# 38
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On that day, the Duke's Palace was in a festive mood. Namely, it was the enthusiastic Dunswell who made the ocean feel this way.
“Ha ha ha, this is all thanks to you, Evelin. When Earl Connor approached as if he was about to collide, I suddenly remembered what I said.”
"What did you say?"
“You told me not to back down at the earl’s threats this time and to fight back. When I actually did, he was so surprised that he backed down!”
“How can it be considered thanks to me with just this?”
"No! It seems that the association has been feeding the other participants' horses with hay that contains a small amount of tranquilizer. When I ran today, I could definitely tell the difference from before. I can't believe I didn't notice it earlier."
At that moment, Differin frowned and asked.
“…sedative?”
"The Society has been feeding hay to other participants' horses with a small amount of tranquilizer to support Earl Harold Connor. I found out yesterday thanks to Evelyn."
Evelin waved her hand humbly.
“It was just a coincidence that I discovered this.”
“Whether it was a coincidence or not, anyway, if it weren’t for you, Evelyn, who knows how long we would have been fooled. It’s all thanks to you. Or maybe it was due to the influence of
The lucky handkerchief that you embroidered yourf.”
“My father…”
Evelin said the word “my father,” then opened her eyes wide in astonishment. I explained hurriedly.
“I'm sorry, Duke. I got carried away for a moment and made a mistake in addressing you.”
Dunswell laughed merrily, his face warm.
“It's okay. I also prefer him to be called 'Father' instead of the rigid title of 'Duke.'”
“But… the Duchess told me to address you formally.”
“Enough. There is no need for strictness between family members. From now on, call me ‘dad’. I will call you my daughter-in-law.”
Devrin, who had been listening beside them, cleared his throat unusually. Dunswell didn't care and laughed out loud.
"Let's have a big party today. I'll ask Harry to bring the best wine from the capital."
“Yes, then I will prepare dishes to go with the wine. I must tell the maids to go shopping immediately.”
Dunswell waved his hand.
“Why do you care? Just prepare the food simply. It’s okay to buy it from a restaurant like last time.”
Dunswell, who was in a good mood, acted as if he wouldn't mind even if the table was full of street food.
But since that wasn't really possible, Evelin responded appropriately and ordered the maids to prepare the dishes carefully.
In the evening, the family gathered around the dining room table.
“Now, let me pour each of you a drink myf.”
Dunswell stood from his seat and poured the drinks himf into Evelyn and Dyffryn's cups.
“This is the finest wine made from high-quality grapes that are only found in West Bainbridge. Only a few bottles are produced each year, so they are difficult to obtain. It is fortunate that we have been able to obtain some.”
Evelin had already heard about this wine before the ceremony started. The amount that was poured into her cup was approximately the same value as a top-grade gemstone.
“As for the speech... let’s have my daughter-in-law, who is practically the star of the day, do it.”
Embarrassed, Evelyn tried to refuse several times, but Dunswell was persistent.
“Come on, don't keep the adults waiting.”
Evelin had no choice but to stand up.
“What should I say...”
While she was thinking, Evelin looked at Dyffrin. He seemed to say, “Say something appropriate,” which helped her relax and she spoke whatever came to mind.
“For the health and prosperity of the House of Leonok...!”
“For Pete Leonok!”
Dunswell responded enthusiastically, as if he were already drunk. Dyffryn simply clinked his glass appropriately.
Dunswell, who had drunk his wine at once, began to carve up the turkey and said,
“Evelin, I really want to give you a small gift.”
"gift…?"
“Yes, anything you want. I will get you a rare diamond if you want.”
At the mention of a rare diamond, Evelin's eyes widened.
'How much are you worth?'
Maybe it's worth a house, I thought. If she kept it and sold it after her divorce from Dyffrin, it would be very useful.
After all, the reason she helped Denswell win was because of the expense, so it didn't really matter if she got a diamond necklace instead.
But when she was tempted by the sweet offer, Evelin shook her head.
There is a saying that you lose the big by being greedy for the small. She can't give up her greater goal for just a diamond.
She had a different request to make later.
"I'm fine. There's nothing I want right now."
