Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Kathleen, who had been asleep in Alexis’ bedroom, only woke up when the sun had already risen in the middle of the sky. The maids wondered about the relationship between the ducal couple as they had slept with each other even though it wasn’t their bed-sharing day.

“Madame, I have prepared the bath water.”

Emily supported Kathleen with an expression that looked somewhat happy.

“After washing, I will prepare food for you right away.”

“Where is the Duke?”

As soon as she woke up, she looked to her side, but the bed was empty. The cloak he had taken off was also gone. She asked out of curiosity just in case, but the answer she got was still disappointing.

“The Master left early in the morning. He said he had urgent business to attend to.”

He just walked away, as if he wanted to make yesterday’s events a thing of the past.

The moment she realized that, she felt a little depressed, but Kathleen struggled to cheer her heart up. In the first place, he had only intended to stop by the residence for a while, and it was her who suddenly delayed him. Kathleen reminded herself of the situation, and decided to be content that they had spent the night like any other couple, even just once.

“I will prepare the things you mentioned so that you can look at them after eating.”

“Thanks.”

Kathleen used the bathroom attached to her husband’s bedroom for the very first time. When they got married, he would usually come to her bedroom when they needed to share a bed, and when she went to her husband’s bedroom for other things, she never got to use it as there was no need.

There would be no difference in the relationship between her and her husband, but even this tiny bit of change was a small pleasure for Kathleen.

After her meal, she returned to the drawing room to review her monthly donations.

“For this month, 10% of the budget available to Madame had been arranged to be donated to the Temple. I think the Temple said that they would refuse more than that because the amount they can receive is limited.”

Kathleen had been making her donations in the name of the Walten family since after she got married. Her share of the budget was greater than her expectations. Since basic necessities and luxuries were a natural inclusion to the Duchess’s budget, she had the right to use the budget at will.

For other ladies, they would usually use that to help their parents financially, but Kathleen had no desire to give money to the Winston estate. She would rather donate the money to the Temple.

Of course, she had been saving the leftover amount from the donation since it was still a lot.

“Okay. Then let’s find another place where we can donate other than the Temple.”

“But, Madame, why donate in Walten’s name instead of yours?”

Emily asked, puzzled, while helping her organize the documents.

“Others think that this charity is being done by the Master, and not the Madame.”

“There is no big difference. After all, this is the Duke’s money.”

“No. It’s definitely different. As you know, the Master is not very interested in helping the poor or nurturing talented people. Especially young children. I don’t know, but thanks to Madame, the Master’s reputation must have skyrocketed.”

“Anyway, it’s a good thing.”

Kathleen smiled faintly. Emily shook her head with a look that said she couldn’t understand her, then pulled out a white envelope and held it out.

“Oh, look at this. The Temple sent you an invitation. They want to see you at a charity event in three months.”

“A charity event? It looks like they’re sending it to their sponsors.”

The Temple always ran out of money so they usually held several events to encourage donations. Most of them were based on healing using divine powers, but sometimes pure social events like this were organized.

“I think there are a lot of orphans due to the earthquakes that have been happening all over the Empire these days. They were collecting all the orphans from different places in the country, so it seems like they were trying to raise money for donations.”

“I will attend. Prepare it.”

“Are you going with the Master?”

“No. He’s busy, so I’ll go by myself.”

He wouldn’t even know she was doing charity work. He would think she was going to a normal party or something.

He wouldn’t even want to escort her in the first place.

Kathleen went through a few more meticulous paperwork.

“The soup for the Duke’s meal must be made with consommé. Onions must be sautéed over low heat, and four types of cheese should be used. I will have to talk to the chef about purchasing the ingredients later.”

“Yes, Madame.”

“I noticed earlier that the scent in the Duke’s bathroom had run out. He doesn’t like lilac or lavender, so tell them not to get those.”

“All right.”

“And…….”

“Yes, Madame. It’s all in the paperwork so I won’t forget to take care of these.”

At Emily’s mischievous rebuke, Kathleen smiled and got up from her seat.

“Yes. I’ve already nagged you so many times.”

“Yes. Would the Master know? Everything the Master eats, drinks, touches, and puts on, went through the hands of Madame.”

“As his wife… No, as the hostess, I still have to do it, even if he doesn’t know.”

As she recalled the voice of Alexis who had denied her last night, Kathleen changed her words and began to move busily. It was the best thing she could do to change her gloomy mood.

In this house, where her husband had left, she was free to think about him, cherish him, and invade his territory.

***

Three months later.

Alexis had still yet to properly come home.

Even when he did come, he would stay up all night, pack the things he needed, and leave again. It was something she couldn’t be sad about as he would occasionally spare some time to eat breakfast with her, and when she looked at his face, she could not help but feel relieved.

