”
The baby was blonde, which made her remember her daughter even more. I remembered how Baby would open her pink mouth and blow out saliva bubbles.
[Mama…]
From her tiny fingers and toes to her sparkling blue eyes.
Until the moment she slipped out of Ariana's hands, everything about the baby was a miracle.
Ariana smiled with effort and returned the baby to its mother. But Mrs. Morris, who was watching, laughed.
“Haha, how are you so good at holding babies! I see you’ll be a great mother when your baby is born.”
Mrs. Morris did not notice the momentary silence, and her gaze turned to Kenneth.
“Don't you think so, sir?”
* * *
Theodora watched the situation from afar, away from the table of the Duke and his wife.
Does the intrusive Mrs. Morris know how impolite her question is?
‘In the capital, this is a strictly taboo topic.’
The rural nobility did not have the sharp political sense of the people of the capital. So, maybe they don't know how rude it is to ask about the heir issue between the duke and his wife.
'Look, Kenneth. I respected the boundaries.'
All I did was arrive early to the event. She greeted Mrs. Morris and whispered to her that “the Duchess loves children very much.”
Sometimes, that information is enough to make Ariana Aberdeen's lips tremble.
'I don't hope you cry, but I hope you're visibly terrified.'
More than that, she hoped Kenneth would feel some discomfort.
She wanted him to look at that fat, stupid woman with sharp eyes, as if asking her if she was sane.
That alone would have insulted Ariana Aberdeen.
But Kenneth did not embarrass Mrs. Morris.
He slowly put down the tea cup and nodded.
"Of course. I know she'll be a great mother."
“The child born will be very beautiful. Regardless of gender, he will be the most beautiful person in the empire.”
Mrs. Morris went overboard with the praise, thinking she was paying a compliment.
She did not notice that the Duke had given her an opportunity to end the conversation smoothly, and she continued speaking in a rustic manner.
As Theodora scoffed inwardly as she sipped her lemonade, she heard Kenneth add.
“Probably, if he looks like my wife, he'll be beautiful.”