Dunswell looked disappointed.
“How come there's nothing you want?”
“I already have a lot of clothes and accessories. Alternatively, can I tell you what I want when I think of something later?”
"Of course. We can even draw up a contract."
He confirmed this jokingly. Evelin laughed lightly in response.
Dunswell and Evelyn continued their conversation normally about various topics. Defrin interjected from time to time, which made the conversation interesting.
“Next time, take some time with Devrin to visit the property. The emerald sea is the pride of Leonuk.”
At the mention of the sea, Devrin took a sip of wine and added,
“Thinking about it, how is the damage caused by salt in the coastal area these days?”
When Dunswell, who was speaking cheerfully, heard of this, he put down his fork and knife with a weak gesture, as if immersed in cold water.
“Do you always have to raise concerns at such a beautiful moment?”
“I don't get many chances to talk face to face with you, Dad.”
“If you come to the property more often, it will be easier.”
“It's difficult because of my busy schedule at the palace.”
When he saw Dyffryn, who never lost an argument, Dunswell thought to himf,
'You think you're very smart, don't you?'
“The amount of seawater coming in at high tide is increasing, and the damage caused by salt is getting worse by the day. It seems that agriculture in the coastal area will soon become impossible. There are limits to neutralizing the soil with fresh water and land.”
“How do you support local people?”
“Since they cannot farm, we are providing relief supplies. But we cannot do this forever. I plan to come up with other measures once I return to the property.”
Devrin spoke with a serious expression.
"This isn't just a Leonok property issue; it's a national issue. Strong currents prevent farming along the entire east coast."
“This is not just an issue within the Colclaw Empire. I have heard that other continents are also suffering from salt damage.”
Dunswell sighed and muttered,
“If only there was a tool to suck salt out of the ground.”
In contrast to the heavy conversation between the two men, Evelin remained peacefully silent. It wasn't that she was indifferent; She knew a solution would be found soon.
Then Dunswell rebuked Dyffryn.
"Thanks to you, it's like a funeral. Now shut your mouth and drink your wine. I'll talk to my daughter-in-law."
The room became lively again.
Evelyn was feeling good, and really enjoyed the conversation with Dunswell.
It wasn't just that things were going well for the wife; It was even good that Dunswell truly considered her part of the family. In fact, it was a very nice feeling.
In high spirits, Evelyn drank a few cups. Even Defren, who usually restrained himf, was on his fifth cup.
Judging by the number of empty bottles, it looked like they had consumed enough to buy a cart.
"If you think about it, you two. What are your plans for producing an heir?"
Denswell's speech became slurred as he became drunk.
“Once you get married, you two must hurry and produce an heir!”
“Evelyn. Don’t tell me Dyffrin is talking nonsense about not sharing a bed with you.”
“You're drunk, Dad.”
Devrin sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"I'm saying this drunk. Couples should share a bed...!"
Evelin's face flushed when she heard his direct words. Dyffryn noticed this, and spoke to Dunswell.
"You'll regret this tomorrow. Let's take you to your room."
“The only regret I have is not being able to save Chloe... Don't be like me. Always do what you can for those you love... She's a very beautiful girl...”
Dunswell eventually closed his eyes, drunk and asleep. Dyffryn motioned to the maid who was standing by the wall, and she brought the Dunswell guards.
The guard supported Dunswell and led him away.
With only Evelin and Devrin remaining in the dining room, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
Maybe it was Evelyn who felt this way while Dyffrin continued to drink.
“Stop drinking.”
Evelin couldn't stand it, so she spoke up. Devrin looked up.
His posture was upright as usual, but his eyes were slightly unfocused.
'...He's drunk.'
Evelin approached and helped Dyffrin stand up.
“Stop drinking and come up to the bedroom with me.”
He was definitely drunk. Otherwise, he would not have followed her with such obedience.
The maids were taking care of Denswell in the guest room on the third floor, so the corridor on the second floor was quiet.
When Evelin opened Devrin's bedroom door and tried to push him in, he suddenly grabbed her shoulder.
“Evelyn.”
Dyffrin muttered in a low voice.
“…What do you think about the idea of a couple sharing a bed?”