He seemed to enjoy hunting at night these days and even had a small scar on his face. She had also heard many stories of maids crying in the laundry room as they had to wash his blood-soaked cloaks or uniforms. Seeing his face, she almost reached out because she felt sorry for him.

As Kathleen walked through the garden she received reports that he had left early in the morning.

“The Master took all the clothes that Madame had prepared and left. They said that he was satisfied with the new scent that was sprayed on the bed sheets.”

“I’m glad.”

Kathleen took a little joy from the fact that she had completed her husband’s daily routine, even if it was from the sidelines.

“Oh, and for the charity event, you can depart for the Temple at lunch today. A carriage is ready. Earlier, the Temple contacted us asking to confirm the number of attendees. Should I send word that there would only be one, the Madame?”

“Yes. Do that.”

She couldn’t even speak to Alexis. She felt regretful, but the moment when she thought that there was nothing she could do, she heard an unexpected voice.

“I will go with you, so please tell them that it would be for two people.”

“Crown Prince?”

After the tea party became a mess, the Empress refused to accept audiences for a while and did not let anyone enter the Imperial Palace. It was nice to see his face after a long time.

“What matter are you here for? Coming all the way here.”

“I’ve been wanting to see you. It has been a while. I guess Sister-in-Law didn’t want to see me?”

He burst into laughter as he approached so naturally as if nothing had happened. Peter smiled warmly, he motioned for Emily to leave, and walked together with Kathleen.

“I said I’d come to meet you separately, but I didn’t until now. I apologize.”

“No. I should have thanked you then, but did not until now, I’m late. That day, I was truly grateful.”

“It wasn’t a big deal. The mouths of those who witnessed that day had been covered, so be at ease.”

Peter, who saw Kathleen’s face darken slightly, said cheerfully.

“Let’s forget all our worries and relax in the Temple together.”

“Are you really going with me?”

It didn’t matter if she had a partner, but if it was the Crown Prince, it would be a different story. The Temple was a far and secluded place, so it would not just be an escort problem…

“What about Isabella?”

She had heard that she was still staying at the Empress’ Palace. Although he was not officially engaged to her, if he left her alone and walked around with Kathleen, bad rumors could spread.

“If that’s what you’re worried about, it’s fine. Because I sneaked out.”

“What?”

“Haha, you don’t have to be surprised. We’ve been together for a couple of months as she wanted, but today, shouldn’t she make concessions too? Sometimes I have to get away and enjoy my freedom.”

“But.”

“I’m not going to get married anyway.”

Peter said firmly.

“I can’t get married. No, it would be more accurate to say that I will not marry.”

“If it’s because of me, please don’t do that. You don’t have to pay attention to me, Your Highness.”

[T/N: Because they are sisters and they don’t get along, I guess?]

“It’s not because of Sister-in-Law. This is purely my problem. No matter which young lady from any family marries me, it’s just my mother’s greed.”

Peter, who spoke without an inch of hesitation, was different from usual. He looked exactly like Alexis. So Kathleen couldn’t stop him.

“……..All right. I won’t worry about it anymore.”

“Then may I join you for the charity event at the Temple?”

“If you don’t reveal that you are the Crown Prince, you can be my partner. It’s ok because we will arrive using the Walten carriage, and your clothes…. Don’t be in uniform, wear something plain.”

“If my Sister-in-Law gives permission, I will even go looking like a beggar.”

Peter’s nonsense made her laugh as he truly felt like a younger brother. A table was set up next to the cool shade of a tree.

“I was going to eat at the Temple, so I prepared simple finger foods and tea for now. Please sit.”

“Thank you. I will pour the tea first.”

As Peter poured the tea with enthusiasm, she saw a bite-sized salmon sandwich on the middle of the table.

It was food that she usually enjoyed, but strangely, the moment the scarlet color caught her eye, a fishy smell immediately arose.

Kathleen felt queasy and unknowingly covered her mouth.

“Ugh.”

“Sister-in-Law? Are you okay?”

Peter set the teapot down in surprise and asked, but her nausea didn’t go away. Kathleen was only able to properly breathe again after pushing the plate with the salmon sandwich away with one hand.

“I’m sorry. There was suddenly a foul smell. The salmon must have gone bad.”

“I don’t think so, Sister-in-Law.”

After picking up one of the sandwiches and examining it carefully, Peter said.

“The salmon looks very fresh to me.”

“What? The sandwich still smells weird to me even now, ugh.”

As she tried to speak, the nausea rose again.

Peter, who was staring at Kathleen, said.

“Maybe you’re pregnant?”